Apple Hill Playhouse

The best little theatre “in the country.”

Few aspects of American life are as rich in history and tradition as local theatre. Since 1962, Apple Hill Playhouse in Delmont, PA has continued to provide crowd pleasing productions, exceptional dinner theatre packages, and unbeatable values in both group discount and full price tickets.

The 2003 season is far from over, and an exciting stretch of comedies and musicals is set to run now through December 20th. Laughs abound in Perfect Wedding, where a marital day mess-up escalates into panic, confusion, and side-splitting laughter. Everyone’s favorite board game, Clue, becomes Clue the Musical in October, where suspects sing, dance, and joke their way in and out of suspicion. Live theatre has no substitute. Each year Apple Hill Playhouse provides a remarkable season of touching dramas, perfect comedies, mysteries, and musicals carefully selected to delight audiences and bring season ticket holders back again and again.

At Apple Hill Playhouse there is ample free parking, none of the hassle of a trip into the city, and a friendly and courteous staff whose only attitude is to assure you a pleasant experience. The productions speak for themselves. Each season from 75 to 100 actors and actresses bring distinction and outstanding performances to the stage at Apple Hill, charming yearly audiences of up to 10,000. Dinner theatre is available, groups are accommodated, and there is little reason not to treat yourself to this growing, constantly improving treasure-house of Westmoreland County’s performing arts.

“It all began more than half a century ago,” explained Pat Beyer, the Executive Producer and owner of Apple Hill Playhouse. “The renovated barn which comprises the main theatre building was part of a local farm and has a pre-civil war history. It even housed mules used to work the local mines, but in 1952, with the last of the mule leavings scrubbed away, an aspiring country theatre was born. For ten years it was the William Penn Playhouse, becoming Apple Hill after a change in ownership in 1962.”

Since then each year has brought its own successes. Steady improvements in the building itself and the production values of the plays has made Apple Hill Playhouse a local hit, one that draws audiences from as far away as Ohio, Pittsburgh, New Kensington, Greensburg, Ligonier, Scottdale, and Uniontown. Where most barn theatres in Pennsylvania have closed or fallen apart, Apple Hill Playhouse boasts air conditioning, attractive landscaping, and movie-style concessions. It is handicapped accessible, and work is underway to obtain funding for even more improvements in handicapped access.

“We give people a lot for their money,” said Michelle Walters, the playhouse’s Business Manager. “The technical design, painting, props, and lighting all require the efforts of an amazing staff and dedicated volunteers. We are always looking for theatre enthusiasts willing to help make the next production a success.”

For its entire history, Apple Hill Playhouse has combined its efforts with the Lamplighter Restaurant to provide the best in dinner theatre packages. The Lamplighter has always proved itself tremendously accommodating to theatre goers, and its rich selection of entrees has been known to delight the most critical palate. Dinner and a musical ranges from $18 for a lunch matinee to $25 for a weekend production. Dinner and a play ranges from $17 to $22.

Ticket prices for plays alone range from $11 to $15 for adults, depending on the production and day, to a low of $6 for children attending weekend plays. Flex coupons and season tickets provide additional value. The crew and volunteers of Apple Hill Playhouse work hard to please the many groups and individuals who make local theatre a success, from bowling leagues and senior citizens to hospital aid societies and couples out for a romantic evening’s entertainment. Judging by the favorable reviews and previews often seen in The Pittsburgh Post Gazette, The Pittsburgh City Paper, and the Entertainment section of the Tribune Review, they are doing a fabulous job.

For Apple Hill Playhouse, outstanding local productions are just the beginning. There is an entire season of Johnny Appleseed Children’s Theatre, where the likes of The Golden Goose and Hansel & Gretel delight younger audiences and the young at heart. To instill the excitement of theatre and encourage young talent, Apple Hill Playhouse offers reasonably priced theatre classes for ages four through eighteen. Taught by a qualified staff, these courses provide serious but enjoyable instruction in music, acting, and dance. For the dedicated student, Summerfun Theatre Classes can result in an audition and an opportunity to perform in Apple Hill Playhouse productions

With its remarkable history and enduring quest for excellence, the Apple Hill Playhouse is certain to be with us for many years to come, advancing the traditions of live theater through entertainment and education. You will have no more enjoyable evening this year than to experience their hospitality and the exhilarating phenomenon that is local, live theatre!

Back

Join InWestmoreland

Packages & Pricing

Web Services