Bastille Day is back for the 20th annual celebration! Eastern State Penitentiary teams with The Bearded Ladies cabaret group to present an hour-long spectacle of song, dance, and beheading.
This free theatrical performance begins at 5:30 p.m. and culminates in a playful reenactment of the storming of the Bastille. Dozens of French revolutionaries storm the grim walls of "the Bastille" (Eastern State Penitentiary), capture Marie Antoinette (portrayed by Terry McNally, co-owner of London Grill) and, ignoring her mocking cries of "Let them eat Tastykake," drag her to a real, functioning guillotine as 3,000 Tastykakes are flung from the prison's towers.
Interested in a better (French Bourgeoisie) view? VIP seating is available for a donation fee! VIP tickets include seating, beer and refreshments, heckling from the lower classes, and revolution goodie bags. Tickets are limited. Available online now at easternstate.org/bastille.
Following the performance, the many wonderful restaurants surrounding the penitentiary come alive with French-themed entertainment as well as food and drink specials. Go early and take a tour of Eastern State (standard admission), or stay late and take a twilight tour following the reenactment ($10 for adults; $5 for seniors, students, kids).