The Cape Playhouse

Event venue · Dennis

The Cape Playhouse

Event venue · Dennis

1

820 Main St, Dennis, MA 02638

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The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null
The Cape Playhouse by null

Highlights

Nestled in a charming historic barn, the Cape Playhouse has been showcasing stellar summer performances since 1927, blending nostalgia with Broadway-quality shows.  

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820 Main St, Dennis, MA 02638 Get directions

capeplayhouse.com
@capeplayhouse

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820 Main St, Dennis, MA 02638 Get directions

+1 508 385 3911
capeplayhouse.com
@capeplayhouse
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@CapePlayhouse

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Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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"The longest-running professional summer theater in the U.S., hosting musicals and dramas." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeare

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Bethany Larrabee

Google
Historical building. We didn't know that until we were there. Not a lot of leg room for tall people but cool venue. Great show.

Erika Musselman

Google
39 Steps (seen on 8/31/2024) was outstanding! The actors, three of whom played multiple roles, were truly amazing!! However, if you're expecting a serious thriller, as the original Hitchcock film was, you should be aware that the Monty Python runs strong and deep in this version, making it laugh-out-loud funny! Seeing a production at the Cape Playhouse is both stepping into a wonderful slice of history and seeing a broadway-quality summer show all rolled up in one glorious experience! Highly recommended!!

Wendy Bierwirth

Google
My friend and I left at intermission. We sat inE103 &E104. I had to lean over as low as I could get to see a bit of the stage. Was never able to see even 1/4 of the stage or more than 1 performer at a time. The man in front of me had a similar problem which is why he moved his head every 30 seconds, making me move mine. We decided it was better to just stream Holly's music than have to listen on an uncomfortable seat and not see anything so we left. We paid $180 for pure torture. I was going to get tickets to RENT for my entire family when they visit but after this experience they would probably never speak to me again.

Natalie Mann

Google
Million Dollar Quartet was outstanding! The singers were great and the actor playing Jerry Lee Lewis was hilarious! The theater had so much history too, it was fun to hear about it!

Greg Jarboe

Google
We went to The Cape Playhouse expecting to see a stage version of the 1951 film, but we're blown away by the fresh, sophisticated book by Craig Lucas. It adds historical context and depth to the show's timeless music by George and Ira Gershwin.

Fred Robles

Google
Show us a story is supposed to start at 7:30 what is now 10 of eight and the shoe still hasn’t started very humid and uncomfortable the theater is beautiful uncomfortable maybe I’ll try it again not sure though. I wanted to treat my wife to a special location so far not so good.the show finally started very entertaining and funny beautiful grounds. If you don’t mind starting late this is money we’ll spent

ann arnold

Google
Second time we went here. Both presentations were great. Will go again. Broadway shows by very talented actors at a fraction of the cost. Theater is adorable. My husband and I love it.

Kimberly Karwowski

Google
Adore the Cape Playhouse! We go every summer and it remains one of our favorite traditions. Every seat in the theater is a decent one being a smaller venue and the details and history make it something to experience as a Cape lover or visitor. The lineup this year (2024) is *excellent* and they did a lot of work to make this season the best yet. So so excited for Beautiful and Waitress!! Creative director seems amazing. Very high hopes for summer 2024!

Alan B.

Yelp
Second review. Second wonderful show. Waitress served up a great entertainment experience!

Lilly R.

Yelp
Truly love this playhouse and the productions are top notch. The new director of the theater is a wonderful new addition. The last two years have been amazing performances by NYC actors. Truly wonderful. HOWEVER, it is truly unbelievable that they have the most uncomfortable seating of any venue we have ever attended - and we are theater people. They are old church pews with a very minor cushions but with absolutely ZERO arms - thereby making it impossible if you have shoulder issues or simply any structural issues to get comfortable. I have seen people (including us) bring their own pillows and cushions. I have spoken to many other patrons and they ALL say the exact same thing "horrible uncomfortable seating" and this often keeps them from seeing more performances. For the price of the tickets, there should be some focus on the comfort of their patrons by management. It sadly keeps us from getting seasonal tickets because we just can't sit there during an entire performance without getting up and dealing with pain for a long time afterwards. I would donate a lot of $$$ if they were funding new seating. I think a lot of patrons would support this improvement if asked. I cannot believe the trustees of this venue have not redone or raised $ to create a more comfortable seating type for their clearly older clientele. Other Cape Cod venues have wonderful seating - the Playhouse could take a field trip and learn what works here.

Paula W.

Yelp
This is a must do when on the Cape. What a cute theater. Beautiful inside and out. They have a lovely gazebo and two different areas to buy wine and snacks. The seats are wooden. I am guessing it is an old church, but they are cushioned. They were very comfortable. We saw Noises Off. Oh my! I don't think I have laughed that much or that hard in years. If I was going to be on the Cape longer I would have gone and seen it again. Next week is Death Trap. Hope to see you there!

Marilyn C.

Yelp
They get one star only because they seem to have a Covid protocol where you have to show your vaccine passport but don't tell you that when you purchase a ticket. So if you show up with your ticket in hand and not a passport you can't get in! NO exceptions. The House Manager would not listen to any reason. Also, she explained that there will be NO refund! We'll see about that when the credit card company gets involved. If you have a Covid protocol that's fine, but tell people before they purchase a NON REFUNDABLE ticket!!!!

Louise H.

Yelp
Buyer beware. Second rate money hungry theatre. Not friendly, and don't care about their patrons. Very uncomfortable seats. 50 year old shows. Just another Cape Cod tourist trap. Also, masks are required, so if you wear glasses be prepared to watch the show through your fogged up glasses. Lots of better theaters on the Cape to go to.

Anne P.

Yelp
We went to the Wednesday matinee of "Jersey Boys." It was awesome! The cast were professional actors, several of them had played their role on Broadway. We sat in the "loge" which was the balcony on the right side, right about the stage. The view was perfect. However, to get there you had to climb rickety stairs. The chairs were uncomfortable straight back wicker chairs. The show was so amazing that I didn't mind that I was sitting in discomfort. Someone posted that the tickets were expensive. First of all, this was not local theater where the actors aren't career actors; and secondly, you would pay three times this in NYC. One of my friends went to the Thursday Matinee and told me that on Thursdays the actors come back out to the audience for a Q&A session. Someone asked what it cost to put on this production. They were told $450,000. So I guess they have to charge enough money to put on this show. I have had the good fortune of seeing musicals in London and NYC. This show was as good, if not better, than those productions. I hope they will bring it back next summer. If they do, I'll go every night they play. It was that good!

Nancy D.

Yelp
How ridiculous to be requiring a mask! Get over it! We live in a free country and masks should be optional! Follow the science...masks and shots don't prevent you from getting the virus.

Wendy M.

Yelp
Signed my grandchildren up for theater camp. Camp was canceled and for over three weeks I have tried calling. I have left messages. I have tried messenger. No one person has tried calling me back. Looking for my $100.00 deposit. It is truly so disappointing. 8/15 still no one calling me back

Stan G.

Yelp
This theater has a wonderful history but extraordinarily uncomfortable seats! The atmosphere makes it a true theater experience.

Lizzie M.

Yelp
Sometimes change is good... Sometimes it is not. They have lost this season ticket holder. The staff changes, quality of production, and shows chosen are too much of a change. Where are the big musicals? Where are the stars? Where are the ushers to keep the doors closed during the performance?

Pete N.

Yelp
The Cape Playhouse has a charm all of it's own. It's entirely made of wood and looks like it could go up in flames pretty quickly. I wouldn't smoke in it. However, the playhouse is pretty neat looking. We saw "An Evening with Lucille Ball". Intermission is neat. Everyone is asked to go outside (hope the weather is nice for you) and they have a small concession stand where you can buy ice cream, lemonad, cookie, water, etc. They have a nice little gazebo that you can sit in as well while you wait for Act II!. The only reason I can't give this place 5 stars is that the seats (at least in the balcony) were completely UNCOMFORTABLE. Even with the cushions. Otherwise, I highly recommend this playhouse. It's cute, charming, and definitely has character and history.

Chuck M.

Yelp
everything we saw during the regular season was great, That being said, Don't waste your time or money on second city. very poor, no laughter in the audience, forced and political Wait till next season and save yourself $50.

Maureen F.

Yelp
The shows are great and the actors are very talented. I just wish it was so hot inside.

Arlyne B.

Yelp
America's Oldest Professional Summer Theatre, the legendary Cape Playhouse has been bringing professional Broadway actors to Cape Cod for 80 years. Here's where Bette Davis got her start--as an usherette. (Does anyone out there remember her?) Years ago, I saw a wonderful play with Rex Harrison and Cloris Leachman (can't remember the name of it). It's always a thrill just to go to this theatre because of its history. Never mind the hard seats.

Jonathan H.

Yelp
Have been a regular visitor over the years. I recently attended a production of Steel Magnolias. As always it was top notch. The cast was spectacular, the lighting and music were fantastic. The whole evening was wonderful. If you are looking for a nice summer evening please check out the schedule and buy a ticket. The website is good too, easy to use and efficient.

Susan R.

Yelp
Great off Broadway environment. Really impressed with real live professional actors up close and personal. Bumped into Joanne Worley in the gift shop and helped her select a scarf. She was simply gracious and funny.

Tricia J.

Yelp
Saw Altar Boyz last night and loved it! Great energy, singing and dancing! Treat yourself to a fun filled evening!

Lisa C.

Yelp
Attended opening night of Sylvia last night. It was wonderful! A play that was beautifully written and incredibly well executed. These fine actors had the audience laughing all evening.

Cape Cod R.

Yelp
i went to the performance of "Hairspray" last year and really enjoyed it. I recently went to "legally blonde", not as impressive as hairspray but still great. The performances are fantastic. The problem is the venue. In previous years ive sat in many different sections including the balcony. There's really no great seat. I was in the second row balcony this year and i would've been just as good behind a wall. The only thing i got out of the performance was the sound because i couldn't see anything. The seating is very uncomfortable and to be honest, i feel like the place is going to collapse when i walk inside. Acting and singing is great I just wish the actors had a better place to perform their talents.

Dexter 6.

Yelp
The Playhouse is fun. We try to go each summer. However, they are NOT ADA compliant with the parking. There are rules for the number of "Handicap parking" slots you are required to have. The rules are based on the total number of parking slots. If there are over 400 seats in the playhouse and you figure, based on that numb er, there should be 200 plus cars in the lot. Obviously the "infield" parking cicle does not bold that many so people park all over the place. WHat I am trying to say is that they need to increase the "Handicap" slots to double what they have in order to be compliant. SO the management needs to check it out, use the proper number of "handicap" slots and avoid being sued - which will be next on my list.

Grace H.

Yelp
Charming venue, nice ushers, not crazy about the two shows I saw this season ("Almost Maine" and "Pump Boys") but at least they are trying to mix it up and not do one musical after the other like in years past (which I like but not a continual diet of them!) I heard from other patrons that the musical earlier in the season "1776" was the best they'd ever seen. The upstairs is too steep and the seats too uncomfortable for the less than footsure (anyone over 70 should be downstairs) but the history and quality of the overall venue is second to none. This is, by the way, the oldest continually running summer theatre in the US! So it's worth the trip and putting up with a few creaking seats in my opinion.

Judy R.

Yelp
We are season ticket holders (Orchestra section) and have come back this year after a couple of years of absence. Prior to our absence we were season holders for 15-20 years. The first show this year was great and we enjoyed it so we were ready for a good season and getting back in the enjoyment of good theater... Until Saturday's (7/11) performance. The high speed ceiling fans ruined the evening. We asked the usher when were they going to turn the speed down on the ceiling fans so that we would not feel like we were in a wind tunnel. She said that they would most definitely would have the speed (and noise) turned down when the show began. It was suppose to be "automatic" Folks all around us huddled under shawls, sweaters and jackets. My hair was moving in the wind!!! Noticed that the folks all around us had the same problem. Hoping all through the first act and watching the clock time that the wind would stop we left at intermission. We sure hope that management will correct this problem or they will loose us as season ticket holders and those around us. The show was great and the performers were outstanding, but too bad it was all ruined by the noise (times we could not understand "the man in the chair") and speed of the winds.

Elizabeth K.

Yelp
I love this place. The only reason I can't give it 5 stars is because the seats, even with the cushions, are uncomfortable. When I was little my mom would take me to the childrens' theatre here, and I definitely recommend doing that, although sometimes the characters can look a little scary to a kid, so be careful with that. When I got a little older my parents took me to the real theatre here. This definitely prepared me for when I saw shows on Broadway when I was even a little older. It really is like a little taste of that down the Cape. I love the old feeling of the place too, like you've kind of gone back in time, with the old lights flashing for intermission, and the look of the concession stand outside. It's nice to get a snack and just walk around outside during intermission, and try to hang out in the gazebo. When I was little I used to climb trees around there too in-between meeting the actors. This is always a place I check to see what's playing at before it's time to head down the Cape. Oh! Another problem can be the parking though. I recommend showing up a little early so that it won't be, although then you may have to wait when the show gets out, so be prepared for that.