Kentucky brings many images to mind; bluegrass, horses, the Kentucky Derby. One thing I never expected to find was outdoor musical theater. I had some trepidation at the idea of attending musical theater outdoors in the June heat, but the plays were held at 8 PM, when the temperatures were beginning to cool down for the evening.
L’il Abner: The Musical
Our first stop was the James Harrod Amphitheatre, located directly behind Old Fort Harrod State Park. Each year, during July, the Ragged Edge Community Theater produces James Harrod: The Battle for Kentucky Outdoor Drama, revolving around the life of the Harrodsburg founder. In June, they feature a different play each year. This year’s production was “L’il Abner,” a musical political satire. Once again, I was not sure what to expect. Musical political satire?
The plot revolved around the citizens of DogPatch, USA, learning their Senator has convinced the government that their town is the most unneccessary spot in the USA and can be bombed out of existence. The concerned citizens try to find a way to save their town and share “Yokumberry tonic” with the government, who sends several of the DogPatch citizens to Washington, D.C. for federal testing. Meanwhile, a corrupt General Bullmoose decides L’il Abner should sell him the formula, and if not, then give him the secret recipe.
The play began and both my son and I were hooked. The stage is set with minimal props, most just feature a statue of Dogpatch’s founder, “Jubilation T. Cornpone” and there were no costume changes throughout the play. This allowed us to focus on the talented musical performances by the cast, along with the humorous plot. We had a hard time choosing our favorite song. It wavered between, “Jubilation T. Cornpone,” a tribute to the town’s inept founder, and “The Country’s in the Best of Hands,” a rollicking song mocking some governmental actions.
The Stephen Foster Story:
Our second stop was “The Stephen Foster Story,” now in its 58th season, performed at the Stephen Foster Drama Amphitheater in Bardstown. Each summer, the theater produces The Stephen Foster Story and one other play. This year it’s The Wizard of Oz. The cast and crew of this play include theater majors and professional performers. It’s a full scale musical tribute to Stephen Foster’s life, showing his struggles as he became the first great American composer.
The play centers around Stephan’s life as he tries to make a living to support his family, while struggling with his desire to write songs. Jane, the love of his life, is at times undecided if she wants to marry Stephen or her loyal and steady suitor, Dudley. The backdrops are lovely and the actors perform in period costumes, designed by Si Arnold, who has been with the company for 52 years.
I had dinner before the performance with the lovely Rachel Day-Hughes, the leading lady of the play, who plays Jane, Stephen’s love interest in the play and Billy Bass, Media Coordinator. Rachel admitted it had been a challenge to learn all the music required for the play in a short amount of time, but after watching the play I saw she was equal to the challenge.
I learned tidbits about outdoor theater I had never considered. “Planning an outdoor drama is always challenging. We constantly have to check the weather to make sure there are no storms in the area before the performance.” I also learned how Stephen’s music revolutionized the future of the American Music industry. Without copyrights he was unable to earn much income from his music. Most people are familiar with his music because it is public domain.
After the performance, Rachel took us backstage to give a first hand look behind the scenes. The cast are a close knit, but welcoming community, with many returning to perform in the play each year.
Both the Ragged Edge Community Theater and The Stephen Foster story are well worth a visit. Tip: I suggest bringing cushions for the chairs in the theater as the seats can become hard after sitting on them for 2 1/2 hours.
Want to learn more? Check out the Harrodsburg, KY website or the VisitBardstown website.
Visiting Harrodsburg or Bardstown? Learn more:
Must Visit Restaurants In Bardstown
Old Fort Harrod, Harrodsburg, Kentucky
Oh wow, this just sounds like such a wonderful experience. I’d love to see a live musical like this!
This sounds like a cool performance. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, I like to see a live musical. The last time I saw one was when I was a little, a play in our hometown.
What a GORGEOUS setting that is. I love how the music and the outdoors are combined!
Outdoor? Sounds like a perfect summer event for the whole family! I want to see this!
I’ve never been to an outdoor musical, but we’ll be attending a big on this weekend. It’s in Palo Duro Canyon here in Texas. I can’t wait!
My teen is big in to theater. I need to take her to this to check it out. Looks like a fun time!
This sounds like a fun experience in an outdoor atmosphere! I think it’s great that the start time is later in the evening so it’s not as hot.
I’ve never seen a play like this and it looks magical. Like you are transported to a different era!
This sounds like a really cute set up. I’ve not been to an outside theater.
An outdoor play is definitely something different to do!
I really like the costumes.
I love watching stage plays like this and it would be nice to expose the kids to this kind of art too. I love the open air, it’s perfect for the summer although I can understand their struggles when it comes to planning a show. It’s really a great experience and a memorable one at that!
This sounds like an interesting play and it sounds like you really had an amazing time. I love theater and the outside theater makes any play/musical so much for interesting. Thanks for sharing your experience and the information. I would love to go to a musical here some day.
Oh, this is nice. I remember when I was a child. We used to watch live theater at the park.
That sounds like so much fun. I love seeing live theater, but the outdoor setting would make it something very unique. The show itself sounds like a hoot.
I bet these performances were SO much fun to see! It sure looks it through your fab pictures! Love this post!
Such beautiful pics! I’ve never been to Kentucky, I bet it’s a lot of fun! These pictures are so great, what an awesome time!
I have never been to an outdoor theater before. It would be a fantastic way to spend the day.
These performances must have been a lot of fun to watch. What a nice time! I wouldn’t mind seeing one.
What a great way to enjoy theater and the great outdoors. I wish we had something like this in my area. It sounds like something my family would love!
Who knew there was so much culture in a small town in Kentucky. How much fun to watch a musical in the outdoor theater.
I grew up enjoying the outdoor theater with my grandparents and would love to take my own children. The musical productions were always my favorite!
I love outdoor theater or music productions. I bet Lil’ Abner was a hoot to see live.
I have never been to an outdoor theatre. It would be such fun I think. This looks like a great show!
This sounds like a lot of fun! I just missed out on our local outdoor theater show that they do every year for free. Lil Abner sounds like it was a good experience.
I have not been to an outdoor theater before!! What a fun experience and would be a great date night!
There’s something amazing about outdoor theaters! That sounds fun but I worry about the rain!
I love outdoor music. I try to take my kids to a show at least 5-6 times a month.
Outdoor theatre is SO HARD, and man, it gets sweaty, too. I attended a performance of HAIR in the pouring rain!
Beautiful. Looks like a magical event to attend!
I would love to spend the evening at an outdoors theater. I sure wish I was close by. This would be fun for the entire family.
Visiting an outdoor theater sounds like a great way to spend a summer afternoon. I wish there was something like this around me. I would love to take the whole family here.
Oh wow. Seeing a classic musical in an outdoor setting sounds like so much fun. I’d love to do that one day. Thanks!