Oak Grove Theater excited about a return to normalcy this summer with five plays on the schedule
STAUNTON — Oak Grove Theater will be presenting five plays, including a musical, this summer, with the first one — “Two on the Aisle, Three in a Van” — currently running through Wednesday, June 1.
The Oak Grove website describes the current play as a comedy that “reminds us that sometimes the best show isn’t on stage, but in the parking lot.”
This is the first somewhat normal summer since the start of the pandemic for the community theater, located at 845 Quicks Mill Road, just outside of Verona. Susan Polly, an Oak Grove board member, said the theater streamed some actor interviews and history of Oak Grove during the summer of 2020. There was nothing in person.
Last summer Oak Grove streamed one show and did two live.
“And this year here we are,” Polly said. “We’re doing all five shows.”
The other plays this summer include:
“Harvey” by Mary Chase — June 16-22
“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” with books and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak — July 7-13. (Musical directed by Stuarts Draft High School teacher Amy Bussey)
“Little Wars,” by Steven Carl McCasland — July 28-Aug. 3
"Run for Your Wife,” by Ray Cooney — Aug. 18-24
Polly remembers watching those in attendance last year when they finally did a live show after a year away.
“They’ve been coming for years and years,” she said. “They were able to come out and picnic, have a little glass of wine and go in. It was just very emotional to get back to the Grove. Some of those people have been coming all their lives.”
Fletcher and Margaret Collins began the theater in 1954.
In order to attend, you will need a season ticket for $60 that includes all five plays. Individual tickets aren’t available, although season-ticket holders may purchase a single-night ticket for an out-of-town guest.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate during the first show or online at oakgrovetheater.org. Shows begin at 8:45 p.m.
Concessions open by 7:30 p.m. each performance night and are available at intermission. Proceeds from the concession stand go to performing arts and K-12 education groups in the area who operate the stand. Polly said theater students from Fort Defiance, Buffalo Gap and Stuarts Draft high schools will all be involved this summer.
Oak Grove reminds those attending that masks are recommended but not required.
“Out of courtesy to others, please allow space between groups when possible,” the website said. “Seats will be sanitized before and after each performance.”
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Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Staunton's Oak Grove Theater gets 'normal' season underway
