Historic Philadelphia Playhouse Closes Permanently Next Week
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - After more than 50 years, one of Philadelphia's first community playhouses is closing its doors for good.
The walls of the Society Hill Playhouse at 8th and South Streets are covered in nostalgic evidence of the decades of productions that graced its stage.
"When we started there were no theaters like this," says Deen Kogan, director of the playhouse.
She and her late husband, Jay, founded the playhouse in 1959. The curtains opened in 1960 and since then the stage has hosted hundreds of plays like "The Blacks" and "School House Rock."
Deen broke barriers as a woman director and the theater became one of the first with an integrated cast.
"They're all good memories," says Kogan, "I'm glad that we were able to do what we did."
One of Deen's proudest accomplishments is the Philadelphia Youth Theater. More than 1,200 teenagers came through the program over the course of 25 years. The goal was not to produce actors, but to show young people how to work together.
Some famous names, like actor Kevin Bacon, grew up in PYT. Others, like Richard Roundtree and Sherman Hemsley, got their start at the playhouse.
"There was a lot of collaboration," says Cogan, "it was fun to do...because this was what theater is about, it represents America."
But after 56 years, the building has been sold and will be demolished this summer. Deen is dealing with it.
"What do you want me to do cry?" she asks, "No...No...I won't."
Instead, she's reflecting on the years of wonderful productions and people who brought their stage and cabaret to life.
"It's been a good run, we're sorry to go," says Kogan, "but we are grateful to the community and everyone who's supportive."
On Friday, many of those that are still around will return for a final farewell celebration at 7pm. But it won't be a day of tears, but a time to smile and remember.
"Nothing lasts forever," says Kogan, "but I am glad we were here."
Cogan will move the production company and work near Port Richmond Books.
The Society Hill Playhouse will close its door permanently on April 1st.
