A Vineyard experience doesn’t have to be all about the beach. After washing off a long day’s accumulation of sand, salt and oily sun block, why not discover the island’s superb theater offerings? Many visitors are amazed at the amount and quality of the professional entertainment available here.
One of the most established venues is The Vineyard Playhouse in Vineyard Haven, a non-profit professional theater offering a rich selection of plays year round. Their summer season consists of three main stage plays, beginning on June 17th withFLY, a new play about the heroic Tuskegee Airmen of WWII. Call 508-696-6300 to reserve.
For a more relaxed evening, pack a picnic dinner and join them at The Tisbury Amphitheater for this year’s Shakespeare presentation of SHREW, which will be performed every Wednesday through Sunday at 5 PM (weather permitting) July 22 – August 9. Tickets at the box office only. Also at The Amphitheater, The Fabulists, fun for the whole family, Saturdays at 10 AM, July and August. You can get the full schedule and full information at The Vineyard Playhouse website.
Also, not to be missed, is The Yard in Chilmark. Established in 1924 by Patricia Nanon, it originally began as an outlet to bring talented choreographers to the island. Now, under its current director Wendy Taucher, the theater has expanded to include world class events of music, opera, and an artists’ program throughout the season, with many free family matinees. The Yard kicks of its season on June 26 with an evening of dance, dessert, and champagne. Call 508-645-9662 for reservations or go to The Yard website for full schedules and information.
So swim, bike, and knock yourselves out during the day, then clean up, sit back, and prepare to be surprisingly and delightfully entertained all evening by some of the best theater available anywhere.
Image courtesy of Nuno Duarte
