America's Oldest · Founded 1808

Historic Photo Gallery: 1921 to 1940

1923

The Marx Brothers premiered their first show, I'll Say She Is, at the Walnut in June 1923. Though they were already established vaudeville stars, Harpo, Chico, Groucho, and Zeppo had never been in a legitimate show. The summer heat affected the audience turnout, but the show was a critical success. It played 13 weeks at the Walnut before embarking on a national tour. The Marx Brothers returned to the Walnut for three weeks prior to their New York opening, where their success established them as celebrities. (Photograph courtesy of the Theatre Collection, Free Library of Philadelphia.)

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