FORESTBURGH, NY — The Forestburgh Playhouse is without a doubt an iconic place. It enabled me to travel back in time with Franklin Trapp, the man who took over the helm in 2014 and has not stopped moving forward since.

Franklin took the time to share the playhouse’s amazing story. It began its first season in 1947 and now is the oldest continuously operating professional summer theatre in New York State. At that time, according to Trapp, a group of actors—two couples from New York City—bought a barn to renovate, and it would become the theatre. Through the ups and downs of the Catskills, they ran the theatre, all the way through the ‘70s. 

In the early ‘80s, Greg Harlan and Craig Sandquist would take over for about 10 years, until they both succumbed to AIDS. Then in 1992, Norman Duttweiler saved the playhouse from imminent closure and continued the legacy of professional theatre in the Catskills; he employed not only professional theatre artists from New York City, but also future stars in the resident acting and technical companies hailing from across the country. 

Thanks to Duttweiler’s diligence, the playhouse developed a loyal subscriber base from Sullivan, Orange and Pike counties as well as weekenders from the tri-state area, Trapp said.

By 2014, Duttweiler ceded the playhouse over to Trapp, who would continue the legacy of a variety of productions, the bread and butter being musicals.

A shift occurred, per Trapp, in which popular shows would have a great impact as they would be available without a trek down to the city. The variety of shows deepened the attraction: from “Million Dollar Quartet” to even a non-musical like “To Kill a Mockingbird.” During this time, 250 people were employed at the theatre.

There is no doubt people came for the enjoyment of vocals, dancing and an intermingling of both. As interest in entertainment increased, Trapp expanded the offerings to events in the Tavern, which has been a part of Forestburgh since the 1950s, “serving up food, spirits and song to patrons of the Forestburgh Playhouse,” as you’ll see on www.forestburghtavern.com/about-us.

The tavern still features live music while people enjoy dinners provided by staff. (When I went a couple months ago, the energy and food were both delicious and kept people coming in the door.)

So how does the playhouse provide stellar performances, one after another? According to Trapp, there is typically a two-week rehearsal with casting beginning as early as January. And it’s vital to highlight what’s happening behind the scenes, as 60 staff members work to make summer stock a reality, juggling away.

It is no surprise that the playhouse continues to thrive, with new ideas always being incorporated. There are shows for younger audiences as well as an arts education program. The emphasis and importance of culture are not to be missed. Trapp noted that the theater is a 501(c)(3) and how grateful he is for contributions.

Businesses like Van Etten Energy Systems donate all the propane fuel in support of live theater—so important in a more rural area like Forestburgh.

Looking into the future, Trapp sees more arts education and new programs like the In the Works ~ In the Woods Theatre Festival for composers and playwrights, which nurtures new art. (This year’s festival takes place September 18-20.)

Back to the near-future: The playhouse is celebrating 80 years with a performance and fundraiser on Saturday, June 20 (see box at right) and a lineup of musicals and more, starting Tuesday, June 23. 

To make a milestone event like this happen, Trapp said, “it takes a village.” To that extent, this village will be performing a total of seven Mainstage musicals in full regalia, a production for young audiences and a cabaret series throughout the summer season.

And the best part of all is that you will not need to pay Broadway prices to be just as entertained; the playhouse will offer a mix of Broadway musicals, plays, cabaret performances and educational programming. In my opinion, it will never disappoint. 

For upcoming events, visit www.fbplayhouse.org, see the performances, and enjoy the ride!