It has been a such a long intermission. We are thrilled to announce that it is over, and we are preparing for our second act!
The loyalty, patience and kind words you’ve extended during this prolonged Covid-19-imposed intermission have sustained and inspired the Mountain Playhouse family here and across the country. We thank you for your love of theater and of our company!
I am delighted to be able to share the details of our 2022 season with you, which opens in late May. I also wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that we have had to make some temporary changes as we return to producing theater.
As many of you may know, the theater was founded in 1939, by James Stoughton, and for many years, the theater operated in conjunction with the family’s restaurant, Green Gables. In 1998, the theater became a nonprofit, governed by a board of directors from the community. Since that time, the nonprofit has leased the gristmill it has called home for 80+ years.
During the pandemic, the nonprofit made an effort to purchase the theater, so that we would be able to make much-needed improvements and address long-deferred maintenance issues to enhance audience experience and improve backstage conditions. We were optimistic that an agreement could be reached with the owners, but things just didn’t work out.
The board of directors has made the decision not to renew the lease and we have found a temporary home at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, where we will present our 2022 season. While we are all disappointed that an agreement could not be reached, this move is an opportunity to assure that we are able to present Broadway-quality shows, while enhancing the comfort of our audiences and company members. We also see it as a wonderful opportunity to move forward towards our next 80 years in a new and exciting way.
The Mountain Playhouse is working with a development consultant to identify a new, permanent home for the Mountain Playhouse. It is hoped that this home will not only be in Somerset County, but will allow year-round performances and expanded educational and community programs.
Because of the venue’s busy schedule, the 2022 season will be shorter than previous years, but we will be able to accommodate all of our current ticketholders due to the increased number of seats in the theater.
Our 2022 season: 7 p.m. Wednesday; 2 p.m. Thursday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday; 8 p.m. Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday.
Current ticketed patrons, please visit the page below for information on how we are addressing current ticket orders.
Always … Patsy Cline by Ted Swindley May 25 – 29, 2022
Always…Patsy Cline is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show is based on the true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. The musical includes 27 songs and many of Patsy’s unforgettable hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walking After Midnight.”
Popcorn Falls by James Hindman June 1 – 5, 2022
Popcorn Falls is a small town whose only claim to fame, their namesake waterfall, has dried up. Now bankrupt, their only chance for survival is a large grant that can only be used if the town produces a play in a week. One big problem: no playhouse. Another problem: no play. Led by the mayor and the local handyman, the enterprising townsfolk try to rise to the challenge and prove that art can save the world. Broadway World called it “laugh-out-loud, comedic genius.” Oh and did we mention that the 20 citizens of Popcorn Falls are played by just two actors?!
RIPCORD by David Lindsay-Abaire June 15 – 19, 2022
A sunny room on an upper floor is prime real estate at the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility. When cantankerous Abby is forced to share her quarters with new arrival Marilyn, she has no choice but to get rid of the infuriatingly chipper woman by any means necessary. A seemingly harmless bet between the women quickly escalates into a game of comic one-upmanship that reveals not just the tenacity of these worthy opponents, but also deeper truths that each would rather remain hidden.
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story by Alan Janes June 22 – 26, 2022
This is the true story of Buddy’s meteoric rise to fame from “That’ll Be the Day” until his tragic death on “The Day the Music Died.” The show features over 20 of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits, including “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “Everyday,” “Oh Boy,” and “Raining In My Heart,” plus Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba” and the Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace.” If you loved Million Dollar Quartet during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Buddy is a must-see.
*Mask policy: At this time, masks are required by the University as well as Actors’ Equity. As Opening Night approaches, we will share any changes to this policy via email, our website and social media.
*Pricing: As promised when the 2021 season was postponed, there will be no price increases. The 2022 season will be offered at 2020 prices! *Current Ticketholders: Please see the ticketing instructions enclosed. Online sales will open to the public on April 1.
We look forward to welcoming you back and sharing the 2022 season with you in our temporary home.
Patricia Carnevali
Executive Director and Producer
