News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The long awaited return of the Cumberland County Playhouse will happen outdoors on July 15th.
This summer season will begin on the playhouse’s 55th birthday and include performances of Smoke On The Mountain and The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr. CEO Bryce McDonald said he feels like the public is ready to leave their homes and enjoy the theater.
“I think it is going to be so much fun,” McDonald said. “We have been out there these nights checking it out. We are going to have lighting out there. You are going to be able to hear the breeze and the trees, birds chirping, the crickets and the bullfrogs. There is just something really magical.”
McDonald said performances will be held at a concert stage right outside the playhouse. The venue can safely seat around 100 people and is visible from the parking lot for disabled patrons. McDonald encourages people to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. The playhouse will start indoor performances on August 14th with Elvis Has Left The Building.
“Outdoor theater has been around for a long time,” McDonald said. “It is a beautiful experience, and we are excited to offer that to our patrons. It has been 20 years since we have really done an outdoor experience.”
McDonald said the playhouse will follow the Tennessee Pledge and sanitize venues between performances. Actors and actresses rehearse in groups of 10 or less and wear face masks. The Cumberland County Playhouse is one of the first performance art center to reopen in the state, mainly due to being a rural theater.
The Cumberland County Playhouse box office reopened Monday for ticket sales. McDonald said he made a deal with the companies to sell tickets at a discount price since it is outdoors. Smoke On The Mountain tickets cost $26.00. The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr. tickets cost $7.50. McDonald said the plan to perform outdoors seems to be the most financially possible option at this time.
