Walnut Street Theatre (WST) is thrilled to present Noël Coward’s classic comedy “Hay Fever” as part of their 216th season of dreams. The show begins previews on Feb. 11, opens Feb. 19, and runs through March 9.
In this elegant comedy, Judith Bliss, the once glittering star of the London stage, is still enjoying life with more than a little high drama and the occasional big scene. To spice up her weekend, she invites a young admirer to join her in the country, but her novelist husband and two children also have the same idea, and their unassuming visitors are thrown into a living melodrama. Misjudged meetings, secret seductions and scandalous revelations run riot at the most eccentric of all house parties.
“Hay Fever” premiered in London’s West End in 1925 and quickly became a hallmark of British theatre. Inspired by Coward’s stay at the home of actress Laurette Taylor, the play showcases Coward’s signature wit and mastery of comedic dialogue.
Directing this production is Bill Van Horn.
Portraying the famed Bliss family matriarch, Judith, is Walnut veteran ALICIA ROPER (Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit). Judith’s husband, David Bliss, is portrayed by DAN OLMSTEAD (Popcorn Falls); BRANDON O’ROURKE (Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) and ANNA BAILEY (Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) play Judith’s adult children: the artistic Simon and quick-witted Sorel, respectively, and round out the Bliss family.
Filling in the world around the eccentric Bliss family is Clara, the family’s reluctant housekeeper, portrayed by CHARLOTTE NORTHEAST (An Ideal Husband), as well as the various invited guests. JARED CALHOUN portrays Judith’s guest, Sandy, in his Walnut Mainstage debut and PATRICIA NOONAN also makes her Walnut debut as Myra, the sophisticated and sharp-tongued guest of David. Rounding out the cast is ELLIE MOONEY (Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical) as sweet and timid flapper Jackie, and HARRY SMITH (And Then There Were None) as Sorel Bliss’ guest, Richard Greatham. Each member of the cast brings a unique flair to this ensemble-driven comedy, ensuring an evening full of laughter and surprises.
If You Go:
Run Dates: Feb. 11 – March 9, 2025
Walnut Street Theatre at 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 PHONE: 215-574-3550
TICKETS: https://walnutstreettheatre.org/season/show/hay-fever
WEBSITE: The performance schedule varies weekly. Visit walnutstreettheatre.org or ticketmaster.com