"To succeed in life you need three things-
a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone."
-Reba McEntire
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The COVID-19 pandemic dealt serious blows to the live theatre industry, but we are ready to bounce back bigger and bolder than ever before. Join us as we enter our 10th season with a renewed commitment to creating high quality, thought-provoking theatre.
Our 2021-2022 mainstage season gathers four powerful and thrilling pieces of fresh, award-winning theatre. Lose yourself in complex characters, compelling stories and the best of contemporary theatre.
OPEN
Written by Crystal Skillman
Directed by Sarah Provencal
October 15-30, 2021
A woman called the Magician presents a myriad of tricks for our entertainment, yet her performance seems to be attempting the impossible—to save the life of her partner, Jenny. But is our faith in her illusions enough to rewrite the past? The clock is ticking, the show must go on, and, as impossible as it may seem, this Magician’s act may be our last hope against a world filled with intolerance and hate.
THE CHILDREN
Written by Lucy Kirkwood
Directed by Robin Tynes-Miller
March 11-26, 2022
Hazel and Robin, both retired nuclear physicists, live a quiet life in a cottage by the sea. Outside, the world is plagued by earthquakes, tsunamis, and a nuclear meltdown. When an old colleague turns up after forty years with a shocking request, the three friends must reckon with their shared culpability in this darkly funny disaster drama. The Children was nominated for Best New Play at the 2018 Tony Awards and Outstanding New Play at the 2018 Outer Critics Circle Awards.
DOT
Written by Colman Domingo
Directed by Corey Mitchell
May 2022
The holidays are always a wild family affair at the Shealy house. But this year, Dotty and her three grown children gather with more than exchanging presents on their minds. As Dotty struggles to hold on to her memory, her children must fight to balance care for their mother and care for themselves. This twisted and hilarious new play grapples unflinchingly with aging parents, midlife crises, and the heart of a West Philly neighborhood.
TONI STONE
Written by Lydia R. Diamond
Directed by Dr. Corlis Hayes
August 2022
Declared the Best New Play of 2019 by The Wall Street Journal, this sensational theatrical event knocks it out of the park with this incredible true story. History is filled with trailblazers and Toni Stone was one of them. Considered a pioneer, Toni Stone is the first woman to play baseball in the Negro Leagues, also making her the first woman to play professionally in a men’s league in the 1950s. Against all odds, Stone shattered expectations and created her own set of rules in the male-dominated sports world.
What's New For Season 10
As construction begins on Spirit Square, we are hitting the road with productions at new venues. Join us at The Arts Factory at West End Studios for Open and The Children, our first two productions of the new season. This intimate black box theatre is located in the historic West End neighborhood with easy access to public transportation and ample free parking.
Tickets for the 2021-2022 season will be available for purchase through BookTix. You will be required to create a BookTix account. The account ensures that your payment data is properly secured and that we can easily find your reservations and assist you. BONUS: Flex Pass subscribers will be able to reserve tickets online without having to call for help!
We hate hidden fees as much as you do! In an effort to promote clear and transparent pricing, we are updating our pricing to include all taxes and fees so there are no surprises when you get to checkout. We are also offering a discounted rate for educators and students that is available for purchase online or at the door.
We are planning to offer additional performances of each of our productions, giving you more flexibility to fit your schedule. We will offer 10 performances of each mainstage production over three weekends, including some Sunday evening performances.