Love theater? Chec
k out the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, located in beautiful Vineyard Haven, MA. The Playhouse, built in 1833, served a variety of purposes in its early life: a public meeting house, an Episcopal church, a Masonic lodge, and more. In 1982, Eileen Wilson and Isabella McKamy founded the theater and, in 1993, moved it to its current Church Street location. Since then, the building has been completely renovated and restored, and even expanded to better serve the cast, crew, and guests.
The Playhouse features a wide variety of plays, ranging from the Bard to modern-day tales by promising young talents, like Barney Norris. Mr. Norris won the 2014 Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright. In April 2015, the Playhouse featured his play, “Visitors,” which The Independent called “a play made with love.” Fans of classic works will enjoy productions by Shakespeare (King John, Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night, Henry IV, Henry V, Julius Caesar, and more) and Tennessee Williams. If you’d like to learn more about their productions, visit The Vineyard Playhouse’s Production History.
The excitement at the Vineyard Playhouse extends beyond the stage; the Marilyn Meyerhoff Lobby hosts a variety of fun events throughout the year. This October, the lobby hosted a Poetry Café. The $10 invent included a beverage, a slice of pie, and, of course, readings from local poets. It’s also a popular spot for book releases and stories. Be sure to keep an eye on the Lobby Events page.
If you’re there in the summer, be sure to check out The Fabulists. The Fabulists are a troupe of Playhouse actors performing hilarious script adaptations for children every Saturday during the summer. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and the laughs are guaranteed! Visit The Fabulists webpage to learn more.
Speaking of children, the Vineyard Playhouse also offers Theater Arts Camp. If you’re heading to Martha’s Vineyard for a week in summer, why not enroll your kids in a fun-filled theater experience? The camps are for children ages 7-13, and run from early July through late August (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.). You can view their contact information here.
Come out and join the fun at the Vineyard Playhouse! You never know who might appear! At one single play, the premier of Edward Beck’s “Sweetened Water,” the Playhouse hosted actress and former Miss America Vanessa Williams, actress Amy Irving (Carrie, Yentl, Traffic), and fashion designer Kenneth Cole.
If any (or all) of this interest you, we encourage you to read the Vineyard Playhouse’s theater news and reviews page.
And if you’re heading this way, be sure to reserve your accommodations through Sandpiper Rentals. Our Martha’s Vineyard vacation rentals are ideal for relaxing and unwinding in between all of the great activities you can participate in during your time on the island. Our rental properties are located all over Martha’s Vineyard, so you can choose to stay on your favorite part of the island. Whether you want to be right in town or more isolated, we have the perfect rental for you. Our homes are all unique, yet they all offer comfortable accommodations and luxurious amenities. Visit our website to check availability and learn about all of our services!
