Are you old enough to recall eating dinner and seeing a show all under one roof?
A few decades ago, dinner theaters were plentiful across the fruited plain. They served up mainly Broadway musical fare with roast and pies to the delight of loyal audiences. A few remain – rather like the formerly ubiquitous drive-ins - and they include shows which appeal to faith travelers.
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
If you aren’t old enough to remember those good ‘ole dinner theater heydays, maybe it’s time to try one. And while you’re at it, consider a theater trip for that church or social group event.
“Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming” is a production filled with funny family stories and toe-tapping Bluegrass Gospel favorites like A Little at a Time, Do Lord, Shall We Gather at the River, Far Side Banks of Jordan, Ezekiel Saw the Wheel and Daniel in the Lion’s Den. The Prather Family – who have been producing theater for 45 years - are running this show in 2011 at Pennsylvania, Florida, and Arizona theaters. All show information is on the website.
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Lancaster, PA: Now playing until February 26. This theater with 380 seats and 24 years of productions, is surrounded by the beautiful rolling farmlands in the heart of central Pennsylvania’s Amish Country.
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers, FL: April 14-May 14. This theater is in its 18th season, and includes two banquet facilities on Florida’s west coast between Tampa and Miami.
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, West in Mesa, AZ: May 19-July 2. Located near Scottsdale, Phoenix and Tempe, this theater opened in 2001 and is a popular valley entertainment venue.
Coming to Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, WI July 7-August 21 is “David” the new musical that tells the engaging stories of how a young man grew from shepherd to singer to warrior and then King of Israel.
Now in its third generation of family management, The Fireside with 652 seats has been recognized as a top attraction for family hospitality, motorcoach groups, customer service, fine dining and professional theatrical productions. They’ve been producing shows at the Fireside for 47 years, and since the 1980’s, offering Christian concerts featuring Southern Gospel music groups in addition to their seasonal lineup of Broadway musicals. The annual Christmas revue with its Nativity presentation has brought in over a million guests since 1993.
“David” will be played seven times weekly, Wednesday through Sunday. It includes storytelling, live, acoustic music, and original soundtracks. Theater promoters describe the production as a “feast for the eyes and ears.” Besides the show and dinner, guests may enjoy gift shops, a bakery and garden shop. Visit the website for more information.
Read more faith travel reports by Ruth Hill at Washington Times Communities and follow posts at twitter.com/christiantrav.
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