The Vineyard Playhouse gets going this weekend with three very different performances, at three very different locations, too.
The Vineyard Playhouse may be under construction this summer, but that isn’t stopping them from putting on plenty of shows. First up are their Monday Night Specials, beginning June 25 and continuing throughout the summer. This year the shows are being held at the Hebrew Center, 130 Center street, Vineyard Haven.
The Vineyard Playhouse hopes to raise $1 million this summer in the first phase of a $5 million capital campaign that encompasses the renovation, restoration and expansion of the historic theatre on Church street in Vineyard Haven.
The restoration already has begun. With Community Preservation Act funds and private donations, the playhouse has installed new wood clapboard siding and windows on three sides of the building, and a new fire-safety sprinkler system.
About a week ago, Trudy Russell was sitting at her Olivetti Lettera 25 typewriter with her morning cup of coffee when the phone rang. The woman on the other line introduced herself as M.J. Munafo and told Mrs. Russell that her play, Closure, had been selected for the Vineyard Playhouse spring festival, Island Interludes.
Mrs. Russell had no idea what she was talking about.
Playhouse Launches Campaign
By MANDY LOCKE
The home of the Vineyard Playhouse stood strong through nearly two centuries of Vineyard life. Leaders and friends of this small professional theatre want to ensure it stands secure for centuries to come.
Built in 1833 on a pasture donated by Capt. William Daggett, the Playhouse wears the scars of time. A survey of the building reveals rotting, chipping and holes.
"It looks like somebody didn't do anything for 20 years," Playhouse managing director Josh Sommer said.
Amy Sertl looks like a pro. She's only 10, but the strip of
measuring tape dangling from her shoulders is not just a silly prop.
Miss Sertl is part of the costuming team at the Vineyard Playhouse, and
she's got that tape now cinched around Sarah Felder's
cranium.