| Forrest Theatre | |
|---|---|
The Forrest Theatre in 2009. |
|
| Address | 1114 Walnut Street |
| City | Philadelphia |
| Country | United States |
| Architect | Herbert J. Krapp |
| Owned by | The Shubert Organization |
| Capacity | 1,851 |
| Opened | May 1st, 1928 |
| Years active | 1928- |
| www.forrest-theatre.com | |
The Forrest Theatre is a live theatre venue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is managed by The Shubert Organization.[1]
The Forrest Theatre was built in 1927. It was designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp and has a seating capacity of 1,851.[1] It was named after the 19th century actor Edwin Forrest, who was born in Philadelphia, and owned and lived in the Edwin Forrest House . The opening performance at the Forrest Theatre was The Red Robe in 1928.[1] A renovation of the theatre was undertaken in 1997, including redecoration and the addition of handicapped-accessible restrooms.[2]
In 1925, Krapp designed a theatre on Broadway in New York City that was also named the Forrest. This theatre has been renamed at various times over the years and is currently known as the Eugene O'Neill Theatre.
Over the years, the Forrest Theatre has been a proving ground for various Broadway plays and musicals, serving as the location for previews of these productions. Some of the shows that played at the Forrest prior to moving to Broadway include The Music Man (1957), Funny Girl (1963), Golden Rainbow (1967) and Chicago (1975).[1]