2021 Events
Call 603-323-8500 for tickets
Our Town
Thornton Wilder
July 27 – 31
Tickets selling fast!
Described by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,” Our Town presents the small town of Grover’s Corners in three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity.” Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, the play depicts the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually–in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre–die. Audiences can expect a glorious modern interpretation of this classic American play.
This show will be held on our newly constructed outdoor stage on the lawn of the Tamworth History Center. We are excited to bring live theatre back to the village!
Far From Canterbury
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Danny K. Bernstein
August 11 -21
A reimagined telling of “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, Far From Canterbury takes us to a world where fairy tales are considered current events, and tells the story of a shy young knight who will be sentenced to death, unless in one year, he can answer one simple riddle: “What is it that women desire most?”
This show will be held on our newly constructed outdoor stage on the lawn of the Tamworth History Center.
Popcorn Falls
James Hindman
August 31-September 4
Doug Shapiro and Amanda Huxtable in multiple roles.
Welcome to Popcorn Falls, a small American town whose only claim to fame – their namesake waterfall – has dried up. Now bankrupt, their last chance is a large grant that can only be used if the town produces a play in a week. One big problem: no playhouse. Another problem: no play.
Led by the Mayor and the local handyman, the enterprising townsfolk try to rise to the challenge and prove that art can save the world.
The Tall Granite Big Band
Hosted by The Preserve, Chocorua
Live music, dancing, cash bar and hors d’oeuvres
August 15
The Barnstormers Theatre is delighted to present a night of jazz and swing music performed by the Tall Granite Big Band. Spend your afternoon under the giant sailcloth tent surrounded by lovely scenery and great music.
Based in Concord, New Hampshire, the TGBB is a 19 piece band dedicated to Swing and danceable jazz.
Tickets on sale now!
Waitress
Music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, book by Jessie Nelson
August 26-29
The musical is based on the 2007 film of the same name, written by Adrienne Shelly. It tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, a baker and waitress in an abusive relationship with her husband, Earl. After Jenna unexpectedly becomes pregnant, she begins an affair with her doctor, Dr. Jim Pomatter. Looking for ways out of her troubles, she sees a pie baking contest and its grand prize as her chance.
NOTE: we will be Barnstorming this show locally, check back here and facebook/Instagram for locations, showtimes and tickets.
New Works
Readings of New Plays by Barnstormers veterans and students from the Brett School
September 3
Miley Chase the Science Ace
Music & lyrics by Dylan MarcAurele, book by Mike Ross, and story by Larry Little
While calculating the exact date the asteroid hits the earth and destroys the dinosaurs, she accidentally discovers the secret to time travel.
The Stephen Kaplan Plays:
And Jack Came Tumbling After
Jack is Jill’s naive paramour who lets himself be talked into a murder scheme that causes him to come tumbling after her. The nursery rhyme will never be quite the same afterwards.
For Unto Us
Mary and Joseph are a pair of 5-year-olds playing with a doll. But before they can start, they’ll need to debate gender stereotypes, the relative merits of Christmas versus Hanukkah, the nature of God, and what it means to have two dads.
Tim Eless, Private Eye
Tim is a private eye with short-term memory. Laura is the leggy femme fatale that comes to him with a mysterious case. If only Tim can remember why she’s there. And what she wants. And why she’s there.
What’s New At The Barnstormers
Read “Backstage Pass,” The Barnstormers Newsletter
Thanks to Margaret Cleveland for the catchy title! Read Here Catch up on all the BST news and 2021 summer season.
Clayton and Joe Chat about OUR TOWN
Artistic Director Joe Longthorne and Director Clayton Phillips talk about The Barnstormers' new interpretation of a well-known play: https://youtu.be/xNLUwfyfgtU The cast so far: Carmen Berkeley, Blair Hundertmark, Cheryl Mullings, Becca Gottlieb, Buddy Hardt, Dwan...
Casting for Popcorn Falls Confirmed!
Barnstormers favorites Doug Shapiro and Amanda Huxtable will play over twenty roles "in a world of farce, love and desperation – proving once and for all that art can save the world." Show dates: August 31-September 4 Popcorn Falls is a small American town whose only...
NH Gives June 8-9, 2021
A $300,000 site-wide match pool, made possible by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and its donors will be used throughout the 24-hour event. Please check back for more details on matching funds, and plan to donate on June 8th and 9th....
Local Theatre USA Interviews Joe Longthorne
Interim Artistic Director Joe Longthorne at The Barnstomers Theatre discusses the state of regional theatre in New England, and Summer plans for this theatre institution that’s been around since 1931! https://youtu.be/p3wSJkFxotA
George Cleveland Interviews Joe Longthorne at WMWV Radio
On March 31 George Cleveland chatted with Artistic Director, Joe Longthorne about joining The Barnstormers Theatre and hints about the 2021 summer season.
Tickets and Curtain Times
Order Tickets By Phone
Purchase tickets by phone from the Box office at (603) 323-8500. We Accept: Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express
Curtain Times
Tuesday – Saturday: 7:30 PM
Saturday Matinee only for 2021: 2:00 PM
Seating begins 1/2 hour before curtain.
The Barnstormers Theatre
The Barnstormers, located in the scenic village of Tamworth, NH, is one of the longest-running professional summer theatres in the country.
The company was founded in 1931 by Francis Cleveland, the youngest son of President Grover Cleveland, Francis’s wife Alice and their friend Ed Goodnow – all of whom were involved with theatre on Broadway. Over eighty years later, their legacy continues.
Today, The Barnstormers is one of three Equity theatres in New Hampshire and provides the region with brilliant summer theatre.
Like most theatres nationwide, ticket sales cover only about half of income needs, so every gift to The Barnstormers is greatly appreciated.
My summer trip to visit family in NH wouldn't be complete without taking in a performance at The Barnstormers! It was a tradition of my grandparents, and my parents, and we now share this with our children! Over the years I've been to performances on and off Broadway, in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Barnstormers consistently pleases with its top quality performers and well mounted productions! Taking in a performance in Tamworth is a magical ride and I look forward to it every time!
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Mission Statement
To keep vital the value, spirit, and tradition of fine summer theatre in Tamworth and to provide a venue for and to promote varied cultural activities within the region.
Our Creative Work is Made Possible By:
The Haynes Family Foundation
The Tamworth Foundation
Federal funds distributed by the State of NH Governor’s Office Of Emergency Relief and Recovery
Federal funds distributed by the NH State Council For the Arts
Generous contributions from The Barnstormers Theatre Board of Directors
Donors and Patrons like you!
Countdown to Opening Night
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Top photo: cast of Broadway Now, musical revue, 2019
Photo: Laughter on the 23rd Floor, 2019
Bottom Photo: Toad of Toad Hall, Bill Christopher, Bud Winkler, Hal Meyer and Dan Rubinate, 1957