Event Description

OSCAR visits WALT is a one-act music theater piece about Oscar Wilde’s visits to Walt Whitman in January and May, 1882. Wilde, age 27, an Oxford graduate with a famously clever wit, was devoted to aestheticism, foppery and social climbing. His admiration for Whitman began when his mother read Leaves of Grass to him in the nursery. Whitman, 62, was (of course!) the beloved, controversial, form-breaking “poet of the people”.During Oscar’s first visit to Walt’s home in Camden shortly after beginning his U.S. lecture tour, the two poets, vastly different in temperament, priorities and backgrounds, visited privately. Oscar then continued his speaking engagements, returning for a second visit four months later. Much has been speculated about what transpired between the two and, at long last, OSCAR visits WALT reveals the truth. Music is by Tom Wilson Weinberg, words by Whitman, Wilde and Weinberg.

Limited Seating. Tickets are $40 (no service charge) and include a pre-show reception and a copy of Leaves of Grass. While Walt and the audience await Oscar Wilde’s arrival, they may enjoy complimentary wine or Philadelphia’s own Walt Wit beer. The show begins promptly one hour after the reception begins.

Get your ticket for the Sunday, June 16th show here!