- The Philadelphia Inquirer
Mistaken identities and foolhardy love affairs abound in this rarely produced 1930 comedy of manners. At the center of Paul Osborn’s (Morning’s at Seven) delightfully sophisticated confection is Laura Merrick, a restless woman whose marriage to the sour Augustus has brought both security and disappointment. Over the course of one day, the Merricks’ country home is overrun by their daughter Leone and her college sweetheart, Laura’s glamorous sister Winifred, and Winifred’s charming lover. As romances tangle and secrets unfurl, everyone comes to terms with what they truly want.
The Vinegar Tree reunites many of the team from 2018's Morning’s at Seven, another Paul Osborn comedy directed by Abigail Adams. That award-winning revival was hailed by the Wall Street Journal’s Terry Teachout as “one of the finest productions of an American play that I’ve ever reviewed.”
A filmed version of The Vinegar Tree streams July 22 through August 5 and is automatically included for everyone who purchases tickets to the live production. To purchase access to the streaming version only, CLICK HERE.
For streaming FAQs and a step-by-step guide, CLICK HERE.
Recommended for ages 13+ for mature themes
Masks are currently required indoors at People's Light. Please visit our Health & Safety page when planning your visit.
Relaxed Performances offer a judgment-free environment that invites individuals with autism, ADD, ADHD, dementia, and other sensory sensitivities to enjoy theatre in a relaxed, “shush-free” zone—a great option for parents with young children, too. For each Relaxed Performance, we offer a pre-show Sensory Tour, during which patrons are able to enter the theatre space, view the set and props, and ask questions. Audio description is available upon request.
Sunday, July 17 at 2pm
Audio description, provided by Nicole Sardella, is available upon request during this performance. This is also a Relaxed Performance.
Sunday, July 17 at 2pm
During every performance this week, dialogue appears on an LED screen placed near the stage to benefit patrons with hearing impairments, as well as English language learners.
July 12–17
Our Smart Caption Glasses offer immersive, real-time captioning for live theatre. These revolutionary glasses display a synchronized transcript of the play directly on the lenses, and are customizable for your comfort.
Glasses are available to reserve for select performances of The Vinegar Tree
July 12 - 24
We have extensive protocols and precautions in place for all performances to keep audiences, staff, and artists safe. In addition, the following performances will only be sold to 50% capacity to ensure extra distance between parties.
Jul 5 at 7:30pm
Jul 8 at 7:30pm
Jul 12 at 7:30pm
Jul 15 at 7:30pm
Jul 17 at 2pm (Relaxed Performance)
Jul 19 at 7:30pm
Jul 22 at 7:30pm
To expand access to our work, we offer 50%-off Access Nights throughout the season. The discount is automatic for this performance, no promo code required.
Tuesday, July 12 at 7:30pm
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The Vinegar Tree features "a first-rate ensemble" under "the brisk, subtle, stylish direction of Abigail Adams" -
"People’s Light deserves commendation for resurfacing The Vinegar Tree, and there’s satisfaction in seeing a fine old play handled with care.""Collectors of theatrical rarities should consider [The Vinegar Tree] worth the trip out to the Philadelphia suburbs."
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"Adams' direction shines""It was a treat to see that even after almost a century, a skilled playwright can make us laugh at our foibles, even as he winningly skewers them."
Read the full review from Broad Street Review -
"The Vinegar Tree has all the best ingredients for a laugh-filled time in the theatre""Adams has a way of bringing a freshness and new vitality to these time-honored works, yet maintaining the style of the period."
"Aiding Adams in her endeavors is a design team that is on its game from start to finish."
"The 7-member cast is solid through and through, not a weak or false moment in the entire performance."