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The Top Five
longest-running outdoor theatrical productions
Production
Name Opening Date Location
1. Abigail 1928 Landsdale, CA
2.
The New Dream 1934 Los Angeles, CA
3.
Born to Shine 1947 Saratoga, NY
4.
Now until Forever 1951 Peterson, KY 5. Vern in the Hills 1956 Bradley, MO
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”Vern in the
Hills” 50th Anniversary Celebration, Bradley, MO
”Vern
in the Hills” is celebrating its 50th year in production. A light-hearted
production staged by the City Theater in Bradley, MO, ”Vern in the Hills” has
been performed at the Thompson Outdoor Theater each summer since it first
opened on May 28, 1956. Few theaters in such small cities are able to sustain
a production over a course of so many years.
”Somehow
we've become a classic, and part of the fabric of the community,” says
artistic director David Frey, ”Going to ”Vern in the Hills” on a summer
evening is just part of life here.” Mr. Frey is only the third director the
production has seen in its fifty-year history. A fact that, Mr. Frey says
contributes to the play's success.
”Vern
in the Hills” does seem to be part of the fabric of the community. We loved
the production. We observed several families with three generations having
picnics and watching the play. It was clear that most people had seen it
before. If you ever have the chance to see ”Vern in the Hills,” you will
quickly understand how it became a classic.
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