Just outside Center City’s bright lights, The Media Theatre for Performing Arts is a restored 1927-era theater on State Street that pairs Broadway-caliber talent with ’20s charm. From musicals and plays to immersive experiences such as murder-mystery nights that add a more experimental edge, it has built a reputation for ambitious programming and fresh productions year-round.
This season, Candlelight brings more tributes to The Media Theatre, celebrating Coldplay, Whitney Houston, ABBA, Bridgerton’s most defining scores, and more under the warm glow of thousands of candles.
Background on Media Theatre
The Media Theatre started out as a grand movie palace in 1927, the largest cinema in the borough of Media. It boasts English Renaissance-style interiors, grand chandeliers and a classic single-screen auditorium. In the early 1990s, a local developer spearheaded a major renovation that transformed the historic cinema into a live-performance venue, reopening in 1994 with a production of My Fair Lady. This ushered a new era as a theater company, combining mainstage productions with a strong education program for young performers.
What can you do at The Media Theatre for the Performing Arts?
The Media Theatre now specializes in live performing arts rather than film, with a season that leans heavily into Broadway-style musicals and plays. Currently on are Young Frankenstein and Annie. This spring, theater kids can also look forward to a musical production of Fun Home, Dolly Parton’s smash-hit musical 9 to 5, and The Lion King JR, performed by the Youth Ensemble. Additionally, music lovers can see Candlelight concerts that reimagine iconic songs, scores and compositions in a new light, as the musicians are surrounded by thousands of candles.
Where is The Media Theatre and how to get there?
The theater is located in the small borough of Media, in Delaware County, about 20 miles west of central Philadelphia. From there, it’s conveniently reached by rail. What’s more, SEPTA Route 101 trolley runs between 69th Street Transportation Center and Media. There is a stop at Monroe Street and State Street, directly in front of the theater.
What shows are playing at this Philly theater?
Besides musicals and Candlelight, other Media Theatre upcoming events include The Jury Experience, an immersive courtroom drama that puts participants in the jury box, and Ballet of Lights, a glowing ballet production of classic fairy tales, where the ballet dancers wear glow-in-the-dark costumes that highlight their every move.
How can you I get tickets?
You can buy tickets online any time and the box office at the theater opens Wednesday-Friday, from 11am to 4pm. Sundays with a matinee showing, opening hours are 11am through the end of the performance. If the event is organized by Fever, visit Fever’s website to purchase tickets.
Is there nearby parking?
The closest option is the paid municipal lot immediately next to the theatre at Gayley Street and State Street, but additional lots include the Front Street Lot, Baltimore Avenue Garage, Olive Street Lot, and Orange Street Lot.
Nearby venues
There are several notable venues within easy driving distance, including World Café Live, Penn Museum and The Franklin Institute. If you’re looking for restaurants near the Media Theatre for a post-show meal, there are many great Italian restaurants nearby, such as Spasso Italian Grill, Fellini Café of Media and Pinocchio’s Restaurant.
What’s more, if you’re going to the theater to attend a captivating Candlelight concert, The Media Theatre for Performing Arts is only one of the gorgeous locations in Philly where you can enjoy your favorite melodies by candlelight.