Back in the days before air-conditioning, most city theatres would close down during the summers and theatregoing would shift to (presumably cooler) summer theatres in the countryside.
Some were near retreats for theatre folk, like Westport Country Playhouse on Connecticut's Gold Coast. Some were outdoor amphitheatres that would draw theatre fans from several states, like the Muny in St. Louis.
Over the years summer theatregoing has developed a life and identity of its own and entertained generations of playgoers in shorts and light colors. Please tell us your favorite summer theatre story -- either from the audience point of view, or the performer/stage crew point of view. We welcome funny stories, disaster stories or touching stories -- as long as they involve live theatre and the season of summer.
Please post your stories to Playbill On-Line's Message Board under the topic Playbill Poll and the subject Summertime. Playbill thanks in advance all those who take the time to write.
To see what's playing at North American summer theatres see the Summer Stock area of our listings. -- By Robert Viagas