Theatre Tour: The Wilma Theater

When I first started Zoe Writes Theatre, I very much stayed within my comfort zone.  I spent more time writing posts about theatre than anything, and when I did write about a show, it was either at Hedgerow or People’s Light.  And of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!  Due to many twists and turns (okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little), I got an invite to a theatre that I couldn’t even imagine getting an invite to…The Wilma.  I’d seen shows at The Wilma, of course, but I never imagined that my little blog would get me there as a blogger.

My first show at The Wilma was The Good Person of Setzuan.  I can’t lie…it was a little intimidating to be at an opening night at a theatre like the Wilma.  This was way before I was getting into the Philly theatre scene, and I think my mom and I were both at a bit of a loss.  The Wilma is a bigger theatre than I was used to, and an absolutely beautiful one.  I hadn’t been there in quite some time, and it was somehow different than before.  Perhaps it was the lens of seeing a show that I was going to write about.

Over the years, The Wilma has never ceased to impress and amaze me.  They do absolutely incredible shows that range from genre to simple to complex to having me laughing to having me in tears…and so much more.  It is truly an amazing theatre to have right in Philly.  Every time I walk away from a show there, I feel like I’ve gained something, something that is always going to be with me.  I still think about a lot of the shows I’ve seen there…which is quite a few over the past two years!  I think some of my favorite shows I’ve ever seen were at The Wilma.

The Wilma has a company of artists called the HotHouse Acting Company.  These are a group of artists who meet regularly, and most of them are in many of the shows there.  It’s a really phenomenal group.  Seeing these people on stage together is astounding.  They clearly know how to work with each other to create something beautiful.  And it’s super cool to see people from role to role.  These actors are so talented, and I don’t think I’ve seen anyone play a similar character twice.

The co-artistic directors are such a driving force behind The Wilma.  They clearly care so much for the theatre, the community, and all other aspects behind this.  They’re also all super involved, from doing things like directing plays to acting in them.  I can’t imagine The Wilma without the three of them.  I really feel like they make the theatre so loving and warm, and like we’re all a part of this art being made.  Which is exactly how they should be making us feel.  The rest of the staff is amazing as well.  It’s really special when a theatre staff cares about everything they do and who they’re doing it for…from audience members, to students, and everyone beyond.

In 2024, The Wilma was awarded the Regional Theatre Tony Award.  I can’t even begin to talk about how big a deal this is!  First of all, they were the first Philly theatre to receive this award.  It’s seriously incredible that they got this honor…it was totally and completely deserved, of course, but it was huge for them, and for the Philly theatre community.  I love getting to be a part of the community that earned this.  The Wilma has been a staple in the Philly theatre scene for ages, and the recognition just boosted things even more.

I’ve seen shows at The Wilma that are huge, and I’ve seen shows at The Wilma that are small.  I’ve even gotten to see a few special events.  But this is a theatre that puts so much love and care into everything that they do.  It doesn’t matter if it has all the effects in the world or is completely simple, they put love behind everything.  I’ve spoken to so many people involved in shows, including actors, directors, and even a fight choreographer, and they all give the same feeling.  This is a theatre that cares about the art it makes.  And you can see that in every detail in every show.

Going to The Wilma is like going home.  It’s a warm, loving environment.  Everyone cares about everyone else.  People remember me, and ask me about my blog.  I get big hugs from everyone, and get to celebrate with all these people I’ve come to know over the past two years.  And yes, opening night for The Good Person of Setzuan was a bit scary.  My mom and I joked that we felt like we were crashing the opening night party.  But we’ve moved way beyond that by now.  Now, we’re just as much a part of things as anyone else toasting to The Wilma.  I absolutely love being a part of The Wilma community, and I look forward to continuing on with them!