Summer theater is a regional kind of thing–the centerpiece for an evening’s entertainment or a long weekend’s glut of stagecraft. Tickets might be involved, but mostly the box office kind, not the airplane kind. So we’re spotlighting only the eight Midwestern states. People here love the theater–so much that we couldn’t begin to list all of the summer theaters and summertime entertainments. These are a few of the highlights. In most cases, dates merely indicate the length of season, not the detailed schedule: Many companies perform only on certain days. Enough curtain-raiser. Let’s get to the main act.
Illinois
Corn Stock Theatre, Peoria
Performance space: Circus tent in Upper Bradley Park
The shows: Dramas, musicals–winding up with “Cabaret”
Dates: May 31-Aug. 31
Information: 800-220-1185, 309-676-2196; www.cornstocktheatre.com
Festival Theatre, Oak Park
Performance space: Under the stars in Austin Gardens
The shows: All Shakespeare. This year: “Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Dates: June 25-Aug. 24
Information: 708-524-2050
Heartland Chautauqua in Monmouth, Jacksonville and Marshall, jointly sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council and Missouri Humanities Council (see Missouri listing)
Performance space: Traditional Chautauqua circus tent
The shows: Actors portray figures from the Roaring Twenties, such as Coco Chanel and Edna Ferber, and relate their characters’ experiences
Dates: June 3-8 in Monmouth; June 10-15 in Jacksonville; June 17-22 in Marshall
Information: 312-422-5580 www.prairie.org/chacha/hartcha.asp
The Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan
Performance space: Converted movie house
The shows: Musicals, including “Victor/Victoria,” “South Pacific,” three others, plus three children’s plays.
Dates: June 5-Aug. 18 (also offers shows in other seasons)
Information: 888-261-9675, 217-728-7375; www.thelittletheatre.org
The Stagecoach Players, DeKalb
Performance space: 176-seat theater
The shows: Four plays, including “The Elephant Man,” and two musicals
Dates: June 15-Sept. 15
Information: 815-758-1940
Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s Historic Site near Petersburg
Performance space: Outdoor amphitheater with multi-level stage
The shows: Musicals, drama, including “Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Dates: June 14-Aug. 25
Information: 800-710-9290; www.creativeideas.com/tip
Theater on the Lake, Chicago lakefront at Fullerton Avenue
Performance space: Open air but with a roof and partial walls
The shows: Chicago Park District hosts plays, shows from nine theater companies, including Second City’s “All the Stage Is a World”
Dates: June 12-Aug. 11
Information: 312-742-7994
Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll
Performance space: Built in 1974 with semi-thrust stage
The shows: Mixture of new plays, musicals, including “Send Me No Flowers,” “Sound of Music”
Dates: June 5-Aug. 24
Information: 815-244-2035; www.timberlakeplayhouse.org
Indiana
Beef ‘n’ Boards, Indianapolis
Performance space: Indoor dinner theater
The shows: Musicals, including “Smokey Joe’s Cafe”
Dates: April 4-Nov. 24
Information: 317-872-9664;
www.beefandboards.com
Brown County Playhouse, Nashville
Performance space: A downtown theater, part of Indiana University Theatre & Drama Department
The shows: Three comedies and “Cole,” musical celebration of Cole Porter
Dates: June 13-Oct. 26
Information: 812-988-2123; www.indiana.edu/(tilde)thtr/bcplay.html
Canterbury Summer Theatre, Michigan City
Performance space: Mainstreet Theatre
The shows: Dramas, musicals, including “South Pacific”
Dates: June 19-Aug. 24
Information: 219-874-4269; www.festivalplayersguild.org/canterbury
Lincoln Amphitheatre, Lincoln City
Performance space: Completely covered amphitheater in Lincoln State Park
The shows: “Young Abe Lincoln,” “Sound of Music,” “Lincoln Kaleidoscope”
Dates: June 21-Aug. 10
Information: 800-264-4223, 812-465-1668; www.lincoln-amphitheatre.com or www.usi.edu/lincoln
The New Harmony Theatre, New Harmony
Performance space: 91-year-old Murphy Auditorium
The shows: “Private Lives,” “Anna Christie,” “Pump Boys and Dinettes”
Dates: June 7-Aug. 11
Information: 877-648-7469;
www.newharmonytheatre.com
Shakespeare and More Theatre, Indianapolis
Performance space: Outdoors on Marian College and Franklin College campuses
The shows: “The Taming of the Shrew” and Alphra Behn’s “The Rover”
Dates: July 12-14, 19-21 at Marian; July 27-28, Aug. 2-3, at Franklin
Information: 317-955-6387, or 317-291-9365
Theatre at the Center, Munster
Performance space: Theater is in the Center for Visual and Performing Arts
The shows: Musicals “State Fair” and “Grand Hotel”
Dates: May 9-Aug. 18
Information: 219-836-3255; www.theatreatthecenter.com
Iowa
Old Creamery Theatre Company, Amana
Performance space: Price Creek Stage in Amana Colonies Visitor Center and a studio space in the old Amana train depot
The shows: Comedy, musicals, drama
Dates: May 15-Sept. 22
Information: 800-35-AMANA; www.oldcreamery.com
Riverside Theatre, Iowa City
Performance space: Intimate theater on Gilbert Street and outdoor Globe Theatre replica in lower City Park
The shows: “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Comedy of Errors” alternate during outdoor Shakespeare Festival
Dates: Dramas and musicals year-round; Shakespeare Festival June 6-July 7, musical “Ruthless” (indoors) Sept. 6-29
Information: 319-338-7672; www.riversidetheatre.org
Union Street Players, Pella
Performance space: Auditorium of Pella Community Center, a former high school
The show: “Oklahoma”
Dates: July 25-27
Information: 641-628-1549; www.usp@pellaiowa.com /unionstreetplayers
Michigan
Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids
Performance space: Enclosed pavilion in John Ball Park
The shows: Two musicals, Jeff Daniels’ comedy “The Tropical Pickle,” plus two dramas
Dates: May 8-Sept. 22
Information: 616-456-5929; www.circletheatre.org
Lake Superior Theatre, Marquette
Performance space: Lakefront boathouse
The shows: Plays with regional themes
Dates: July 3-Aug. 4
Information: 906-227-7625, 906-228-0472; www.lakesuperiortheatre.com
Manistee Civic Players, Manistee
Performance space: 1902 Ramsdell Theatre, designed by Solon Spencer Berman, architect for Chicago’s Pullman district
The shows: Musical comedies, including “Li’l Abner”
Dates: June 14-Aug. 10
Information: 231-723-9948; www.ramsdell-theater.org/manistee.htm
Michigan Shakespeare Festival, Jackson
Performance space: Outdoor Elizabethan-style stage in Ella Sharp Park
The shows: “Othello,” “Romeo and Juliet,” family show “Alice Through the Looking Glass”
Dates: July 18-Aug. 4
Information: 866-705-2636; www.michshakefest.org
Stagecrafters at Baldwin Theatre, Royal Oak
Performance space: Former vaudeville theater and upstairs second stage
The shows: Musicals, cutting-edge drama, children’s theater
Dates: May 24-July 28; also year-round program
Information: 248-541-6430; www.stagecrafters.org
Minnesota
Commonweal Theatre Company, Lanesboro
Performance space: Indoor theater
The shows: Classics, modern drama
Dates: April 12-Nov. 17
Information: 800-657-7025; www.commonwealtheatre.org
Jon Hassler Theater, Plainview
Performance space: Former International Harvester implement dealership
The shows: Drama, comedy, musical (“Honk!”)
Dates: June 8-Oct. 20
Information: 507-534-2900; www.jonhasslertheater.org
Mantorville Theatre Company, Mantorville
Performance space: Historic stone building
The shows: Old-fashioned melodramas with audience participation
Dates: June 14-Sept. 1
Information: 507-635-5420; www.mantorvillain.com
Old Log Theater, Excelsior
Performance space: Inside a frame building; separate dining facility
The shows: Farce for adults, daytime children’s comedy
Dates: April 26-Oct. 5, adult; June 17-Aug. 2, children
Information: 952-474-5951; www.oldlog.com
Paul Bunyan Playhouse, Bemidji
Performance space: Former movie theater
The shows: Comedies, musicals
Dates: June 12-Aug. 18
Information: 218-751-7270; www.paulbunyan.net/pbp/
The Sheldon Theatre, Red Wing
Performance space: Turn of the 20th Century theater
The shows: Bands, eclectic, musicals
Dates: June 15-Aug. 3
Information: 800-899-5759; www.sheldontheatre.org
Song of Hiawatha Pageant, Pipestone
Performance space: Outdoor amphitheater
The shows: Historical pageant
Dates: July 19-21, 26-28; Aug. 2-4
Information: 800-336-6125
Missouri
American Heartland Theatre, Kansas City
Performance space: Auditorium on third level of Crown Center
The shows: Comedies, musical (“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”)
Dates: May 10-Oct. 20
Information: 816-842-9999; www.ahtkc.com
Columbia Entertainment Company, Columbia
Performance space: Indoor theater
The show: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
Dates: June 13-16, 20-23, 27-30
Information: 573-474-3699; cec.missouri.org
Corbin Theatre Company, Corbin
Performance space: Tent on the lawn of the Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce
The shows: Two musicals, one about Jesse James, the other about pioneer life
Dates: June 13-15 for Jesse James; June20-22 for the second musical
Information: 816-792-8699; www.corbintheatre.org
Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Kansas City
Performance space: Outdoors in Southmoreland Park
The shows: “The Taming of the Shrew” and “Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Dates: June 25-July 21
Information: 816-531-7728; www.kcshakes.org
Heartland Chautauqua, Neosho, Sedalia, Columbia, Kirksville
Performance space: Traditional Chautauqua tent
The shows: Actors portray historical figures, sponsored by Missouri Humanities Council
Dates: June 10-15 in Neosho, June 17-22 in Sedalia, June 24-29 in Columbia, July 1-6 in Kirksville
Information: 312-422-5580
Lyceum Theatre, Arrow Rock
Performance space: Converted and expanded church
The shows: Musicals, dramas and comedies, including “Lost in Yonkers”
Dates: June 5-Sept. 1
Information: 660-837-3311; www.lyceumtheatre.org
The Muny Opera, St. Louis
Performance space: Outdoors in Forest Park
The shows: Musicals, including “Camelot”
Dates: June 17-Aug. 11
Information: 314-534-1111; www.muny.com
St. Louis Black Repertory Company, St. Louis
Performance space: Grandel Theatre
The show: “Bubbling Brown Sugar”
Dates: May 29-June 29
Information: 314-534-3810
Tent Theatre, Springfield
Performance space: Tent on the campus of Southwest Missouri State University
The shows: Comedy and musicals, including “George M!”
Dates: June 20-Aug. 3
Information: 888-4-SMS-TIX; tenttheatre.smsu.edu/
Ohio
Caesar’s Ford Amphitheater, Xenia
Performance space: Outdoor amphitheater
The show: “Blue Jacket” historical drama/pageant
Dates: June 7-Sept. 1
Information: 877-465-BLUE: www.bluejacketdrama.com
Carousel Dinner Theatre, Akron
Performance space: Showroom with 60-foot proscenium stage
The shows: Musicals, including “Annie Get Your Gun”
Dates: May 8-Sept. 1, plus year-round schedule
Information: 330-724-9855; www.carouseldinnertheatre.com
Ohio Valley Summer Theater, Athens
Performance space: Indoor theater
The shows: “The Miracle Worker” and “Damn Yankees”
Dates: June 19-July 28
Information: 740-593-4800; www.ovst.org
Porthouse Theatre, Blossom Music Center, near Akron
Performance space: Covered outdoor pavilion
The shows: Drama, comedy, musical, including “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”
Dates: June 13-Aug. 11
Information: 800-304-2363, 330-672-3884; www.porthousetheatre.com
“Tecumseh!” Chillicothe
Performance space: Outdoor Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater
The show: “Tecumseh!” is a spectacle depicting the Shawnee leader’s life story.
Dates: June 7-Aug. 31. Also, Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” July 21, Aug. 4, Aug. 18
Information: 866-775-0700; www.tecumsehdrama.com
Trumpet in the Land Outdoor Drama, New Philadelphia
Performance space: Outdoor amphitheater
The shows: “Trumpet” plus “The White Savage” and “Jesus Christ Superstar”
Dates: “Trumpet” June 7-Aug. 24 (except Sundays); “Savage,” June 29-Aug. 16; “Superstar,” July 20-Aug. 15
Information: 330-339-1132; web.tusco.net/trumpet
Wisconsin
American Folklore Theatre,
Fish Creek
Performance space: Outdoor amphitheater in Peninsula State Park
The shows: Original musicals based on heritage and folk culture, including “Packer Fans From Outer Space”
Dates: June 18-Aug. 24
Information: 920-854-6117; www.folkloretheatre.com
American Players Theatre,
Spring Green
Performance space: Outdoor amphitheater in the woods
The shows: Shakespeare and other classics, including “Love’s Labour’s Lost”
Dates: June 8-Oct. 4 (including previews)
Information: 608-588-2361; www.playinthewoods.org
Door Off-Broadway Dinner Theatre, just south of Jacksonport
Performance space: Dinner theater, proscenium thrust stage
The shows: “I Do, I Do,” “Barefoot in the Park”
Dates: June 20-Oct. 19
Information: 920-823-2899; www.dooroffbroadway.com
The Fireside Theatre, Ft. Atkinson
Performance space: Dinner theater
The shows: “Steel Magnolias,” “The Sound of Music”
Dates: May 9-Sept. 29
Information: 800-477-9505; www.firesidetheatre.com
Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, Bayfield
Performance space: Large tent, 3 miles south of Bayfield
The shows: Plays, historical musicals, variety acts
Dates: June 14-Sept. 7
Information: 888-244-8368; www.bigtop.org.
Peninsula Players Theatre,
Fish Creek
Performance space: Outdoor auditorium on shore of Green Bay
The shows: Broadway and off-Broadway productions
Dates: June 19-Oct. 13
Information: 920-868-3287
