Tiny Beautiful Things
As part of its 2025-2026 Season, The Old Academy Players is proud to present Tiny Beautiful Things, a dramatic comedy by Nia Vardalos, Canadian actress and screenwriter. The Old Academy Players' 551st production will run March 6-22, 2026; Friday and Saturday performances at 8:00 pm and three Sunday matinées, January 11th, 18th, and 25th at 2:00 pm. It is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, Inc.
Vardalos starred in and wrote the romantic comedy film My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002), nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical. In 2016, Vardalos adapted Cheryl Strayed's beloved book, Tiny Beautiful Things, and starred in the sold out run of the play at The Public Theater in New York, directed by Thomas Kail. Reviews indicated: Critic’s Pick! "Tiny Beautiful Things is about the endangered art of listening to – and really hearing and responding to – other people…it works beautifully as a sustained theatrical exercise in empathy." – The New York Times "Catharsis, that ancient communal ritual of purging and healing…a show that aims to open our eyes to the tiny moments when the world surprises us with care." – New York Magazine "Heart-tugging and emotionally rewarding." – The Huffington Post
Based on the bestselling book by Cheryl Strayed, Tiny Beautiful Things personifies the questions and answers that "Sugar" was publishing online from 2010–2012. When the struggling writer was asked to take over the unpaid, anonymous position of advice columnist, Strayed used empathy and her personal experiences to help those seeking guidance for obstacles both large and small. Warning: Contains adult themes and adult language, it is not suitable for young children. Viewer discretion is advised.
Old Academy Players’ stellar cast includes: Leah O’Hara, Rachel Dalton, Precious Emmanuel, and Paolo Barolat-Romana. Tiny Beautiful Things is directed by Jane Jennings, produced by Janine Lieberman and Jerry Jennings.
Ticket prices are: $25 per adult; $15 for Students under 25 with valid ID; group rate (15 or more) $21 each. Tickets can be purchased online at www.OldAcademyPlayers.org. Reservations and more information can be obtained by calling the Box Office at 215-843-1109. Advance tickets are highly recommended.
Old Academy Players is located at 3544 Indian Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129. Parking for all performances is free. The Old Academy Players has provided continuous community theater entertainment since 1923 and is a non-profit community theater in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Constructed in 1819, the Old Academy building has been the OAP home since 1932. Old Academy Players is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. Most notable alumni include Tony Award-nominated actor Robert Prosky and Hollywood icon, Grace Kelly. Support is provided by the "Philadelphia Cultural Fund" and the "Sylvia W. and Randle M. Kauders Foundation".
