The
farm was built by the William E. Smith Family and remained in the family for
over 100 years until it was sold for its present purpose. The last two
members of the Smith Family to reside in the home were known around the Kennebunks as ‘The Smith Sisters‘, Marcia
(1887-1987) and Angelia (1893-1985). The Playhouse site is affectionately
known by locals as The Smith Sisters’ Farm.
The Arundel Barn Playhouse offers five, live, professional, musical theatre productions, each running three weeks from mid-June to Labor Day. The Playhouse enjoys an enthusiastic and loyal audience of Maine year-round and summer residents. Tourists visiting the area find an evening of old time summer theatre in a barn irresistible. Adrienne Grant, Producing Artistic Director, describes the experience of the Arundel Barn Playhouse as ‘an evening in the Mickey Rooney /Judy Garland tradition‘. She says, “We provide the best, professional entertainment in a beautiful New England environment with old-fashioned hospitality”.
A big bragging right for the Playhouse lies in the talents of the artistic personnel. The designers and technicians of The Arundel Barn Playhouse productions come from all over the United States. They hold degrees in theatre and are usually in the first 5 years of their professional careers. Summer theatre offers them a variety of professional credits for their resumes. Most of the actors and directors are transplants from all over America to New York City, where the theatre action is. The enticements for the excellent acting talent Arundel Barn is renowned for year after year are the beautiful Maine summer experience and the quality of the directors hired to lead the artistic efforts. American musical theatre is alive and well at The Arundel Barn Playhouse due to the dedicated and talented folks on and off the stage.
And that includes the excellent box office staff. The Playhouse guarantees you will be treated with courtesy and kindness by the local men and women who will assist you in ordering tickets whether in person or over the phone. The first face you see or the first voice you hear will let you know coming to the Playhouse is going to be a happy and friendly experience!
Some comments from Summer Season 2004 theatregoers tell of the Arundel Barn Playhouse’s success:
“To everyone involved in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” production: BRAVO, BRAVO!! What a magnificent job. We saw the show Saturday night and marvel at the energy of the actors and actresses on the stage…PS. I have passed the word to relatives and friends. This is a show everybody should treat themselves to. PPS. the casts of “Tick, Tick…Boom!” and “Idols of the King” have a tough act to follow!!” (Kathleen S.)
“Congratulations on another season of wonderful entertainment! As usual, the casts have been extremely talented and so energetic -performance after performance. The musicians have also been on top of it, along with the overall atmosphere of the Arundel Barn Playhouse. I was never a big fan of Elvis, but am now a fan of Jacob Thompson as he really brought Elvis’ ballads to life! It was fun to watch the different feeling the cast projected towards the slightly rowdy audience last Tuesday compared to the other 2 times I attended with a more sedate crowd! You all deserve a standing O. I expect to see everyone’s names in lights, and hopefully - back here. We are sorry to have the season end, but look forward to the 2005 season. May you all have a busy, creative and successful winter. Sincerely, (Sandra N.)
You are cordially invited to The Arundel Barn Playhouse in 2007, Our Tenth Anniversary, as a season subscriber (12+% discount and guaranteed best seating) or for an exciting evening of live theatre!