Arts & Culture
Take a trip to the historic Gretna Theatre for show-stopping talent
Visit Gretna Theatre for an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Nestled in the charming arts and resort community of Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania, lies a cultural gem that has been delighting audiences for nearly a century. Gretna Theatre is one of the oldest summer theatres in America, with a history that stretches back to 1927 and is rooted in the vibrant cultural fabric of its surroundings.
At its core is the historic Gretna Playhouse, originally built in 1892 as the Chautauqua Auditorium, which served as a hub for intellectual and artistic gatherings. Over time, as the cultural landscape shifted, the Auditorium sought a new purpose when A. E. Scott, an actor and director from the Fulton Theatre in nearby Lancaster, sparked the idea of establishing a summer theatre in Gretna. In the spring of 1927, Gretna Theatre opened its doors for its inaugural season.
There is something truly special about seeing live theatre in the beautiful Mount Gretna Playhouse surrounded by the trees and cottages of The Chautauqua. Our goal at Gretna Theatre is to make the theatrical experience as captivating and magical as the place itself!
Michael Philip O’Brien, Producing Artistic Director
Throughout the years, Gretna Theatre has weathered its fair share of challenges, including natural disasters like hurricanes and the collapse of the Playhouse’s roof under the heavy snow of 1994. However, with resilience and community support, a new Playhouse emerged by the summer of 1995, a testament to the enduring spirit of Gretna Theatre.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Gretna Theatre remains committed to enriching the cultural landscape of South Central Pennsylvania. Through collaborations with professional unions like Actors’ Equity Association and Stage Directors and Choreographers, it continues to produce engaging theatrical productions for audiences of all ages. In fact, they have expanded to provide a Touring Outreach program, bringing the theatre into the community all year long.
Gretna Theatre has welcomed a diverse array of talent onto its stage, from established Broadway stars like Bernadette Peters and Charlton Heston to emerging performers with budding talent. Its legacy as a cultural cornerstone of the community is underscored by its dedication to the art of storytelling and unwavering commitment to providing accessible, high-quality theatre experiences for all.
“I love this theater and look forward to the shows every year.”
Debbie Stoner, regular attendee of Gretna Theatre
This August, they invite you to experience the magic of Gretna Theatre yourself with Every Brilliant Thing, running August 1–10, 2024, at The Timbers and Great Balls of Fire, running August 22–25, 2024, at the open-air Playhouse.
About the Shows
Every Brilliant Thing is a heart-wrenching and hilarious one-man play that will have your belly laughing and your eyes brimming. Based on true and untrue stories and told with the help of the audience, it is a life-affirming story of how to achieve hope through focusing on the smallest miracles of life.
After playing Jerry Lee Lewis in “Million Dollar Quartet” in more than 80 cities, Jason Cohen brings his ivory-smashing, high-energy performance to Great Balls of Fire. Featuring songs of Lewis’ contemporaries such as Elvis, Cash, and Buddy, as well as the New Orleans and gospel traditions that inspired Lewis, Great Balls of Fire will have the audience dancing, singing, and saying “when can we buy tickets again?!”
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