Managing the Merriam Theater will provide a unique opportunity for us to offer multiple performance venues with different capacities, giving us and our Resident Companies the ability to offer a broader spectrum of performances genres...
—Anne Ewers, Kimmel Center President and CEO
“Managing the Merriam Theater will provide a unique opportunity for us to offer multiple performance venues with different capacities, giving us and our Resident Companies the ability to offer a broader spectrum of performances genres—ranging from folk and gospel music, to dance ensembles and comedy engagements. Equally important is the opportunity to reach new and younger audiences as we continue to program emerging talent truly representative of the area's multicultural community," said Ewers in commenting on the new management agreement.
Kimmel Center, Inc. also manages the 2800-seat Academy of Music, owned by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association; and owns and operates the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts with its 2500-seat Verizon Hall, 650-seat Perelman Theater, and 150-seat Innovation Studio. Together, a total of over 600 performances take place each year in the Academy of Music and the Kimmel Center itself, presented by the Center's eight Resident Companies and its own Broadway and Kimmel Center Presents series.
“This agreement allows the University of the Arts to focus on our core educational mission, including the presentation of capstone student performances at the Merriam Theater, the University's main stage. We will use the Merriam for up to eight weeks each year for academic purposes and University special events, and can also develop special projects and joint programming. And with the Kimmel Center attracting a wide range of high-level artists, performances and ensembles, the Theater will continue to be a vibrant presence on the Avenue of the Arts," commented UArts President Sean Buffington about the new agreement.
At the Merriam Theater, 49 performances (schedule below) have been booked to date, including single evening events, weekend and one-week engagements. In addition, the Pennsylvania Ballet will perform at the Merriam as part of its traditional subscription series engagement. Apart from shows the Kimmel Center books or presents, other presenters in the region will be able to rent the Merriam for single event performances or longer run engagements, such as the two-week run from September 30 thru October 11 of Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays. The theater will also be available for corporate, foundation, business and social functions.
Located along the Avenue of the Arts at 250 South Broad Street, the 1790-seat theater, built in 1918, was originally named for Sam S. Shubert. It was renamed in 1991 after Philadelphia developer John W. Merriam gave the building to the University. In addition to the theater, the building serves as the hub of the University's School of Music, part of its College of Performing Arts.
During its 91-year history, many notable stars have performed at the theater including Al Jolson, John Barrymore, Helen Hayes, Katherine Hepburn, Laurence Olivier, Sammy Davis Jr., Angela Lansbury and Mickey Rooney. Since 1987, the Merriam Theater has also hosted Broadway touring companies and The Gilbert and Sullivan International Festival.
Programs scheduled at the Merriam Theater for 2009/10 season include:
Billy Crystal
700 Sundays
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 – Sunday, October 11, 2009, Times vary 3pm – 8pm
Merriam Theater
Price: $32.50 - $94
Kimmel Center Presents, sponsored by Citi:
David Cross
Presented in association with Live Nation
Tuesday, October 20 at 8pm
Price: $35
Kimmel Center Presents, sponsored by Citi:
The Swell Season
Presented in association with Live Nation
Sunday, November 8, 2009 at 8pm
Price: $35
Kimmel Center Presents, sponsored by Citi:
The Guy Fieri Road Show
A Knuckle Sandwich Production
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 7:30pm
Price: $37 - $250
Kimmel Center Presents, sponsored by Citi:
Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca
Friday, January 22, 2010 at 8pm
Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 2pm & 8pm
Merriam Theater
Price: $33-$43
Broadway Series:
The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber
Monday-Sunday, February 8-14, 2010, Times vary
Merriam Theater
Price: $20-$80
Kimmel Center Presents, sponsored by Citi:
The Pink Floyd Experience
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 8pm
Merriam Theater
Price: $35-$45
Broadway Series:
Annie
Friday-Sunday, February 26-28, 2010, Times vary
Merriam Theater
Price: $20-$70
Kimmel Center Presents, sponsored by Citi:
Max Raabe & Palast Orchester
Friday, March 5, 2010 at 7:30pm
Price: $35 - 45
Broadway Series:
GROOVALOO The Hip Hop Experience
Monday-Sunday, March 8-14, 2010, Times vary
Merriam Theater
Price: $25-$60
Broadway Series:
Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance
Friday-Sunday, May 14-16, 2010, Times vary
Merriam Theater
Price:$20-$70
