Newtown Arts Company presents Philip Barry’s THE PHILADELPHIA STORY June 15 through 21, at historic Newtown Theatre, 120 North State Street, Newtown, PA 18940. This sophisticated 1939 stage comedy revitalized the career of Katherine Hepburn who one year later starred in the classic film version along with Cary Grant and James Stewart (Oscar, Best Actor).
THE PHILADELPHIA STORY is a story of independent but haughty Tracy Lord (Lauren Suchinski, of Yardley ) who discovers that her second marriage is the focus of a scandal magazine’s expose´ of Philadelphia high society. Tracy’s brother has arranged the expose´ to divert attention from father’s romance with a Broadway dancer, and invited a reporter and photographer to cover the wedding. Though determined to keep her family’s affairs private, Tracy finds herself attracted to Mike (Matt LaBenz of Ardmore, PA), the fascinating reporter, with whom she takes a late night swim after a few too many drinks. Upon discovering the apparent indiscretion, her fiancé is less than understanding while ex-husband, Dexter, (Matt Duchnowski of Newtown) makes every attempt to quell Tracy’s feelings of guilt. Torn between feelings for Mike and Dexter, and aided by her precocious sister, Dinah (Isabel Newell of Moorestown, NJ), Tracy re-discovers what it means to truly love someone.
Says director Jim Banar: “This is such an incredibly well-written and quick-witted comedy–the story of a young woman who must rediscover her authentic self amidst the trappings of social class; wealth and media scrutiny. Our talented cast offers you a delightfully funny and sublime evening of entertainment.”
Deborah Derderian designed the wonderful costumes and Amelia Arrigo is Stage Manager.
Performances of THE PHILADELPHIA STORY are June 15–21 for one week only: Thursday, June 15, at 7:30pm; Friday, June 16, at 8pm; Saturday, June 17, at 8pm; Sunday June 18, at 2pm; Tuesday, June 20 at 7:30pm; and Wednesday, June 21 at 7:30pm.
Tickets for Reserved Front Orchestra and Front Row Balcony seats are $21; Reserved Rear Orchestra and Balcony seats are $18. Extended legroom seating is available in Row I for an additional accommodation fee. Groups of 10 or more qualify for a $2 discount.
To purchase tickets: Visit www.newtownartscompany.com, call 1-800-838-3006, or purchase at the box office one hour before curtain on performance dates. For information, call 215-860-7058 or email tickets@newtownartscompany.com.
Presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.
Newtown Arts Company, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, has awarded over $130,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing higher education in the arts since it was formed in 1983.
Theater/Organization Newtown Arts Company
Theater/Organization Website: http://www.newtownartscompany.com
Theater/Organization Address: Newtown Theatre 120 North State Street Newtown, Pennsylvania 18940 (Map It)
Theater/Organization Phone: (215) 860-7058
