Pioneer Playhouse, Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theatre, is celebrating its 76th season in the Bluegrass with a summer line-up of family-friendly plays, an Elvis music extravaganza, and a 76th Anniversary Bash.
The historic season kicks off on June 6 with The Game’s Afoot: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. Running through June 28, this award-winning murder mystery-comedy by Ken Ludwig follows 1930’s Broadway star, William Gillette, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Sherlock Holmes in order to solve a mysterious death at his own spooky mansion.
“Basically, it’s Clue meets Sherlock Holmes,” said Heather Henson, managing director, and daughter to founder Eben C. Henson. “Our audiences loved Clue and they also love Sherlock Holmes. So, this is a perfect blend of murder, mystery, mayhem, and laughs.”
Next up is Walking Across Egypt, a heart-warming comedy adapted by Catherine Bush from a novel by Clyde Edgerton, running from July 1-19.
“This is one of our favorite plays, so we’re bringing it back after 12 years,” said Robby Henson, artistic director and brother to Heather. “It’s the feel-good Southern play of the summer. And many locals will know playwright Catherine Bush who lived in Danville for a time.”
Not From Around Here, a brand-new comedy by Jennifer Goff and Brian Scruggs, fills the third slot from July 22 through August 9. Set in the 1980’s, the play centers around two suburban families who may not be as “normal” as they first appear to be.
“We take pride in producing original plays,” Robby said. “And this one is special because it was written by Jennifer Goff, who has directed many hits for us over the years.”
Goff is the chair of the theatre department at Centre College in Danville. She co-wrote the play with her husband, Brian Scruggs, who is an associate professor at Eastern Michigan University. Goff will appear in the comedy, while Scruggs directs.
“The play has a very 1980’s sitcom feel,” Heather said. “It’s light and fun, but it also has a lot of heart.”
Pioneer Playhouse will finish up its season with Good Rockin’ Tonight: Elvis Presley and Wanda Jackson/The King and his Rockabilly Queen on August 14, 15, and 16. The show will have two different Elvis tribute artists and one Wanda Jackson tribute artist and will feature a live band, Kelly Caldwell and Kashmere playing Elvis hits from his Rockabilly years.
“People ask us why we often end the season with Elvis,” Robby said. “We know our audience, and they love Elvis!”
At Pioneer Playhouse, plays run nightly, Tuesdays through Saturdays. A homecooked dinner of BBQ chicken or pork on bun, parmesan roasted potatoes, corn on the cob and dessert is available before the show. (Reservations for dinner must be made by 3 p.m. day of show.) A bar serving adult beverages is open Thursday-Saturday night. There is a hand-scooped ice cream parlor and an antique village for patrons to enjoy before the show. A concession stand serves popcorn and soda and candy.
Pioneer Playhouse will be hosting a 76th Anniversary Bash on Saturday, June 14 from 7-11 pm. The event is a fundraiser for the theatre, which is a 501 c 3 non-profit. The $75 price includes dinner, one drink from the bar, and dancing, with live music by Kelly Caldwell and Kashmere.
Pioneer Playhouse is located at 840 Stanford Road, Danville Kentucky. Dinner is at 7 p.m., while the show begins at 8:30 p.m., except for the Elvis production, which starts at 8 p.m. Shows are outdoors in a historic amphitheater, and continue in light rain. If weather is severe – the show is cancelled and rain checks provided.
Learn more about Pioneer Playhouse – including how to purchase tickets online – on their website.