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Cape Playhouse Celebrates 82nd Anniversary Season

DENNIS, MA: America’s longest running professional summer theatre, The Cape Playhouse will celebrate its 82nd Anniversary Season starting June 23rd and will feature six main-stage productions with performances slated through September 13th. Producing Artistic Director Evans Haile has arranged for some of the most exciting talent from Broadway to grace the Cape Playhouse stage—prompting what the New York Times acknowledged, “Where Broadway goes to summer.”

“Marc Salem’s Mind Games” is a tantalizing journey into the power and possibilities of the human mind. Using psychological techniques, a sharp eye, a quick wit, and 20 years of training, Marc Salem has entranced the world exploring the human mind through a series of hilarious, astounding and mystifying mind games. “Mind-blowing is the only way to describe Marc Salem’s Mind Games.” –Liz Smith, New York Post (June 23rd through July 5th)

In “A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine,” Act One is a singing and tap dancing tribute to Hollywood’s Golden Age, then the action switches to Mrs.. Pavlenko’s stately mansion where door slamming madcap lunacy reign supreme in this Tony Award-winning musical. “I never laughed so much in my life or had a better time in the theater.” –Rex Reed (July 7th through 19th)

The season continues with the rollicking musical “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” This lively show took Broadway by storm with 11 Tony nominations. A debonair con man and a clever young American rogue are out to stake their claim at a glamorous resort in the French Riviera. “A giddy, crowd-pleasing, high-octane show” –Jacques Le Sourd, The Journal News (July 21st through August 2nd)

A Baby Boomer Bonanza of hit songs is up next with “Leader of the Pack,” a rousing 60’s song and dance journey of go-go boots hits from the legendary writer Ellie Greenwich. Her memorable doo-wop sounds such as “Chapel of Love,” “Be My Baby,” “Hanky Panky,” and “Da Doo Ron Ron,” skyrocketed to the top of the charts in the 1960s. “A high-energy hit parade!” –Sun-News (August 4th through 16th)

“Born Yesterday” is a sharp comedy that combines a Pygmalion story with Washington shenanigans when a shady senator-buying tycoon hires a handsome journalist to tutor his bubble-headed mistress. A little knowledge becomes a dangerous thing when she decides to turn the tables on her crooked junk-yard baron and his boozy lawyer. “An enduring delight” –Variety (August 18th through 30th)

The season concludes with “The Devil’s Music: The Life & Blues of Bessie Smith” R&B diva Miche Braden captures the feisty personality and soulful richness of the singing style of Bessie Smith, the "Empress of the Blues." Born in a one-room shack in Tennessee, Bessie Smith started singing the blues in early life and soon became a superstar. “Terrific! Fills every molecule of airspace with the joy of the Blues!” –New York Times (September 1st through 13th)

For eighty-two years, the legendary Cape Playhouse has been bringing Broadway actors and creative talent to Cape Cod. Often referred to as the “Birthplace of the Stars”, the Cape Playhouse has attracted a long litany of famous actors since its inception in 1927. The list reads like a veritable ‘Who’s Who’ of stage and screen. Over the years, the Cape Playhouse has gained a reputation for producing quality, professional entertainment and each year thousands continue to enjoy superb shows at “America’s Oldest Professional Summer Theatre.”

On summer mornings, the Cape Cod Center for the Arts presents Theater for Children on the stage of the Cape Playhouse and is a terrific way to introduce young people to joys of live theatre. From July 3 through August 22, 2008 the CCCArts' Theater for Children will present performances on Thursday and Friday mornings in July and August. Performances are 9:30 and 11:30 AM with different performers each week. Tickets are $9 and $8; group discounts (10+ persons) are available.

The Box Office is now open for fax, mail and online ticket reservations at www.capeplayhouse.com.  The Cape Playhouse is located at 820 Main Street, Route 6A, Dennis, Massachusetts. Gift certificates and subscriptions are always available. Call 508-385-3911 or toll free at 877 385-3911 for more information. Performances are Monday through Saturday at 8 PM with matinees on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tickets are $49.50 to $25.00 and group discounts (10+ persons) are available.