PHILADELPHIA, PA — Theatre Exile has announced the highly anticipated return of its Philly GRIT series, running from February 26 through March 15, 2025. Set to take place at the company’s South Philadelphia venue at 1340 S 13th Street, the series delivers four compelling productions that highlight the innovative and daring spirit of Philadelphia’s theatre scene. With shows that range from dark comedy to immersive storytelling, this year’s Philly GRIT series reaffirms Theatre Exile’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries and amplifying diverse voices.
A Season of Provocative Performances
The Philly GRIT series opens on February 26 with Heart Ripped Out Twice And So Can You!, a solo performance by Philadelphia-based artist Linnea Bond. This daring and deeply personal one-hour show blends absurd humor with raw vulnerability, transporting audiences through Bond’s experiences of navigating serious medical challenges, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Described by critics as “achingly funny” and “arresting,” the production runs for multiple dates, including February 26, March 1, 3, 7, 8, and 9.
Continuing the series is KOAL, an intricately crafted solo piece by artist Jacinta Yelland. Running February 27, 28, March 2, 6, and 8, this performance explores the environmental and emotional devastation of the 2019 Australian bushfires through a tapestry of storytelling, documentary theatre, and audience interaction. Guided by Yelland’s evocative narrative and Ethan Mentzer’s original score, KOAL invites audiences to reckon with themes of resilience, climate change, and humanity’s fragile connection to nature.
Adding a playful, satirical edge to the series is American Girl Doll™: The Musical!, a devised cabaret musical by Jackie Soro and Pax Ressler. This inventive one-night-only presentation, on March 10, uses humor and nostalgia to explore themes of identity, gender, and culture through the lens of Mattel’s iconic dolls. Presented as part of Theatre Exile’s Studio X-Hibition new play development program, the performance promises audiences a thought-provoking blend of wit and social critique.
Concluding the 2025 series is Camp Cookie, an intimate and electrifying cabaret on March 15. Crafted and performed by celebrated drag artist Cookie Diorio, this one-hour performance transforms the stage into a communal campfire setting that blends storytelling, music, drag artistry, and audience interaction. Featuring a talented cast and original songs woven with reimagined classics, Camp Cookie celebrates themes of resilience, belonging, and queer identity in a heartwarming and unforgettable finale.
More Than Theatre
This year’s Philly GRIT series extends beyond the stage, offering post-show discussions on March 2 and 6, facilitated by community partners Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania and Philly Thrive. These discussions will spotlight the theme of climate change woven through Heart Ripped Out Twice And So Can You! and KOAL. Additionally, Theatre Exile will host its annual Young Exiles Night for KOAL on February 27, providing young audiences with a unique introduction to the series.
Ticket Information
Single tickets for productions in the Philly GRIT series are now available, with prices starting at $45 for flex pass subscriptions that include three shows. Individual ticket sales opened on September 5 and can be purchased by calling Theatre Exile’s box office at 215-218-4022. Audiences are encouraged to secure their seats early, as many productions in the series are expected to sell out quickly. For more information, visit theatreexile.org.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Philly GRIT series serves as a testament to Theatre Exile’s mission to celebrate Philadelphia’s unfiltered creativity and amplify voices that drive meaningful conversations. With its dynamic lineup of productions, the series continues to set a high bar for innovative and thought-provoking theatre. Whether you’re drawn to dark comedy, immersive storytelling, or vibrant cabaret, Philly GRIT offers an experience for every theatre enthusiast.
Mark your calendars for February 26 through March 15 as Theatre Exile invites audiences to rediscover the power of live performance. This year’s series is bound to captivate, provoke, and inspire, promising an unforgettable season of bold and unapologetic theatre.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.