Philly’s Walnut Street Theatre Debuts New Sherlock Holmes Adaptation

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Bill Van Horn and Harry Smith in Sherlock Holmes: The Great Detective. Photo by Mark Garvin.

The Walnut Street Theatre, America’s oldest theatre, is currently home to a thrilling world premiere: SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE GREAT DETECTIVE. As a staple of Philadelphia’s cultural scene, the Walnut has once again delivered a production that blends classic literary intrigue with high-energy stagecraft. This adaptation, inspired by the timeless stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is an anchor of the theatre’s 217th season and offers a “whimsical mystery” that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. I was fortunate to attend the opening night of a funny, entertaining show that kept my attention throughout. Read on for my full thoughts on Sherlock Holmes at the Walnut Street Theatre.

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Walnut Street Theatre’s 218th Season: A Year of Unforgettable Shows

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Walnut Street Theatre (WST), America’s Oldest Theatre and a National Historic Landmark, is excited to reveal its 218th season of live entertainment and mark its 44th season as a not-for-profit producing theatre company. The sensational 2026-27 season lineup features five captivating productions, each filled to the brim with deep emotion, hilarious comedy, brilliant spectacle, and enduring stories. With each new production – from Pulitzer Prize-winning plays to touching musicals that move the heart – WST invites audiences to what might be the greatest season in its history.

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Experience Holiday Magic with A Christmas Story The Musical

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Opening night at Walnut Street Theatre is always special, but this week’s premiere of A Christmas Story The Musical was downright magical. I had the pleasure of attending with my father-in-law, and together we were swept into Ralphie Parker’s 1940s Indiana world.

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From Page to Stage: Join the Walnut Street Theatre Playwriting Contest

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Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theatre (WST), America’s oldest theatre and the Official State Theatre of Pennsylvania, has announced an exciting opportunity for playwrights nationwide: the 2025–26 Walnut Outreach Playwriting Competition. This initiative invites writers to create original works designed to inspire and engage young audiences in grades K–6.

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Rock ’n’ Roll Magic: Million Dollar Quartet at Walnut Street Theatre Delivers a Spectacular Opening

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Paul Harrold, Steve Harding, Ken Sandberg, Matteo Scammell and Ensemble in Million
Dollar Quartet. Photo by Mark Garvin.

Last night, my wife and I had the pleasure of attending opening night of Million Dollar Quartet at the Walnut Street Theatre—and what a night it was. From the very first chord, the energy in the room was electric, and by the end of the evening, the entire audience was buzzing with excitement.

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Dreamgirls Dazzles at the Walnut Street Theatre

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Khalifa White, Gabrielle Beckford, and Aveena Sawyer in Dreamgirls. Photo by Ashley Smith, Wide Eyed Studios.

The Walnut Street Theatre is closing out its 216th season with an electrifying, heart-stopping production of Dreamgirls—and if you’re a lover of powerhouse vocals, emotional storytelling, and glittering spectacle, this is a show you can’t afford to miss.

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A Whirlwind of Wit: Hay Fever at Walnut Street Theatre

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Brandon O’Rourke, Jared Calhoun, Ellie Mooney, Harry Smith, Alicia Roper, Patricia Noonan, Peter Herrick, and Anna Bailey in Noël Coward’s Hay Fever. Photo by Mark Garvin.

For anyone seeking an exhilarating blend of laughter and charm, look no further than Walnut Street Theatre’s spectacular production of Noël Coward’s classic comedy, Hay Fever. As a key highlight of their 216th season, this show invites you into a whimsical world brimming with comedic brilliance and delightful chaos that will leave you yearning for more.

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A Heartwarming Journey of Friendship: Driving Miss Daisy at Walnut Street Theatre

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Wendy Scharfman and Johnnie Hobbs, Jr. in Driving Miss Daisy. Photo by Mark Garvin.

This winter, Walnut Street Theatre brings a beautiful and timeless classic to life with its production of Driving Miss Daisy. As part of their 216th season of dreams, this heartwarming and thought-provoking story, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is a standout production everyone should see.

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Celebrating 217 Years of Entertainment at Walnut Street Theatre

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Walnut Street Theatre (WST) America’s Oldest Theatre and a National Historic Landmark, is thrilled to unveil its 217th season of live entertainment, marking its 43rd season as a not-for-profit producing theatre company. This year’s dynamic lineup features five extraordinary productions that celebrate iconic moments, extraordinary stories, and the shared human experience. From toe-tapping musicals to thought-provoking plays, WST invites audiences to be part of legends in the making.

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Discover the Magic of Elf The Broadway Musical at Walnut Street Theatre

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Nic Rouleau and Ensemble. Photo by Mark Garvin.

As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than with the Walnut Street Theatre’s (WST) enchanting production of Elf The Broadway Musical. Continuing their remarkable 216th season, WST brings the beloved story of Buddy the elf from the North Pole to the bustling streets of New York City. This delightful musical, based on one of the most cherished holiday films, is a heartwarming and joyous experience for audiences of all ages.

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