Society Hill Playhouse to Host Final Curtain Call with LIBERTY CITY RADIO THEATRE

Society Hill Playhouse (507 S. 8th Street) will host its final curtain call with the world premiere of LIBERTY CITY RADIO THEATRE, on Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5, 2016. Crime, noir, romance, screwball comedy and farce - all fuel-injected with laughs in an all-new original show.

Ticket reservations are available at the Society Hill Box office by calling 215-923-0210. Ticket prices are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Doors open at 7:00pm for pre-show music and cocktails, and the show begins at 8:00pm.

LIBERTY CITY RADIO THEATRE is a live show in the style of old time radio, with actors on stage recreating the golden era of the 'theatre of the mind,' with newly written and adapted episodes for the modern audience. This unique and nationally trending style of theatre is not being produced elsewhere in Philadelphia. Complete with on stage sound effects and live music, the "new-time old-style" radio show will be filled with laughs for newcomers and nostalgia for those that remember gathering around the RCA to hear tales of adventure and romance.

This will be the final performance at the Society Hill Playhouse, as it is scheduled to go dark on March 15. For 55 years, Deen Kogan and her late husband, Jay, brought thousands of shows filled with mirth and music and amusement to Philadelphia audiences, and now the theatre awaits a wrecking ball, but not without one last hurrah.

Produced and directed by Philadelphia stage newcomer, Bill Arrowood, who opines, "We wanted to put on a show that would be a special send off to the Playhouse, but that was as much fun for us to be in as for the audience to watch. This stage may be going dark soon, but we want to leave the audience laughing. because the exception of the ice cream sundae, laughter is possibly man's greatest gift to his fellow man".

The ensemble cast includes Heather Plank, Joshua Kirwin, Michael Mallon, Christine Doidge, James Miller, Alexandra Rush, (who previously was featured at Society Hill as part of Larry McKenna's New Voices Cabaret), and Kate Heaney, each taking on multiple roles throughout fun-filled evening of entertainment. Jazz trio Buster will offer musical entertainment before and during the performance.

The show is sponsored in part by the South Street Headhouse District and the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation for the Arts. The show was chosen for the grant as an important moment in the cultural history of theatrical arts as the last show in this historic theatre. The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is dedicated to supporting "transformational ideas that engage communities and foster the arts."

Following the closing of the Playhouse, the show will go on, as LIBERTY CITY RADIO THEATRE will be looking for a new venue to bring their unique style of theatre to Philadelphia audiences.

Details are available at www.societyhillplayhouse.org or at www.libertycityradiotheatre.com.

Born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Bill Arrowood cut his teeth in show business operating film projectors in an old school movie theatre. In Philadelphia for the last 15 years, he worked as a location manager for the film and television industry, on the projects like Limitless, After Earth and Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia, but his heart has rarely left the showmanship of the small stage. He has produced numerous shows in his hometown, but this is his first foray into Philadelphia Theatre.

Arrowood has no delusions of grandeur. He never wanted to be a Hollywood director or rock star, but knows that there is nothing like putting on a show with his friends, and is grateful to the Society Hill Playhouse for allowing us to launch our company at the theatre and hope our beginning will keep the spirit of the Playhouse living in Philadelphia Theatre. Arrowood also wants to wish Society Hill Playhouse with this fun, lively and spirited farewell.

This will be the final performance at the Society Hill Playhouse, as it is scheduled to go dark after 55 years. Founded in 1959 by Deen Kogan and her late husband, Jay, the Playhouse brought thousands of shows filled with mirth and music and amusement to Philadelphia audiences.

During its history has produced hundreds of American and European premieres; developed many notable programs; trained countless artists and technicians and true to its mission, remained unique in its dedication to contemporary theatre and the community.

After a long, innovative and pioneering run, the Society Hill Playhouse will close on April 1, 2016.

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