Derby Dinner Playhouse
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]
![]() Outside of Derby Dinner Playhouse | |
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Address | Clarksville, Indiana United States |
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Coordinates | 38.2806°N 85.7554°W |
Website | |
www |
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 fried chicken, fish, roast beef, a salad bar, hot rolls and beverages. Bountiful desserts, including the famous peanut butter pie, are a tradition. A full bar is also 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]
References
- Suddeath, Daniel: "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-09-05. Retrieved 2009-05-28.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) News and Tribune, February 28, 2009-Derby Dinner Playhouse continues success with unique atmosphere in Clarksville
- Whitson, Jennifer: All Business, SMALL BUSINESS PROFILE: BEEF & BOARDS DINNER THEATRE
- Archived 2009-05-28 at the Wayback Machine Derby Dinner website, About Us
- Sanford, T.: Rough Guides, Louisville's Best
- Archived 2010-07-17 at the Wayback Machine TribTown.com, Derby Dinner Playhouse