Plays & Players Theatre
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Plays & Players Theatre is a highly-rated "hidden gem" in the Rittenhouse neighborhood, lauded for its historic, cozy, eclectic, and beautiful "Broadway-style" ambiance. It features consistently excellent performances by talented actors, particularly the 1812 Productions troupe, which specializes in sophisticated comedy and satire. While a school uses the venue for its plays, the primary productions reviewed are geared towards an adult audience. Parents seeking high-quality acting and a unique theater experience for older children (teens) or family outings where adults are the main audience will find it appealing.
Key Highlights
- ✓Consistently excellent performances by talented actors, including named individuals like Jen Childs and Tony Braithwaite, and the 1812 Productions troupe.
- ✓Specializes in comedy and satire, with specific productions like 'The Play That Goes Wrong' and 'This is the Week That Is' being highly praised for comedic acrobatics and being a 'perennial crowd favorite'.
- ✓Historic, cozy, quaint, and eclectic theater described as having a 'Broadway style' aesthetic.
- ✓Warm welcome from knowledgeable volunteers and staff.
- ✓High-quality cast, with most actors noted to be in Actors' Equity.
- ✓Excellent sound quality and a guarantee of 'not a bad seat in the house'.
- ✓Accommodates school events, allowing the use of their equipment.
Standout Features
- ⭐High-quality acting and professional-level productions (Actors' Equity cast, 1812 Productions).
- ⭐Charming, historic, and aesthetically pleasing theater with a 'Broadway style' feel.
- ⭐Superior sound quality.
- ⭐Accommodating and welcoming staff/volunteers.
- ⭐No obstructed views; 'not a bad seat in the house'.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →If seeking content for younger children, parents should specifically research guest productions or school events hosted at the theatre, as the resident company specializes in adult comedy/satire.
- →Consider booking tickets online as the venue is described as a popular 'hidden gem'.
- →Arrive with enough time to navigate the Rittenhouse neighborhood and soak in the 'cozy and eclectic' atmosphere before the show.
Things to Consider
- ⚠No specific mention of age-appropriate programming or amenities for young children (toddlers, elementary school age). The primary productions reviewed are adult comedy/satire.
- ⚠Reviews do not provide details on child-specific facilities like changing tables, booster seats, or dedicated children's programs, which is critical for a 'Kids Theaters' business.
Price & Value
No specific pricing details are mentioned in the reviews. However, the consistent high praise ('excellent', 'perfection', 'blown away', 'Broadway style') suggests that patrons perceive good value for the quality of performances and venue experience.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in the reviews. The comment 'not a bad seat in the house' refers to view, not physical accessibility.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No information regarding food and drink policies is mentioned in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •The theatre is 'tucked away in the Rittenhouse neighborhood', which typically implies street parking or nearby parking garages would be the primary options, not dedicated on-site parking. No specific parking details are provided.
👥Crowd Levels
- •No specific crowd levels or busy times are mentioned. However, being described as a 'hidden gem' and 'perennial crowd favorite' suggests it can be popular, especially for specific shows.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features for children are mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Bringing very young children or toddlers unless specific age-appropriate programming is confirmed, as the resident productions are adult-oriented comedy.
- • Expecting traditional 'kids' theater' entertainment or amenities (e.g., character meet-and-greets, interactive children's shows) from the primary production company reviewed.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Caked Up Comedy
October 7
$5, FREE for Members
An intimate evening of comedy featuring an eclectic line-up of local and traveling comics. Doors open 7:30pm, show starts 8pm.
Your Sunday Best
October 19
No Cover!
A long-running, ever-evolving evening of variety comedy featuring Philly’s finest actors, stand-ups and musicians trying new things and supporting one another. Doors open 8:00pm, show starts 9:00pm.
Photo League Annual Member Exhibition
On View Until December 31, 2025
All pieces are for sale (exhibition entry not specified)
A selection of pieces by members of the Photo League, a dedicated group of photographers. Presented in partnership with Plays & Players Theatre Gallery.
Smokus Pocus: A 420 Magic Show
Oct 4
Ticket Prices Vary
Magician Ben Zabin returns with his hit show, an innovative magic show infused with the world of weed, designed to enthrall both the stoned and sober. Show starts 8:00pm in the Main Stage Theatre.
📅Booking Policy
- • Plays & Players Theatre does not handle ticketing services for companies renting their venue.
- • Guests looking for tickets should get in touch directly with the company hosting the production.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Maureen Glackin
2 weeks agoI love this little theater! The talented actors who form 1812 productions continue to hit it out of the park. This was my second time seeing a performance here. It was excellent! Jen Childs and Tony Braithwaite are both hilarious and very talented. I will definitely be returning soon. Truly not a bad seat in the house is also a plus.👍🏻❤️🙂
Jason Zimmerman
2 months agoThis is a hidden gem in Philly! I am so glad I found these tickets online. First, the theater is so cute and quaint. Also, the 1812 troupe was perfection in The Play That Goes Wrong!
Barb Hauck-Mah (barbhmphilly)
4 months agoHistoric, cozy and eclectic theater tucked away in the Rittenhouse neighborhood. We were welcomed warmly by knowledgeable volunteers and staff. The cast performances were excellent: the program noted that most are in Actors' Equity. We were blown away by the comedic acrobatics of their "Play that Goes Wrong". We learned that this production company specializes in comedy/satire. Their perennial crowd favorite is, This is the Week That Is.
Taylor Bullins
a month agoI'm sure the words "hidden gem" have been used in most reviews here but it's really true. I've been in Philadelphia 6 years & never knew this was right under my nose. Great events lined up & fun experience at the comedy event! Will definitely be back for more events
Andrew Bungard
a year agoOur school does a play here every year. They are so nice and even let us use their equipment. The theatre is beautiful and the sound is amazing. A Broadway style theatre in Philadelphia.