Join Pioneer Playhouse and Art Center of the Bluegrass for a special Starry Night Studio Under the Stars on June 16 during The Play that Goes Wrong.
Local artist Brandon Long will guide guests in creating a painting inspired by the story and themes of The Iron Baby Angel. Grace Cafe will be on sight with food available for purchase.
The painting experience begins at 5 pm with curtain at 8 for the show. The Starry Night studio ticket combo is $55 and includes both the guided painting experience and tickets to that evening’s perfrmance of The Show that Goes Wrong.
Pioneer Playhouse finishes up its regular play season with Not From Around Here, a brand-new comedy set in a typical 1980s suburb where one family is keeping a secret that’s anything but typical.
“We love producing new work,” says Heather Henson, managing director of the theatre her father, Eben C. Henson, founded in 1949. “This show is fresh and funny, and it has a terrific twist that audiences will love.”
Not From Around Here, opening Tuesday, July 22, was written by the husband-wife duo of Jennifer Goff and Brian Scruggs. Goff is Associate Professor and Chair of the Theatre Program at Centre College, while Scruggs is Associate Professor in Eastern Michigan University’s Entertainment, Design, and Technology program.
“Jen has been directing for us for several years,” says Henson. “She directed That Book Woman last summer, and she’s directed the popular “Southern Fried” plays. We love working with her, and so when she said she had written a play with her husband, we were excited to take a look.”
“We started writing this play based on a story prompt a few years ago, and had the Playhouse in mind as we wrote,” says Goff. “We’ve gotten to know the audiences pretty well, and the returning actors, so we felt pretty tuned in to what hits the funny bone here.”
Not From Around Here centers on two couples and their 18-year-old kids who have been neighbors for ten years. They think they know everything there is to know about one another. The daughter and son have grown up together, they’ve fallen in love, they’re making future plans together, and then something totally unexpected happens that knocks everyone for a loop.
“The actors are having a blast rehearsing this show,” says Robby Henson, artistic director and also son of the founder. “There’s a lot of energy when you work on an original play, and I think audiences will respond to that.”
Besides writing the play together, the Goff/Scruggs duo is also part of the team launching it. Goff stars as Carol, a neighbor with a killer lemon square recipe, and possibly something else up her sleeve, while Scruggs directs the show.
“We love being part of this Playhouse family so much,” says Goff, and the fact that they are willing to take a chance on our play, and on us, it’s just about the coolest thing we can imagine! We are so excited to share it with audiences!”
The comedy also stars Mike De Pope as Goff’s husband and Gates Smyth as her son. The other suburban couple and their daughter is played by Jonny Maldonado, Julie McNamara, and Lainie Plunkett. Longtime Playhouse regular, Patricia Hammond, plays the sharply observant next-door neighbor.
Not From Around Here will run through August 9, Tuesdays through Saturdays, and will finish the regular play season at Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theatre. A final music extravaganza celebrating Elvis and Wanda Jackson will be August 14, 15, and 16.
Pioneer Playhouse continues its 76th season in the Bluegrass with a heartwarming southern comedy about a grandma and a juvenile delinquent who forge an unlikely bond.
Walking Across Egypt, adapted for the stage by Catherine Bush from the novel by Clyde Edgerton, will run from July 1 through July 19, Tuesdays through Saturdays, in the outdoor amphitheater. A home-cooked BBQ dinner is available at 7:00 pm in the shaded courtyard before the 8:30 pm show.
“This is one of our favorite plays, so we’re bringing it back after 12 years,” says Heather Henson, managing director of Pioneer Playhouse, which her father, Eben C. Henson, founded in 1949. “It’s the feel-good play of the summer. And many locals will know playwright Catherine Bush, who lived in Danville for a time, and who still has family here.”
Walking Across Egypt centers around Mattie Rigsbee (Patricia Hammond), a lonely older lady looking for purpose, and Wesley Benfield (Logan Yates), a wayward juvenile delinquent looking for guidance.
“Mattie has always been a doer, but she’s gotten older, and she feels like she’s slowing down,” says Henson. “She’s at a cross roads in her life and in her faith, and then a stray dog shows up, and one thing leads to another as it always does in this kind of heartfelt comedy, and before long, Maddie is busy ‘caring for the least of her brethren’ just as her Bible tells her to do.”
“The play has a wonderful message,” says Heather’s brother, Robby Henson, who is artistic director of the historic theatre. “I think audiences will really respond to it just as they did twelve years ago.”
“And for those who saw our first show, The Game’s Afoot, it’s always fun to watch the same actors transform into totally different characters,” says Heather. “There are a couple of new faces in this play, and we’re thrilled that a young man from Mercer County is making his professional debut with us. Logan Yates has been in a couple of West T. Hill productions, and we were very impressed with him. He’s terrific as Wesley. I think patrons will recognize and love these characters.”
Besides being a best-selling book, Walking Across Egypt was also a popular movie made in 1999 starring Ellen Burstyn, Mark Hamill, and Jonathan TaylorThomas.
“The play is directed by Derrick Ledbetter, who has directed several shows for Transylvania University, and it features a church choir singing hymns,” says Heather Henson. “The hymns, one of them being ‘Walking Across Egypt,’ bring the whole story together in a special way.”
Pioneer Playhouse is located at 840 Stanford Road, Danville, Kentucky. Reservations are suggested for the show, and required for dinner. Shows are outdoors in a historic amphitheater, and continue in light rain. If the weather is severe and the show is cancelled, rain checks will be given. Reservations can be made by calling the box office at 859-236-2747, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday, 10 am to 5:00 pm.
Pioneer Playhouse, Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theatre, celebrates its 76th season in the Bluegrass with a summer line-up of family-friendly plays, an Elvismusic extravaganza, and a 76th Anniversary Bash.
The historic season kicks off on June 6 with The Game’s Afoot: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. Running through June 28, this award-winning murder mystery-comedy by Ken Ludwig follows 1930’s Broadway star, William Gillette, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Sherlock Holmes in order to solve a mysterious death at his own spooky mansion.
“Basically, it’s Clue meets Sherlock Holmes,” says Heather Henson, managing director, and daughter to founder Eben C. Henson. “Our audiences loved Clue and they also love Sherlock Holmes. So, this is a perfect blend of murder, mystery, mayhem, and laughs.”
Next up is Walking Across Egypt, a heart-warming comedy adapted by Catherine Bush from a novel by Clyde Edgerton, running from July 1 through July 19.
“This is one of our favorite plays, so we’re bringing it back after 12 years,” says Robby Henson, artistic director and brother to Heather. “It’s the feel-good Southern play of the summer. And many locals will know playwright Catherine Bush who lived in Danville for a time.”
Not From Around Here, a brand-new comedy by Jennifer Goff and Brian Scruggs, fills the third slot from July 22 through August 9. Set in the 1980’s, the play centers around two suburban families who may not be as “normal” as they first appear to be.
“We take pride in producing original plays,” says Robby Henson. “And this one is special because it was written by Jennifer Goff, who has directed many hits for us over the years.”
Goff is the chair of the theatre department at Centre College in Danville. She co-wrote the play with her husband, Brian Scruggs, who is an associate professor at Eastern Michigan University. Goff will appear in the comedy, while Scruggs directs.
“The play has a very 1980’s sitcom feel,” says Heather Henson. “It’s light and fun, but it also has a lot of heart.”
Pioneer Playhouse will finish up its season with Good Rockin’ Tonight: Elvis Presley and Wanda Jackson/The King and his Rockabilly Queen on August 14, 15, and 16. The show will have two different Elvis tribute artists and one Wanda Jackson tribute artist and will feature a live band, Kelly Caldwell and Kashmere playing Elvis hits from his Rockabilly years.
“People ask us why we often end the season with Elvis,” says Robby Henson. “We know our audience, and they love Elvis!”
At Pioneer Playhouse, plays run nightly, Tuesdays through Saturdays. A homecooked dinner of BBQ chicken or pork on bun, parmesan roasted potatoes, corn on the cob and dessert is available before the show. (Reservations for dinner must be made by 3:00 pm day of show.) A bar serving adult beverages is open Thursday-Saturday night. There is a hand-scooped ice cream parlor and an antique village for patrons to enjoy before the show. A concession stand serves popcorn and soda and candy.
Pioneer Playhouse will be hosting a 76th Anniversary Bash on Saturday, June 14 from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The event is a fundraiser for the theatre, which is a 501 c 3 non-profit. The $75 price includes dinner, one drink from the bar, and dancing, with live music by Kelly Caldwell and Kashmere.
Pioneer Playhouse is located at 840 Stanford Road, Danville Kentucky. Dinner is at 7:00 pm, while the show begins at 8:30 pm, except for the Elvis production, which starts at 8:00 pm. Shows are outdoors in a historic amphitheater, and continue in light rain. If weather is severe – the show is cancelled and rain checks provided.
Pioneer Playhouse Celebrates 76th Season in the Bluegrass
Pioneer Playhouse, Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theatre celebrates its 76th season in the Bluegrass with a summer line-up of family-friendly plays, an Elvismusic extravaganza, and a 76th Anniversary Bash.
The historic season kicks off on June 6 with The Game’s Afoot: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. Running through June 28, this award-winning murder mystery-comedy by Ken Ludwig follows 1930’s Broadway star, William Gillette, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Sherlock Holmes in order to solve a mysterious death at his own spooky mansion.
“Basically, it’s Clue meets Sherlock Holmes,” says Heather Henson, managing director, and daughter to founder Eben C. Henson. “Our audiences loved Clue and they also love Sherlock Holmes. So, this is a perfect blend of murder, mystery, mayhem, and laughs.”
Next up is Walking Across Egypt, a heart-warming comedy adapted by Catherine Bush from a novel by Clyde Edgerton, running from July 1 through July 19.
“This is one of our favorite plays, so we’re bringing it back after 12 years,” says Robby Henson, artistic director and brother to Heather. “It’s the feel-good Southern play of the summer. And many locals will know playwright Catherine Bush who lived in Danville for a time.”
Not From Around Here, a brand-new comedy by Jennifer Goff and Brian Scruggs, fills the third slot from July 22 through August 9. Set in the 1980’s, the play centers around two suburban families who may not be as “normal” as they first appear to be.
“We take pride in producing original plays,” says Robby Henson. “And this one is special because it was written by Jennifer Goff, who has directed many hits for us over the years.”
Goff is the chair of the theatre department at Centre College in Danville. She co-wrote the play with her husband, Brian Scruggs, who is an associate professor at Eastern Michigan University. Goff will appear in the comedy, while Scruggs directs.
“The play has a very 1980’s sitcom feel,” says Heather Henson. “It’s light and fun, but it also has a lot of heart.”
Pioneer Playhouse will finish up its season with Good Rockin’ Tonight: Elvis Presley and Wanda Jackson/The King and his Rockabilly Queen on August 14, 15, and 16. The show will have two different Elvis tribute artists and one Wanda Jackson tribute artist and will feature a live band, Kelly Caldwell and Kashmere playing Elvis hits from his Rockabilly years.
“People ask us why we often end the season with Elvis,” says Robby Henson. “We know our audience, and they love Elvis!”
At Pioneer Playhouse, plays run nightly, Tuesdays through Saturdays. A homecooked dinner of BBQ chicken or pork on bun, parmesan roasted potatoes, corn on the cob and dessert is available before the show. (Reservations for dinner must be made by 3:00 pm day of show.) A bar serving adult beverages is open Thursday-Saturday night. There is a hand-scooped ice cream parlor and an antique village for patrons to enjoy before the show. A concession stand serves popcorn and soda and candy.
Pioneer Playhouse will be hosting a 76th Anniversary Bash on Saturday, June 14 from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The event is a fundraiser for the theatre, which is a 501 c 3 non-profit. The $75 price includes dinner, one drink from the bar, and dancing, with live music by Kelly Caldwell and Kashmere.
Pioneer Playhouse is located at 840 Stanford Road, Danville Kentucky. Dinner is at 7:00 pm, while the show begins at 8:30 pm, except for the Elvis production, which starts at 8:00 pm. Shows are outdoors in a historic amphitheater, and continue in light rain. If weather is severe – the show is cancelled and rain checks provided.
Dinner, drinks, live music by Kelly Caldwell and Kashmere
Please join us in celebrating 76 years in the Bluegrass!
$75 includes dinner, one bar drink and live music. Proceeds go to help Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theatre continue to entertain and serve the community!
Kelly Caldwell and Kashmere are Kentukcy’s Premier 70’s and 80’s Dance Band!
Mark your calendars for December 3, when once again, Pioneer Playhouse joins other area nonprofits in the Good Giving Challenge!
The GoodGiving Challenge is an annual online giving event that makes giving to local nonprofits easy and fun! Hosted by Blue Grass Community Foundation, in partnership with Smiley Pete Publishing, the GoodGiving Challenge launches annually on Giving Tuesday. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 3!
Thanks to our generous donors and sponsors, the GoodGiving Challenge has raised $23 million for our region’s hard-working nonprofits since its inception in 2011! In 2023 alone, the GoodGiving Challenge brought 11,797 givers together to raise $2.67 million for 195 local nonprofits.
This year, as we celebrate the 14th annual GoodGiving Challenge, our goal is to raise $3 million for nonprofits local to Central and Appalachia Kentucky. We invite YOU to join the FUNraising by visiting bggives.org, from 9am on Giving Tuesday, December 3, through midnight on Friday, December 6 and donating to a cause (or more!) you care about.
Accessibility and accessible seating in all areas, including dining patio, play amphitheater, restrooms and exhibits in indoor theatre.
All performances are held outside. In case of light rain, show continues. If show is canceled due to severe weather, rain checks will be given.
2025 SCHEDULE
THE GAME’S AFOOT A Sherlock Holmes Mystery By Ken Ludwig June 6-June 28
It’s 1936, and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast mates to his isolated mansion for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests ends up dead, the festivities in this bizarre house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. It’s up to Gillette himself, assuming the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before it’s too late! A roller coaster ride of thrills and laughs! Winner: Best Play, Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allen Poe Award!
WALKING ACROSS EGYPT Adapted by Catherine Bush From the book by Clyde Edgerton July 1 -July 19
Mattie Rigsbee is definitely slowing down. So instead of taking in that little stray at her door, she calls the dogcatcher, which unwittingly sets off a chain of events that include car theft, prison breaks, and a juvenile delinquent named Wesley. Armed with only her mouthwatering corn bread and a deep, abiding faith, Mattie is determined to make things right…if she can just stay out of jail herself! A funny, uplifting southern comedy.
NOT FROM AROUND HERE Original play! Local authors! by Jennifer Goff and Brian Scruggs July 22-August 9
It’s 1988, and the Smiths and the Joneses are picture perfect neighbors. They’ve shared everything together—except maybe Carol’s famous lemon square recipe. Even their kids want to get married—after college, of course. Life is good and everything’s as normal as can be …until the Joneses get some news that is truly out of this world! How do you break it to your best friends (and possible in-laws) that you’re moving…about a zillion light years away?! A delightfully zany new comedy by Jennifer Goff and Brian Scruggs. Winner: New Works/Las Vegas Little Theatre Company!
August 14, 15, 16 Good Rockin’ Tonight! Elvis Presley and his Rockabilly Queen, Wanda Jackson! Join us for a night of celebrating Elvis and the vibrant music he made with the undisputed Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson! Two Elvises! One Wanda! Full live band! Earlier start time! 8:00 pm!!Performances nightly Tuesday-Saturday June 6 – August 9 Dinner & Show – 7:30pm Show Only – 8:30pm (EDT)
Pioneer Playhouse of Danville, Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theatre, continues its 75th anniversary season with Fireflies, a funny, heartfelt comedy about finding love when you least expect it.
Fireflies, which runs from July 23 through August 10, was adapted for the stage by Matthew Barber from a novel entitled Eleanor and Abel by Annette Sanford. The down-home comedy centers around a retired schoolteacher named Eleanor who lives alone, set in her ways, and secure in her position as the most respected woman in her small Texas town. Enter a smooth-talking drifter named Abel who seems intent on renovating Eleanor’s house, and possibly her life.
“This is a terrific play,” says Robby Henson, artistic director of the historic theatre his father, Eben Henson, founded in 1949. “When we read it, we immediately knew it would speak to our audiences, and that it would be perfect for one of our favorite leading ladies, Pat.”
Patricia Hammond, who plays Eleanor, is in her 27th season at Pioneer Playhouse. She began when Col. Eben Henson was still running Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theatre. Over the years, she has become like family to the Hensons.
“Pat doesn’t just appear each summer,” says Heather Henson, sister to Robby, and managing director of the Playhouse. “We consult with her during the off-season on what plays to read and what plays might work. She and my sister, Holly, and my mother, Charlotte, were very close, and Pat mourns their loss with us.”
Holly Henson died of cancer in 2012, and Charlotte Henson passed away at the age of 93 on February 13th of this year.
“Our 75th season is dedicated to my beautiful mother,” says Heather. “She was the heart and soul, and also the backbone of the theatre. I know she’s still with us here.”
Fireflies is directed by Alana Ghent, who directed Mom’s Gift at Pioneer Playhouse several years ago. That play also starred Patricia Hammond.
“Alana and Pat have worked together before, so we thought it would be a great match,” says Robby.
“It’s a delight to be back at the Playhouse, celebrating the 75th anniversary,” says Ghent. “What I like about the play is that I think we can all relate to weighing safety and comfort over the risk that comes with taking a chance on another human being. I find Eleanor’s courage inspiring and I think audiences will too.”
Fireflies also stars Rita Hight, who has appeared in many Pioneer Playhouse favorites including last year’s Farce of Nature. Hight plays Eleanor’s nosy neighbor who is not at all sure about Abel’s intentions. Lewis Wright takes a turn as a former pupil-turned suspicious cop. Abel is played by Playhouse newcomer Shawn Dodd.
“Shawn sent in an audition reel from his homebase of Chicago, and right away we felt he was perfect for Abel,” says Robby. “Audiences have really enjoyed his performance as the unconventional bootlegger in That Book Woman.”
Fireflies will run nightly, Tuesdays through Saturdays, from July 23 through August 10.) An optional home-cooked dinner of BBQ Pulled Pork or Pulled Chicken and all the fixings is served at 7:30 before the 8:30 show. Reservations are required for dinner; suggested for the show. Pioneer Playhouse is located at 840 Stanford Road in Danville, KY. More information can be found at pioneerplayhouse.com or by calling 859-236-2747.
There will be a special ASL-Interpreted production for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Pioneer Playhouse of Danville, Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theatre, opens for its 75th Season on June 7 with The 39 Steps, a zany comedy based on the classic Hitchcock movie about spies chasing spies, mistaken identity, and good old-fashioned romance.
“We love this show,” says Robby Henson, son of founder EbenHenson, artistic director of Pioneer Playhouse, and director of the historic theatre’s first play of its milestone season. “We presented it 12 years ago, and audiences loved it. We decided to bring it back to celebrate our 75th. It’s so well-written. It’s a perfect show for our audiences. Lots of running around, lots of big laughs. Very high energy.”
The 39 Steps (June 7- June 29) was originally adapted into a taught thriller by Alfred Hitchcock in the 1930s from a book by John Buchan. It was one of Hitchcock’s early films and follows the plight of an ordinary man who suddenly gets mistaken for a British spy and must go to extreme lengths to prove his innocence. In 2005, playwright Patrick Barlow gave a comic twist to the story, and the popular play later went on to win two Tony Awards.
“The laughter is truly non-stop,” says HeatherHenson, sister to Robby, and Managing Director of Pioneer Playhouse. “A handful of actors play over a hundred different characters; there’s an on-stage plane crash; there’s just tons of silliness. It’s perfect for all ages.”
The 39 Steps runs nightly, Tuesdays through Saturdays. The show begins at 8:30, but an optional homecooked dinner is served before the show.
“Our original BBQ Pulled Pork or Pulled Chicken is back by popular demand,” says Heather. “It’s only $40 for a homemade dinner and a play by professional actors. We keep our prices low because we want folks to come out and be able to see a live show, and experience what Pioneer Playhouse has been doing for 75 years!”
Pioneer Playhouse is also offering something a little different this year: a 75th Anniversary Gala on June 15.
“No show that night, just a big glam and glitzy party,” says Robby. “Comedian Joe Deuce will be our MC, and Michael Fly and the Sounds will provide the dance music. We’ll have awards and alumni sharing memories of their time at the Playhouse. It’s going to be a blast.”
The 75th Anniversary Gala on June 15 from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm is sponsored by Farmers National Bank. There will be dinner, drinks and a bar serving alcohol to those 21 years and older. The cost is $75 per person and may be purchased online or through the box office.
Pioneer Playhouse is located at 840 Stanford Road in Danville. Reservations are required in advance for the 7:30 dinner; suggested for the 8:30 show. Tickets may be purchased online at pioneerplayhouse.com or by calling the box office at 859-236-2747.
There will be a special ASL-Interpreted production for the Deaf and Hard
