Film Society Buys Theater

Is there anything quite as tragic as an empty theater? There’s something especially poignant about an abandoned stage, where once singers sang and actors acted and dancers danced to bring artistic joy to the masses. Of course, not every theater can stay open forever. Still, it’s inspiring when a party steps in to ensure that a haven for the arts has a future.

The Prince Music Theater has a new lease on life.

Such is the case with the Prince Music Theater in Center City. For twenty years, the theater has been “a major center for innovative, ambitious musical theater productions” and a significant part of the Philadelphia arts scene. Unfortunately, the 450-seat theater closed in November, leaving the local film community bereft. It seems, however, that the Prince will reign again, thanks to the Philadelphia Film Society.

The PFS bought the Prince Theater for $8 million, and already has its first show in the works. “The Last Jimmy,” a hip hop musical, is due to open on March 18th. Although it is believed that the PFS will eventually rename the theater, it is still known as the Prince Theater for the time being. The Wyncote Foundation, a major arts supporter, put up the money for the purchase.

The purchase was such that the theater will reopen without any debt to its name, which means that the PFS is free to offer the venue to theater companies or film distributors at lower rates than other theaters in the area. That in turn makes the theater more affordable to local groups, who can then pass the savings onto patrons. The end result is that more promising local talent will have a place to shine, and more Philadelphia arts fans will have a chance to see shows live at the theater.