The Academy of Music: A Brief History of Philadelphia’s Iconic Venue
Plus What’s Playing This Season!
Opening in 1857, The Academy of Music is Philadelphia's oldest and most historic live arts venue. Designed by architects Gustavus Runge and Napoleon Le Brun, it features a horseshoe layout and was specifically designed for world-class acoustics.
Since its creation, it has been hosting the best of the best when it comes to live entertainment. Its inaugural production was Verdi's Il Trovatore, and it quickly rose to prominence as a cornerstone of American opera. The venue hosted U.S. premieres of iconic works such as Wagner's The Flying Dutchman and Gounod's Faust, solidifying its reputation as a cultural powerhouse.
In 1900, The Academy of Music became the beacon of classical music in Philly when it became the home of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Due to the building's acoustics and sound quality, there have been multiple iconic recordings made within the Academy, including the soundtrack for Disney's Fantasia, using a multi-track stereophonic sound system.
Over 150 years since its inception, Philadelphia's Academy of Music is at the forefront of entertainment within the city, hosting the best in theatre and comedy. Let's take a look at the best Broadway shows this season!
What's On: 2025/26
Six
Sept 30 - Oct 5, 2025
Henry VIII's six wives are stepping out from the big man's shadow to take their turn in the spotlight in this epically good new musical! Created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, SIX is a celebration of girl power - from the 16th Century to today - and debuted on the West End in 2018 to fantastic reviews. With an infectious songbook and costumes to make Gaga or Queen Bey jealous, this outstanding show pushes the boundaries of musical theatre! Much like Hamilton, Six injects its historical story with modern-day attitudes and modern-day music, serving up a dizzying whirl of pop and comedy, and an all-female cast. Don't miss it!
Kimberly Akimbo
Oct 21 - Nov 2, 2025
Full of heart, humor, and unforgettable moments, Kimberly Akimbo was a critical hit on its Broadway premiere and went on to win five 2023 Tony Awards, including the coveted Best New Musical, Best Book of A Musical, and Best Original Score. With a soundtrack that blends cabaret classical, jazz, folk, and rock, discover Kimberly's poignant tale as she navigates her teenage life with a rare aging disease.
Back To The Future: The Musical
Nov 18 - 30, 2025
The hit 80's franchise is the latest movie sensation to receive a Broadway musical adaptation. The production follows Marty McFly and kooky scientist Doc Brown as they travel through space and time, finding themselves in a series of mishaps. Will these two-time travelers ever find their way back home?
Conceived by the film's original creators (Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale), this brand-new musical adaptation is directed by John Rando with a book by Bob Gale and original music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard. Some songs from the franchise's original soundtrack, like "The Power Of Love" and "Johnny B Goode", also.
Suffs
Jan 6 - 18, 2026
The 2024 Tony Winner for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score! A century ago, Suffragette women in the United States were fighting for the right to vote. 100 years later, SUFFS, directed by Leigh Silverman and written by Shaina Taub, the most exciting new voice in theater, won two Tony Awards in 2024 for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score and has even been backed by Hilary Clinton!
Clue
Jan 20 - 25, 2026
Was it Colonel Mustard in the dining room with the candlestick, or Mrs White in the library with the revolver? You'll find out in Clue, a hilarious murder mystery comedy based on the classic board game, and the 1985 cult movie version starring Tim Curry. Adapted for the stage by Jonathan Lynn, it's a hugely inventive new spin on the property, leading its cast of colorful characters from room to room in a whirlwind of slapstick comedy and theatrical verve.
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Feb 11 - 22, 2026
Step into the enchanting world of Belle and the Beast as one of the most beloved musicals of our time embarks on a thrilling national tour in 2025! Based on Disney's iconic animated classic, Beauty and the Beast has captivated over 35 million audience members around the globe since its debut in 1994. With timeless songs like "Be Our Guest" and the unforgettable title track, plus additional show-stopping numbers, this production weaves a tale as magical as ever.
The Sound of Music
Mar 31 - Apr 5, 2026
The hills are alive...you know the rest. Everyone's favorite tale of nannies, nuns, and Nazis is heading out on a fresh North American tour. The last show written by legendary duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, this iconic musical boasts a score that reads like the Greatest Hits of musical theatre, with songs including 'My Favourite Things', 'Edelweiss' and 'Do-Re-Mi'. It's inspired an Oscar-winning movie, a tv talent show and, as the 18 million viewers who tuned in to see NBC's live special prove, remains an incredibly popular piece of American pop culture.
Chicago - The Musical
May 12 - 17, 2026
A Broadway phenomenon since its inception in 1975, Chicago puts the BAD in, well bad-ass dames. A scorching musical satire on celebrity and crime, Chicago is a fearless portrayal of the pursuit of infamy that rings true in any decade. Set in 1920s Chicago, the tale focuses on two women both accused of murdering their lovers, and their insidious journey to freedom, justice be damned. The world's longest musical revival is currently on a hugely successful North American tour, so break out the fish-nets, tap shoes and practice your jazz hands!
The Outsiders
May 26 - Jun 7, 2026
Based on S.E Hilton's 1967 novel and Francis Ford Coppola's era-defining motion picture The Outsiders follows a gang of young greasers as they cling to survival. Make sure to catch it on tour in 2025 after sweeping the 2024 Tony Awards with 12 nominations and four wins!
The Outsiders features music and lyrics by Jamestown Revival and a book by the award-winning Adam Rapp. This brand new stage adaptation is directed by Danya Taymor and features choreography by the Kuperman brothers; Rick Kuperman and Jeff Kuperman.
The Notebook
Jul 21 - Aug 2, 2026
This brand-new musical made its Broadway debut in 2024 and now audiences across the country can enjoy The Notebook as it heads out on a national tour! It's been sixteen years since Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams first set screens alight as Allie and Noah in The Notebook, but romance fans are in for a song-and-dance treat when this beloved story comes to a stage near you! Featuring music and lyrics from American singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, a book by Bekkah Bruntstetter (Cake, This Is Us) and direction from Tony nominee Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Rent).
