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Playhouse Celebrates Its Finest Year
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2019/09 - September
As Summer comes to an end, the Highlands Playhouse draws its curtains and celebrates its best season on record.
Nine out of 15 performances of “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” were sold-out. It was the highest-grossing performance in Playhouse history.
Rave reviews, word-of-mouth endorsements, a stellar performance by Andrew Harvey, and a special live Fourth of July concert at Kelsey-Hutchinson Park contributed to “Buddy’s” amazing success.
“Oklahoma!” gave the audience plenty of heart and plenty of hope this season. Jeff Sullivan – leading man in last year’s “Guys and Dolls” and “Damn Yankees” – returned to Highlands to take the lead once more. One might say it was one of the summer’s hottest performances; a fire broke out in an adjacent workshop in the middle of the run. But as Playhouse Director Lance Matzke said, “While the fire certainly presented a challenge, our goal was to get up and running as quickly as possible, continuing the momentum we built this season. After all, the show must go on.”
And so it did. The production was way more than simply OK.
“Always, Patsy Cline” was exquisitely staged. The music resonated in hearts, minds, and everybody’s toes. Even those attendees born post-Patsy were thrilled with the music and quality of the production.
Youth Summer Camp was a tremendous success. It culminated in a delightful play written, acted-by, staged-by, and directed-by kids. What a thrill for parents to witness the exceptional talent of their
dedicated children.
The Highlands Playhouse’s 81st season was a tremendous success, fire and all, thanks to the town, loyal patrons,
and sponsors.
Matze says, “Our best, brightest stars and our successes in 2019 have laid the groundwork for even more world-class performances. We will build on this growth and popularity as we continue to provide quality professional entertainment in years to come.”
