'THE PHILADELPHIA STORY' HITS THE STAGE IN ROCHESTER THIS WEEKEND ONLY – IT'S THE ROLLICKING PLAY THAT CATAPULTED KATHARINE HEPBURN'S CAREER

Older Persons' Commission, 650 Letica Dr, Rochester, MI | Get Directions »
$8.00

In 1939, The Philadelphia Story opened on Broadway to smash acclaim; its 1940 silver-screen adaptation was an Oscar-winning blockbuster. Katharine Hepburn starred in both versions as high-minded socialite Tracy Lord, of the aristocratic – and a touch dysfunctional – Philadelphia Lords. Intolerant to imperfection, the opinionated Tracy is two years divorced from her childhood sweetheart, recuperating alcoholic C. K. Dexter Haven. She's now on the brink of marrying drab, self-made industrialist George Kittredge. But the fates are about to knock Tracy off her lofty pedestal, replacing arrogance with affection. Word of a scandalous affair involving her father catches the ear of a national tabloid: Reporter Macaulay Connor and photographer Liz Imbrie are deployed to get the inside scoop direct from the Lord mansion, site of the wedding ceremony. Of course, Macaulay is soon smitten by Tracy's allure... just as her ex drops in unexpectedly. Golly Moses! What's a poor, rich girl to do at the altar the next day?

See for yourself how this witty, romantic romp unfolds when Full Impact Theater uncorks Philip Barry's The Philadelphia Story under the creative vision of director Molly Waggamon. Four live performances filled with oodles of screwball fun and frolic are guaranteed to keep you in stitches at the intimate surroundings of the Ruth Cattell Auditorium in the OPC venue – 650 Letica Drive, located a stone's throw from downtown Rochester. Opening night is this Friday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m. Shows also run this Saturday, November 17, at both 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., concluding on Sunday, November 18, with a 2:00 p.m. matinee.

Fancy buying your tickets for this classic American comedy right now? You'll save some bucks: Advance tickets are specially priced at only $8 for seniors and students, or just $10 a pop for everyone else. If you wait, those same general admission tickets will cost you an additional $2 apiece at the door. Discounts for groups and Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce members are available. Obtain your tickets directly at OPC, or save gas and simply purchase them online (without any service charges or processing fees) at the FullImpactTheater.org website. If you have questions, please phone 248.609.9019.

 Full Impact Theater is definitely a cut above other student drama groups, mesmerizing audiences with classics-based entertainment – including its annual “Shakespeare-in-the-Park” production in the summertime. Fostering camaraderie and communication skills through intensive mentoring that emphasizes mutual respect, Full Impact Theater imparts professional standards associated with adult troupes to its teen thespians. In fact, those teens are not only involved in every facet of production, they've also got a big say as active members of the board. Please note that Full Impact Theater is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means your qualifying tax-deductible donations are most sincerely appreciated.

“We’re aware there’s a stereotype with teen theater,” notes Full Impact Theater president Kathy Miller. “Because of the age of our actors, there's a belief the talent level is somehow subpar to other theater productions. Well, we've got a dare for anyone who thinks that way: We dare you to not thoroughly enjoy our shows and to not be impressed with our teens. Accept our dare – if you leave dissatisfied, we’ll refund your money. Simple as that. Our cast and crew take their work very seriously. So come on out for a remarkable time at The Philadelphia Story – or your money back!”