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Derby Dinner Playhouse facts for kids

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Derby Dinner Playhouse
Derby Dinner Playhouse.jpg
Outside of Derby Dinner Playhouse
Address Clarksville, Indiana
United States
Coordinates 38°16′50″N 85°45′19″W / 38.2806°N 85.7554°W / 38.2806; -85.7554

Imagine enjoying a yummy meal while watching a live play! That's what you can do at the Derby Dinner Playhouse. It's a special kind of theater called a dinner theatre. You can find it in Clarksville, Indiana.

The Derby Dinner Playhouse first opened its doors in 1974. It's the only dinner theater like it in the Louisville, Kentucky area and in southern Indiana.

How Derby Dinner Playhouse Started

In the early 1970s, some local business owners had a great idea. They wanted to create a fun place for entertainment. This place would host concerts and theater shows.

A group called Windmill Dinner Theatre helped build and manage the new facility. They already owned other dinner theaters.

Who Owns the Playhouse?

In 1985, two people named Carolyn Thomas and Bekki Jo Schneider bought the theater. Carolyn Thomas was the general manager at the time.

Today, Bekki Jo Schneider still helps run everything. She produces and oversees all the shows.

Delicious Food at the Derby

Before the show, you can enjoy a tasty meal! Derby Dinner Playhouse offers a buffet with American-style food. You can find things like fried chicken, fish, and roast beef. There's also a fresh salad bar and hot rolls.

Don't forget about dessert! They have many sweet treats. Their famous peanut butter pie is a favorite tradition.

Pre-Show Entertainment

While you're eating, a singing group called "Footnotes" performs. They entertain everyone before the main show begins.

The Unique Theater Stage

The Derby Dinner Playhouse has a special stage setup. It's called theatre-in-the-round. This means the audience sits all around the stage. It makes you feel very close to the action!

The actors who perform here are all professionals. They are very talented.

Show Schedule

You can catch a show almost any day of the week. Performances happen from Tuesday through Sunday nights. There are also daytime shows, called matinées, on Wednesday and Sunday.

Each year, the Derby Dinner Playhouse puts on many different shows. They have eight main stage shows for everyone. They also have four special shows just for children. Plus, they host ten concerts throughout the year.

See also

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