Best Outdoor Theaters On The South Shore And Cape Cod
South Shore Music Circus
130 Sohier St.
Cohasset, MA 02025
(781) 383-9850
www.themusiccircus.org
The South Shore Music Circus has been operating for over 60 years, offering music, theater and comedy for all ages. Engagements by the Kaleidoscope Children's Theatre are reasonably priced with showtimes that don't conflict with nap time. For adult audiences, the South Shore Music Circus calendar offers a slate of comedians, theatrical comedies and even a performance by Garrison Keillor of "A Prairie Home Companion" fame. Thanks to its tent, shows go on rain or shine. Parking is free at the on-site lot. If you are looking for a VIP experience, the organization offers the Inner Circle Club, which includes various discounts, presale ticket access and a private entrance to the venue.
Cape Cod Melody Tent
21 W. Main St.
Hyannis, MA 02601
(508) 775-5630
www.melodytent.org
Cape Cod Melody Tent is the sister venue of the South Shore Music Circus and offers a similar tent theater set-up. Performances of fairytale classics by Rhode Island's Kaleidoscope Children's Theatre may also be enjoyed at the Melody Tent. Nationally-known comedians and music acts fill out the Melody Tent's roster of events. The Melody Tent has its own version of the Music Circus's Inner Circle Club: the Gold Circle Club. Members receive similar discounts and benefits to the Inner Circle Club. Membership fees at both venues are tax deductible.
Cape Rep Theatre
3299 Main St.
Brewster, MA 02631
(508) 896-1888
www.caperep.org
Founded in 1986, the Cape Rep Theatre operates year-round, but it's during the summer months when attendees get to enjoy the 200-seat outdoor theater. This outdoor venue was rehabilitated in 1992 and is the only completely outdoor theater the Cape. During the day, children's theater is the fare. A new musical, "Dinosaur Pirates from Outerspace," will be performed June 26 through August 30 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. "Pitter Patter Puppets" will grace the stage of the outdoor theater from June 27 through August 29 on Thursdays at 10 a.m. In the evening, adults can take in a play from the "Under the Stars" series. During inclement weather, performances are moved to the Indoor Theatre, which seats 135.
Related: Best Summer Theater Productions On The South Shore & Cape Cod
The Vineyard Playhouse At Tisbury Amphitheater
24 Church St.
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
(508) 693-6450
www.vineyardplayhouse.org
Over on Martha's Vineyard, theater fans can experience performances by the Vineyard Playhouse both indoors and out. On Saturday mornings, The Fabulists: Theater for Children present original plays at the Tisbury Amphitheater. From July 17 through August 17, Shakespeare fans can enjoy the production of "Henry IV," also at the Tisbury Amphitheater. Parking for the Tisbury Amphitheater is free of charge. The Playhouse can also be enjoyed year round, with indoor performances at the Vineyard Playhouse itself, which was erected in 1833.
Amy Galante is a lifelong Massachusetts resident. By day, she works at a university library. By night, she is a freelance writer for Examiner.com, covering film, music, and geek culture.
