Known as America’s Favorite Summer Theater, The Cape Playhouse got its start in 1927 and has been running Broadway plays in the summer ever since. In fact, it’s the country’s longest-running professional summer theater and has hosted performances by massive stars like Humphrey Bogart, Julie Andrews, Ginger Rogers, Betty White, and Olympia Dukakis, to name a few.
The venue sits on Main Street in Dennis, Massachusetts, near the Cape Cod Museum of Art, providing a wonderful backdrop for the theater. If you book a vacation rental near Cape Cod Bay in Dennis, Yarmouth Port, or Brewster, the location is also incredibly convenient.
The shows performed at The Cape Playhouse change every year, so here’s a look at what the 2022 season has in store for visitors to Cape Cod.
Grease
The 2022 season starts on June 1 with the musical comedy Grease. As you probably know, there was a 1978 film called Grease starring John Travolta, but it was actually based on the 1971 play of the same name.
Much like the film and the original play, this version focuses on greaser Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl, as they fall in love over the course of the summer. If you’re a fan of the original, you’ll be happy to know this production features memorable songs like “Greased Lightin'” and “Summer Nights”, taking you back to the 1950s in the process.
This production wraps up on June 18, giving you more than enough time to check out a performance if you’re in the area.
Private Lives
The next show to hit The Cape Playhouse is Noel Coward’s Private Lives, which actually premiered at this venue in 1940 and starred Gertrude Lawrence.
The plot revolves around a divorced couple – Elyot and Amanda – who are remarried and honeymooning with their new spouses. However, they meet by chance at the same hotel on their honeymoons, reigniting their romance. They are then forced to deal with the fallout.
This comedy runs from June 22 until July 2, and it is recommended for guests ten and up due to some mild adult-related scenes.
Always…Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline is a legend in the world of country music, releasing hit songs “Crazy”, “Walkin’ After Midnight”, and “I Fall to Pieces” before her untimely death in a plane crash in 1963.
Always…Patsy Cline is a musical comedy by Ted Swindley based on her true-life story as told through letters written between Cline and confidant Louise Segar.
The play also features 27 of Cline’s best-known hit songs, acting as a tribute concert to her legendary career as well.
Always…Patsy Cline will be at The Cape Playhouse from July 6 to 16 in 2022.
God of Carnage
Despite its name, God of Carnage is a comedy production written by Yasmina Reza and translated by Christopher Hampton.
This Tony Award-winning play focuses on two sets of parents who are forced to meet up to deal with their children’s poor behavior. However, questions remain about whether the adults can stay calm while discussing these issues or if they’ll blow up into a full-blown argument.
God of Carnage will run between July 20 and July 30 at The Playhouse during the 2022 season.
An American in Paris
You’ll want to circle August 3 to 13 on your calendar if you’re a fan of the theater, as it marks The Cape Playhouse’s debut of An American in Paris.
This musical comedy set in Paris during World War II tells the tale of a romance between a beautiful French girl and a young American soldier. It features a score full of songs by the iconic George and Ira Gershwin and leaves the audience captivated all over the globe whenever it runs.
Murder on the Orient Express
The last production of the summer at The Cape Playhouse is Murder on the Orient Express, which runs from August 17-27 in 2022.
This thriller is based on the novel by Agatha Christie and was adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig.
The story focuses on the murder of an American tycoon on the luxurious Orient Express train. There’s a killer on the train, and detective Hercule Poirot must solve the crime before it’s too late.
Murder on the Orient Express will be a sought-after ticket in late summer, so it’s best to buy yours early to avoid disappointment.
The Fantasticks
Typically, the end of the summer sees the season end at The Cape Playhouse. However, there’s a September addition in 2022 called The Fantasticks that also happens to be the longest-running off-Broadway play of all time.
The play examines the relationship of a young couple who fall in love, despite their fathers attempting to keep them apart.
The Fantasticks‘ original run lasted 42 years and 17,162 performances, so if you haven’t seen it yet, Cape Cod is calling your name from September 7-24, 2022.
Enjoy Some Live Theater
There are plenty of reasons to visit Cape Cod in the summer, as the weather, beaches, cuisine, and natural beauty make for a wonderful vacation destination.
Being able to check out a Broadway production or two while you relax in one of the country’s most scenic spots is another aspect that’s sure to take your holiday to the next level.
Check out some vacation rentals near The Cape Playhouse because staying a short walk or drive from this historic venue makes these performances that much more accessible.
