Philadelphia theaters are transforming timeless classics this June with a variety of innovative productions.
From adaptations of renowned novels and poems to an original musical that cleverly merges basketball with Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels,” the stage is set for an engaging month.
Among the highlights is a collaborative endeavor by Daryl Morey, President of the Philadelphia Sixers, presenting a whimsical take where an American basketball player joins a team of six-inch tall residents on the fictional island of Lilliput.
Additionally, Quintessence Theatre is poised to debut its rendition of James Baldwin’s “Giovanni’s Room,” while Liberty City Arts offers a creative expansion of Amy Lowell’s poem, “The Sisters.”
Further diversifying the options for theater enthusiasts, those seeking an interactive experience can participate in “Space Opera,” a unique performance that blends elements of Dungeons & Dragons-style role-playing with live theater on select Saturdays throughout the month.
For fans of the classics, the Shakespeare in Clark Park troupe continues its tradition of touring with “All’s Well That Ends Well,” alongside Old Academy Players who will present A.R. Gurney’s insightful play, “The Dining Room.”
Here’s a closer look at 11 exciting shows taking to stages across Philadelphia in June:
**All’s Well (That Ends Well)**
Performance Dates: June 5, 6, 14 & 21 | Venue: Shakespeare in Clark Park | Locations: Various parks
This production, known as one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays,” chronicles Helen, a determined physician’s daughter, embarking on a quest to win the love of nobleman Bertram.
Presented free of charge, audiences can catch performances at the Abington Art Center, Valley Creek Park, West Goshen Community Park, and McMichael Park.
**Franklin’s Key**
Performance Dates: June 5-29 | Venue: Pig Iron Theatre Co. | Address: 1714 Delancey St.
An original work, “Franklin’s Key” follows young prodigies, Temple and her brother Arturo, who strive to protect a formidable weather-controlling invention attributed to Ben Franklin.
As they navigate the city’s iconic landmarks, they find themselves in the midst of a conflict between two secret societies, each eager to obtain Franklin’s secrets.
Tickets begin at $29.
**Glitter in the Glass**
Performance Dates: June 5-29 | Venue: Theatre Exile | Address: 1340 S. 13th St.
In this poignant exploration, Chelle, a Black artist, applies for a grant to create a monument after Baltimore officials dismantle a confederate statue.
Her artistic journey takes her back through history to the Middle Passage and beyond, exploring the deep roots of her community.
Tickets are available starting at $40.
**Square Go**
Performance Dates: June 6-22 | Venue: Inis Nua Theatre Co. | Address: 302 S. Hicks St.
In this comedic coming-of-age tale, Max, a student, grapples with the challenge of an after-school fight against a bully, hiding out in the school bathrooms.
With his best friend’s support, he navigates themes of masculinity, family dynamics, and friendship before confronting his fears.
Tickets start at $23.75.
**On My Deen**
Performance Dates: June 6-28 | Venue: InterAct Theatre Co. | Address: 302 S. Hicks St.
Set against the backdrop of 1960s America, the narrative follows Faye as she aligns with the Nation of Islam while her best friend Michael struggles with their differing views on religion and romance.
As life’s circumstances repeatedly bring them together and pull them apart over the ensuing decades, the play delves into identity and connection.
Tickets begin at $38.
**Small Ball**
Performance Dates: June 6-29 | Venue: Philadelphia Theatre Co. | Address: 480 S. Broad St.
In this lively musical co-produced by Daryl Morey, an American basketball player named Michael Jordan joins a diminutive team hailing from a “Gulliver’s Travels” domain.
The story follows Jordan as he navigates the basketball court and media responsibilities, leading his unconventional team.
Tickets are available starting at $38.
**Giovanni’s Room**
Performance Dates: June 7-22 | Venue: Quintessence Theatre | Address: 7137 Germantown Ave.
This adaptation brings James Baldwin’s 1956 novel to life, focusing on an American man’s journey to Paris where he encounters a vibrant queer community and falls for an Italian bartender named Giovanni.
Tickets start at $50.
**A Summer Day**
Performance Dates: June 10-29 | Venue: Wilma Theater | Address: 265 S. Broad St.
An introspective narrative unfolds as an older woman reminisces about a transformative summer from her past, reflecting on the contrasts between country life and her hidden struggles.
Tickets begin at $52.
**The Sisters**
Performance Dates: June 13 & 15 | Venue: Liberty City Arts | Address: 20 N. American St.
Inspired by Amy Lowell’s poem, this show revolves around a composer who reinterprets “The Sisters” as an operatic experience featuring the voices of iconic poets like Sappho, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Emily Dickinson, exploring themes of identity and legacy.
Tickets start at $23.11.
**The Dining Room**
Performance Dates: June 13-29 | Venue: Old Academy Players | Address: 3544 Indian Queen Ln.
Set within a single New England dining room, the play presents 18 distinct scenes from various households, mixing humor with poignant reflections on the changing American middle class.
The production garnered attention as a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 1985, with tickets priced at $25.
**Space Opera**
Performance Dates: June 14, 21 & 28 | Venue: Obvious Agency | Address: 302 Arch St.
Offering a truly immersive experience, “Space Opera” invites theatergoers to participate in a unique show that combines live performance and interactive role-playing.
Participants can join for one show or all three, crafting their characters and influencing the narrative of the unfolding galaxy for tickets starting at $15 for observers and $50 for participants.
image source from：https://www.phillyvoice.com/philadelphia-theater-performances-june-2025-guide/
