on location: northeast ❖
coley nelson Classics like Hamlet take the stage every summer at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival.
Curtain Call
Dinner shows, historic theaters and big-time concert venues provide special evening options, setting the stage for can’t-miss itineraries
In
Pennsylvania W hen it comes to Pennsylvania, most visitors
Lee A. Butz
think immediately about the historic sites of
interest among travelers of all ages.
The American Music Theatre in Lancaster features a va-
Gettysburg or Philadelphia or the chocolate-fla-
riety of original shows and touring concerts in its 1,600-seat
vored attractions Hershey has to offer, but groups
venue. Since opening in 1997, the theater has welcomed
should not rule out the Keystone State as a hotspot for en-
Grammy, CMA, Tony and Oscar winners to its stage. Upcom-
tertainment. With curtains rising in theaters across the state
ing shows include Country Classics (May 2-June 30), Frankie
for musicals, concerts and dinner shows, tour planners have
Valli and The Four Seasons (May 17) and The 50’s Dance
countless opportunities to add some razzle-dazzle to their
Party (July 13). (800-648-4102, amtshows.com)
itineraries. National headliners, classic Broadway hits, reli-
Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster is the nation’s largest
gious dramas and the grandeur of old-time architecture spark
faith-based live theater group and hosts nearly 800,000 visi-
46 April 2012
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Choices range from concerts at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh to shows like 9 to 5 The Musical at Lancaster’s Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre.
tors each year between its Lancaster and Branson, Mo.
art-covered ceiling enhance the stunning architecture. The
locations. On its impressive 300-foot wrap-around stage, the
Venice-themed auditorium presents shows like Memphis (April
company has performed shows such as Daniel and the Lion’s
10-15), Mamma Mia (June 26-July 1) and Beauty and the
Den, In the Beginning, Ruth and Voices of Christmas. Jonah,
Beast (July 24-29). Go behind the scenes on the “Spotlight
the current production, will be running through December. The
Tour” to see the dazzling improvements completed in its recent
story of Jonah features larger-than-life props and an inspiring
restoration. (717-534-3405, hersheytheatre.com)
musical score. Behind-the-scenes tours of the theater are available through October. (800-377-1277, sight-sound.com)
Heinz Hall, home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, accommodates nearly half a million visitors per year. The
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster opened its
building, originally completed in 1927 as a movie theater
curtains in 1987 and has been performing classic Broadway
called Loew’s Penn, was renovated and dedicated as Heinz
shows like A Chorus Line and Cats ever since. The menu
Hall in 1971. Today the theater is used for symphony concerts,
varies depending on the show but includes a buffet of tradi-
pops concerts, touring Broadway shows and children’s shows.
tional American cuisine featuring items such as prime rib,
Its dramatic architecture, sparkling chandeliers and gold-leaf
turkey breast and a plethora of desserts. The 2012 season in-
decoration make it a historical gem. Tours are available by ap-
cludes 9 to 5 The Musical (through April 28), Annie Get Your
pointment for groups of 10 or more. (412-392-4900, pitts-
Gun (May 3-June 17), Legally Blonde the Musical (June 21-
burghsymphony.org)
Aug. 4), A Second Helping: Church Basement Ladies 2 (Sept.
Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater and Innovation Studios to-
27-Nov. 10) and A Swingin’ Christmas (Nov. 15-Dec. 23). (717-
gether make up the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
898-1546, dutchapple.com)
in Philadelphia. What began as two separate projects under
Hershey Theatre in Hershey is a must-see for theater
the direction of the Philadelphia Orchestra and former Mayor
goers and chocolate lovers in the “Sweetest Place on Earth.”
Ed Rendell merged to create a vision for a center hosting or-
Completed in 1933, the theater is rich in history and beautifully
chestra concerts, ballets and theater productions. To celebrate
designed. The lobby’s Italian lava rock floors, marble walls and
its 10th anniversary, the Kimmel Center has added several
Groups can take a behind-the-scenes tour at historic Hershey Theatre and enjoy biblical epics at Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster.
on location: northeast ❖
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Hershey Gardens in ChocolateTown U.S.A. is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Read about it at http://leisuregrouptravel.com?p=26723.
new features including dinner and a show. Groups can dine on-site and enjoy cuisine catered by renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. (215-790-5800, kimmelcenter.org) A theater company from DeSales University performs the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival on the campus in Center Valley each year. The summer festival runs from the end of May to the beginning of August and produces Shakespeare shows plus mainstream musical theater productions and children’s shows. Productions this season include: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (June 1-Aug. 4), Sweeney Todd (June
Lancaster’s Sight & Sound presents the best in Christian theater.
13-July 1) and Much Ado about Nothing (July 11-Aug. 5). Performances take place in one of the two indoor theaters, but the company recommends your group come early to enjoy fresh air and music on the green. (610-282-9455, pashakespeare.org) Nestled in the mountaintops of the Poconos resort town of Jim Thorpe, Penn’s Peak is an ideal spot for all types of concerts. The venue overlooks the Appalachian Mountains, and on-site Roadie’s restaurant serves classic American cuisine. Musical groups coming to Penn’s Peak this season include Beatlemania Now (May 3-4), the Harry James Orchestra (May 23-24), The Diamonds (June 6-7) and The Swing Dolls (October 23-24). The venue hosts luncheon shows, evening concerts and special themed nights for concert-goers. (866-605-7325, pennspeak.com) The Station Dinner Theatre, originally a 1922 train car, is located in Erie. It is home of the original Canterbury Festival, the longest-running medieval dinner theater in the country and features a wide array of musical comedies themed around Wild West, Roaring ’20s and ’50s Jukebox Hop. Performances for 2012
Book Group Tickets NOW for the 2012–2013 Season. Giselle Balanchine / Wheeldon / Tharp A Midsummer Night’s Dream Carnival of the Animals with Ballo Della Regina
include: The Chicago Speakeasy (May), Not Now, Darling! (June) and The Carol Burnett Show (July). (814-864-2022, canterburyfeast.com) Whether the audience ends up laugh-
and Stravinsky Violin Concerto
ing, crying or singing along, Pennsylva-
Forsythe & Kylián
nia’s theater scene is sure to impress your
Call today for the BEST seats at the BEST price! 215.587.6921 or abackman@paballet.org
48 April 2012
group. LGT Obtain Pennsylvania visitor guides and itineraries and contact group-friendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
LeisureGroupTravel.com