Wednesday, August 14, 2013

42nd Street



Weston Playhouse is Vermont's oldest professional theater.  42nd Street was performed last night.  Brilliant!  I saw it on Broadway a couple of decades ago and in Hartford with a professional company more recently, but the dancing and singing last night were as good as either.  It was hard to believe that I was in a small theater in a small Vermont town and being treated to such a high quality performance.

Weston Playhouse was launched in a renovated church in 1937.  Lloyd Bridges was the leading man in the first performance of that first season.  A 1962 fire destroyed the original facility, but the current Greek Revival facility promptly replaced it.  The current facility has had to deal with floods in the 1970s and 2011, but it has survived all obstacles so far.

A cafe below the small theater serves dinner before the show and offers a cabaret after the show.  The West River flows over a dam next to a grist mill before passing behind the theater.


15 comments:

Halcyon said...

That's a nice looking theater with a pretty good view! :)

Sharon said...

It doesn't get more picturesque than this!

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

Interesting to learn of the theater's role in nurturing the career of Lloyd Bridges. Community theaters make valuable contributions to the careers of performers, regardless of whether they continued to pursue acting or chose other professions.

Unknown said...

I do agree with Sharon, it doesn't get any more picturesque than this and I have to admit that I'm just a tad jealous of your wonderful evening!! Wish I could enjoy the same, but sharing it through your pics is the next best thing, Jack! Hope your week is going well!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Very nice Jack, it does sound like you enjoyed a super evening in this rather grand looking theatre.

Birdman said...

Did you take in the show? It's a 'loud' show with all that foot tappin'.

EG CameraGirl said...

Sounds like you had a great time. I like the venue.

RedPat said...

Love the view in the last pic. Looks like a nice little theatre, Jack!

Dianne said...

What a picturesque location Jack .... your bottom pic is a treat to the eyes.

LONDONLULU said...

Love stumbling across a great theatrical performance, sounds like a nice evening! How fascinating about Lloyd Bridges. And I love that last photo too!

(Yes, get to Norway when you're able! Great public transportation, lovely nature, great restaurants/public parks, and everyone speaks English:)

William Kendall said...

Quite a striking building, and what a setting for it!

Lowell said...

It's a lovely spot for a theater. And the place has gone through some difficult times; hopefully, the worst is over. I think I would be delighted to attend a theatrical presentation here.

Randy said...

I like the evening shot!

LOLfromPasa said...

Fantastic setting, impressive theatre and super collection of shots.

diane b said...

Weston looks a nice little town. I came over from Jennyfrecles blog.