South Philadelphia-based theater company Theatre Exile (1340 S 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147) announces a bold new season of thought-provoking productions, including an East Coast premiere, stories of Philly grit, and a six-time Tony Award-winning show. Now in its 28th season, Theatre Exile continues to present shows illuminating the complexities of the human condition, uplifting diverse voices, and reflecting themes of Philadelphia pride and passion. This season’s humor and irony-infused selection of shows challenges audiences to explore beyond their own perceptions and embrace each character’s personal journey through the author’s vision of art, culture, and history.
The show has been extended to Nov. 17. Six time Barrymore Award-winning ambassador of Philadelphia theatre, Scott Greer, portrays the critically acclaimed larger-than-life American abstract expressionist Mark Rothko as he grapples with balancing artistic integrity with the demands of commercial commissions. Set in Rothko’s 1950s New York City studio, the play highlights his battle between ideas and practicality, resonating with today’s necessity for younger artists to find their own voices while picking up where previous generations have left off. Near the end of his career, Rothko questions his place in the artistic world as his assistant pushes him to confront the next generation’s role in shaping the future of art.
In Logan’s production, the artist and his assistant Ken, played by emerging actor Zach Valdez, commit furious strokes to canvas while exchanging pointed and, at times, audacious critiques of pop art. Rothko has just received the biggest commission in the history of modern art to paint a series of murals for the Four Seasons restaurant, but does the assignment align with the authenticity of his work? What is the cost of artistic commercialism, and is the artist perpetuating his deepest fear that “…one day the black will swallow the red”?
The 2024/25 Theatre Exile Season Includes:
Philly GRIT by Various Philadelphia-area Playwrights
Productions TBD
Feb. 26 to March 9, 2025
Philly GRIT will end with Camp Cookie featuring Cookie D’iorio, Philadelphia-based drag performer, classically trained vocalist, songwriter, activist, and lover of all things sparkly! Camp Cookie is a speakeasy Cabaret filled with music, laughter, drinks, and of course.. cookies.
*East Coast Premiere*
Glitter in The Glass by R. Eric Thomas
Directed by Brett Ashley Robinson
May 29 to June 22, 2025
Chelle, a Black mid-career artist, has written a check that she’s not sure her talent can cash. When the city of Baltimore takes down the Confederate monument in the park across the street from her childhood home, she has an idea. She’ll apply for a grant to create a piece to replace it. Caught between the past, the present, and the future, Chelle, portrayed by Jennifer Kidwell, is catapulted into a journey that takes her back before the Middle Passage and out beyond the bounds of this planet.
Ticket Information
Audiences can choose from a variety of four-show Flex Pass Subscriptions for Theatre Exile’s season. With the subscription, patrons will receive four single tickets, one ticket per show, that can be used for any show date during the season. Single tickets for Theatre Exile’s upcoming productions are available for purchase starting at $10 per ticket.
For more information, visit theatreexile.org