Pioneer Playhouse, Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theatre, located in Danville, has announced its 76th season under the stars with three comedies and one music extravaganza.
Kicking off the 2025 line-up is The Game’s Afoot by Ken Ludwig, running from June 6 through June 28. Set in the 1930s, Broadway star William Gillette has invited his friends to a glittering holiday party at a remote mansion. All is fun and games, until one guest ends up dead, leading Gillette to take on the persona of Sherlock Holmes to find a killer.
“Ken Ludwig’s plays are always big hits with our audiences, and so are shows about Sherlock Holmes,” says Heather Henson, Producer and Managing Director of Pioneer Playhouse, which her father, Eben C. Henson, founded in 1949. “This Mystery/Comedy is sharp and funny, and similar to Clue in that none of the characters are what they seem, and of course, one is a murderer.”
Next up, Walking Across Egypt, adapted by Catherine Bush from the beloved novel of the same title by Clyde Edgerton, opens on July 1 and runs through July 19. Set in a small southern town with plenty of quirky characters, this family-friendly comedy focuses on a lonely widow whose life is turned upside down by a stray dog and a juvenile delinquent named Wesley.
“This is our feel-good play of the summer,” says Robby Henson, Producer and Artistic Director of Pioneer Playhouse, and brother to Heather. “Catherine Bush lived in Danville for many years, and we still consider her part of our community. She’s the author of our first Kentucky Voices play, A Jarful of Fireflies, which audiences loved.”
Not From Around Here, a brand-new comedy by Jennifer Goff and Brian Scruggs, running July 22 through August 9, will have its professional premiere and round out the regular 2025 play season.
“We’re very proud of putting on new work here,” says Robby. “And our audiences will know Jennifer Goff from directing terrific shows for us like That Book Woman, Southern Fried Funeral, and Southern Fried Nuptials. Jen also heads up the theatre department at Centre College.”
“The play has a 1980’s sitcom vibe that’s fresh and fun,” says Heather. “And – spoiler alert – if you liked High Strangeness a few years back, you’re gonna love Not From Around Here.”
Officially closing out its 76th summer season, Pioneer Playhouse will offer a special music weekend on August 14, 15, and 16 called Good Rockin’ Tonight! Elvis Presley and Wanda Jackson: The King and his Rockabilly Queen. Featuring live music and dazzling performances by various tribute artists, this is a celebration of Elvis Presley and the music he made with Wanda Jackson, the undisputed queen of 1950s rockabilly.
Pioneer Playhouse is located at 840 Stanford Road in Danville. An optional BBQ dinner is served nightly at 7 p.m. before the 8:30 show, except for the Elvis Presley and Wanda Jackson performances when dinner will be at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 859-236-2747 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or online anytime at www.pioneerplayhouse.com.