Newtown Arts Company Presents 'The Philadelphia Story'

NEWTOWN, PA — Newtown Arts Company will present "The Philadelphia Story" for one week only later this month. Performances will be held June 15 through 21 at The Newtown Theatre, 120 North State Street.

"This sophisticated 1939 stage comedy revitalized the career of Katherine Hepburn, who one year later starred in the classic film version along with Cary Grant and James Stewart," according to an announcement from Newtown Arts Company.

Here is more about the production:

The Philadelphia Story features the independent but haughty Tracy Lord (Lauren Suchinski, of Yardley), who discovers that her second marriage is the focus of a scandal magazine’s exposé of Philadelphia high society. Tracy’s brother has arranged the exposé to divert attention from father’s romance with a Broadway dancer, and invited a reporter and photographer to cover the wedding. Though determined to keep her family’s affairs private, Tracy finds herself attracted to Mike (Matt LaBenz, of Ardmore), the fascinating reporter, with whom she takes a late night swim after a few too many drinks. Upon discovering the apparent indiscretion, her fiancé is less than understanding while ex-husband Dexter (Matt Duchnowski, of Newtown) makes every attempt to quell Tracy’s feelings of guilt. Torn between feelings for Mike and Dexter, and aided by her precocious sister Dinah (Isabel Newell of Moorestown, NJ), Tracy re-discovers what it means to truly love someone.

“This is such an incredibly well-written and quick-witted comedy — the story of a young woman who must rediscover her authentic self amid the trappings of social class; wealth and media scrutiny. Our talented cast offers you a delightfully funny and sublime evening of entertainment,” Director Jim Banar said.

Deborah DerDerian is costume designer and Amelia Arrigo is stage manager.

Performances of The Philadelphia Story are: Thursday, June 15, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 16, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, June 17, at 8 p.m.; Sunday June 18, at 2 p.m.; Tuesday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for Reserved Front Orchestra and Front Row Balcony seats are $21; Reserved Rear Orchestra and Balcony seats are $18. Extended legroom seating is available in Row I for an additional accommodation fee. Students and groups of 10 or more receive a $2 discount.

To purchase tickets, go to www.newtownartscompany.com, call 1-800-838-3006, or purchase at the box office one hour before curtain on performance dates.

For more information, call 215-860-7058 or email tickets@newtownartscompany.com.

PHOTO: Contributed