Below is a list of the top and leading Theatres in Philadelphia. To help you find the best Theatres located near you in Philadelphia, our team at Kev’s Best put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Philadelphia’s Best Theatres:
The top rated Theatres in Philadelphia are:
- Walnut Street Theatre
- The Kimmel Center
- Academy of Music
- Bryn Mawr Film Institute
- The Tower Theater
Walnut Street Theatre
Walnut Street Theatre is America’s oldest theatre built in1809. Originally, when it was still named “New Circus” the theatre first premiered equestrian acts. Nowadays it is recognized as a national historical landmark and the State of Pennsylvania’s official theatre. Famous American actors of the 19th and 20th centuries had their stage appearances at the Walnut. Some of them are Edwin Booth, Edwin Forrest, Helen Hayes, George M. Cohan, Edward G. Robinson, George C. Scott, and Jack Lemmon. Not to forget Mike Nichols, Claudette Colbert, Jane Fonda, Julie Harris, Katharine Hepburn, Ethel Waters, and Jessica Tandy.
Products/Services:
Children’s, Musical, Concert, Performing Arts, Gift Shop
LOCATION:
Address: 825 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 574-3550
Website: www.walnutstreettheatre.org
REVIEWS:
“This is the MOST CHARMING theater! I live almost 2 hours away and it is totally worth the drive to come see a show there. We saw “Legally Blonde” there last season and recently “A Woman of No Importance”–both shows were excellent! I can’t wait to go back and see “Bodyguard the Musical” in May.” -Lesley Austen
The Kimmel Center
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The Kimmel Center has been promoting art engagement through its diverse performances. The campus mirrors this mission with its educational programs fit for everyone. Kimmel Center Campus has the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts comprising of the Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, SEI Innovation Studio, and the Merck Arts Education Center. Also present at the school is the Philadelphia Orchestra Association owned Academy of Music and the Merriam Theatre.
The venue currently features interesting musical events like the Broadway Show’s Last Chance, Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, Les Miserables, and Kristin Chenowith’s concert.
Products/Services:
Broadway Shows, Live Sessions, Theatre, World, Workshop, Musicals, Celebrity/Speaker
LOCATION:
Address: 300 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 790-5800
Website: www.kimmelcenter.org
REVIEWS:
“A beautiful facility. Handy parking for the shows at the Merriam theater. Haven’t attended any venues here yet but definitely will in the future. Employees were very courteous and helpful.” -Terry Tompkins
Academy of Music
Academy of Music was opened in 1857 and patterned with the structure of Milan’s La Scala. It is an opera house with its full ownership held by the Philadelphia Orchestra.
With 150 years of serving the arts community, it had shown the premieres of Strauss’s Ariadne Auf Naxos, Gounod’s Faust, and Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman.
Management of the Academy is obtained by a legacy contract with Kimmel Center. Profits from ticket sales of neighboring companies sustain the daily maintenance of the Academy. An ongoing restoration project is being done to the arts venue. Capitals needed for the National Historic Landmark are gathered by the Restoration Fund Office.
Products/Services:
Annual Concert & Ball, Performing Arts
LOCATION:
Address: 240 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 893-1999
Website: www.academyofmusic.org
REVIEWS:
“We had great seats in the balcony. Be sure to cross-reference seating chart to avoid seating in an obstructed view seat. Great atmosphere. You can dress business casual or trendy casual. We had fun watching The Nutcracker. They have very talented ballerinas!” -G G
Bryn Mawr Film Institute
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Bryn Mawr Film Institute was formerly the Seville Theater and has since been loved by the locality of Bryn Mawr. A threatening conversion of the theatre into a health club center powered the passion of community leaders led by Juliet J. Goodfriend. Through numerous fundraising projects and meetings, the Bryn Mawr Film Institute was finally able to buy the building in December 2004. After 10 years of renovation, the building is now complete and functional with 4 modern theaters, classrooms, space suited for local gatherings, a café, and a listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Institute is a proud center providing enlightenment about theatre and films. Now a nonprofit theatre, it entertains patrons close to 200,000 each year. The restored theatre grabs any chance to showcase unique, delicate and classic prints on 35 mm film.
Products/Services:
Films, Talk Cinema, Open Screen Monday
LOCATION:
Address: 824 Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Phone: (610) 527-9898
Website: www.brynmawrfilm.org
REVIEWS:
“Best place to watch foreign & indie movies. They also screen box office movies as well. There’s usually always parking behind the theater. The snack and drink prices are very reasonable, and since they’re non-profit I don’t mind spending my money there. If you’re a student they only charge $10 for a ticket. There’s a coffee shop sort of connected that serves good coffee and snacks too. You can bring your own food, but be reasonable.” -Marcus J.
The Tower Theater
The Tower Theater hosted its first and fully booked show in the early summer of 1972. It was tagged as “Philly’s own Fillmore” by the Philadelphia Daily News critic. Fillmore East is a well know rock venue in New York. As years past the theatre affirmed its reputation of being gifted with the foresight for current trends. Before they were known worldwide, David Bowie, The Spiders from Mars, and Peter Gabriel of Genesis first performed on the Tower. An overwhelming number of famous artists have graced the stage of the Tower since then. These are U2, Grateful Dead, Radiohead, Bob Marley, Tori Amos, Eddie Murphy, Mary J. Blige, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Kanye West, and John Legend. Also included were The Decemberists, Robert Plant, The Arcade Fire, Kings of Leon, Janet Jackson, Eddie Vedder, The Smiths, The Rolling Stones, Phish, Steely Dan, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappell.
Products/Services:
Country/Folk, Hip-hop/Rap/Soul, Rock/Pop/Electronic, Musicals, Comedy, World/Jazz/Blues
LOCATION:
Address: S 69th St &, Ludlow St, Upper Darby, PA 19082
Phone: (610) 352-2887
Website: venue.thetowerphilly.com
REVIEWS:
“This was my first time at this venue. It was a fantastic experience all the way around. Not a bad seat in the house. The parking garage was super easy to find and get to and from. Comfortable seats. I will definitely be back.” -Ann Marie Breitegam
Jeanie Burford is a reporter for Kev’s Best. After graduating from UCLA, Amy got an internship at a local radio station and worked as a beat reporter and producer. Jeanie has also worked as a columnist for The Brookings Register. Amy covers economy and community events for Kev’s Best.