Day Trips from Berea: Pioneer Playhouse

In nineteen fifty, one mans dream started what is now the oldest outdoor theater in Kentucky. Col. Eben C. Henson, son of Eben Burdett Henson and Celia Bloch Henson, didn't know what he was getting in to when he got permission to use the abandoned USO theater in Danville, Kentucky. Today the theater is still presenting outdoor dramas and helping actors become stars.

Jim Varney, Lee Majors, John Travolta, Zsa Zsa Gabor, George Cukor (director of My Fair Lady), and Rock Hudson have all worked with Col. Henson on his stage. Today actors come from all around the world to work at the Playhouse. This summer's cast has actors from Australia, Massachusetts, Georgia, Ohio, California, and everywhere in between.

 

The excitement of an outdoor theater is one that must be experienced by all. It's advised that visitors to the Playhouse arrive by 7 pm in order to pick up their tickets and stroll around the 12-acre site. Dinner, consisting of B-B-Q chicken, green beans, corn pudding, bread, salad and more, is served promptly at 7:30. Mrs. Henson provides the entertainment through dinner with her guitar and singing. The show begins just as the stars come out, at 8:30, with an introduction and welcome from Col. Henson. The sight of live actors performing outdoors with the crickets serenading in the background is a unique sensation.

Be sure to use the intermission time to check out the Indian room. The floor was set forty-two years ago by Col. Henson himself. The 40-foot ceiling trusses were bought for $50 and hand-hewn and pegged by Col. Henson. The restrooms are located in this room, along with Playhouse tee shirts and books that are for sale. Visitors to the playhouse this summer will get to see hanging paintings by Irena Ilina. The paintings are full of bright colors and spiritual themes. Ilina is from what is now St. Petersburg, Russia, but has lived in Danville for almost a decade.

 

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To announce that the show is ready to continue the "dinner bell," or old Danville fire bell, will be sounded. By then the sun has set and the stars are glittering above. Another unique complement of visiting a live theater is to see set changes between acts. The set crew takes turns showing off their talent by singing, playing an instrument, or dancing, while the rest of the crew continues the set change. Between each act the audience is always curious to see who is next to show their talent.

After the show is complete, the actors gather for a stage call, then rush to the back of the theater to shake hands and greet the audience members as they leave the Playhouse. The hospitality experienced at the Playhouse cannot be beat.

Everyone is invited to experience Pioneer Playhouse before the summer is over. There are two summer shows left for the month of august. The first one is "Murder at the Vicarage" an Agatha Christie murder mystery. It is rated G for the whole family and runs from July 30 until August 10. The second show is "Sylvia," about a dog who creates havoc and becomes a respected member of the family. This show is rated PG and deemed "Howlingly funny!"

A new feature is presented this summer at Pioneer Playhouse; it's called "Open Mike every other Saturday Night!" This event is open to the public, and almost anything goes. Visitors are invited to share talent, jokes, music or anything else. The cost is free to both viewers and to performers. The Playhouse asks that you sign up at 11pm on Saturday of August 3rd or 17th to reserve your spot.

Only about 45 minutes away, Pioneer Playhouse in Danville is an excellent day trip for all ages. For more information you can check out their web page at www.pioneerplayhouse.com

Written by - Hannah Billings