Gretna Music at the Mount Gretna Playhouse — Local services in Mount Gretna

Mt. Gretna residents should be very proud of this lovely theate. Nestled within a wooded setting, this outdoor community theatre is always clean and staffed by some of the most friendly people I have ever met. A good mix of adult, teenage, and children's entertainment is presented here.

Given the theatre is outdoors, it can be hot and humid during the summer months, and cool and breezy during spring and fall. Large ceiling fans and windbreaking drappery tend to temper the elements during inclement weather. The theatre is under roof.

Parking can be difficult. There is a paved parking lot, however, it tends to fill up quickly. Off-site parking is available via several turf lots and along the roadside. Roadside parking can be nerve-racking as the berms are very narrow. For the best parking and overall experience, plan to arrive a half-hour or more in advance...

The production of She Loves Me was great; however the "plea" for money at the end before the clapping ceased was most inappropriate. I was embarrassed for the actors standing there while the speech was being made. The audience gave a standing ovation and then were baffled as to what to do while speech was made. Then an adolescent audience member was singled out and all asked to join in Happy Birthday. It was all such a let down from a great performance. Although I get that the money plea for the children acting education is important, all that could have been done after intermission before the second act began as well as the birthday acknowledgment. Or else raise the price if tickets by two dollars to cover a "donation". Not sure I'll want to come to the play house again as that was...

Gretna Music has lasted 50 years for excellent reasons. The staff is friendly and the venue is unique, a large, covered amphitheater with open walls that let birdsong mix with the music onstage, but the reason people keep coming back is, of course the music, which includes jazz and world music along with the Western classical genre on which the festival was founded. The artists range from up-and-coming to well-established, from North America and abroad. Most concerts also spotlight gifted amateurs as an opening act. Mainly, the tradition of excellence endures at Gretna Music. If you're in the area, grab some popcorn or a sweet treat from the concession and settle in for what I can confidently promise will be a...