Go behind the curtain with members of Arden Theatre Company's Sylvan Society! Following is a sampling of recent Sylvan Society events:

On December 5, Arden friends and families gathered for opening night of Peter Pan! The Independence Seaport Museum and the Philadelphia Zoo partnered with us to make the pre-show party a success. Crafts, face painting, and an Arden Drama School class added to the fun. Following the performance, the audience was treated to mint chocolate chip ice cream with 'fairy dust' sprinkles, courtesy of The Franklin Fountain.

The Arden opened their production of Rabbit Hole on Wednesday, October 28. Sylvan Society members were welcomed at a pre-show party hosted at the home of Board member Lynn Martin Haskin and her husband Don Haskin. Following the opening night performance, guests had the opportunity to mingle with the cast during a post-show reception. Rabbit Hole runs through December 20.

The Arden kicked off our 22nd season on September 30 with the opening night of The History Boys. Sylvan Society members gathered at the wine bar at Ristorante Panorama before the show and toasted the new season. Board member and Sylvan Society member Peter and Alta Hamilton were honored during the curtain speech for their tremendous support of the Arden's brand new roof. Guests had the opportunity to mingle with the cast during a post-show reception.

Sylvan members gathered on the evening of September 1 to get a sneak peek at the Arden's 22nd season. Guests enjoyed a family-style dinner (with a British flair!) with the cast and designers of The History Boys, as well as the Arden staff. Following dinner, the cast read through the play for the group on the F. Otto Haas Stage. The read-through was just a glimpse into the full production, which opens on September 30.

On June 5, members of the Sylvan Society participated in an exclusive backstage tour on the set of The Seafarer. Led by Technical Director Glenn Perlman, the tour included a look at lighting, props, costumes, and scenic elements. Following the tour, the group gathered across the street at the Arden's scene shop for a barbeque.

On May 20, the Arden opened their production of Conor McPherson's The Seafarer. Sylvan Society members enjoyed a beer tasting and hors d'oeuvres at Triumph Brewing Company before the show. The production's Honorary Producers, Fred and Emily Anton, were also in attendance at the performance and post-show celebration.

The Arden celebrated the world premiere of Something Intangible by Bruce Graham, which opened on April 15. Sylvan Society members enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at Ristorante Panorama before the show. Prior to the performance, Tom Petro, President and CEO of Fox Chase Bank, expressed his excitement for Fox Chase Bank to serve as the show's production sponsor.

The Show Must Go On, an Arden style game night, was held March 15 at Loews Philadelphia Hotel. 175 guests attended this exciting fundraising event for the Arden and competed in a variety of casino games against actors Jeffrey Coon, Ben Dibble, Scott Greer, and Mary Martello, among others. The evening, which raised $29,500, was chaired by Arden board member Ronna Hall, David Hall of Loews Hotel Philadelphia, and Brian Kappra of Evantine Design.

On March 7, Arden friends and families gathered for opening night of A Year with Frog and Toad! The Philadelphia Zoo and the New Jersey Academy of Aquatic Sciences brought live frogs and toads to share in the festivities. Families participated in crafts and shared a kid-friendly buffet. Following the performance, the audience was treated "Frog" Vanilla and "Toad" Chocolate ice cream (complete with candy tadpoles!), courtesy of The Franklin Fountain.

Members of the Sylvan Society gathered at the Arden on March 3 to kick off the first day of rehearsal for the world premiere production of Bruce Graham's newest play, Something Intangible. Sylvan members shared a family-style dinner with Bruce, the cast, and director Terry Nolen. Guests then had the opportunity to listen to the cast read-through the script, and will receive an invitation to experience the full production on opening night in April.

On February 22, members of the Sylvan Society gathered to hear a performance by the famed Vertigo String Quartet. Formed at Philadelphia's Curtis Institute of Music in 2005, the Vertigo String Quartet won first prize at the 2006 MusicAtri International Competition in Italy. In 2005, the quartet recorded the music for the Arden's Barrymore Award-winning premiere of Michael Hollinger's Opus. Currently the Quartet is in residence at Bergemusic in New York City. Following the performance, the group had dinner with the quartet at Parc Restaurant in Rittenhouse Square. Before dinner, Terry Nolen presented the quartet with their 2006 Barrymore Award.

The Arden has commissioned a brand new musical by Philadelphia favorites Michael Hollinger (Red Herring, Opus) and Michael Ogborn (Baby Case) and held a sing-through of the play after a week-long workshop on January 27. Sylvan Society members were invited to hear the piece and stay for a wine and dessert reception with the cast in the Independence Foundation Studio. Cast members included Scott Greer, Ben Dibble, Mary Martello, Liz Filios, and more.

The Arden celebrated the opening night of My Name Is Asher Lev on January 14, kicking off the world premiere production of the Arden's very first commissioned work. Adapted and directed by Arden co-founder Aaron Posner, the play is based on the book of the same name by Chaim Potok. Sylvan Society members enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at Patou Restaurant and Bar prior to the 7:00pm performance. Honorary Producers Carole Haas Gravagno and Virginia and Harvey Kimmel said a few words at the pre-show party.

The Arden kicked off the 2008/09 Children's Theatre season on Saturday, December 13th with the opening of James and the Giant Peach. Families celebrated before the performance with a kid-friendly buffet and tons of activities, including crafts with the Arden's Education department. Three community partners participated in the event, including Spiral Q Puppet Theater, Bartram's Garden, and the Philadelphia Zoo. Following the performance, guests sampled a tasty treat courtesy of The Franklin Fountain.

The Arden opened their production of Gee's Bend on October 15, and Sylvan Society members began the celebration in Old City at the home of Lynn and Don Haskin, longtime supporters of the Arden. Produced in conjunction with the Philadelphia Museum of Art's exhibit: Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt, the play is the true story of the Pettway women of Gee's Bend, Alabama whose quilts became beautiful works of art.

On September 17, the Arden kicked off its 21st season with a rousing opening night celebration of Candide. Sylvan Society members gathered for a pre-show party at The Clay Studio on 2nd Street, with fabulous hors d'oeuvres by M Catering. Honorary Producers Barbara and Leslie Kaplan raised their glasses to toast the new season before guests headed to the theatre. The Arden was thrilled to welcome three of Leonard Bernstein's children to the performance: Alexander and Jamie Bernstein, and Nina Bernstein Simmons.

On June 6, the Arden's biennial fundraising gala grossed $123,325 through ticket sales, table sponsorships, donations, and silent and live auctions. Nearly 300 attendees enjoyed a memorable evening at the Arden's home in Old City, including delicious cuisine, a cabaret starring some of Philadelphia's most talented theatre artists, and dancing to the lively music of LeRoy Hawkes and the Hipnotics. Tony Braithwaite, celebrated Philadelphia actor and Arden favorite, emceed a live auction. Harvey Kimmel and Arden Board Member Virginia Kimmel co-chaired the event, and fellow Board Member Ronna F. Hall served as special events committee chair. Michael A. Donato of Susquehanna Patriot Bank and Peter R. Sonzogni of World Travel were auction co-chairs. The evening's honoree was J. William Mills, III, President of the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region of PNC Bank.

The capstone of the Arden's 20th Anniversary Season, Our Town in Old City opened on May 28. A true celebration of community, the Arden partnered with Christ Church to produce an Our Town unlike any other; throughout the run of the show 108 community guests and 36 community choirs will participate. Prior to the performance, Sylvan members gathered in Christ Church North Garden and enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails complements of Fork Restaurant. Linda Kurtz of CN8 interviewed Terry Nolen, Greg Wood, Chioma Dunkley, and Tappan Wilder, among others for their Red Carpet show. A special guest appearance by Honorary Producer Governor Edward G. Rendell delighted opening night patrons.

On May 6, members of the Sylvan Society attended the first read-through of our 20th Anniversary Season Finale, Our Town in Old City. Prior to the reading, attendees enjoyed a "Philadelphia-style" dinner with Terry Nolen and the cast. Then members experienced the treasures of Christ Church as Executive Director Don Smith led a tour of Philadelphia and English artifacts dating back to 1695. Guests then walked back to the Arden for the read-through of Our Town.

On April 19, families gathered for opening night of Go, Dog. Go! and shared a kid-friendly buffet, craft making and some quality time together. Members of Spiral Q Puppet Theater brought interesting puppets and props to entertain children, and adults! Following the performance, the audience was treated to an ice cream bar, thanks to Franklin Fountain. Go, Dog. Go! is adapted from the book of the same title by P.D. Eastman and features six agile actors in a veritable canine cabaret filled with acrobatics, music and physical comedy.

On April 8, Diane Dalto and Richard Woosnam hosted a preview party for the Arden's 20th Anniversary Granfalloon, which will take place on Friday, June 6, from 6pm-Midnight at our home in Old City. The Woosnams are longtime supporters of the Arden and Diane is a member of the Board. Granfalloon is the Arden's biennial fundraising event named after a word coined by writer Kurt Vonnegut, meaning a gathering of like-minded individuals. Granfalloon Host Committee members and sponsors enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres by Catering By Design, who will also be catering the 2008 Granfalloon. Barrymore Award-winner Ben Dibble entertained the guests by singing a few songs from the Arden's upcoming production of Candide, and Arden favorite artists Kala Moses Baxter, Scott Greer, Tom McCarthy and Greg Wood were also in attendance. Granfalloon tickets, corporate sponsorships and program ads are available by contacting Angela DuRoss, Development Manager, at 215.922.8900 x25 or aduross@ardentheatre.org.

The Arden rang in the New Year with a brand new play! David Davalos' Wittenberg opened on January 23, marking the Arden's 28th world premiere play. Wittenberg was workshopped last season at the Arden under the auspices of the Independence Foundation New Play Showcase, and features Shawn Fagan, Scott Greer, Kate Udall and Greg Wood in a smart battle of wits. Prior to the performance, Sylvan members gathered at Triada Restaurant and Lounge on Market Street for cocktails, where Jim Schermerhorn of Fox Chase Bank spoke of their sponsorship of the production and commitment to supporting the arts.

On December 1, Sylvan members were invited to a reading of Chaim Potok's My Name Is Asher Lev, adapted and directed by Arden co-founder Aaron Posner, and featuring Eric Hissom, Karl Miller and Suzanne O'Donnell. The reading was co-produced with Two River Theater Company in Red Bank, NJ, where Aaron serves as Artistic Director. The Arden produced the world premiere of Aaron's and Potok's adaptation of Potok's novel The Chosen during our 1998-99 season. Since then, The Chosen has been produced throughout the country. The Arden commissioned Aaron to write My Name Is Asher Lev in 2006 as part of the Independence Foundation New Play Showcase.

The Arden launched its second production of the season with a rousing opening night celebration of An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf, by local playwright Michael Hollinger. Before the performance, Sylvan members gathered at the hip Triumph Brewing Company on Chestnut Street for cocktails, where the production's Honorary Producer, Fred Anton, said a few words about his passion for Michael's work over the years. Following the performance, 200 guests shared a lovely French-inspired spread and celebrated the opening of this lovely play.

Over 400 Arden friends and supporters kicked off the Arden's 20th anniversary season at the opening night of Assassins on September 19. Sylvan Society members gathered before the performance at Ristorante Panorama on Front Street for a celebratory pre-show party, where Terry Nolen welcomed the group and thanked them for their support. Following the performance, the opening night crowd raised a glass of champagne to the 20th anniversary season, in a toast led by Arden co-founders Amy Murphy, Terry Nolen, and Aaron Posner. The Arden received a special visit from the folks at the Mütter Museum, who brought two specimens that had never before left the museum! The thorax of John Wilkes Booth and the brain of Charles Guiteau were on display during the post-show reception.

Over fifty Sylvan Society members were treated to a family-style dinner with Terry Nolen and the cast of Assassins on August 21 before heading into the Haas Theatre to enjoy the very first sing-through of the show. Sylvan members shared a meal of BBQ and cornbread (in all-American style) with cast members such as Ben Dibble, Jeff Coon, Jay Pierce, and Mary Martello. The cast then made their way onto the expansive set – still a work-in-progress – to sing-through Sondheim's challenging score. All who attended got a sneak-peek of this exciting 20th Anniversary season opener!

On Wednesday, August 1, a group of thirty board, Sylvan Society and staff members boarded a bus for New York to see a production of Michael Hollinger's Opus (which premiered at the Arden during the 2005/06 season). In celebration of the show's off-Broadway premiere and Terry Nolen's off-Broadway directorial debut, our Arden group enjoyed dinner at the Cinema Café with Terry and Michael before walking over to Primary Stages' 59E59 Theater. Following the performance, we raised a glass of champagne along with the cast of Opus to toast a successful run.

Last Spring, Sylvan Society members Nancy and Al Hirsig hosted a party in their Haverford home to bring together two distinguished Philadelphia groups: Arden Theatre Company's Sylvan Society and the Rosenbach Museum & Library's Delancey Society. The groups came together to celebrate a love for the work of Lewis Carroll. The Arden was about to open Lookingglass Theatre's production of Lookingglass Alice, a fantastical, acrobatic adaptation of two of Lewis Carroll's most beloved works and the Rosenbach spoke about their Lewis Carroll collection, including rare manuscripts and illustrations from Carroll's books.