Quintessence Theatre at the Sedgwick
@quintessencephl.bsky.social
As Philadelphia’s text-based actor-focused repertory theatre, Quintessence re-envisions the classics to inspire our community to consider what is essential in theatre and in human nature.
James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room is now Barrymore Recommended & extending (again!) due to demand! Woo-hoo, and thank you Philly!! www.quintessencetheatre.org
Quintessence Theatre Group
Building a classical repertory theatre in Philadelphia. Classical theatre for the contemporary stage.
www.quintessencetheatre.org
June 21, 2025 at 4:04 PM
James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room is now Barrymore Recommended & extending (again!) due to demand! Woo-hoo, and thank you Philly!! www.quintessencetheatre.org
Word is out – Mark Povinelli as Benjamin Lay “plays the radical activist with verve and vigor!” And we’ve only got a few tickets left — most remaining shows have already sold out! Don’t sleep on this one, folks!
May 14, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Word is out – Mark Povinelli as Benjamin Lay “plays the radical activist with verve and vigor!” And we’ve only got a few tickets left — most remaining shows have already sold out! Don’t sleep on this one, folks!
“[Mark] Povinelli balances Lay’s unapologetic radicalism with earnestness and levity; at times breaking the fourth wall like a stand-up comedian and prompting responses from the audience.” From your mouth to God’s ears, @inquirer.com! 📜
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
May 13, 2025 at 7:41 PM
“[Mark] Povinelli balances Lay’s unapologetic radicalism with earnestness and levity; at times breaking the fourth wall like a stand-up comedian and prompting responses from the audience.” From your mouth to God’s ears, @inquirer.com! 📜
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
Take a look at this crew!! 🥰 Our friends, @broadwaybekahchica.bsky.social and @shamrockenroll on IG, joined us Friday night for another fantastic performance by @markpovinelli.bsky.social in The Return of Benjamin Lay.
May 12, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Take a look at this crew!! 🥰 Our friends, @broadwaybekahchica.bsky.social and @shamrockenroll on IG, joined us Friday night for another fantastic performance by @markpovinelli.bsky.social in The Return of Benjamin Lay.
Friends, could we be blushing any harder?! The Chestnut Hill Local’s Hugh Hunter wrote a stunning review of The Return of Benjamin Lay, now on stage. Read the full review now: chestnuthilllocal.com/stories/the-return-of-benjamin-lay-is-a-fiery-call-to-conscience,36682
‘The Return of Benjamin Lay’ is a fiery call to conscience - The Chestnut Hill Local
"The Return of Benjamin Lay,” now running at Quintessence Theatre Group’s Sedgwick Theater, feels more like an event than a play.
chestnuthilllocal.com
May 9, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Friends, could we be blushing any harder?! The Chestnut Hill Local’s Hugh Hunter wrote a stunning review of The Return of Benjamin Lay, now on stage. Read the full review now: chestnuthilllocal.com/stories/the-return-of-benjamin-lay-is-a-fiery-call-to-conscience,36682
Reposted by Quintessence Theatre at the Sedgwick
Our actor Mark Povinelli in Benjamin Lay’s cave in Abington, PA where the radical abolitionist lived for years. Join us for our play, *The Return of Benjamin Lay*, at @quintessencephl.bsky.social through May 18.
www.quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofb...
www.quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofb...
May 8, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Our actor Mark Povinelli in Benjamin Lay’s cave in Abington, PA where the radical abolitionist lived for years. Join us for our play, *The Return of Benjamin Lay*, at @quintessencephl.bsky.social through May 18.
www.quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofb...
www.quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofb...
We are here for this standing O!! 👏 Our strictly limited run of The Return of Benjamin Lay continues through Sunday, May 18 – and tickets are going fast. Don’t miss this, Philly!
May 7, 2025 at 7:21 PM
We are here for this standing O!! 👏 Our strictly limited run of The Return of Benjamin Lay continues through Sunday, May 18 – and tickets are going fast. Don’t miss this, Philly!
Honestly, we haven’t stopped smiling since reading Alix Rosenfeld’s review of The Return of Benjamin Lay for Broad Street Review!
Read Alix’s full review of Mark Povinelli’s award-winning performance now: www.broadstreetreview.com/reviews/quin...
Read Alix’s full review of Mark Povinelli’s award-winning performance now: www.broadstreetreview.com/reviews/quin...
Quintessence Theater Group and Playhouse Creatures Theatre Company…
Quintessence brings the story of a revolutionary Quaker activist back to Philadelphia with a powerful production of The Return of Benjamin Lay ,…
www.broadstreetreview.com
May 7, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Honestly, we haven’t stopped smiling since reading Alix Rosenfeld’s review of The Return of Benjamin Lay for Broad Street Review!
Read Alix’s full review of Mark Povinelli’s award-winning performance now: www.broadstreetreview.com/reviews/quin...
Read Alix’s full review of Mark Povinelli’s award-winning performance now: www.broadstreetreview.com/reviews/quin...
We 100% stan artist and activist @quakerpirate.bsky.social. His gorg print honoring Benjamin Lay's radical empathy can be seen IRL before or after a performance of The Return of Benjamin Lay in our companion art exhibition. Don't miss it!
May 5, 2025 at 4:14 PM
We 100% stan artist and activist @quakerpirate.bsky.social. His gorg print honoring Benjamin Lay's radical empathy can be seen IRL before or after a performance of The Return of Benjamin Lay in our companion art exhibition. Don't miss it!
Reposted by Quintessence Theatre at the Sedgwick
We had a wildly enthusiastic opening of *The Return of Benjamin Lay* last night at the @quintessencephl.bsky.social in Philadelphia, after which the audience cheered Mark Povinelli and did not want him to leave the stage! The play runs through May 18.
www.quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofb...
www.quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofb...
May 4, 2025 at 1:40 PM
We had a wildly enthusiastic opening of *The Return of Benjamin Lay* last night at the @quintessencephl.bsky.social in Philadelphia, after which the audience cheered Mark Povinelli and did not want him to leave the stage! The play runs through May 18.
www.quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofb...
www.quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofb...
Reposted by Quintessence Theatre at the Sedgwick
I am thrilled to say that our very own Mark Povinelli has been nominated for a prestigious New York Drama Desk Award for "Outstanding Solo Performance" in *The Return of Benjamin Lay*. Congratulations, Mark! The play continues at @quintessencephl.bsky.social in Philadelphia through May 18. Join us!
May 3, 2025 at 11:06 AM
I am thrilled to say that our very own Mark Povinelli has been nominated for a prestigious New York Drama Desk Award for "Outstanding Solo Performance" in *The Return of Benjamin Lay*. Congratulations, Mark! The play continues at @quintessencephl.bsky.social in Philadelphia through May 18. Join us!
First performance is HERE! Don't be left out. Check out our opening weekend schedule of shows, book signings, and free events below for The Return of Benjamin Lay:
📆 Thurs, May 1– 7pm
📆 Fri, May 2– 7:30pm
📆 Sat, May 3– 2pm
📆 Sat, May 3– 7:30pm
📆 Sun, May 4– 3pm
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
📆 Thurs, May 1– 7pm
📆 Fri, May 2– 7:30pm
📆 Sat, May 3– 2pm
📆 Sat, May 3– 7:30pm
📆 Sun, May 4– 3pm
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
May 1, 2025 at 4:24 PM
First performance is HERE! Don't be left out. Check out our opening weekend schedule of shows, book signings, and free events below for The Return of Benjamin Lay:
📆 Thurs, May 1– 7pm
📆 Fri, May 2– 7:30pm
📆 Sat, May 3– 2pm
📆 Sat, May 3– 7:30pm
📆 Sun, May 4– 3pm
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
📆 Thurs, May 1– 7pm
📆 Fri, May 2– 7:30pm
📆 Sat, May 3– 2pm
📆 Sat, May 3– 7:30pm
📆 Sun, May 4– 3pm
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
Reposted by Quintessence Theatre at the Sedgwick
It is entirely appropriate that on this Mayday our play, *The Return of Benjamin Lay*, should have its first public performance at the @quintessencephl.bsky.social in Philadelphia! Here through May 18; join us! And have a happy international workers’ day!
www.quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofb...
www.quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofb...
May 1, 2025 at 11:03 AM
It is entirely appropriate that on this Mayday our play, *The Return of Benjamin Lay*, should have its first public performance at the @quintessencephl.bsky.social in Philadelphia! Here through May 18; join us! And have a happy international workers’ day!
www.quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofb...
www.quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofb...
Why not get a jump start on our semiquincentennial with The Return of Benjamin Lay!? Celebrate Philly's history with a story almost no one knows.
Our strictly limited run begins TOMORROW to May 18. Secure your tickets before they run out! Tap here: quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofbenjaminlay
Our strictly limited run begins TOMORROW to May 18. Secure your tickets before they run out! Tap here: quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofbenjaminlay
April 30, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Why not get a jump start on our semiquincentennial with The Return of Benjamin Lay!? Celebrate Philly's history with a story almost no one knows.
Our strictly limited run begins TOMORROW to May 18. Secure your tickets before they run out! Tap here: quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofbenjaminlay
Our strictly limited run begins TOMORROW to May 18. Secure your tickets before they run out! Tap here: quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofbenjaminlay
Hot off the presses! @phillyvoice.com's Kristin Hunt sat down with our leading man, @markpovinelli.bsky.social, to share his take one of our very local heroes – you may have never heard of – Benjamin Lay.
Read the full story: www.phillyvoice.com/return-of-be...
Read the full story: www.phillyvoice.com/return-of-be...
Play about a confrontational Quaker abolitionist in Philly in the 1700s is a show 'for the moment'
Benjamin Lay inspired his congregation to turn against slavery. His story is coming to Quintessence Theatre in May.
www.phillyvoice.com
April 30, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Hot off the presses! @phillyvoice.com's Kristin Hunt sat down with our leading man, @markpovinelli.bsky.social, to share his take one of our very local heroes – you may have never heard of – Benjamin Lay.
Read the full story: www.phillyvoice.com/return-of-be...
Read the full story: www.phillyvoice.com/return-of-be...
Philly is all about history, but The Return of Benjamin Lay isn't just for history buffs. 🙅♀️ We're Ben fans because he fought injustice, went up against the powers, and ignored all the doubters. Sound like Philly?
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
April 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Philly is all about history, but The Return of Benjamin Lay isn't just for history buffs. 🙅♀️ We're Ben fans because he fought injustice, went up against the powers, and ignored all the doubters. Sound like Philly?
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
Reposted by Quintessence Theatre at the Sedgwick
Here is another preview of our play, *The Return of Benjamin Lay*, which will be staged at the @quintessencephl.bsky.social May 1-18. Please join us and help spread the word to people in and around Philadelphia!
billypenn.com/2025/04/24/s...
billypenn.com/2025/04/24/s...
‘The Return of Benjamin Lay’ gives big props to one of history’s Little People
The Sedgwick Theater’s new production tackles dwarfism and Quakers’ uncomfortable connection to slavery in the 19th century.
billypenn.com
April 25, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Here is another preview of our play, *The Return of Benjamin Lay*, which will be staged at the @quintessencephl.bsky.social May 1-18. Please join us and help spread the word to people in and around Philadelphia!
billypenn.com/2025/04/24/s...
billypenn.com/2025/04/24/s...
"Are you... willing to go to jail for conscience?" –The Return of Benjamin Lay
🎟️ Performances: May 1 to May 18
📸: Robert Boulton
🎟️ Performances: May 1 to May 18
📸: Robert Boulton
April 24, 2025 at 3:22 PM
"Are you... willing to go to jail for conscience?" –The Return of Benjamin Lay
🎟️ Performances: May 1 to May 18
📸: Robert Boulton
🎟️ Performances: May 1 to May 18
📸: Robert Boulton
The Return of Benjamin Lays stars veteran of the stage and screen, Mark Povinelli. For 70 straight minutes, Mark commands the stage as Benjamin Lay, transporting the audience to his 1700s world.
📸: Robert Boulton
📸: Robert Boulton
April 22, 2025 at 9:37 PM
The Return of Benjamin Lays stars veteran of the stage and screen, Mark Povinelli. For 70 straight minutes, Mark commands the stage as Benjamin Lay, transporting the audience to his 1700s world.
📸: Robert Boulton
📸: Robert Boulton
Reposted by Quintessence Theatre at the Sedgwick
Here is our first preview for the opening of *The Return of Benjamin Lay* at Quintessence Theatre (@quintessencephl.bsky.social) in Philadelphia May 1 — a play “for the moment!
www.phillyvoice.com/return-of-be...
www.phillyvoice.com/return-of-be...
Play about a confrontational Quaker abolitionist in Philly in the 1700s is a show 'for the moment'
Benjamin Lay inspired his congregation to turn against slavery. His story is coming to Quintessence Theatre in May.
www.phillyvoice.com
April 22, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Here is our first preview for the opening of *The Return of Benjamin Lay* at Quintessence Theatre (@quintessencephl.bsky.social) in Philadelphia May 1 — a play “for the moment!
www.phillyvoice.com/return-of-be...
www.phillyvoice.com/return-of-be...
Eager to learn more about our protagonist before you see The Return of Benjamin Lay on our stage? We support local indie booksellers!
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
April 21, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Eager to learn more about our protagonist before you see The Return of Benjamin Lay on our stage? We support local indie booksellers!
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
Who was Benjamin Lay, you ask? He was a 4ft “David” who confronted the “Goliath” of slavery – years before mainstream abolitionists arrived on the historic scene. 📖
📸: Robert Boulton
📸: Robert Boulton
April 19, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Who was Benjamin Lay, you ask? He was a 4ft “David” who confronted the “Goliath” of slavery – years before mainstream abolitionists arrived on the historic scene. 📖
📸: Robert Boulton
📸: Robert Boulton
2025. In the silence of a Quaker meeting house, Benjamin Lay – shepherd, sailor, revolutionary, and the British Empire's first revolutionary abolitionist – returns from the grave almost 300 years after his death, as feisty and unpredictable as ever. 📜
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
April 18, 2025 at 4:50 PM
2025. In the silence of a Quaker meeting house, Benjamin Lay – shepherd, sailor, revolutionary, and the British Empire's first revolutionary abolitionist – returns from the grave almost 300 years after his death, as feisty and unpredictable as ever. 📜
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
Reposted by Quintessence Theatre at the Sedgwick
Our journey in NYC has officially ended, but the story doesn’t stop there! 🎭
Don’t miss the next iteration of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY starring Mark Povinelli, playing @quintessencephl.bsky.social in Philadelphia, PA from May 1 to May 18.
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
Don’t miss the next iteration of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY starring Mark Povinelli, playing @quintessencephl.bsky.social in Philadelphia, PA from May 1 to May 18.
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
April 7, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Our journey in NYC has officially ended, but the story doesn’t stop there! 🎭
Don’t miss the next iteration of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY starring Mark Povinelli, playing @quintessencephl.bsky.social in Philadelphia, PA from May 1 to May 18.
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
Don’t miss the next iteration of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY starring Mark Povinelli, playing @quintessencephl.bsky.social in Philadelphia, PA from May 1 to May 18.
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
"A brilliant testament to Quintessence Theatre’s prowess in staging Porter’s works—especially ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ with its humorously tangled romantic dynamics—is their ability to bring energy and flair to the production." 💋 @metrophilly.bsky.social @visitphilly.bsky.social
Love, politics and jazz: Cole Porter’s ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ hits the Quintessence stage – Metro Philadelphia
Cole Porter’s 'Kiss Me, Kate' is now running through Quintessence at the Sedgwick Theater in Mt. Airy.
metrophiladelphia.com
December 3, 2024 at 8:07 PM
"A brilliant testament to Quintessence Theatre’s prowess in staging Porter’s works—especially ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ with its humorously tangled romantic dynamics—is their ability to bring energy and flair to the production." 💋 @metrophilly.bsky.social @visitphilly.bsky.social