Forrest Theatre

Chicago - Philadelphia PA

Chicago comes to the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia May 12 - 17, 2026!

After 28 years, Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. No wonder Chicago has been honored with 6 Tony® Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations. As we celebrate our 28th anniversary, you’ve got to come see why the name on everyone’s lips is still... Chicago.

HISTORY

The Forrest is a quintessential "road house", used primarily by touring theatre and dance companies. It was built in 1927 to compete with rival A.L. Erlanger’s planned new playhouse at Market and 21st Streets. The Shuberts intended the new playhouse--named after Edwin Forrest, the great Philadelphia born tragic actor of the nineteenth century--to surpass Erlanger's new theatre in terms of size and splendor.

ARCHITECTURE

The Forrest is one of architect Herbert J. Krapp's final theatre designs and also one of his more elaborate. Built at a cost of over $2,000,000, it boasted many modern conveniences including wider seats in the orchestra, a smoking room for both men and ladies in the lower lounge and state of the art ventilation and electrical systems. The interior was sumptuously decorated with gilt Adam detailing and silk brocade. The dressing rooms are housed in a separate building and connected by an underground tunnel to the Forrest’s stage.

Access Information 
Theatre is not completely wheelchair accessible. There are no steps into the theatre from the sidewalk. Please be advised that where there are steps either into or within the theatre, we are unable to provide assistance.

Accessibility by Seating Section 
Orchestra Location: Seating is accessible to all parts of the Orchestra without steps. There are no steps to the designated wheelchair seating location. 

Mezzanine Location: Located on the 2nd Level, up 2 flights of stairs (30 steps). Please Note: The entrance to the 2nd Level is at the east end of the Grand Foyer. 

Rear Mezzanine Location: Located on the 2nd Level, behind the Mezzanine. The upper rear Mezzanine landing has a rear exit which connects with Mezzanine exits in the theatre. There is a total of 66 steps.

Handrails: Available at the end of every stepped seat row in the Mezzanine.

Wheelchair | Companion Seat Locations:Orchestra:
Y115 | Y114, Y113, Y112; Y2 | Y4, Y6, Y8; Y23 | Y21, Y19, Y17; Y27 | X25, X27, X29; G21| G19, G17, G15; G22 | G20, G18, G16

Aisle Seat with Folding Armrest | Companion Locations:
Orchestra: T1 | T3; T2 | T4; V101 | V102; V114 | V113; R28 | R26; R27 | R25; T28 | T26; T29 | T27; V29 | V27
Mezzanine: E101 | E102; E114 | E113

Elevators/Escalator
None Available

Restroom 
There is a wheelchair accessible (unisex) restroom on the street level with no steps.

Water Fountain
Located in the unisex restroom on the main level (accessible).

Theatre Policies
The use of cameras, recording devices, cell phones, beepers, and other electronic devices during the performance is prohibited, except as permitted for accessibility services. Everyone attending a performance must have a ticket. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of management. Wheelchair and mobility-impaired seating is intended for patrons with mobility disabilities. Children under the age of four years will not be admitted. No outside food or beverage permitted, unless medically necessary. No weapons permitted on the premises.

The opening performance was The Red Robe (1928), starring Walter Woolf and Evelyn Herbert. Many musicals, dramas and comedies have been launched from the Forrest. Yiddish Theatre, one man shows, dance programs, Gilbert & Sullivan productions and the Philadelphia Orchestra have all graced this stage.

Some notable Broadway shows which tried-out at this venue before debuting on Broadway include The Music Man (1957), Carnival (1961), Sail Away (1961), Bravo Giovanni (1962), Funny Girl (1964) starring Barbra Streisand, Holly Golightly (1966) —the first show at the Forrest where ticket prices broke $10.00, Golden Rainbow (1967), 70 Girls 70 (1973), Sugar (1972), Brainchild (1974), The Wiz (1974),  Bob Fosse's Chicago (1975) starring Chita Rivera and Gwen Verdon, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave (1976), I Love My Wife (1977), Prince of Grand Street (1978), Sophisticated Ladies (1980) and When Hell Freezes Over I'll Skate (1984).

National tours which began here include Zorba (1969) and A Little Night Music (1974).

THEATRE SPECS

Forrest Theatre, Philadelphia
1114 Walnut Street
Philadelphia PA 19107

SEATING CHART