Sideways Stories from Wayside School at the Arden Theatre Company

Sideways Stories from Wayside School 
December 4, 2013 – February 15, 2014


Arden Theatre Company opens its 16th Season of Children’s Theatre with Sideways Stories from Wayside School. Based on the beloved book series by Louis Sachar, this adaptation by John Olive is be directed by Whit MacLaughlin.  The production runs from December 4, 2013 through February 15, 2014 and includes weekday matinee performances for students and weekend performances for families. Best enjoyed by families with children ages 5 and older. 

My family had the chance to see this amazing show.  My 7 year old loved the humor, she sat on the edge of her seat the whole time.  Even adults can enjoy the humor and the story.  The actors/actresses did an amazing job of drawing the audience into this quirky story.  I would definitely suggest this show for families because there are some parts that younger children under 5 might find a little scary. 


About the show
Is your school a little too…normal? Welcome to Wayside. Before you enter Wayside School, you should know it’s a thirty-story building with one classroom on each floor. Mrs. Jewls is nice and teaches class on the thirtieth story, but watch out for Mrs. Gorf, who turns kids into apples if they give a wrong answer. And then there’s Miss Zarves, who teaches the class on the nineteenth story – except there is no nineteenth story so there is no Miss Zarves. The zany characters of Wayside School take you on a bizarre classroom journey that promises to thrill and excite the entire family.

Following every performance of Sideways Stories from Wayside School, children participate in a post-show question and answer session with the cast, and then have an opportunity to meet the actors in the lobby. 

Sideways Stories from Wayside School begins performances on Wednesday, December 4, with previews through December 7. Opening night is set for 7pm Saturday, December 7, 2013. Closing is set for Saturday, February 15. 

Single ticket prices are $16-$36. Groups of 20+ enjoy significant discounts, with additional resources and classes available for teachers; please inquire for rates. Call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122, order online at www.ardentheatre.org, or visit the box office at 40 N. 2nd Street in Old City, Philadelphia. 

The Arden is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices and large-print programs at every performance. Reservations are required for accessible seating and may be made by calling the Arden’s Box Office at 215.922.1122. ASL interpretation is available at select performances. The Arden works with Hands UP Productions to present shadow-signed performances, where interpreters are part of the action. These performances will be held on Friday, January 17 at 10am and Saturday, January 18  at 4pm.