Walnut Street Theatre

For over two centuries, the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia has been a cornerstone of American entertainment, hosting iconic actors from Edwin Forrest to Marlon Brando and beyond. Originally opening as an equestrian circus in 1809, it quickly transformed into a premier theater venue, hosting notable figures like Thomas Jefferson and Lafayette.

Throughout its history, the Walnut has been a pioneer in theater technology and traditions. It was the first to install gas footlights in 1837 and air conditioning in 1855. The curtain call tradition originated here with Edmund Kean. Notably, it was owned by Edwin Booth, whose brother John Wilkes Booth infamously assassinated President Lincoln.

The theater underwent several renovations, including major reconstructions in the 1880s and 1920s, maintaining its historical exterior while updating its interior. Purchased by the Shubert Organization in the 1940s, it became a hub for pre-Broadway tryouts of renowned plays like "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "A Raisin in the Sun."

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964, the Walnut has continued to evolve, becoming a Performing Arts Center in 1969 and a self-producing regional theater under Bernard Havard in 1982. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural institution, drawing in nearly 50,000 subscribers annually, showcasing the enduring legacy of American theater.