For Immediate Release: February 24, 2006
Media Contact: Megan Wendell, Canary Promotion for the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, 215.242.6393

On Thursday, March 9th Greater Philadelphia area theatres will celebrate the 200th birthday of Edwin Forrest, one of Philadelphia's most famous actors. Mr. Forrest (1806 - 1872) was America's first superstar of the stage and the highest paid actor in the world in the mid-nineteenth century. When this great Philadelphian died, he set aside a majority of his estate to establish a retirement home for actors. The Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia will honor Mr. Forrest by inviting area theatres to collect donations which will be given to The Lillian Booth Actors' Home of the Actors' Fund of America on Shakespeare's birthday, April 23rd.

Mayor John F. Street has also issued a proclamation naming March 9th Edwin Forrest Day saying, "Edwin Forrest is not only remembered for his talent, but for what he did for the American stage and its actors. The legacy of Edwin Forrest lives on today through theatres, schools, including the Edwin Forrest Elementary School in Philadelphia, and competitions that bear his name."

On March 9th, theatre goers can attend the following performances and make donations: Dancing at Lughnasa and Opus at Arden Theatre Company; Love's Fire at City Theatre Company; Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy at Curio Theatre Company; Les Miserables at The Forrest Theatre; The Student Prince at The Media Theatre; Psychopathia Sexualis at Montgomery Theater; The Lady in the Van at Mum Puppettheatre; Our Town at Ritz Theatre Company; and Nine Parts of Desire at The Wilma Theater.

Donations will be collected on other dates at the following performances: Forrest: A Riot of Dreams at Walnut Street Theatre Independence Studio on 3 and Trying at Walnut Street Theatre on March, 18th; and Vietnam 101: The War on Campus presented by Simpatico Theatre Project at the Shubin Theater, March 31st.

Additionally, Walnut Street Theatre, where Mr. Forrest made his debut, is currently presenting an Edwin Forrest exhibit in its lobby as part of a year-long celebration of his 200th birthday. The theatre hosted an Edwin Forrest Playwriting Competition and will premiere in March Forrest: A Riot of Dreams, written by South Philadelphia native Armen Pandola, surrounding the times, triumphs and trials of Mr. Forrest's life.

Mr. Forrest left an indelible mark on the Philadelphia theatre community. The Forrest Theatre was named after him, and New Freedom Theatre now calls his home, its home. In 1872, his country home near modern-day Northeast Philadelphia was transformed into the Edwin Forrest Home for Indigent Actors. The home moved to Philadelphia's Parkside Avenue during the 1920's and again in the 1980's to Englewood, New Jersey where the Actors' Home continues to care for aging performing artists 130 years later.

About the Theatre Alliance
The Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia strengthens and leads the region's richly diverse theatre community, with more than 100 member organizations and 200 individuals, by promoting awareness and serving as a resource for information, professional development and advocacy. For further information, visit www.theatrealliance.org or call the Theatre Alliance at 215-413-7150.

About The Actors' Fund of America
The Actors' Fund of America is the national nonprofit human service organization that provides for the welfare of all entertainment professionals. Founded in 1882, The Fund serves those in film, theater, television, music, opera, and dance, and assists both performers and those behind the scenes with a broad spectrum of programs designed to address the needs of the community, including comprehensive social services, health services, supportive and affordable housing, employment and training services, and skilled nursing and assisted living care. The Fund also makes emergency grants for essential needs. Please visit our website at www.actorsfund.org.

To request interviews, photos and more information, please contact: Megan Wendell, Canary Promotion, office: 215-242-6393, cell: 267-304-2391, email: megan@canarypromo.com.

Go to News Releases»