Derby Dinner Playhouse

Derby Dinner Playhouse

Outside of Derby Dinner Playhouse
Address Clarksville, Indiana
United States
Coordinates 38°16′50″N 85°45′19″W / 38.2806°N 85.7554°WCoordinates: 38°16′50″N 85°45′19″W / 38.2806°N 85.7554°W
Website
www.derbydinner.com

Derby Dinner Playhouse is a dinner theatre located in Clarksville, Indiana that opened in 1974. The Derby is the only dinner theatre in the Louisville, Kentucky area and in southern Indiana.[1]

History

In the early 1970s, several local business owners saw the need for an entertainment center that could host convention business, concerts and theatre productions. The Windmill Dinner Theatre group, which owned dinner theatres in Cincinnati and Indianapolis, constructed and managed the facility.[2] Carolyn Thomas, then Derby General Manager, partnered with Bekki Jo Schneider to buy the center in 1985.[3] As of 2009, Thomas was retired, but she and Schneider, who produces and oversees all aspects of the business, still own over 50% of the company. The other half is owned by small investors.[1]

Food

Derby Dinner offers a freshly prepared homestyle American buffet featuring a salad bar, fish, beef or turkey, a variety of vegetables and sides, hot rolls and beverage. Bountiful deserts are a tradition and a full bar is available. The "Footnotes" vocal ensemble entertains patrons prior to the performance.[3]

Facility

The venue uses the theatre-in-the-round configuration, and the actors are professionals.[4] Performances are on Tuesday through Sunday nights, with matinées on Wednesday and Sunday.[5] Each year, the Derby presents eight mainstage shows, four Children's productions and ten concerts.[3]

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Suddeath, Daniel: News and Tribune, February 28, 2009-Derby Dinner Playhouse continues success with unique atmosphere in Clarksville
  2. Whitson, Jennifer: All Business, SMALL BUSINESS PROFILE: BEEF & BOARDS DINNER THEATRE
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Derby Dinner website, About Us
  4. Sanford, T.: Rough Guides, Louisville's Best
  5. TribTown.com, Derby Dinner Playhouse

External links