audience is very close, and that changes the whole experience.” But another reason for the company’s success is the fact that its audience will see productions they’re unlikely to see elsewhere. “If you lived in New York you could see plays like ours all the time,” adds Buckholz, who regularly visits the Big Apple to seek out new productions to stage back in Indiana. “But here, we have discovered that we offer shows that you wouldn’t necessarily see elsewhere, and they won’t be at some of the smaller theatres in town. We have the budget to give them the attention and the production qualities that they need. We’re bringing in acting talent from New York City for our shows, for whom we have our own housing.” With over 40 years of success under their belt, Derby Dinner Playhouse can also start venturing into theatre with a bit more of an artistic edge than is usually found in the more classic musicals. One show that fits that bill this season is Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” which Buckholz could not be more excited about. “[‘Into the Woods’] is very contemporary and will be the first time that our theatre has put on Stephen Sondheim,” beams Buckholz. The composer is notorious for extraordinarily difficult music for singers and musicians, and for shows that deal with often very dark themes. However, the beauty of the artistry and pure elegance of the music makes his material absolutely unparalleled when done right. “A lot of people think ‘Oh, Sondheim,’” Buckholz says of the composer’s intimidation. “But the truth is that a lot of Sondheim is very accessible. So ‘Into the Woods’ is a way for us to introduce people to Sondheim, and that will open up a whole new world for us to do.” Whether you’re going for the heartwarming standards like “White Christmas” or the poppy contemporaries like “Legally Blonde,” there is something for you at Derby Dinner Playhouse. And with dinner included in your ticket price, what more could you want? It’s dinner and a show all under one roof. To view Derby Dinner Playhouse’s schedule, visit www.derbydinner.com. FALL 2015
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