Philadelphia Theatre Company Kicks Off THE GREAT AMERICAN MUSICAL Summer Film Series, 7/11

Philadelphia Theatre Company hosts THE GREAT AMERICAN MUSICAL Summer Film Series on four consecutive Wednesday nights beginning July 11. Each screening, beginning at 7:00 PM, will be held at PTC’s home the Suzanne Roberts Theatre (Broad and Lombard Streets). General admission tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under and are available by calling the PTC Box Office at 215-985-0420 or visiting PhiladelphiaTheatreCompany.org.

The series kicks off on July 11 with FUNNY GIRL, the great romantic musical based on the life and career of Broadway and film star and comedienne Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein. Starring Barbra Streisand in the title role which won her an Academy Award, the lush score includes such classic favorites as "People" and "Don't Rain on My Parade.”

Conrad Birdie comes to town on July 18 with BYE, BYE BIRDIE, inspired by the phenomenon of popular singer Elvis Presley and his being drafted into the United States Army in 1957. Starring Dick Van Dyke, Janet Leigh, and Ann-Margret in her breakout role, this film is sure to “put on a happy face” for all ages.

Summer lovin’ is sure to be a blast when audiences sing-a-long with Sandy and Danny in GREASE (the sing-a-long version) on July 25. From “Grease Lightning” to “You’re the One That I Want,” GREASE captures the rock and roll fun of the 1950s, souped up with subtitles so audiences don’t miss a single do-wop.

The series concludes with DREAMGIRLS on August 1. Following the history and evolution of American R&B music during the 1960s and 1970s and one of its acts, The Supremes, the film won two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Hudson.
PTC’s recently announced its 2012-2013 mainstage season featuring the world premiere of the musical Stars of David, based on the book by Abigail Pogrebin, adapted by Charles Busch, and directed by Gordon Greenberg (October 17-November 18); The Mountaintop by Katori Hall (January 18-February 17); Seminar by Theresa Rebeck (March 15-April 14); and Venus in Fur by David Ives May 24-June 23).

Founded in 1974, Philadelphia Theatre Company is a leading regional theatre company whose mission is to produce, develop and present entertaining and imaginative Contemporary Theatre focused on the American experience that both ignites the intellect and touches the soul. By developing new work through commissions, readings and workshops PTC generates projects that have a national impact and reach broad regional audiences. Under the leadership of PTC’s Producing Artistic Director Sara Garonzik since 1982 and Managing Director Shira Beckerman, who joined PTC in August, 2011, PTC supports the work of a growing body of diverse dramatists and takes pride in being a home to many nationally recognized artists who have participated in more than 140 world and Philadelphia premieres. PTC has received 46 Barrymore Awards and 155 nominations. In October 2007, PTC opened the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, their home on Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, which has helped contribute to the revitalization of Center City Philadelphia’s thriving arts district.
For further information, please call 215-735-7356.

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