(6/2025) Totem Pole Playhouse is turning 75—and it’s going to be one unforgettable summer. With a lineup packed with musicals, comedy, variety, and a brand-new Tuesday night series, Pennsylvania’s premiere summer theatre is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary in sparkling style.
"We’ve packed this season with blockbuster titles, beloved artists, and big surprises. From jukebox musicals to magical Tuesdays, it’s going to be a party all summer long—and we want everyone to come celebrate with us!" said Producing Artistic Director Ryan B. Gibbs.
The 75th season opens May 30 with The Marvelous Wonderettes (only 12 performances, May 30–June 8), the story of four best friends who sing at their high school prom (1958) and reunite a decade (1968) later to perform again. This jukebox joyride is a tribute to anyone who still keeps in touch with their best friends from high school—and it’s the perfect throwback to launch a season about memories and music.
From there, the tempo picks up with 9 to 5: The Musical (20 performances, June 20–July 6), featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. With strong women, big laughs, and even bigger hair, this workplace revenge fantasy is set to break Totem Pole’s group sales record—so don’t wait too long to grab those tickets!
Up next is Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps (only 12 performances, July 18–July 27), a fast-paced comedy murder mystery where four actors take on performing over 50 characters in a nonstop whirlwind of espionage, slapstick, and surprises.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (20 performances, August 8–24) tells the inspiring life story of the groundbreaking singer-songwriter behind the soundtrack of a generation. Filled with chart-topping hits and woven together like a musical "tapestry", this Broadway smash is a heartfelt celebration of creativity, resilience, and finding your own voice.
Closing the mainstage season is Diamond: The Neil Diamond Tribute starring Scott Moreau (only 8 performances, August 27–August 31). With all the hits you know by heart—and happening on a literal hot August night—this show is the ultimate capstone to our Diamond Anniversary. Coincidence? We don’t think so.
Alongside these mainstage blockbusters, Totem Pole proudly debuts Tucked Away Tuesdays—a brand-new series of short-run shows with surprising acts, affordable pricing, and only two performances each:
- Marc Cordes: The Spouse Whisperer (June 10) – A family-friendly comedian delivering hilarious, insightful relationship advice.
- Brady & Caroline’s Piano Bar Duo (July 8) – A cruise-ship-on-land musical experience with sing-along favorites and powerhouse vocals.
- Boston Bachert’s Variety Show (July 29) – An unforgettable experience of magic, juggling, comedy, and all-around amazement.
Totem Pole audiences will recognize favorite performers like Amy Decker, Hannah Taylor, Taylor Whidden, Sam Little, Scott Moreau, Jason Cohen, Damon Bonetti, and Mallory Hawks. Every mainstage show is directed by an artist with Broadway experience, and the company includes performers with similar Broadway, national tour, and international shows on their resumes—as well as over 30 local artists and technicians bringing their talent home to the mountain.
For 75 years, Totem Pole Playhouse has been a cultural beacon in the region, best known for its years under the stewardship of Bill Putch and Jean Stapleton, followed by beloved leaders Carl Schurr and Wil Love. Today, Producing Artistic Director Ryan B. Gibbs is guiding the next chapter of this treasured institution.
"This milestone season is a tribute to the vision and care of the incredible artists who built Totem Pole’s legacy. We’re honored to stand on their shoulders as we bring fresh energy, joy, and heart to our stage for the next generation," said Gibbs.
Totem Pole has built this season specially for our community in Central PA and Northern MD—this show-stopping season has all tickets on sale now.
Tickets are on sale now at www.totempoleplayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at 717-352-2164.
