Summer is coming to an end, but the Kimmel Center of Performing Arts is officially heating up. This autumn season, fall for the arts. No matter if you’re an opera fanatic, dance enthusiast, or Broadway buff, the Kimmel Center has something just for you. Check out our recommendations of must-see shows premiering this September and October!
HAMILTON
August 27 – November 17
Forrest Theatre
Come to experience the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton unfold before your eyes. Unlike your typical history lesson, the production features a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway. The story of HAMILTON dissects America then, as told by America in present tense. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, tag along on the journey of an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. It’s a great time for the entire family to enjoy!
A Night with Janis Joplin
Tuesday, September 24
7:30 pm | Merriam Theater
Take a trip to the 1960s to witness the sounds of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Janis Joplin. Joplin exploded onto the music scene as an overnight sensation in 1967. Her incomparable soulful and tinged voice made the rocker a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock. Come to experience Joplin’s favorites, including “Piece of My Heart,” “Cry Baby,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” and many others. According to the New York Times, A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN “rocks the house” and Variety called it “electrifying.” New York 1 cheered, “This will rock your socks off!” It’s a groovy time that you won’t want to miss!
The Office! A Musical Parody
September 28 – September 29
8:00 pm, 2:00 pm | Merriam Theater
Currently selling out the Jerry Orbach Theatre in New York City,The Office! A Musical Parody is coming to a stage near you at the Merriam Theater! It’s everything that you loved about the hit TV show “The Office.” Don’t miss this hilarious unauthorized musical parody featuring your favorite coworkers from Dunder Mifflin. Prepare to sing along to the original songs “Welcome to Scranton (The Electric City),” “That’s What She Said,” “The Dundies,” “Marry Me Beesly,” and more!
PHILADANCO GENESIS
October 5 – October 6
8:00 pm, 2:30 pm | Merriam Theater
PHILADANCO showcases how live actions dancers has impacted the television dance competition craze. They’re kicking off their 50th anniversary with Genesis. This not-to-be-missed performance features a tribute to Aretha Franklin “Love and Pain,” and “Exotica” by Ron K. Brown. The Saturday evening performance will be a special treat to Philly residents featuring appearances by acclaimed PHILADANCO & Hamilton alumnus Leslie Odom, Jr! Experience the incomparable legacy of African American choreographers that have a story to tell through dance!
Don Quixote
October 10 – October 20
7:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 11:00 am | Academy Of Music
The legendary ballet Don Quixote has it all – romance, comedy, and, of course, the artistry of dance. Angel Corella’s restaging of the love story of Kitri and Basilio brings his unique Spanish flair to this lively classic. No matter if you’re a first time audience member or falling in love all over again, Don Quixote is a show that you won’t want to miss!
RENT
October 18 – October 20
8:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 6:30 pm | Merriam Theater
Fall is officially the season of love now that the original rock musical RENT is gracing the Merriam Theater stage for its 20th anniversary touring production in October. Since 1996, the story continues to make an impact on audience members across generations and the world. Follow the journey of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. The inspiring story of joy and hope tackles adversities with friendship and reminds the audience to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love.
Dena Blizzard: One Funny Mother
Saturday, October 19
8:00 pm | Perelman Theater
Prepare yourself for an evening of knee-slapping comedy with creator of the Back to School Rant (125 million views), Chardonnay Go (24 million views) and Chardonnay Go, The Board Game for Wine Lovers!! Dena Blizzard is the former Miss New Jersey, and married mother of three on her hilarious obstacles of motherhood and marriage. Dubbed as the “Best One Woman Show” at the 2015 United Solo Festival in New York City, One Funny Mother is a great “Girls Night Out”, or Date Night for moms, those who have moms, and those married to a mom!
Come From Away
October 22 – November 3
Academy of Music
Broadway’s Best Musical winner all across North America, COME FROM AWAY, is hitting the Academy of Music stage. This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. The moving story of clashing cultures takes on hardships with friendships and reminds the audience of the importance of trust.
Halloween Spooktacular Come From Away
Saturday, October 26
11:30 am | Verizon Hall
You’re in for a treat as The Philadelphia Orchestra explores the spooktacular orchestral adventure for its annual audience favorite! Enhance your family’s experience with Pre-Concert Adventures, free for all ticket holders, beginning one hour before the concert. There will be plenty of musical treats to fill up your goodie bag. Come dressed up for a ghoulish good time that the entire family will enjoy!
The Phantom of the Opera
Thursday, October 31
7:30 pm | Verizon Hall
The breathtaking production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of The Opera returns to Philadelphia on its new North American tour. This “bigger and better than ever” rendition features the iconic songs “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask Of You,” and “Masquerade.” Come to experience the classic story told like never before!
For a full list of events, visit the Kimmel Center’s website. Follow the Kimmel Center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates throughout the season.
