A Century of Great Art

A Century of Great Art. . , More than a million people have experienced the magic of the Open Air Theatre where great artists and nature share center stage.

Beginning in 1914 with a Dance Spectacular, outdoor performances in the open air have featured world-class artists in music, theatre, and dance. Productions have included ballet, modern and folk dance, musical comedy, symphony orchestra, popular vocal artists, and fountain shows.

Dance

"The finale was a frolic by the harlequins, who, much to the surprise of the guests, danced among them, throwing confetti and garden roses, then winding their way out in a path of light, finally disappearing amid the trees."
- Wilmington, DE, Every Evening, article on the Open Air Theatre debut, 1914

, Theatre

"For Pinafore Mr. du Pont joined the scenery crew, painted, hammered and consumed quantities of ice tea. At the party a week later he proposed a tribute to the scenery builder who hammered the du Pont thumb."
- The Brandywiners, 1954

, Musical theatre has been a mainstay since 1916. The Savoy Company was the first theatrical company to perform. Since 1923, Savoy has mounted a Gilbert and Sullivan production at Longwood every year except in 1927 and during World War II.

Another annual tradition began in 1932 with a group called The Brandywiners, who have staged musicals totaling 500 performances in the Theatre.

The American Legion gave 90 performances of grand, historical pageants from 1960-1976, and the Lyceum Players presented 37 performances of Shakespeare's plays, Carmen, Aida and other grand opera productions have also taken center stage.