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143-678: Wayside Theatre is a former regional theatre located at 7853 Main Street in Middletown, Virginia , United States. The theatre company began after businessman and philanthropist Leo M. Bernstein purchased the property, along with the nearby Wayside Inn and other buildings in the surrounding area. The building had previously operated as a movie theatre from the time it was constructed in 1946 until 1961. The professional theatre company staged its first performance in 1963 and operated for 50 years before abruptly closing in 2013 due to financial troubles. At

286-495: A cascading waterfall with Italian Renaissance -style architecture. Modern , Postmodern , contemporary , and other non-classical architectural styles are also seen in the city. The National Museum of African American History and Culture deeply contrasts the stone-based neoclassical buildings on the National Mall with a design that combines modern engineering with heavy inspiration from African art . The interior of

429-509: A referendum on D.C. statehood resulted in an 85% support among Washington, D.C., voters for it to become the nation's 51st state . In March 2017, the city's congressional delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced a bill for statehood. Reintroduced in 2019 and 2021 as the Washington, D.C., Admission Act , the U.S. House of Representatives passed it in April 2021. After not progressing in

572-532: A single municipality for the remaining portion of the district. There have been several unsuccessful efforts to make the district into a state since the 1880s; a statehood bill passed the House of Representatives in 2021 but was not adopted by the U.S. Senate . To become law it would have to be passed by the Senate and signed by president; it would have renamed the city Washington, Douglas Commonwealth and shrunk

715-533: A 20% increase in attendance. Due to continued financial constraints, the number of works performed by WTOT was reduced to one and the number of guest directors at Wayside was also reduced. Owens was often singled out in reviews that season, praising him along with the actors for a successful year. Instead of the standard six plays performed each season in addition to the Christmas show, there were seven in 1992. A new audio system, new stage curtain, and new drapes for

858-414: A brick terrace, fencing, kiosk, and an outdoor seating area. One event that took place during a 1971 performance of Play It Again, Sam attracted media attention due to the attendance of a group of a few dozen inmates from a local prison. Local Rotarians had organized the outing for inmates. One of the members told a reporter "We were not motivated by any feeling of charity toward the convicts, but we saw

1001-571: A champagne and chip reception was held at the Route 11 Potato Chips factory, which was located in Middletown at that time. During the 1995 season Wayside once again joined forces with Mill Mountain Theatre, staging Forever Plaid in Middletown, before the show moved to Roanoke . The majority of productions that season received praise, a notable exception being Sherlock’s Veiled Secret . Before

1144-445: A fire destroyed one of the houses near the theatre where some visiting actors stayed. Around that same time Wayside began to host stage readings by theatre staff and locals that took place on weekends from January to April, a new venture that was repeated the following two years. The regular season was well received, with much praise for the staging of Talley's Folly and Steel Magnolias . In September 2000 another fundraising event

1287-408: A garden-lined grand avenue about 1 mile (1.6 km) long and 400 feet (120 m) wide in an area that is now the National Mall inspired by the grounds at Versailles and Tuileries Gardens. In March 1792, President Washington dismissed L'Enfant due to conflicts with the three commissioners appointed to supervise the capital's construction. Andrew Ellicott , who worked with L'Enfant in surveying

1430-502: A modern glass exterior and heavy curvature. CityCenterDC is home to Palmer Alley, a pedestrian-only walkway, and houses several apartment buildings, restaurants, and luxury-brand storefronts with streamlined glass and metal facades. Outside Downtown D.C., architectural styles are more varied. Historic buildings are designed primarily in the Queen Anne , Châteauesque , Richardsonian Romanesque , Georgian Revival , Beaux-Arts , and

1573-403: A natural spot for such a theater. During the season you will find something that will please you, whatever your taste. You will be amused or impressed or even amazed. You will spend an evening with Shaw and Tennessee Williams. You will see the old, the new, the borrowed and the ‘blue’. We are glad to welcome you to this adventure. Won’t you join us many times this summer? Mitch Miller, who at

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1716-448: A new cultural center that Lord Fairfax Community College was raising funds to build. Owens noted that although Wayside only paid $ 1 in rent each year to Bernstein, the theatre would have stability in a new space, one that wouldn't require constant maintenance. Owens' last season as artistic director was 1998, which featured the same number of plays as the previous season, including the two children's productions. Another black-tie fundraiser

1859-431: A relatively high homelessness rate, despite its high living standard compared to many American cities. Washington, D.C., is divided into four quadrants of unequal area: Northwest (NW) , Northeast (NE) , Southeast (SE) , and Southwest (SW) . The axes bounding the quadrants radiate from the U.S. Capitol. All road names include the quadrant abbreviation to indicate their location. House numbers generally correspond with

2002-582: A renovation of the cafe. Prior to the 1988 season opening performance, a reception held in the cafe was attended by Marlin-Jones and actors from The Guiding Light . Despite some good performances, the 1988 season received mixed reviews from critics. After receiving a grant from the VCA, the theatre's company was expanded. Mark Lewis, who played Kurt Corday in The Guiding Light , also guest starred at Wayside that season. Renovations that took place before

2145-595: A snowstorm in January 1772. Hurricanes or their remnants occasionally impact the area in late summer and early fall. However, they usually are weak by the time they reach Washington, partly due to the city's inland location. Flooding of the Potomac River , however, caused by a combination of high tide, storm surge, and runoff, has been known to cause extensive property damage in the Georgetown neighborhood of

2288-676: A special committee charged with beautifying Washington's ceremonial core. What became known as the McMillan Plan was finalized in 1901 and included relandscaping the Capitol grounds and the National Mall, clearing slums, and establishing a new citywide park system. The plan is thought to have largely preserved L'Enfant's intended design for the city. By law, the city's skyline is low and sprawling. The federal Height of Buildings Act of 1910 prohibits buildings with height exceeding

2431-508: A store owned by Ed Sperry. The site remained empty for the next three years. In 1946 Herschel C. Borden constructed the current building, which was known as the Bordon-Lee Theatre or Middletown Movie Theatre until 1961. The building was subdivided, with the first floor containing the movie theatre, a pharmacy, and a store. The second floor contained an apartment in the back of the building where Borden lived for several years. There

2574-633: A stream valley that bisects the city. Established in 1890, it is the country's fourth-oldest national park and is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including raccoon, deer, owls, and coyotes. Other National Park Service properties include the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park , the National Mall and Memorial Parks , Theodore Roosevelt Island , Columbia Island , Fort Dupont Park , Meridian Hill Park , Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens , and Anacostia Park . The District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation maintains

2717-473: A variety of Victorian styles. Rowhouses are prominent in areas developed after the Civil War and typically follow Federal and late Victorian designs. Georgetown 's Old Stone House , built in 1765, is the oldest-standing building in the city. Founded in 1789, Georgetown University features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic Revival architecture . The Ronald Reagan Building is the largest building in

2860-911: Is generally popular among tourists and locals. In 2007, six of the top ten buildings in the American Institute of Architects ' ranking of America's Favorite Architecture were in the city: the White House , Washington National Cathedral , the Jefferson Memorial , the United States Capitol , the Lincoln Memorial , and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial . The neoclassical , Georgian , Gothic , and Modern styles are reflected among these six structures and many other prominent edifices in

3003-480: Is in plant hardiness zone 8a near downtown, and zone 7b elsewhere in the city. Summers are hot and humid with a July daily average of 79.8 °F (26.6 °C) and average daily relative humidity around 66%, which can cause moderate personal discomfort. Heat indices regularly approach 100 °F (38 °C) at the height of summer. The combination of heat and humidity in the summer brings very frequent thunderstorms, some of which occasionally produce tornadoes in

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3146-452: Is known as a lobbying hub, with K Street as the industry center. The city had 20.7 million domestic visitors and 1.2 million international visitors, ranking seventh among U.S. cities as of 2022. The Algonquian -speaking Piscataway people , also known as the Conoy, inhabited the lands around the Potomac River and present-day Washington, D.C., when Europeans first arrived and colonized

3289-715: Is no evidence of any group named the Maralarrick Players ever performing at the building. Two possible explanations are there was a local stock company that performed in 1962 or the group was based out of the Wayside Inn, but Laster has stated: "Therefore, to date, no documentation can be located that gives any definitive information about the Marralarrick group, what they performed, the name of their director, or how they came to be in Middletown." After Bernstein's purchase, extensive renovations took place for

3432-564: Is one of many contributing properties to the Middletown Historic District , which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia Landmarks Register in 2003. The site at 7853 Main Street in Middletown, Virginia was first owned by John Campbell in the late-18th century and later transferred to Jacob Danner. A building was constructed on the property which housed a tavern and store,

3575-477: Is sea level at the Potomac River. The geographic center of Washington is near the intersection of 4th and L streets NW. The district has 7,464 acres (30.21 km ) of parkland, about 19% of the city's total area, the second-highest among high-density U.S. cities after Philadelphia . The city's sizable parkland was a factor in the city being ranked as third in the nation for park access and quality in

3718-529: Is the capital city and federal district of the United States . The city is on the Potomac River , across from Virginia , and shares land borders with Maryland to its north and east. It was named after George Washington , the first president of the United States . The district is named after Columbia , the female personification of the nation . The U.S. Constitution in 1789 called for

3861-567: The 1979 oil crisis , the theatre provided a van to pick up attendees from the Handley Library in Winchester . The decade ended with Swink retiring as general manager and Edward Steele taking over the role as artistic director. Actors who performed at Wayside in the 1970s, in addition to the aforementioned group from Story Book Theatre , include Cara Duff-MacCormick , whose mother accepted her Theatre World Award while her daughter

4004-663: The American Theatre Wing gives a Regional Theatre Tony Award to one regional theater each year during the Tony Awards . This recipient is selected based on a recommendation by the American Theatre Critics Association and receives an award grant of $ 25,000. In the second and third decades of the twentieth century, there was a push to get away from the conservative, mainstream ideology of Broadway. The Little Theatre Movement

4147-499: The Anacostia River to the east. Washington, D.C.'s street grid was extended, where possible, throughout the district starting in 1888. Georgetown's streets were renamed in 1895. Some streets are particularly noteworthy, including Pennsylvania Avenue , which connects the White House to the Capitol; and K Street, which houses the offices of many lobbying groups. Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue , located on

4290-784: The Asolo Repertory Theatre is a member of LORT and partners with Florida State University in operating the Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training . The two major organizations that help to maintain the general welfare of resident theater in the United States are the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) and the Theatre Communications Group (TCG). These organizations encourage communication and good relations between their members and in

4433-646: The Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862, which ended slavery in the district, freeing about 3,100 slaves in the district nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation . In 1868, Congress granted the district's African American male residents the right to vote in municipal elections. By 1870, the district's population had grown 75% in a decade to nearly 132,000 people, yet the city still lacked paved roads and basic sanitation. Some members of Congress suggested moving

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4576-714: The Continental Congress and under the Articles of Confederation . New York City was the first capital upon the adoption of the Constitution , succeeded by Philadelphia , which was capital from 1790 to 1800. On October 6, 1783, after the capital was forced by the Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783 to move to Princeton, Congress resolved to consider a new location for it. The following day, Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts moved "that buildings for

4719-811: The District of Columbia Organic Act of 1801 , which officially organized the district and placed the entire territory under the exclusive control of the federal government. The area within the district was organized into two counties, the County of Washington to the east and north of the Potomac and the County of Alexandria to the west and south. After the Act's passage, citizens in the district were no longer considered residents of Maryland or Virginia, which ended their representation in Congress. On August 24, 1814, during

4862-688: The National Mall , including the Jefferson Memorial , the Lincoln Memorial , and the Washington Monument . It hosts 177 foreign embassies and serves as the headquarters for the World Bank , the International Monetary Fund , the Organization of American States , and other international organizations. Home to many of the nation's largest industry associations, non-profit organizations, and think tanks , D.C.

5005-548: The Northeast megalopolis . As the seat of the U.S. federal government , the city is an important world political capital . The city hosts the buildings that house federal government headquarters, including the White House , the Capitol, the Supreme Court Building , and multiple federal departments and agencies . The city is home to many national monuments and museums , located most prominently on or around

5148-484: The Potomac River forms the district's border with Virginia and has two major tributaries, the Anacostia River and Rock Creek . Tiber Creek , a natural watercourse that once passed through the National Mall , was fully enclosed underground during the 1870s. The creek also formed a portion of the now-filled Washington City Canal , which allowed passage through the city to the Anacostia River from 1815 until

5291-428: The U.S. East Coast . The city has a total area of 68.34 square miles (177 km ), of which 61.05 square miles (158.1 km ) is land and 7.29 square miles (18.9 km ) (10.67%) is water. The district is bordered by Montgomery County, Maryland , to the northwest; Prince George's County, Maryland , to the east; Arlington County, Virginia , to the west; and Alexandria, Virginia , to the south. The south bank of

5434-637: The War of 1812 , British forces invaded and occupied the city after defeating an American force at Bladensburg . In retaliation for acts of destruction by American troops in the Canadas , the British set fire to government buildings in the city, gutting the United States Capitol , the Treasury Building , and the White House in what became known as the burning of Washington . However, a storm forced

5577-623: The Washington Metro stations and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden are designed with strong influence from the 20th-century Brutalism movement. The Smithsonian Institution Building is built of Seneca red sandstone in the Norman Revival style. The Old Post Office building, located on Pennsylvania Avenue and completed in 1899, was the first building in the city to have a steel frame structure and

5720-529: The 1850s. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal starts in Georgetown and was used during the 19th century to bypass the Little Falls of the Potomac River, located at the northwest edge of the city at the Atlantic Seaboard fall line . The highest natural elevation in the district is 409 feet (125 m) above sea level at Fort Reno Park in upper northwest Washington, D.C. The lowest point

5863-588: The 1977 season. Furman announced his resignation in late 1977. James Kirkland, who previously worked at the Virginia Museum Theatre, took over the role as artistic director in January 1978. The opening play for the 1978 season, Round and Round the Garden , was directed by Davey Marlin-Jones and praised by critics. Most of the 1978 season was considered successful. In addition to Marlin-Jones, guest directors included Keith Fowler . In December 1978

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6006-490: The 1980s include Same Time, Next Year , Deathtrap , On Golden Pond , The Glass Menagerie , Agnes of God , The Good Doctor , and Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons). The opening play of the 1990 season, Romance/Romance , featured two soap opera actors, David Buffam and Catherine Cooper, the latter having also starred in A Chorus Line on Broadway. The performances that season received praise from critics, especially Driving Miss Daisy , but it

6149-399: The 1994 season opening of Nunsense , two of the actors rode a scooter in that year's Apple Blossom Parade dressed as nuns. Among the productions that year was A Few Good Men , which was co-produced with Mill Mountain Theatre , the first time Wayside had staged a co-production with another company. This allowed the two theatres to split the cost of the expensive production. Later that year

6292-658: The 1996 season began, Wayside hosted four performances of Always Patsy Cline by the Arkansas Repertory Theatre , which took place at John Handley High School, since Wayside's stage was too small for the event. It was the first and only time Wayside acted as hosts of another company's show. During an interview before the 1996 season began, Owens was asked about how Wayside selects its actors each season. He noted around 90% of Wayside's actors were based in New York City and he would see "1,000 actors for

6435-482: The 2018 ParkScore ranking of the park systems of the nation's 100 most populous cities, according to Trust for Public Land , a non-profit organization. The National Park Service manages most of the 9,122 acres (36.92 km ) of city land owned by the U.S. government. Rock Creek Park is a 1,754-acre (7.10 km ) urban forest in Northwest Washington, which extends 9.3 miles (15.0 km) through

6578-463: The 60 or so slots available each summer." Many of the actors he wanted were also sought after by theatres in New York City, but two things that benefitted his search were the positive reputation Wayside had and that some actors wanted a chance to work outside of the city one summer. The 1997 season was expanded to nine plays, with the first two being children's theatre productions, one of which

6721-723: The Battletown Inn in Berryville , and the Burwell-Morgan Mill in Millwood . Many sources, citing the Wayside Theatre's playbills , list the theatre's founding taking place in 1961 as the Maralarrick Players (sometimes spelled Marralarrick Players). According to James H. Laster, a historian, retired professor, and former Wayside Theatre actor who has extensively researched the theatre's history, there

6864-504: The British to evacuate the city after just 24 hours. Most government buildings were repaired quickly, but the Capitol, which was largely under construction at the time, would not be completed in its current form until 1868. In the 1830s, the district's southern territory of Alexandria declined economically, due in part to its neglect by Congress. Alexandria was a major market in the domestic slave trade and pro-slavery residents feared that abolitionists in Congress would end slavery in

7007-527: The Curtain Call Cafe. In recognition of Wayside's 20th anniversary, which the theatre celebrated in 1982, congratulatory messages were sent from state politicians, including Governor Chuck Robb , Senator Harry F. Byrd Jr. , State Senator William Truban , and Delegate Andy Guest . The next several seasons, which saw Steele and guest director George Black both perform on stage, received praise from critics. Each season included six plays and ended with

7150-602: The Danner Hotel and the Storehouse. The building later became the Shenandoah Normal School before the teaching college relocated to nearby Reliance, Virginia. In the early-20th century, the town hall and town jail, a dry cleaner, and a barbershop occupied the building. In 1941 the property was destroyed in a fire. At the time, it housed Little & Larrick’s Store, a restaurant owned by Ed Goode, and

7293-521: The District from its founding. The building of Washington likely relied in significant part on slave labor, and slave receipts have been found for the White House, Capitol Building, and establishment of Georgetown University. The city became an important slave market and a center of the nation's internal slave trade . After its survey, the new federal city was constructed on the north bank of

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7436-484: The District of Columbia. Shepherd authorized large projects that modernized the city but bankrupted its government. In 1874, Congress replaced the territorial government with an appointed three-member board of commissioners. In 1888, the city's first motorized streetcars began service. Their introduction generated growth in areas of the district beyond the City of Washington's original boundaries, leading to an expansion of

7579-556: The Federal District to about the size of the national mall. Designed in 1791 by Pierre Charles L'Enfant , the city is divided into quadrants , which are centered around the Capitol Building and include 131 neighborhoods . As of the 2020 census , the city had a population of 689,545. Commuters from the city's Maryland and Virginia suburbs raise the city's daytime population to more than one million during

7722-444: The Potomac River, to the east of Georgetown centered on Capitol Hill . On September 9, 1791, three commissioners overseeing the capital's construction named the city in honor of President Washington. The same day, the federal district was named Columbia, a feminine form of Columbus , which was a poetic name for the United States commonly used at that time. Congress held its first session there on November 17, 1800. Congress passed

7865-462: The Residence Act, the exact location was to be selected by President George Washington , who signed the bill into law on July 16, 1790. Formed from land donated by Maryland and Virginia, the initial shape of the federal district was a square measuring 10 miles (16 km) on each side and totaling 100 square miles (259 km ). Two pre-existing settlements were included in the territory,

8008-470: The Senate, the statehood bill was introduced again in January 2023. The bill would have made D.C. into a state with one representative and two senators, with the name Washington, Douglas Commonwealth (thus keeping the same abbreviation Washington, D.C.). The legalities, reasons, and impact of statehood have been heavily debated in the 2020s. Washington, D.C., is located in the Mid-Atlantic region of

8151-481: The United States Regional theaters often produce new plays and works that do not necessarily have the commercial appeal required of a Broadway production . Some regional theaters have a loyal and predictable base of audience members, which can give the company latitude to experiment with unknown or "non-commercial" works. In 2003, Time magazine praised regional theaters for their enrichment of

8294-911: The United States Constitution was ratified in 1961, granting the district three votes in the Electoral College for the election of president and vice president, but still not affording the city's residents representation in Congress. After the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, riots broke out in the city , primarily in the U ;Street, 14th Street, 7th Street, and H Street corridors, which were predominantly black residential and commercial areas. The riots raged for three days until more than 13,600 federal troops and Washington, D.C., Army National Guardsmen stopped

8437-493: The Way to the Forum , You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown , Irma La Douce , Cat on a Hot Tin Roof , Once Upon a Mattress , and Hamlet . One of the first things Steele had to address as new artistic director was a budget deficit. It was revealed under Kirkman, the deficit had grown from $ 10,000 to more than $ 80,000, partly because of an unsuccessful venture of planned William Shakespeare performances that proved unpopular and cost $ 30,000 to produce. Steele and members of

8580-452: The Yum-Yum Tree , Dial M For Murder , and Bell, Book and Candle . After the last performance of the season, attendees walked onto the stage to congratulate the actors. The theatre was renovated between the 1963 and 1964 seasons. The exterior was painted white and decorative elements including shutters, awnings, urns, and a spiral staircase were added to the façade. The interior was renovated by stage designer Thomas (Tom) McKeehan. The stage

8723-458: The already-implemented L'Enfant Plan , with the new McMillan Plan leading urban development in the city throughout the movement. Much of the old Victorian Mall was replaced with modern Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts architecture ; these designs are still prevalent in the city's governmental buildings today. Increased federal spending under the New Deal in the 1930s led to the construction of new government buildings, memorials, and museums in

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8866-427: The annual Christmas series. In 1985 Wayside hosted a two-show event at John Handley High School in Winchester, featuring Johnny Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash . A major change that took place in 1986 was Wayside once again becoming an Equity theatre, which allowed for the hiring of more experienced actors. At the end of the 1986 season, Steele announced his resignation as artistic director and Christopher Owens

9009-446: The area. Blizzards affect Washington once every four to six years on average. The most violent storms, known as nor'easters , often impact large regions of the East Coast . From January 27 to 28, 1922 , the city officially received 28 inches (71 cm) of snowfall, the largest snowstorm since official measurements began in 1885. According to notes kept at the time, the city received between 30 and 36 inches (76 and 91 cm) from

9152-402: The audience which gave him a standing ovation after he finished." Among the performances in 1997 was Pump Boys and Dinettes , which included the rear end of a Dodge car. Because there was no door in the rear of the theatre where the rear end could fit, it was brought in through the entrance and carried over the seats. During this time period, there were hopes of the theatre company moving to

9295-512: The board began a fundraising campaign. It was also decided in order to cut expenses, the season would only include three plays, each performed by only two actors with minimal set designs, in addition to the annual Christmas show. WTOT continued to operate, which brought in much-needed revenue. The 1981 season was a success, with each new play receiving acclaim from critics, despite the cost-cutting measure of hiring non-Equity performers. A new feature that began in 1981 were cabaret performances held in

9438-403: The building to house a theatre company. Advertisements announcing the theatre's opening began appearing in newspapers in 1963 with one advertisement stating "See these Broadway shows performed by a professional New York cast, including [ Mitch Miller 's daughter] Andrea Miller." The theatre opened on Tuesday night June 18, 1963, the beginning of an 11-week, 9-play season. The first play performed at

9581-503: The capital farther west, but President Ulysses S. Grant refused to consider the proposal. In the Organic Act of 1871 , Congress repealed the individual charters of the cities of Washington and Georgetown , abolished Washington County , and created a new territorial government for the whole District of Columbia. These steps made "the city of Washington...legally indistinguishable from the District of Columbia." In 1873, President Grant appointed Alexander Robey Shepherd as Governor of

9724-432: The capital moved from Philadelphia . In 1801, the District of Columbia, formerly part of Maryland and Virginia and including the existing settlements of Georgetown and Alexandria , was officially recognized as the federal district; initially, the city was a separate settlement within the larger district. In 1846, Congress returned the land originally ceded by Virginia , including the city of Alexandria. In 1871, it created

9867-414: The capital. In the Compromise of 1790 , Madison, Alexander Hamilton , and Thomas Jefferson agreed that the federal government would pay each state's remaining Revolutionary War debts in exchange for establishing the new national capital in the Southern United States . On July 9, 1790, Congress passed the Residence Act , which approved the creation of a national capital on the Potomac River . Under

10010-494: The city's 900 acres (3.6 km ) of athletic fields and playgrounds, 40 swimming pools, and 68 recreation centers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture operates the 446-acre (1.80 km ) United States National Arboretum in Northeast Washington, D.C. Washington's climate is humid subtropical ( Köppen : Cfa ), or oceanic ( Trewartha : Do bordering Cf downtown). Winters are cool to cold with some snow of varying intensity, while summers are hot and humid. The district

10153-455: The city's classical-style architecture include buildings constructed in the French Second Empire style, including the Eisenhower Executive Office Building , and the modernist Watergate complex . The Thomas Jefferson Building , the main Library of Congress building, and the historic Willard Hotel are built in Beaux-Arts style , popular throughout the world in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Meridian Hill Park contains

10296-421: The city, was then tasked with completing its design. Though Ellicott revised the original L'Enfant plans, including changing some street patterns, L'Enfant is still credited with the city's overall design. By the early 20th century, however, L'Enfant's vision of a grand national capital was marred by slums and randomly placed buildings in the city, including a railroad station on the National Mall. Congress formed

10439-530: The city. Many of the government buildings, monuments, and museums along the National Mall and surrounding areas are heavily inspired by classical Roman and Greek architecture. The designs of the White House, the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court Building , Washington Monument , National Gallery of Art , Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial are all heavily drawn from these classical architectural movements and feature large pediments, domes, columns in classical order, and heavy stone walls. Notable exceptions to

10582-469: The city. Precipitation occurs throughout the year. The highest recorded temperature was 106 °F (41 °C) on August 6, 1918, and on July 20, 1930. The lowest recorded temperature was −15 °F (−26 °C) on February 11, 1899 , right before the Great Blizzard of 1899 . During a typical year, the city averages about 37 days at or above 90 °F (32 °C) and 64 nights at or below

10725-557: The community, as well as promoting a larger public interest and support of regional theater. There are currently 74 LORT theaters located in 29 states and the District of Columbia . LORT acts on behalf of its members in matters pertaining, but not limited to; collective bargaining with unions such as Actors’ Equity Association , United Scenic Artists , and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society , representation before government agencies on problems of labor relations, and

10868-563: The company's biographical information, the playbill included a statement by Gleason: Summer Theater is an adventure. The Wayside Theater is proud to be a part of this adventure. Our season is ambitious, but every adventure is fueled with the same fire. During our first season you shall meet many people on our stage, we trust you will welcome their work. As you travel from Maine to Pennsylvania, many summer theaters spring up in front of you. We at Wayside are proud to bring summer theater to Northern Virginia. This area, rich in history past, seemed

11011-420: The creation of a federal district under the exclusive jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress . As such, Washington, D.C., is not part of any state , and is not one itself. The Residence Act , adopted on July 16, 1790, approved the creation of the capital district along the Potomac River. The city was founded in 1791, and the 6th Congress held the first session in the unfinished Capitol Building in 1800 after

11154-585: The demographics of their subscribers and donors. Theaters that develop new work, like the Alley Theatre , Long Wharf Theatre , La Jolla Playhouse , McCarter Theatre , and Berkeley Repertory Theatre , often work to move their productions to Broadway venues in New York. They may also educate young audiences through educational outreach programs. Cooperative programs with nearby university theater programs are also common at regional theaters. For example,

11297-482: The district . Alexandria's citizens petitioned Virginia to retake the land it had donated to form the district, a process known as retrocession . The Virginia General Assembly voted in February 1846, to accept the return of Alexandria. On July 9, 1846, Congress went further, agreeing to return all territory that Virginia had ceded to the district during its formation. This left the district's area consisting only of

11440-497: The district over the next few decades. Georgetown's street grid and other administrative details were formally merged with those of the City of Washington in 1895. However, the city had poor housing and strained public works, leading it to become the first city in the nation to undergo urban renewal projects as part of the City Beautiful movement in the early 20th century. The City Beautiful movement built heavily upon

11583-523: The district, though the chairman of the House Subcommittee on District Appropriations, Ross A. Collins of Mississippi , justified cuts to funds for welfare and education for local residents by saying that "my constituents wouldn't stand for spending money on niggers." World War II led to an expansion of federal employees in the city; by 1950, the district's population reached its peak of 802,178 residents. The Twenty-third Amendment to

11726-606: The early 1970s. In 1971 actors from Story Book Theatre , a comedic play that was running on Broadway , traveled to Middletown for a one-night only performance at the theatre. It was "the first time that members of the cast of a currently running Broadway hit, which opened to universally rave reviews, have made such an appearance simultaneously with the show's Broadway run." The actors who performed that night included Hamilton Camp , Lewis Arquette , Richard Libertini , Melinda Dillon , and Paul Sand . That same year W. Raymond Jennings oversaw renovation work that included installation of

11869-473: The federal level, politically disenfranchised since the city's residents do not have voting representation in Congress; the city's residents elect a single non-voting congressional delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. The city's voters choose three presidential electors in accordance with the Twenty-third Amendment , passed in 1961. Washington, D.C. anchors the southern end of

12012-684: The first to use electrical wiring in its design. Notable contemporary residential buildings, restaurants, shops, and office buildings in the city include the Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront , Navy Yard along the Anacostia River , and CityCenterDC in Downtown . The Wharf has seen the construction of several high-rise office and residential buildings overlooking the Potomac River . Additionally, restaurants, bars, and shops have been opened at street level. Many of these buildings have

12155-476: The five members had been evicted from their space at Grace Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. The 1968 season was postponed due to the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and the national observance that followed. Prior to the season opening, directed by James Waring , the theatre's lighting and sound equipment had been rebuilt and Herb White, who Bernstein hired to restore the inn, also remodeled

12298-404: The freezing mark (32 °F or 0 °C). On average, the first day with a minimum at or below freezing is November 18 and the last day is March 27. Washington, D.C., was a planned city , and many of the city's street grids were developed in that initial plan. In 1791, President George Washington commissioned Pierre Charles L'Enfant , a French-born military engineer and artist, to design

12441-425: The hallway to the gallery were photographs of previous performances at the theatre. The gallery was later moved downstairs to the space that would later become the Curtain Call Cafe in 1968, which was decorated with Tudor-style wood paneling and glass lamps. During the remainder of the decade, the theatre's reputation grew considerably. Local media provided reviews of each new play and Bernstein assisted in promoting

12584-592: The handling of disputes between members and their employees or union representatives. The TCG’s mission is similar. TCG’s constituency has grown to encompass more than 700 members throughout the United States. They publish the American Theatre Magazine , the ARTSEARCH online employment bulletin, and dramatic literature. In recognition of the importance of regional theaters in America,

12727-564: The inn and theatre. Bernstein brought a group of government officials and business leaders from Washington, D.C., to attend a performance in 1965. That same year Bernstein and Phillips established the Wayside Foundation for the Arts. Ownership of the theatre was transferred to the nonprofit for $ 1 while Bernstein retained ownership of the inn. Harold Herman and Lindé Hayen were among the theatre's actors in 1965. They would later establish

12870-450: The local area, but also from Chicago , where he had previously worked. He initially retained the theatre's staff that had worked there for many years, but soon replaced them with new hires. The first play in the 1999 season, Measure for Measure , was the first time a Shakespeare play was performed at Wayside. Some of the plays during that season receive mixed reviews, but Stonewall Jackson's House received acclaim and, according to Laster,

13013-469: The need for the national government not to rely on any state for its own security. Article One, Section Eight of the Constitution permits the establishment of a "District (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United States". However, the constitution does not specify a location for

13156-596: The need, the need for any diversion from the daily bind of working on the highways, the need for communication, and the need for understanding where they stood in relation to society." Slavet directed two plays at Shenandoah College and the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in a joint venture that saw students earn credits for drama performances. He also reportedly taught five theatre courses at nearby Lord Fairfax Community College (now Laurel Ridge Community College ). By 1972 additional staff were required at

13299-496: The new capital. He enlisted the help of Isaac Roberdeau, Étienne Sulpice Hallet and Scottish surveyor Alexander Ralston to help lay out the city plan. The L'Enfant Plan featured broad streets and avenues radiating out from rectangles, providing room for open space and landscaping. L'Enfant was also provided a roll of maps by Thomas Jefferson depicting Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Strasbourg, Paris, Orleans, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Turin, and Milan. L'Enfant's design also envisioned

13442-552: The north and south sides of the National Mall, respectively, are home to many of Washington's iconic museums, including many Smithsonian Institution buildings and the National Archives Building . Washington hosts 177 foreign embassies ; these maintain nearly 300 buildings and more than 1,600 residential properties, many of which are on a section of Massachusetts Avenue informally known as Embassy Row . The architecture of Washington, D.C., varies greatly and

13585-404: The number of blocks away from the Capitol. Most streets are set out in a grid pattern with east–west streets named with letters (e.g., C Street SW), north–south streets with numbers (e.g., 4th Street NW), and diagonal avenues, many of which are named after states . The City of Washington was bordered on the north by Boundary Street (renamed Florida Avenue in 1890); Rock Creek to the west, and

13728-470: The number of regional theaters had grown to 1,800. As non-profits, they rely heavily on donations from patrons, and some theaters have been accused of "pandering to the audience," subordinating their artistic ideals to the need for donations. Nonetheless, nonprofit theaters are under less pressure than commercial theaters. Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. , formally the District of Columbia and commonly known as Washington or D.C. ,

13871-403: The opening night of The Pursuit of Happiness in 1964 included Luci Baines Johnson , daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson . Similar to what happened in 1963, the 1964 season was extended, this time to November. Between the 1964 and 1965 seasons a new arc spot light was installed and a grand curtain was added. A gallery featuring works from local artists was added to the second floor. Along

14014-430: The plans made by Bernstein, he advertised the theatre as a place to visit during the busy tourist season, which runs from May through autumn in the area surrounding Skyline Drive . A bus tour company from Washington, D.C., offered a weekend excursion package that included a stay at the Wayside Inn, a ticket to the theatre, and meals, along with visits to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia , all for $ 33.25 per person. Attendees at

14157-568: The port of Georgetown , founded in 1751, and the port city of Alexandria, Virginia , founded in 1749. In 1791 and 1792, a team led by Andrew Ellicott , including Ellicott's brothers Joseph and Benjamin and African American astronomer Benjamin Banneker , whose parents had been enslaved, surveyed the borders of the federal district and placed boundary stones at every mile point; many of these stones are still standing. Both Maryland and Virginia were slave states , and slavery existed in

14300-538: The portion originally donated by Maryland. Confirming the fears of pro-slavery Alexandrians, the Compromise of 1850 outlawed the slave trade in the district, although not slavery itself. The outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861 led to the expansion of the federal government and notable growth in the city's population, including a large influx of freed slaves. President Abraham Lincoln signed

14443-492: The productions at Wayside were well received by critics. For the majority of its history, Wayside hired from the Actors' Equity Association , except during periods of financial troubles in the 1980s and from 2011 until the theatre closed. The small building was not designed to be an acting theatre. There were renovations throughout the years, but a planned expansion that would have added a second theatre and additional backstage space

14586-595: The project. The class was honored in the Sidewalk of Fame, engraved bricks outside the theatre that was started as a fundraising campaign in 2003. Plans for the expansion were submitted in front of the Middletown Planning Commission in 2004. Crocker told the commission the benefit of Wayside having two performance spaces would be the ability to stage more productions, including children's theatre and experimental plays. Regional theater in

14729-593: The property in 1959. On February 22, 1962, Dwyer sold the property to Leo M. Bernstein, a real estate developer, banker, and philanthropist from Washington, D.C. Bernstein had previously purchased and restored the nearby Wayside Inn, a historic building and the namesake of Wayside Theatre which opened as a tavern in 1797, and restored numerous other properties in the area including the Hotel Strasburg, Stonewall Jackson Museum, and Crystal Caverns in Strasburg ,

14872-538: The region in the early 17th century. The Nacotchtank , also called the Nacostines by Catholic missionaries , maintained settlements around the Anacostia River in present-day Washington, D.C. Conflicts with European colonists and neighboring tribes ultimately displaced the Piscataway people, some of whom established a new settlement in 1699 near Point of Rocks, Maryland . Nine cities served as capitals to

15015-422: The season began include expansion of both restrooms, rearrangement of the balcony seating, and rebuilding the stage. Ornate cast-iron theatre seats dating from 1927 were also found in the basement. A fundraising campaign to restore each of the 185 seats soon began. The final season of the 1980s was well received, except for the production of Filthy Rich , which was panned by critics. Plays performed at Wayside during

15158-456: The stage were added that season. Amadeus was lauded by critics and is noted as being "perhaps one of the most expensive in Wayside’s history and perhaps one of the most beautiful" due to the cast of 19 actors, the almost three dozen period costumes and wigs that were used, an elaborate stage design, and music. Due to Owens' friendship with a Broadway agent associated with David Mamet , Wayside

15301-681: The theater culture in the United States. Some regional theaters serve as the "out-of-town tryout" for Broadway-bound shows, and some will accept touring Broadway shows. Many regional theaters operate at least two stages : a main stage for shows requiring larger sets or cast, and one or more other stages (often studio theaters or black box theaters ) for smaller, more experimental productions. In addition to box-office revenue, regional theaters rely on donations from patrons and businesses, season ticket subscriptions, and grants from foundations and government. Some have criticized regional theaters for being conservative in their selection of shows to accommodate

15444-461: The theatre about Patsy Cline , a native of Winchester, titled A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline . In 2003 there was a proposal to expand the theatre by adding 7,000 sq ft (650 sq m) of additional space, including a 90-seat black box theater and more dressing rooms. The new space would be located behind the current theatre, fronting Second Street. After initial plans were announced, the fourth-grade class from Middletown Elementary School raised $ 521 for

15587-476: The theatre during this time included a fundraiser for the restoration of Middletown's St. Thomas Chapel and a mobile art gallery outside the building featuring works donated by Paul Mellon to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts . An acting workshop was also created with Phillips and the theatre's actors serving as teachers. Attendees, apprentices, and locals would stage a performance at the conclusion of

15730-411: The theatre having around 1,000 season subscriptions. The Wayside Foundation of American History and Arts donated the building's deed to the theatre company along with a gift of $ 100,000. The 2003 staging of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) and Cotton Patch Gospel were among the plays that were praised by critics. The following year Wayside hosted its first production performed at

15873-419: The theatre in 1974 was postponed due to the need for actor housing. In 1974 Bernstein purchased the nearby Old Dominion Motel on U.S. Route 11 to house the actors, a living arrangement that continued for several years. In later years actors lived in a house across the street from the theatre before a larger house down the block was purchased. Lou Furman took over as artistic director in 1975, but his first year

16016-399: The theatre presented its first performance of A Christmas Carol which proved immensely popular and became a Wayside tradition. Despite that season's positive reception, the theatre needed additional funds to remain in operation, which locals and regional groups attempted to raise. The VCA provided grants in 1979, helping to ensure another season at Wayside. Due to high gasoline prices during

16159-574: The theatre program at Shenandoah College and the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, before the two schools were merged to form Shenandoah University . The opening night for each season was a black-tie event, often attended by notable members of the media along with government officials from Washington, D.C. Attendees at these events included journalist Merriman Smith , Senator Estes Kefauver , Dutch Ambassador Carl Willem Alwin Schurmann, and White House official James W. Symington . Special events held at

16302-761: The theatre were also noted, including the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities , the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA), the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation , and the Armstrong Foundation. Slavet announced his resignation in early 1974, but he was convinced to stay and assist planning the upcoming season. His tenure was noted as being successful in increasing attendance, broadening community outreach, and creating

16445-466: The theatre's tour company, Wayside Theatre on Tour (WTOT), which existed until the early 2000s. The tour company was founded in 1971 and performed at various venues, often schools. Their 1973 season proved to be very successful, with WTOT performing at 122 locations between Virginia and New York, attended by an estimated 50,000 people. Among WTOT's five members that year were Kathy Bates (credited as "Bobo Bates") and Dan Gilvezan . A planned renovation of

16588-470: The theatre, featuring members of the Actors' Equity Association , was Neil Simon 's Come Blow Your Horn . Larry Gleason, Wayside's first artistic director, had previously worked at Arena Stage and the Theater Lobby. Gleason's former coworker, Zelda Fichandler of Arena Stage, was a member of Wayside's advisory board. Attendees during the first season received a 12-page playbill. In addition to

16731-535: The theatre. After Come Blow Your Horn , plays performed during the 1963 season included Charley's Aunt , Summer and Smoke starring Peter Boyle and Lowry, Bus Stop , Light Up the Sky , The Fantasticks , The Drunkard , Misalliance , and Two for the Seesaw . The first year was so successful that Gleason extended the season by one month, adding four plays to the roster. Among these additions were Under

16874-539: The theatre. In addition to Boyle and Lowry, notable actors that performed at the theatre during the 1960s include Chris Sarandon and his then-wife, Susan Sarandon , Nancy Barrett and her husband, David Ford , Jerry Lacy , and Cathryn Damon . Plays performed at Wayside during this timeframe include Bye Bye Birdie , A Streetcar Named Desire , Mary, Mary , The Women , The Odd Couple , Dracula , and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? . Slavet continued his tenure as artistic director at Wayside Theatre into

17017-426: The theatre. Barbara Swink was hired as the general manager and Helen Royall as a secretary, roles both women served for several years. That year Wayside celebrated its 10-year anniversary, based on the premise the Maralarrick Players had performed in 1962, which was the subject of many news articles praising the theatre and noting its importance to the local cultural scene. Organizations that provided financial support to

17160-431: The time hosted the television show Sing Along with Mitch , drew considerable attention from local media when he visited the area to see his daughter perform. Before the season began, Andre had served as marshall of that year's Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Fireman’s Parade. She and fellow actor Jane Lowry shared a room at the Wayside Inn during the season while many of the company and staff lived in apartments above

17303-551: The time of its closing, Wayside was the second oldest professional theatre in Virginia. There is often confusion about the early history of Wayside Theatre, with most people having been told the theatre was founded in 1961 and that the original company was called the Maralarrick Players. No evidence has been found for any group by that name performing at Wayside and the first performance of the theatre company took place in June 1963, as

17446-461: The traditional "dark day" for theatre. He also noted the theatre's mission had changed from being "strictly professional" to a "community-based professional theatre." In 2001 Bernstein donated $ 60,000 for renovation costs of the theatre's electrical, heating, and air conditioning systems. The season's plays were well received, including Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus , which replaced the annual staging of A Christmas Carol . Wayside's schedule

17589-575: The use of Congress be erected on the banks of the Delaware near Trenton , or of the Potomac , near Georgetown , provided a suitable district can be procured on one of the rivers as aforesaid, for a federal town". In Federalist No. 43 , published January 23, 1788, James Madison argued that the new federal government would need authority over a national capital to provide for its own maintenance and safety. The Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783 emphasized

17732-442: The violence. Many stores and other buildings were burned, and rebuilding from the riots was not completed until the late 1990s. In 1973, Congress enacted the District of Columbia Home Rule Act providing for an elected mayor and 13-member council for the district. In 1975, Walter Washington became the district's first elected and first black mayor. Since the 1980s, the D.C. statehood movement has grown in prominence. In 2016,

17875-541: The width of the adjacent street plus 20 feet (6.1 m). Despite popular belief, no law has ever limited buildings to the height of the United States Capitol or the 555-foot (169 m) Washington Monument , which remains the district's tallest structure. City leaders have cited the height restriction as a primary reason that the district has limited affordable housing and its metro area has suburban sprawl and traffic problems. Washington, D.C., still has

18018-471: The workshop. Phillips left Wayside at the conclusion of the 1967 season and returned to the Barter Theatre. He is credited with the success of Wayside during its early years. Gerald Slavet was hired as the new artistic director and, like Phillips, appeared before local civic groups to advertise the theatre. Slavet's group ensemble, The Garrick Players, were among the actors during his first year after

18161-407: The workweek. The Washington metropolitan area , which includes parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia , is the country's seventh-largest metropolitan area , with a 2023 population of 6.3 million residents. A locally elected mayor and 13-member council have governed the district since 1973, though Congress retains the power to overturn local laws. Washington, D.C., residents are, on

18304-620: Was "one of the most meaningful, yet controversial, works ever performed during all of Wayside's history." In addition to Jackson, actors who appeared at Wayside in the 1990s include Sam Gold , who would later become a Tony Award-winning director, Clark Middleton , David Engel , Ron Palillo , and Bart Shatto . Plays performed at Wayside that decade include A Walk in the Woods , The Lion in Winter , I Hate Hamlet , Equus , Marvin's Room , The Mousetrap , and La Bête . In early 2000

18447-472: Was a benefit for Beth El Congregation in Winchester. That year Wayside received a $ 41,000 grant from the VCA to cover expenses and educational outreach. Despite the grant, after state funding was cut, the number of staff and interns was reduced from 20 to 12. Starting in 2003, Wayside's seasons began running into the following year, due to the change of year-round activities. The 2003/2004 season began with

18590-545: Was a precursor of the Regional Theater Movement; it was started by theater artists interested in experimentation and exploring social issues through the dramatic arts. The movement altered the face of the American stage and allowed room for new works and new audiences. When the first national organization of nonprofit theaters was formed in 1961, there were only 23 regional theaters in the U.S. By 2003,

18733-547: Was able to stage Oleanna . An article in The Winchester Star noted "For the first time, the second-oldest theatre company in the state, will stage the first regional production of a major Broadway hit." It was also reportedly "the first time that a regional production of a play would be playing while it is still running on Broadway." The two-person play starred John Michalski, who had appeared on Broadway and General Hospital , and Cheryl Gaysunas. To advertise

18876-530: Was also an office in the front portion of the second floor where Bob O'Neil practiced law. The office was later converted into another apartment. The space where the pharmacy was located later housed offices for the town government and police department. During this time the basement level housed a barbershop, a beauty shop run by a reported alcoholic who later disappeared, and an alleged betting parlor. The film projection system and theatre seats were sold to local movie theatres around two years after Joe Dwyer purchased

19019-533: Was cancelled due to effects from the Great Recession . The economic downturn later spiraled into a worsening financial situation for Wayside. After years of lower ticket sales, a reduction in grants and other funding, and the expenses of a needed renovation that was completed in 2008, Wayside board members closed the theatre in August 2013. Since that time, the theatre has remained mostly vacant. The building

19162-416: Was dramatically changed beginning in 2002. Crocker told a reporter "Because of the increase in subscription sales...the theatre is expanding its 2002 season with two more shows and monthly theatre activities...There will be entertainment at Wayside Theatre for 44 of this year's 52 weeks." The expanded season included performances in the Curtain Call Cafe and children's theatre. Among the performances that season

19305-557: Was expanded, which allowed a larger array of performances, a new lighting system was installed, and additional seats were added, bringing the total seat capacity to 276. Owen Phillips, who had previously served as production director of the Barter Theater , was named Wayside Theatre's new artistic director for the 1964 season, the first of four seasons he would lead the company. To promote the theatre, Phillips appeared in front of local civic groups and spoke at public events. Echoing

19448-445: Was held for the theatre, with special guests The Drifters . The following year Crocker gave an interview where he noted the financial changes that took place since he took over as artistic director: the theatre retiring its $ 85,000 debt, reducing the annual budget from $ 500,000 to $ 400,000 which included hiring non-union actors in addition to Equity actors, extending the theatre's season, and hosting acting classes for children on Mondays,

19591-603: Was held that year featuring Carol Channing as the guest of honor. The event was held behind the Wayside Inn and Channing entered by walking under raised swords held by students from Randolph-Macon Academy . Before the event Channing said "I'm thrilled to be able to do this benefit for Wayside Theatre. Live theatre is so important to our country and has been my whole life. I think we'll have a great time that night and help keep professional theatre growing in Virginia." During his first year as artistic director, Warner Crocker hired actors not only from New York City, Washington, D.C., and

19734-499: Was made possible by a grant from the VCA. A bluegrass concert benefiting the theatre's purchase of a new lighting system took place that year, with performances by the Lynn Morris Band and other musical acts. Another benefit that year which coincided with the 200th anniversary of the Wayside Inn was a black-tie event with special guest James Earl Jones , which raised $ 16,000. According to one news article, Jones "captivated

19877-616: Was named his replacement. Owens wanted to extend the season from its standard summer schedule to nine months, but for the 1987 seasons, the schedule remained the same. One of the successful ventures that year was the Mystery Tour, also known as the Mystery Dinner-Theatre, which was extended due to popular demand. For the following season, the schedule was extended to its longest yet and light remodeling took place, including new carpeting and paint, rearranged seating, and

20020-635: Was not always a success. Several plays were criticized for less than stellar acting, costuming, set design, and for technical issues. One positive aspect of Furman's first year was the continued success of the WTOT, which he oversaw. Furman received additional criticism for his handling of the company during the first half of his second year, with local media continuing to notice faults in play selection and technical details. His third and final year as artistic director saw Furman receive some praise, especially his choice to hire William Koch, who directed five plays during

20163-764: Was noted by news articles at the time. During its history, Wayside Theatre was led by eight artistic directors, the first being Larry Gleason. The last, Warner Crocker, served as artistic director for the longest period. During its opening season, Peter Boyle was among the actors who performed at Wayside. In the following years, other actors who would eventually become stars in film, television, and on Broadway appeared at Wayside Theatre, including Chris Sarandon and his then-wife Susan Sarandon , Cathryn Damon , Donna McKechnie , Sam Gold , and Clark Middleton , among others. Kathy Bates appeared in Wayside's traveling company, Wayside Theatre on Tour, early in her career. Most of

20306-399: Was noted in reviews from Romance/Romance , that due to sexual innuendos used in the script, "many ticketholders not only didn’t return for the second act but some left after it began." The following season began with a 30th anniversary gala held at the Wayside Inn. A major change that took place in 1991 was the schedule being changed from 10 weeks to 25 weeks, a goal of Owens, which resulted in

20449-453: Was performing at Wayside, future Tony Award -winner Donna McKechnie , Richard Bauer , Ken Olfson , and Tandy Cronyn, daughter of Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn . John Lee Beatty , who later in life won Tony Awards for scenic design, served as the theatre's set designer from 1972 to 1974 and also presented a puppet show called "Puppet Personalities". Some of the plays performed at Wayside during that decade include A Funny Thing Happened on

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