Performing Arts in Philadelphia
August 10, 2022
Considered to be one of the top Showstopping Theater Cities around the U.S. according to Budget Travel Magazine with the oldest theater in America built in 1809, Philadelphia continues to entertain audiences centuries later with magical musicals, spectacular shows and outstanding orchestras and operas.
A Guide to Onstage Shows in Philadelphia:
Opera Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s opera company has been hailed by the New York Times as “one of the most creative and ambitious companies” in the U.S. and by Opera News as establishing itself as “a model for innovation in the classical-music industry.” Opera Philadelphia mixes traditional and new repertoire that engages the public – taking opera out of the opera house and onto the streets, into parks and museums and other interesting venues throughout the city. The season opens each September with a Festival, featuring world and company premieres, partnering with the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. In 2020, the opera company launched the Opera Philadelphia Channel, allowing fans to stream performances from home.
Upcoming performances: Opera Philadelphia’s untraditional 2021-2022 season included performances that fans could enjoy from the comfort of their homes by streaming new works created for the Opera Philadelphia Channel, including performances that celebrate Philadelphia’s historic pipe organs, an art film of Francis Poulenc’s La voix humaine and the cinematic adaptation of Henze’s El Cimarrón, and more. To learn more about the season’s digital offerings, click here.
Opera Philadelphia’s 2022-2023 season launches in September 2022 with the return of Festival O, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Festival O22 (September 21 – October 2, 2022) includes new productions of Toshio Hosokawa’s The Raven (September 21, 24 & 29, and October 1, 2022) and Gioachino Rossini’s Otello (September 23, 25 & 30, and October 2, 2022), and the World Premiere of David T. Little’s Black Lodge (October 1 & 2, 2022). Also part of Festival O22 is a recital series called Afternoons at AVA (September 24 and October 1, 2022), including performances by internationally renowned soprano Latonia Moore, pianist Laura Ward, bass-baritone André Courville, and pianist Michael Lewis. In a first for Festival O, Opera Philadelphia will also screen a selection of feature-length and short-form opera films on multiple screens at the Philadelphia Film Center for Opera on Film. Opera Philadelphia invited filmmakers to submit their projects for consideration to be screened alongside classic opera films and recent cinematic works created for the Opera Philadelphia Channel and received more than 800 submissions. Screenings will be held from September 27 – October 2, 2022. In February 2023, Opera Philadelphia Chorus and Orchestra will take center stage for a rarely-performed masterpiece, Carmina Burana + Credo (February 3 & 5, 2023). Then in the spring of 2023, a new production of La bohème (April 28 & 30 and May 5 & 7, 2023) will serve as a reminder that opera is a living, breathing art form.
TIP: Save the date for Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest, a festival-style celebratory day featuring regional arts organizations. The free event – held in partnership with the Kimmel Cultural Campus – will take place at the Kimmel Center on Saturday, September 17, 2022.
The Philadelphia Orchestra
The legendary Philadelphia Orchestra is one of the finest music ensembles in the world with leaders such as Leopold Stokowski, who developed the “Philadelphia Sound,” and Eugene Ormandy, who toured the orchestra in China as global ambassadors. The “Fabulous Philadelphians” continue to break new ground under the direction of Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
Upcoming performances: The Philadelphia Orchestra continues to present works via their Digital Stage, which allows audiences from around the world to enjoy the sound of Philadelphia from the comfort of their homes.
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 2022-2023 season starts out strong with Yannick and the Orchestra accompanied by world famous pianist Lang Lang for an Opening Night Celebration (September 28, 2022). Other performances in fall 2022 include Trifonov Returns (September 30 – October 2, 2022), Rachmaninoff’s The Bells (October 6-9, 2022), Hilary Hahn Plays Tchaikovsky (October 13-15, 2022), and Peter and the Wolf (October 15, 2022). Then, Principal Guest Conductor Nathalie Stutzmann brings Mozart’s Requiem (October 20-23, 2022) – left unfinished when he died and one of his greatest works – to life with all of the grandeur Mozart intended. Yannick Conducts Price, Schumann, and Ravel (October 27, 29 & 30, 2022) finishes out October 2022. Shows in November include Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 (November 5 & 6, 2022), Bach and Handel (November 11-13, 2022), and Holst’s The Planets (November 17-19, 2022). Get ready for the holiday season with Home Alone (November 25-27, 2022), as the Orchestra plays John Williams’ Oscar-nominated score from the heartwarming family comedy. Other holiday favorites include Children’s Holiday Spectacular (December 10, 2022), The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert (December 17 & 18, 2022), and The Glorious Sound of Christmas (December 21-23, 2022). Ring in the New Year with the Orchestra at the New Year’s Eve Celebration (December 31, 2022), then celebrate the Lunar New Year (January 6, 2023). The first half of 2023 is jam-packed with stellar performances including Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2 (January 19-21, 2023), Rachmaninoff 150 featuring Yuja Wang (January 26 & 27, February 4 & 5, 2023), Shaham Plays Brahms (February 9-11, 2023), Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 3 (February 23-25, 2022), and Emanuel Ax Plays Mozart (March 3-5, 2023). Don’t miss Marvel Studios’ Black Panther (March 17-19, 2023), as the Orchestra performs Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar-winning score from the groundbreaking film. Spring shows include Blessed Earth (March 30, April 1 & 2, 2023), Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 (April 20 & 22, 2023), Symphonie fantastique (May 11-13, 2023), and many others. To explore the rest of the 2022-2023 season, click here.
The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus
The state-of-the-art performance venue, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is home to the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Chamber Music Society concerts and also hosts touring Broadway productions and world-renowned artists at historic venues and theaters including the Academy of Music, Miller Theater and Forrest Theater.
Upcoming performances: The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus’ 2021/22 Broadway Philadelphia season runs through August 2022 with can’t-miss performances of Dear Evan Hansen (August 16-28, 2022). Other shows include Wheel of Fortune Live! (October 6, 2022), “Weird Al” Yankovic: The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour (October 28, 2022), and Dirty Dancing in Concert (October 29, 2022). Looking ahead to spring 2023, FRIENDS! The Musical Parody (April 19-20, 2023) brings the beloved TV sitcom to life on stage.
The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus’ 2022-2023 Broadway Philadelphia series kicks off in October 2022 and runs through September 2023. The season starts off with Annie (October 11-16, 2022). Les Misérables (November 2-13, 2022), Tina – The Tina Turner Musical (November 22-December 4, 2022), and Blue Man Group (December 27-31, 2022) round out the year. The season picks back up in 2023 with Jagged Little Pill (January 3-15, 2023), A Soldier’s Play (January 24-February 5, 2023), Come From Away (February 7-12, 2023) and 1776 (February 14-26, 2023). Rolling into the spring are CATS (March 14-19, 2023) and SIX (March 21-April 9, 2023). Other shows include Jesus Christ Superstar (May 2-7, 2023), Beetlejuice (May 30-June 11, 2023), and Moulin Rouge! The Musical (July 5-30, 2023). The 2022-2023 Broadway season finishes strong with Disney’s The Lion King (August 16-September 10, 2023).
For the youngest of arts lovers, the Kimmel’s Family Discovery Series returns for its seventh year. With kid-friendly favorites and re-envisioned family classics, shows in 2022-2023 include Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza! (October 28, 2022), The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays (November 17, 2022), Bluey’s Big Play (December 2–3, 2022), Blue Man Group (December 27–31, 2022), Divi Roxx Kids (February 25, 2023), KODO (March 7, 2023), Cats (March 14–19, 2023), Disney’s Winnie The Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaption (March 23–26, 2023), and Step Afrika! (April 28, 2023).
TIP: Save the date for Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest, a festival-style celebratory day featuring regional arts organizations. The free event – held in partnership with The Philadelphia Orchestra – will take place at the Kimmel Center on Saturday, September 17, 2022.
Walnut Street Theatre
Founded in 1809, the Walnut Street Theatre is America’s oldest theater and is also the official State Theatre of Pennsylvania and a National Historic Landmark. Walnut Street Theatre produces an exciting season of Broadway-quality musicals and plays, along with its acclaimed WST for Kids series and Independence Studio on 3 season.
Upcoming performances: The Walnut Street Theatre’s 2022-2023 Mainstage Shows include ROCKY, the Musical (October 4 – November 6, 2022), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (November 22, 2022 – January 1, 2023), Last of the Red Hot Lovers (January 10 – February 12, 2023), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (February 14 – March 19, 2023), Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville (March 28 – April 30, 2023). To learn more about the 2022-2023 lineup, click here.
Arden Theatre Company
Since 1988, Arden Theatre Company, a professional theatre in Old City, brings to life great stories by great storytellers. Productions include classics, new works, musicals and children’s theatre.
Upcoming performances: Arden Theatre Company is celebrating its 35th Anniversary during its 2022-2023 season. The season kicks off in fall 2022 with The Glass Menagerie (October 6 – November 6, 2022), then continues throughout 2022 with Every Brilliant Thing (November 3 – December 18, 2022). Productions in early 2023 include Clyde’s (January 26 – March 12, 2023) and August Wilson’s Radio Golf (March 16 – April 16, 2023). The season rounds out with performances of Violet (May 25 – June 25, 2023). For more information, click here.
Philadelphia Ballet
Philadelphia Ballet (formerly Pennsylvania Ballet) was started in 1963 by George Balanchine protégée Barbara Weisberger and is considered one of America’s leading ballet companies, performing at the Academy of Music, the oldest opera house in the United States.
Upcoming performances: Philadelphia Ballet’s 2022-2023 season will feature 65 performances across six productions, including Cinderella (October 13-23, 2022), George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (December 9-28, 2022), New Works (February 3-11, 2023), The Sleeping Beauty (March 2-12, 2023), Balanchine (March 16-19, 2023), and Coppélia (May 11-14, 2023).
Penn Live Arts (formerly Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts)
Founded in 1971, the Annenberg Center — now Penn Live Arts — is one of the nation’s foremost urban performing arts centers on the University of Pennsylvania campus and serves as a cultural destination in Philadelphia, offering a broad range of programs in theatre, music and dance. Rebranded as Penn Live Arts in 2021, the performing arts presenter seeks to continue the Annenberg Center’s 50-year history of being a multidisciplinary performing arts leader in Philadelphia while also deepening the connection with the University of Pennsylvania and upholding a commitment to presenting innovative national and international artists both inside the Center’s walls and beyond.
Upcoming performances: Continuing its multi-year 50th anniversary celebration, Penn Live Arts’ 2022-2023 season kicks off with Community Open House (September 16-17, 2022). Shows in fall 2022 include Blind Boys of Alabama (September 17, 2022), Kardemimmit (September 30, 2022), Machine de Cirque: La Galerie (October 2, 2022), and Pilobolus (October 7-8, 2022). Penn Live Arts’ 50th anniversary season includes major residencies with the Negro Ensemble Company and Rennie Harris Puremovement. As a collaboration with its artist-in-residence, the Negro Ensemble Company presents Our Voices, Our Time: One-Act Play Festival (October 8, 2022) to amplify and celebrate Black voices, stories, and perspectives. Other shows and performances throughout the season include, Pam Tanowitz Dance (October 14-15, 2022), Ballet Hispánico (November 4-5, 2022), Soweto Gospel Choir (November 18, 2022), Dance Theatre of Harlem (January 20-21, 2023), and Paul Taylor Dance Company (April 21-22, 2023). The 2022-2023 season wraps up with Sw!ng Out (June 9-10, 2023), a high-energy show featuring swing dance and tap. To learn more about Penn Live Arts’ 2022-2023 season and for a full list of performances, click here.
The Philly POPS
The largest standalone pops orchestra in the United States, the Philly POPS is a 65-piece orchestra, under the direction of Todd Ellison, performing at both The Kimmel Center and the Met Philadelphia.
Upcoming performances: The Philly POPS and Comcast NBCUniversal presented Memorial Salute, the sixth annual free public Memorial Day Concert on May 27, 2022. The event kicked off the POPS’ popular Salute Series, which includes programs performed on American holidays which recognize those who serve our country, its cities, and communities. For the full season overview, click here.
The Philly POPS’ 2022-2023 season is set to kick off in September 2022 with POPS Rocks The Music of The Moody Blues (September 16-18, 2022). The season continues with Get Up, Stand Up (November 18-20, 2022) and A Philly POPS Christmas: Spectacular Sounds of the Season (December 3-17, 2022). In 2023, shows include Ella & Louis Sing Porgy and Bess & More! (February 17-19, 2023), POPS Rocks Paul Simon, James Taylor & Billy Joel (March 24-26, 2023), A Sondheim Celebration (April 21-23, 2023), and lastly POPS Rocks Hollywood: Bohemian Rhapsody, Rock of Ages & Tommy (May 19-21, 2023). The season will conclude with Star Wars: A Galaxy of Music (June 23-25, 2023). For the full 2022-2023 season overview, click here.
The Met Philadelphia
Formerly the Philadelphia Metropolitan Opera House, The Met Philadelphia was originally built in 1908 by opera impresario Oscar Hammerstein. The grand venue now hosts a variety of local, national and international touring acts, including comedians, solo artists, and chart-topping musical groups.
Upcoming performances: The Met Philadelphia is set to welcome performers such as Ringo Starr (September 11, 2022), Lady A (September 15, 2022), Lil Nas X (September 22, 2022), Chris Rock (September 23-25, 2022), and Demi Lovato (October 12, 2022). For a full schedule of events at The Met Philadelphia, click here.
Philadelphia Theatre Company
Founded in 1974, Philadelphia Theatre Company has presented over 150 world and Philadelphia premieres, many of which have moved on to New York and other major cities, helping to earn Philadelphia a national reputation as a hub for new play development. The theater is housed in the Suzanne Roberts Theatre on the Avenue of the Arts.
Upcoming performances: Philadelphia Theatre Company’s 2022-2023 season called Song & Liberation includes a full production of the new musical The Tattooed Lady (October 28 – November 20, 2022), Philadelphia Theatre Company’s first commission under the leadership of Artistic Director Paige Price. Other shows include Empathitrax (February 10 – March 5, 2023) and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (April 7-30, 2023).
PHILADANCO! The Philadelphia Dance Company
Celebrated around the world for its innovation, creativity, and preservation of predominantly African American traditions in dance, PHILADANCO! The Philadelphia Dance Company is known for breaking barriers and building bridges across cultural divides. Founded in 1970, the West Philadelphia-based non-profit organization provides one of the most successful dance training programs in the nation, along with captivating performances at the Kimmel Center.
Upcoming performances: PHILADANCO! returns to the Kimmel Cultural Campus Perelman Theater stage for The Continuum (October 28-30, 2022), featuring choreography from PHILADANCO! alumni and again in spring 2023 for Moving… Beyond Forward (April 21-23, 2023). For a full list of upcoming performances, click here.
The Curtis Institute of Music
The renowned, exclusive conservatory, the Curtis Institute trained the likes of Leonard Bernstein and Samuel Barber and offers student recital series, Curtis Symphony Orchestra, Curtis Opera Theatre, Family Concerts, and more.
Upcoming performances: The Curtis Institute of Music presents digital performances, including student recitals and ensembles, online via its Facebook and YouTube pages. For the latest calendar of performances, click here.
For more arts and culture experiences in Philadelphia, click here.
Cover photo: Dear Evan Hansen. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
