Elevate Your Evening with Dinner Theatre
What is Dinner Theatre?
Dinner theatre is a form of entertainment that combines a meal with a theatrical performance. Guests enjoy a delicious dinner while watching live actors perform a play, musical, or comedy show. This unique experience blends culinary arts with performing arts for a memorable night out.
The History of Dinner Theatre
The concept of combining food and performance dates back centuries, but modern dinner theatre became popular in the United States in the 1960s. The first professional dinner theatre is widely considered to be the Candlelight Theatre, which opened in 1961 in Washington, D.C. By the 1970s, dinner theatres had spread across North America, offering audiences an alternative to traditional theatre experiences.
Why Choose Dinner Theatre?
Dinner theatre offers several unique advantages:
- Convenience: No need to plan separate dinner and entertainment - it's all in one place
- Intimacy: Smaller venues create a more personal connection with performers
- Variety: Many dinner theatres rotate shows frequently, offering diverse programming
- Value: Often more affordable than separate dinner and theatre tickets
- Social Atmosphere: Great for group outings and special occasions
Types of Dinner Theatre Experiences
Dinner theatres come in many formats:
- Murder Mystery: Interactive shows where guests help solve a fictional crime
- Musical Revue: Song-and-dance performances often featuring Broadway hits
- Comedy Improv: Unscripted performances that often involve audience participation
- Classic Plays: Staged productions of well-known theatrical works
- Original Works: Many dinner theatres produce their own unique shows
What to Expect at a Dinner Theatre
A typical dinner theatre experience follows this format:
- Arrival and seating (often at shared tables)
- First course served as the performance begins
- Additional courses served during intermissions
- Dessert typically coincides with the show's finale
- Meet-and-greet with cast members after the show (at some venues)
Tips for Enjoying Dinner Theatre
- Arrive early to settle in before the show starts
- Check the menu in advance for dietary restrictions
- Dress code varies - some are casual while others prefer business casual
- Turn off phones and minimize movement during performances
- Consider group rates for parties of 8 or more
- Book tickets well in advance for popular shows
Notable Dinner Theatres Around the World
Some of the most famous dinner theatres include:
- Medieval Times: Jousting tournaments with period-style dining (multiple locations)
- Toby's Dinner Theatre: One of America's longest-running dinner theatres (Columbia, MD)
- Mousetrap Theatre: Specializing in Agatha Christie mysteries (London, UK)
- Circus Circus: Combines circus acts with fine dining (Las Vegas, NV)
- Dolly Parton's Stampede: Dinner show with horse riding stunts (Pigeon Forge, TN)
The Future of Dinner Theatre
As entertainment evolves, dinner theatres are adapting with:
- More diverse and inclusive programming
- Integration of technology like projection mapping
- Interactive digital elements for audience participation
- Fusion concepts combining different art forms
- Expanded food and beverage options including craft cocktails
Dinner theatre continues to thrive by offering a unique blend of dining and entertainment that can't be replicated at home or in traditional venues. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night, a fun group activity, or just something different, dinner theatre provides an experience that engages all the senses.