Lakes Region Summer Theatre Still Going Strong

Dan Roach and Amy Prothro in “It Had to be You” at The Barnstormers Theatre.

Although it’s almost time for “back to school,” there’s still a lot of summer still left to enjoy. Summer theatre is a long-standing tradition in the area, and our local Lakes Region playhouses are ending the season in style with top-quality performances that are sure to keep you warm well into fall!

Founded in 1931 by Francis Cleveland, The Barnstormers in Tamworth is one of the longest-running professional summer theatres in the country. The Barnstormers is now one of three Equity theatres in New Hampshire and is the only theatre in the world that maintains the summer theatre tradition of eight plays in eight weeks. During July and August, the theatre features plays that are considered the “gems of American and British theatre.” This weekend, guests can catch the final performances of the madcap comedy, It Had To Be You, which runs until August 18. Next week is the last show of the season—Larry Shue’s The Foreigner, running August 21-25. “The Foreigner is an amazing play that incorporates comedy, drama, farce and a hint of darkness,” says Artistic Director Bob Shea.

Interlakes Summer Theatre in Meredith is a recently renovated 420-seat theatre located in the heart of the Lakes Region, with an artistic team consisting of New York directors, musicians, choreographers, designers, and technicians. This weekend the team finishes up the season with the final performances of A Chorus Line. This classic groundbreaking show is the winner of 9 Tony Awards and the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.  The show runs until August 19^th, with Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30, and Sunday at 7:00.

A Chorus Line at Interlakes Summer Theatre

The Little Church Theater in Holderness is a private, non-profit organization with a beautiful venue on the shores of Squam Lake. The theater was originally a chapel for summer residents and visitors and is now the home of “unique theatrical and artistic events” in the region. Little Church Theater’s season runs from May through September, and the season is winding down with two more shows. The Dining Room by AR Gurney will be performed this weekend, August 17 and 18 at 8:00pm. The show is “a brilliantly conceived and richly humorous theatrical tour de force,” not to be missed. On August 25^th, the theater pulls out all the stops for its season finale, Cabaret, where guests can bring their own bottle and see their favorite community performers sing, dance, tell stories, and act in a great variety show.

The Winnipesaukee Playhouse’s professional summer season runs until August 25^th with The Turn of the Screw, Jeffrey Hatcher’s thrilling adaptation of Henry James’ suspenseful tale. The theatre is also planning two great Cabaret events on Labor Day weekend. The Playhouse is a year-round organization, and the community actors will take over in the fall with great offerings for the 2012-2013 season. For aspiring actors, the Playhouse’s education department offers classes and theatre camps for all ages, pre-K through adult.

Don’t let summer slip by without seeing some really good, classic summer theatre. Your Lakes Region getaway awaits!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Images courtesy of The Barnstormers Theatre and Interlakes Summer Theatre.