Step into a world of compelling narratives and timeless themes with the Arden Theatre Company's latest offerings. From the poignant journey of Esther Mills in 'Intimate Apparel' to the fantastical escapades of 'Peter Pan,' each play promises a unique blend of storytelling that resonates with audiences of all ages. This season, the Arden Theatre Company brings a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences, featuring works like 'Holy Grail of Memphis,' 'King Hedley II,' 'The Hobbit,' and the musical powerhouse 'Rent.' Join us as we delve into these captivating productions and the profound insights they offer.

Exploring the Heartbeat of Human Experience: Arden Theatre's Captivating Season

Join Peter Pan on an adventure to Neverland, a magical island where there are no parents, no chores, and fairies and pirates rule! Introduce your children and grandchildren to the characters you love from J.M. Barrie’s timeless masterpiece: Wendy Darling, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, a horde of Lost Boys, and one very hungry crocodile.  With fairy dust and your child’s imagination, the Arden flies to Neverland this holiday season!  Arden Children’s Theatre presents a brand-new production that celebrates the joy of storytelling and the power of imagination!

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Peter Pan

Arden Theatre Company

Step into the world of "Intimate Apparel," a poignant and evocative play by Lynn Nottage, presented by the Arden Theatre Company. Set in the year 1905 on the Lower East Side, the story follows Esther Mills, an African American seamstress who crafts exquisite lingerie. Through her work, Esther gains a unique and intimate perspective on the lives of her diverse clientele. Despite her success, she yearns for a narrative of her own, a desire that propels her journey through love, resilience, and self-discovery. Directed by Barrymore Award-winner Amina Robinson, this production offers a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences, reflecting the complexities of life and human connection. The Arden Theatre Company revisits the work of Lynn Nottage, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, bringing to life a moving portrait that resonates with timeless themes and profound insights.

Intimate Apparel

The Arden Theatre Company proudly presents "POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying To Keep Him Alive," a sharp and witty farce by Selina Fillinger. Directed by the talented Jennifer Childs, this Philadelphia premiere unfolds on the F. Otto Haas Stage. The narrative centers around a chaotic scenario where the President inadvertently turns a public relations mishap into a global crisis. The spotlight is on seven astute and resilient women who must navigate this turmoil, risking their own well-being to manage the fallout and maintain order. This all-female cast delivers a comedic homage to the often-overlooked women who ensure the smooth operation of the highest office. With its mature themes and strong language, "POTUS" promises a blend of humor and insight, celebrating the unsung heroines behind the scenes.

POTUS Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying To Keep Him Alive

In search of her place in the world with guidance from the island gods, Ti Moune, a fearless young woman of the French Antilles, risks it all on a remarkable journey to reunite with the one who has captured her heart. Exhilarating and irresistible, Once on This Island is a radiant musical reminding audiences that a beautiful story simply told has the power to help us weather the storm and allow our spirits to sing.

Once on This Island

A modern retelling of the classic tale — a wooden boy, a nose that grows, a huge whale, and a cricket with a lot of opinions.  In a wildly imaginative production, Pinocchio is filled with twists and turns, ups and downs, and adventures that will amaze and delight children of all ages.

Pinocchio

Weaving together nearly two centuries of family history, The Lehman Trilogy charts the humble beginnings, outrageous successes and devastating failure of the financial institution that would bring the global economy to its knees. Join the Arden for the Philadelphia premiere of this Tony Award-winning new play – an epic theatrical triumph featuring 3 actors in an extraordinary feat of storytelling.

The Lehman Trilogy

Roald Dahl’s beloved book comes to the stage in a vibrant new production. The BFG (Big Friendly Giant)  follows the story of 8-year-old Sophie as she learns about the lives of giants, dreams, and friendship. You just never know where you might find unexpected kindness and a little bit of bravery!

The BFG

This world premiere play, by acclaimed Philadelphia writer Lorene Cary, explores the life and last year of Lorene’s Nana – a fiercely strong and independent woman, who now needs the care of others.  Ladysitting captures the ruptures, love, and forgiveness that can occur in family as she journeys through stories of five generations of their African American ancestors and bears witness to her grandmother’s 101 vibrant years of life.

Ladysitting

Fifteen-year-old Heidi Schreck earned her college tuition and developed a deep love of the Constitution by winning debate competitions around the country. In this hopeful, heartfelt, and endearingly funny play, Schreck reimagines how this living document affected her past and how it will shape the next generations of Americans. What the Constitution Means to Me will be one of the most produced plays in the country next year, but the Arden’s production will be the only one performed blocks away from where the document was written!

What The Constitution Means To Me

The Arden returns to the genius work of Stephen Sondheim with this audacious musical that speaks to the moment we are in as a country in a prescient and powerful way. This show tells the story of a group of Americans consumed by grievance and a desperate need to be heard – featuring a thrilling score by the master of the American musical.  Bold, original, and surprisingly funny, Assassins is a musical not to be missed.


Assassins

Grab a D-I-C-T-I-O-N-A-R-Y and welcome to Spelling Bee!  This heartfelt Tony-Award winning musical follows a group of wonderfully unique and impassioned adolescents as they compete for the bee championship. Featuring a thrilling score by William Finn, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a joyful night of comedy and quirk that celebrates the pursuit of victory and the gift of being true to oneself.


The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

This wildly inventive and humorous adaptation puts a spin on the popular fairy tale when a delivery driver calls into question an actor’s production of the “true story” of Little Red Riding Hood.


Red Riding Hood

The last chapter of August Wilson’s monumental ten-part series, The American Century Cycle, will come to the F. Otto Haas Stage. Set in Pittsburgh in the late 1990s, it’s the story of a successful entrepreneur who aspires to become the city’s first Black mayor. But when the past begins to catch up with him, secrets get revealed that could be his undoing.


Radio Golf

Just outside of Reading, PA, a truck stop sandwich shop offers its formerly incarcerated kitchen staff a shot at redemption as they find purpose and inspiration in their shared quest to create the perfect sandwich.  The regional premiere of the TONY-nominated play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage.


Clyde’s

Arden Children’s Theatre is back! Join us for the heart-warming story of a special friendship between a lovable pig and everyone’s favorite spider. Wilbur, Charlotte and their barnyard friends have never been more delightful than in this wonderful tribute to one of the greatest stories for children ever written.

Charlotte’s Web

This much-loved production returns to the Arden on the Arcadia Stage! A moving, insightful, and hilarious one-person play leads audiences through a remarkable journey that truly examines what makes life worth living, and the power of theatre to bring people together.


Every Brilliant Thing

A cramped apartment. A family struggling to escape the past. And a Gentleman Caller who brings the one thing they all desperately crave – hope. Join us for Tennessee Williams’ astonishing play about dreams, deception, and our collective need for connection.


The Glass Menagerie

Discover the world premiere of "Holy Grail of Memphis," a captivating new comedy by Philadelphia playwright Michael Hollinger, directed by Terrence J. Nolen. Set against the backdrop of a rundown music studio, the story follows Newton Stover III as he unearths the long-lost recordings of a legendary bluesman. This discovery ignites his determination to rebuild his life and legacy. However, Newton faces the relentless pressures of time and financial constraints, compounded by the haunting presence of past ghosts and the arrival of an unexpected stranger. "Holy Grail of Memphis" delves into themes of embracing the future, letting go of what haunts us, and the soulful expression of singing the blues. This production promises a rich narrative filled with humor, heart, and the timeless allure of blues music, all set on the Arcadia Stage.

Holy Grail of Memphis

Experience the powerful narrative of "August Wilson's King Hedley II" at the Arden Theatre Company. Directed by Pulitzer Prize-winner James Ijames, this compelling production delves into the life of King, a man who returns to his family and community after seven years in prison. Set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s Pittsburgh, the story explores King's struggle to reclaim his life and the internal conflicts that arise as he attempts to plant seeds of hope in seemingly barren soil. This production continues the Arden's dedication to August Wilson's monumental American Century Cycle, offering a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and the human spirit. The F. Otto Haas Stage will host this evocative tale, brought to life by a talented cast and creative team.

King Hedley II

Our unlikely hero, Bilbo Baggins, would much rather be sitting in his cozy Hobbit Hole with a cup of tea and a plate of bacon and eggs. However, he somehow finds himself on a magically mystical adventure. Staged with speed and surprises, you’ll be delighted by this exciting new telling of Tolkien’s beloved story as Bilbo travels through freezing mountains and frightening forests, meeting all sorts of fierce and wonderful creatures  — some who want to eat him and others who turn into dear friends. And discovers that some things are truly worth fighting for.

The Hobbit

At the end of the millennium, a group of bohemians in the East Village struggle with love, loss, and gentrification amidst the AIDS crisis. In this immersive, exciting new production, Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award™ and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical will transform the Haas Stage and shake the rafters with the iconic chords of “Seasons of Love,” “I’ll Cover You, ” and the thrilling, soaring score that is RENT!

Arden Theatre Company

Jan 16 - Feb 23, 2025

Holy Grail of Memphis

Nov 27, 2024 - Jan 19, 2025

Peter Pan

Feb 27 - Mar 23, 2025

King Hedley II

Apr 2 - May 25, 2025

The Hobbit

May 15 - Jun 8, 2025

Rent

Nov 27, 2024 - Jan 19, 2025

Peter Pan

Oct 24 - Dec 1, 2024

Intimate Apparel

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