Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre - Winchester, VA
Looking to go to the theater in Winchester, VA? Each summer Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia offers a summer musical theater selection. It includes three musicals. I attended all three 2023 performances. I thought they were all high quality and enjoyable performances. I was really impressed by the live orchestra at all of the performances. The sets, and costumes were wonderful for all.
Quality of Entertainment
Jersey Boys
Jersey Boys was very good. The music was phenomenal. The story was interesting and easy to follow. The play does have some strong language so it may not be best for a young audience. If you like music from The Four Seasons it is a great play to watch.
Hello Dolly
Hello, Dolly is always a fun classic to watch. The play has good music and some comedy. It is suitable for any audience. I enjoyed their performance.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is an odd one but quite entertaining. I found it was quite a strange combination of elements. It was framed as family friendly and even had kids on stage in a children’s choir most of the show. The play also had a lot of bible references since it was based on a bible story. Meanwhile, it had an extremely hunky shirtless lead throughout and essentially sexy cabaret dancing ladies in the second act. One thing I did not like about that script is that there are no female lines or songs. The ladies are only there as supporting dancers. But I don’t hold that against the theater company. Additionally, the production had an amusing combination of 80’s workout gear, Egyptian outfits, and 70’s hippie attire. The highlight for me was the pharaoh being portrayed as Elton John. Though unusual, I thought they gave a very strong and enjoyable performance.
Who Goes Here?
There was a wide variety of people at the productions. There were a lot of older people but also families and a few young people.
Venue
It is a very nice new, clean theater in Winchester. Also, the theater is very spacious. The lobby has lots of windows and is very open. Additionally, the floorplan is nicely laid out and a good size.
Organization & Cleanliness
It is very well kept. There are large clean bathrooms available. Everything is well staffed and organized.
Refreshments
Concessions are available but you are not allowed to bring them in the theater. They have chips, cookies and a variety of cold and hot drinks. The staff were friendly. I though the concessions were good, but I wished I could have brough them into the theater to my seat.
Location
The Shenandoah Summer Theater is held at the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. There is free parking available around the theater. It is a very easy location to visit and central to town.
Interested in other things to do in Winchester, VA? Check out these ideas!
Summary
Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre has a lineup of musical productions in Winchester, VA. The 2023 season included Jersey Boys, Hello Dolly, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. They were all very enjoyable performances. They acting and singing was very good as well as the live orchestra. The sets and costumes were also well done. This season is now over, but I would definitely recommend attending another Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre production.
