Mountain Playhouse

A great little theatre and truly unique experience! I wasn’t raised in the area, but my father lived near here and we would always come to the Mountain Playhouse every summer. We still attend frequently now as adults (though I heard it was under new ownership?). So our visits have stood the test of time, we’ve been attending for over a decade now.
For starters, it is part of larger grounds which includes a venue for events like weddings, lodging, and the Green Gables Restaurant (for fine dining). There are generally package deals available for those staying on the grounds and/​or visiting the restaurant. I’ve never seen the lodging so I can’t speak for that, but the food is excellent and the venue for events is truly beautiful.
Second, the theatre itself it very unique. It was a former grain mill that was moved to the location board by board (from what we were told). Which makes it unlike any other theatre I have ever been to. It is truly beautiful inside having retained much of the aesthetic and even some equipment of the former mill. Before and after productions, it is always a treat to explore the grounds. Despite its rustic appearance it has all modern amenities in the theatre itself as well as in the common areas like the bathrooms.
Third, I’ve also been impressed with the quality of the productions. The sets were very well done and the quality of the actors is impressive. Despite it being «small town» it is not some poorly funded community theatre putting on off-​off-​off broadway productions. It is quality and professional with well known shows as well as some smaller but very entertaining productions. I say that traveling several times a year to broadway and living next to Cleveland’s Playhouse District (one of the largest theatre districts int he country), I’m a bit of a theatre snob.
Fourth, the atmosphere is much more casual than other theatre venues I’ve been to. After returning here as an adult, I found myself extremely overdressed in a black dress, stockings, and heels. Most other patrons were in tee shirts and jeans or at most, khakis and dress shirts. That isn’t a bad thing, I just wasn’t prepared for it as I’m used to dressing for the theatre. Thought that may be useful information for others visiting for the first time. The casual dress is nice because it is more conducive to tromping around the beautiful grounds after the show.
Overall, always a great experience! I have yet to be disappointed here. A must visit for theatre lovers int he area!

The road to Jennerstown is fraught with twists and turns through Pennsylvania’s beautiful Laurel Highlands — NOT good for someone who gets motion sick walking down the street. However, if you can manage the journey, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you find…
I’ll admit it — I’m a total theater snob… and a critical one at that. That being said, I’m still a big supporter of smaller venues and community theater, and was happy to attend a production at the Mountain Playhouse yesterday afternoon.
Just past the turn into the theater is «Our Coal Miner’s Café,» a must for any Jennerstown visitor. There you can fill your big-​city belly for less than $ 5. I dined on a grilled cheese sandwich and the salad bar — yum… but back to the theatrical subject at hand.
Mountain Playhouse is truly that… a rustic, mountain playhouse. I’ll set aside my show comments for another time, but the
.beautiful. With a log cabin-​like outside and equally cozy inside, you’ll be tempted to kick off your stilettos and throw on a patchwork snuggie. The seats are situated in traditional theater-​style rows and while the rows are a little on the narrow side for the mostly-​senior audience, the seats are comfortable enough. From there you’ll be treated to a nice, solid production and for around 20 bucks, who could ask for anything more?

This is not Broadway, but it is unique and becoming part of a dieing breed and you will not be paying Broadway prices! Enjoy a matinée or evening performance of live professional theater at Pennyslvania’s oldest professional summer stock company.
The Mountain Playhouse, located in Southwestern, Pa. produces and presents live professional theater. They develop new works and educational opportunities for the stage. Musicals, such as Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, Stand by Your Man, Driving Miss Daisy, as well as comedies and farces.
Discounts available with packages to the Green Gables Restaurant and the overnight stay packages for Huddleson Court.