Lisa Ann Walter, celebrated for her role as the tough-as-nails second-grade teacher on ABC’s hit series Abbott Elementary, has earned an affectionate title from local fans: “the Philly people’s princess.”
“I’m just happy they don’t hate me,” Walter joked. “Philly is my favorite place to do stand-up now. It’s like a warm hug every time I go there.”
On the show, Walter plays Melissa Schemmenti, a fiery character with a distinct South Philly accent, written by West Philly native Quinta Brunson. Brunson had warned her that the city’s audiences could be tough, but Walter has felt embraced. “I’ve had people tell me that I remind them of their cousin from South Philly. I could not be more complimented,” she said.
Ahead of her three-night stand-up run at Helium Comedy Club from July 11-13, Walter shared her itinerary for a perfect day in her adopted city.
4:30 a.m.
The day begins with a full pot of decaf coffee. “It has to be decaf, or nobody would be able to tolerate me,” she said. “Maybe the people in South Philly could still handle me. But other than that, I would be bouncing off the walls.”
8 a.m.
Next is an outdoor activity, like a trip to the Philadelphia Zoo or a bike ride along the Schuylkill River Trail. “I love the Schuylkill,” Walter said. “I would take the day to ride a bike on the path next to it. I see people doing it, and I haven’t done it.”
Noon
Lunch is a quintessential Philly experience: a cheesesteak or hoagie. Her top pick is Angelo’s Pizzeria in South Philly. “It was so good,” she recalled of a previous visit. “I got a pie and a calzone when I was there. And I said the next time I go back, I will get different flavored calzones. They’re unbelievable.”
1 p.m.
The afternoon starts with a visit to Rittenhouse Square, a favorite spot for its weekend art fairs. “I’ll need to do at least one complete lap, and then buy something for me and [Abbott costar] Sheryl Lee Ralph,” she said.
2 p.m.
While in the area, some shopping is in order. Walter plans to visit the Nordstrom Rack and the nearby Bloomingdale’s outlet. “I just found out they have a Bloomingdale’s outlet across the street. I might have to pop in there,” she noted.
3:30 p.m.
A perfect Philly day must include a live sports event, either a Phillies or an Eagles game. “If I can get to an Eagles game in Philly, my life will be complete,” Walter said. She envisions the full experience, complete with tailgating. “I’d bring a big van or a truck or something, pull the back down, and grill. Or just walk around and eat other people’s food.” Ever the good guest, she would contribute cannolis from Mannino’s Cannoli Express in Hammonton, N.J., a nod to her time as grand marshal at last year’s Philadelphia Italian American Heritage Parade.
7 p.m.
After the game, the celebration would continue at Chickie’s & Pete’s for their famous Crabfries. Walter looks forward to catching up with CEO Pete Ciarrocchi and his wife, Lisa, and making new friends at the popular spot.
9 p.m.
The evening would conclude at Fiorella Pasta, a spot that “feels very much like Italy,” recommended by her friend, 6abc anchor Alicia Vitarelli.
Reflecting on her food-centric itinerary, which also includes must-visit spots like John’s Roast Pork and Tommy DiNic’s, Walter laughed, “I don’t know why my day includes so many restaurants.”
