Photo by Rebecca Gudelunas

Curio’s 2018-2019 season is coming to an end with a bang. Beginning this Saturday, the West Philadelphia theatre company will present Shakespeare’s timeless play “The Winter’s Tale,” where the audience will be taken on a journey with the actors. The audience will be invited to go outside to the theatre’s backyard space for part of the play. The space will also function as a place to gather and enjoy a glass of wine or beer or other beverages before and even during the show!

“We’re doing something new and adventurous with this production and that is that we’re going to ask our audience to go on a literal journey with us!” said Curio Company Member Liz Carlson-Guerin, who directs the show. “… this is a play about community and a celebration of our community. We are incredibly lucky to have such a loyal and adventurous audience in West Philly and we strive to create spaces and experiences for our neighbors to come together, share a story, go on an adventure…” 

The show is the first opportunity for Curio to try their new, more inclusive ticketing initiative, CuriosiTix: Play it forward. Here’s how it works (from the Curio website):

“Audience members will be able to go online or call the box office to make a reservation as usual. But—and here is the big change—no payment for the tickets will be required in order to reserve your seats. Although not required, patrons have the option to give money towards their reservation (and perhaps their neighbor’s!) when they reserve. Audience members who would like to “play it forward” may do so online as well as before and after the performance at the box office.”

More information about this new program can be found here.

The Winter’s Tale previews began Wednesday and will run through this Friday. The opening night is Saturday, April 27th, and closing night is May 18th. All performances are at 8 p.m. (except for Saturday Matinee on May 11 at 2 p.m.). For more information and to reserve your tickets, go to: www.curiotheatre.org/the-winters-tale.html.