This post is paid advertising by Gretna Theatre.
Did you know Gretna Theatre is America’s Oldest Summer Theatre? Not just the oldest in Lebanon County but in the ENTIRE UNITED STATES. That’s huge and even more, Gretna Theatre is Lebanon County’s ONLY professional theatre. Between the actors, the carpenters, lighting & set designers, interns, office crew, choreographers and directors Gretna Theatre employs hundreds of people each season to bring you Broadway quality professional productions in your backyard. Stimulate the economy much?
This year is no different and we’re proud to bring these productions to you in the safe, fresh-air, outdoor amphitheater at the Historic Mt. Gretna Playhouse under the Trees of the Old Pennsylvania Chautauqua. Five stunning mainstage productions, four amazing kids series shows, and a one night only big band jazz event.
What does Gretna Theatre have for you?
Classics?
Remember all those old movie musicals? From Oklahoma to The Sound of Music? These American classics live in a special place in our hearts and ears. So much so, that this week Gretna Theatre is opening their season with The Classics of Rodgers and Hammerstein. This concert will showcase Broadway Star Jane Brockman fresh off the national tour of the Tony Award winning Hello, Dolly!, the stunning voice of Rebecca Robbins straight from the national tour of The Phantom of the Opera, Lancaster Fulton Theatre acclaimed performer Randy Jeter, and Co-founder and Regional favorite Jeff Coons. All of these amazing performers will be accompanied by equally impressive musicians of The Hershey Symphony. No matter who you are, this concert will leave you humming some of your favorite tunes for weeks.
Thrills?
For many of us, the last year has practically made us want to JUMP out of our skins! The thrill of the circus has captured our imaginations as children and surly doesn’t leave us as we grow. For Michael and Victoria that sense of imagination has grown into a show they call The Great Dubois (pronounced Doo-Bwa). Michael and Victoria have been featured in the film The Greatest Showman and helped with the Tony Award winning Broadway revival of Pippin! Talk about show credits! This unique two-person circus show is sure to be just want the doctor ordered after the year we’ve had.
Romance?
Well…not exactly! The second longest off Broadway musical of all time, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change dive deep into all the quirks a relationship has to offer. From the exhilarating highs, to the debilitating lows, and everything in between. Remember the thing you always wanted to say about your in-laws…don’t worry, they cover it and more in the romantic comedy I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.
Murder?
Did you know that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle debuted his beloved duo of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in 1887? Since then the world of Sir Doyle has entertained us for over a century with various adaptations that span books, music, film, and even the stage. The Hound of the Baskervilles is perhaps one of the most recognizable of any Sherlock Holmes stories and this comedic stage adaptation will have you in stitches. Murder, Mystery, Intrigue, and Comedy…What more could ya want!?
Nostalgia?
Perhaps we spoke too soon when we said “What more could ya want!?” Dean Martin’s career from film, TV, music and his general lifestyle has established him as one of America’s largest cultural icons. Rarely does someone span so many different genres and capture the audience’s attention and leave everyone wanting more. The Dean Martin Show ran for a staggering nine years between 1965-1974 and tallied 264 episodes. For how popular it was, Dean Martin originally didn’t want to do it fearing it would hurt his opportunities for film and travel. For Gretna Theatre’s production, when a snow storm prevents the other members of the Rat Pack to arrive for their show, Dean Martin weaves together stories and music creating an unforgettable evening in Dino! An Evening with Dean Martin!
What about the kids?
Gretna Theatre’s Kids Series is bringing your favorite stories to life this season. Writers have long been inspired by the animal kingdom and this season you too can be inspired to with Forgotten Friend – Reptile Show! Hiss, wiggle, and learn how these amazing creatures make up the world around us. When the big bad hungry wolf is seeking a delicious meal, The Three Little Pigs band together for safety! Llama, Llama Red Pajama is a brand-new musical based on the beloved children’s book character and animated Netflix series Llama Llama. Who can forget Eric Carle’s absolute timeless classic of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Gretna Theatre’s kids series is also sensory-friendly, meaning you can get up, dance, move around, and even make noise! They’ve also added additional restrooms and even a gender-neutral/family bathroom!
For more information about Gretna Theatre’s 2021 Season go to GretnaTheatre.org. For Tickets call the box office at 717-964-3627.
Gretna Theatre – Your Home for Summer Theatre!
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