August 13, 2008

The Cape Playhouse

Celebrating more than 80 seasons, the Cape Playhouse is proud to be America's Oldest Professional Summer Theatre. Californian Raymond Moore spent several summers in Provincetown where he was involved in painting scenery, writing plays and acting in theatre there. His vision, however, was to have a theater of his own: a smart, sophisticated summer theater, which would bring Broadway to Cape Cod. So in 1927, he bought a 19th century former Unitarian Meeting House for $200 and had it moved to 3 1/2 acres of pasture land fronting the Old Kings Highway in Dennis and converted it into a theatre. The original pews, now with cushions, still serve as seats.

The opening performance on July 4, 1927 was The Guardsman, starring Basil Rathbone. Over the years, Moore attracted many big name stars from Broadway and the silver screen. Many made their professional stage debuts at the Cape Playhouse. With such stars as Bette Davis (who first worked as an usher), Gregory Peck, Gertrude Lawrence, Lana Turner, Ginger Rogers, Humphrey Bogart, Tallulah Bankhead, Helen Hayes, Julie Harris and Paulette Goddard, it's no wonder the Playhouse is known as "The Birthplace of the Stars."

During the mid-50s, the Cape Playhouse became home to three educational programs which provided summer classes in all areas of the theater. Although the programs did not continue after the early 1970s, many young aspiring performers spent their summers here. In 1956, a young student was given a small part in "The Male Animal,” starring Henry Fonda (his daughter, Jane). These days, most of the stars still come from Broadway, but others are more familiar to the public as movie and television stars. It seems that almost every well known star of stage, screen and TV has walked the stage of the Cape Playhouse.

The Playhouse has aimed to bring the best performers, favorite and familiar plays, comedies, mysteries and musicals to the audiences of Cape Cod. The ultimate goal is to guarantee quality, professional entertainment in the form of great theater. If you are thinking of making the Cape your home, call Scott Cash 508-534-5702. The Cape has been his home for the past 25 years. You can view all of the Capes wonderful homes at http://www.cashoncapecod.com.

Posted By: Scott Cash