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.
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!
Dinner
Theatre and outstanding productions in the heart of Westmoreland County.
Apple Hill Playhouse is located at 275 Manor Road in Delmont, PA.
For more information about Apple Hill Playhouse,
please call 724-468-5050, or visit their website at
www.AppleHillPlayhouse.org.
For more information about the Lamplighter Restaurant,
please call 724-468-4545.