Opening day at the Tisbury Amphitheatre is July 8 with Scott Barrow starring in the one-character play Every Brilliant Thing.
Last year the Vineyard Playhouse began an ambitious capital campaign to refurbish the theatre in Vineyard Haven. Because of construction the house was dark last summer, although the show did go on at several other locations throughout the Island. This summer the downstairs area of the Playhouse will open. Funds are still being raised, though, to complete the main stage upstairs, renamed the Patricia Neal Stage.
For those on the West Coast there will be a fundraiser on May 4 in Los Angeles at the home of Ms. Neal’s daughter, Lucy Dahl. The party is from 6 to 8 p.m. at 357 S.
The Vineyard Playhouse gets going this weekend with three very different performances, at three very different locations, too.
The Vineyard Playhouse hopes to raise $1 million this summer in the first phase of a $5 million capital campaign that encompasses the renovation, restoration and expansion of the historic theatre on Church street in Vineyard Haven.
The restoration already has begun. With Community Preservation Act funds and private donations, the playhouse has installed new wood clapboard siding and windows on three sides of the building, and a new fire-safety sprinkler system.
About a week ago, Trudy Russell was sitting at her Olivetti Lettera
25 typewriter with her morning cup of coffee when the phone rang. The
woman on the other line introduced herself as M.J. Munafo and told Mrs.
Russell that her play, Closure, had been selected for the Vineyard
Playhouse spring festival, Island Interludes.
Mrs. Russell had no idea what she was talking about.
Playhouse Launches Campaign
By MANDY LOCKE
The home of the Vineyard Playhouse stood strong through
nearly two centuries of Vineyard life. Leaders and friends of
this small professional theatre want to ensure it stands secure
for centuries to come.
Built in 1833 on a pasture donated by Capt. William Daggett,
the Playhouse wears the scars of time. A survey of the building
reveals rotting, chipping and holes.
"It looks like somebody didn't do anything for 20 years,"
Playhouse managing director Josh Sommer said.
Amy Sertl looks like a pro. She's only 10, but the strip of
measuring tape dangling from her shoulders is not just a silly prop.
Miss Sertl is part of the costuming team at the Vineyard Playhouse, and
she's got that tape now cinched around Sarah Felder's
cranium.
