One of our very favorite summertime traditions in Winchester is the return of Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre at Shenandoah University.
We are fortunate to enjoy Broadway-quality productions without having to leave town. Four fully-staged musicals with beautiful lights, set, costumes, and orchestra are produced each summer by the Valley’s only professional music theatre. SU faculty and other industry professionals make up the artistic staff, and while many of the actors, musicians, and technicians attend Shenandoah University during the school year, others are hired in from outside the area to lend their expertise, making it a varied group with many talents.
Each summer, over 29,000 people enjoy the four shows the professional theatre produces. According to the Conservatory, the theatre was established to give Shenandoah theatre students an opportunity to experience professional theatre before going out to start their own careers in that field. Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre gives SU students the opportunity to work with professionals who have already established their careers. Lucky for us, we get to enjoy affordable, professional theatre.
Each summer season promises four Broadway musicals – here is the lineup for this year:
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
June 11 – 21
A musical farce set in ancient Rome, with a crafty slave, his young master, a beautiful but slow-witted courtesan, and a plot full of twists, turns, mistaken identities, slamming doors, and a showgirl or two.
The Addams Family
June 25 – July 5
Charles Addams’ kooky, spooky cartoon family is brought to life as Morticia and Gomez fret over daughter Wednesday, who invites her new boyfriend and his “normal” family to visit, with comically chaotic results.
The Wiz
July 9 – 19
Winner of seven Tony awards, this beloved Broadway musical sets Dorothy’s adventures in the Land of Oz to music in a dazzling, lively mixture of rock, gospel and soul.
The Music Man
July 23 – August 2
Fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill comes to River City, Iowa, to con the townspeople into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band, but his plan to skip town with the cash is foiled when he falls for the town librarian, Marian.
On your next trip to Winchester, we recommend a trip to Old Town do a little shopping (stop by and see us!) and have an early dinner al fresco, topping off the evening with a Broadway-quality musical at the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre at Shenandoah University. For tickets and more information about Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre, click here: http://ssmtva.com/
