Honoring Philadelphia Theatre Company on the opening of its new home, the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, which culminates 32 years of dedication to the genius and diversity of the American playwright, 10 years of searching for a permanent home, and three years of planning for an important and useful new performing venue for the region and for the advancement of American theater.

WHEREAS, Philadelphia Theatre Company takes center stage on the Avenue of the Arts with a new permanent and prominent home at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia Theatre Company is the gateway to new American theater in Philadelphia, presenting world, American, or Philadelphia premieres of major works by contemporary American playwrights, emphasizing the rich tradition, unique perspective, and cultural diversity of the American experience; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia Theatre Company has produced more than 120 Philadelphia and world premieres of star-studded, award-winning American plays and musicals by our nation’s leading playwrights, has become home to dozens of nationally recognized artists, and has received 34 awards from Philadelphia’s Barrymore Awards; and

WHEREAS, With this new home, Philadelphia Theatre Company now has the opportunity to achieve its long-term goals: produce a wider range of productions; increase the size and diversity of its audience; provide a venue for its revitalized Theater School; meet the needs of audience members with physical challenges; respond to the demand for new plays by contemporary American playwrights; increase its visibility regionally and nationally; increase earned revenue from additional seats, extended runs and rental of its facilities; maintain long-term collaborative partnerships with businesses, social service agencies, and sister organizations in the performing arts; and contribute to the cultural vitality of the Greater Philadelphia region and the expanded revitalization of Broad Street; and

WHEREAS, The Suzanne Roberts Theatre is a dazzling, state-of-the-art facility including a 365-seat Mainstage auditorium that boasts a beautiful, intimate theater experience; exterior and lobby spaces that engage in a reciprocal relationship between the vibrancy of the Theatre and the life on the street; dramatic two tier level reception areas with commanding views of the City; and the entire Theatre is the most accessible of its type in the region; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia Theatre Company’s new home is named in honor of actress, Emmy-award winning television host, activist, and philanthropist Suzanne Roberts; and

WHEREAS, The Suzanne Roberts Theatre is a symbol of the continued growth of the Avenue of the Arts, and stands as eloquent testimony to Suzanne’s artistic vision and to the vital role she has played in enabling Philadelphia Theatre Company and the community to embark on a bold new future with confidence; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Philadelphia Theatre Company on the opening of its new home at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Philadelphia Theatre Company as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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