Experience the Theaters of Lancaster County

Explore the performing arts in Amish Country

Are you searching for the perfect way to spend a night out on your upcoming trip to Lancaster County? Be sure to check out the bustling theatre scene to can catch exciting concerts, spectacular retellings of classic stories, Broadway hits, and much more. Our diverse local theaters are sure to have something that will appeal to everyone in your group. Take a look at some of the theater offerings that you can check out on your next visit.

The Theaters of Lancaster County

Most visitors are surprised to learn that Lancaster Pennsylvania is home to a wide variety of theaters. From classic Broadway shows with big-name talent, to local creative flagship productions, if you love the arts, then you will love all we have to offer. Add The Ware Center to your list if you love live music like jazz, cabaret, and opera. There is so much to do and see, but here is a list of our top recommendations:

Big Shows and Classic Theater

• Fulton Theatre, Downtown Lancaster City
  • As Pennsylvania’s Regional Theatre, Fulton Theatre produces Broadway-caliber productions right in the heart of Downtown Lancaster. For over 150 years, Fulton has been entertaining and educating visitors, making it the oldest continuously operating theater in America. Their upcoming 2023-2024 season includes shows like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 9 to 5, South Pacific, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
• American Music Theatre, Route 30 in Lancaster, PA
  • Every year, American Music Theatre is home to over 300 performances, from concerts hosted by Grammy award-winning artists to National Broadway Tours and an original Christmas Spectacular. No matter what you are looking for, this theater has something to offer everyone. With 2024’s lineup including visits from Marie Osmond, David Foster and Katherine McPhee, the national tour of Broadway’s On Your Feet, and Masters of Illusion. This year’s show, The First Noel, is scheduled to run from November 7 – December 30, 2023, and is sure to be a stunning spectacular full of catchy music and astonishing talent. 

• Sight and Sound Theatre, Ronks, PA
  • Any visit to Sight and Sound is sure to become an unforgettable memory. Watch as Bible stories come to life with professional actors, beautiful sets and costumes, live animals, and so much more. It is no surprise that Sight and Sound has become a must-do for visitors, as they currently welcome approximately 800,000 guests each year. Be sure to catch their production of The Miracle of Christmas from November 3 – December 30, 2023 or Daniel from March 14, 2024 – December 31, 2024. 

Cultural Performances

• The Ware Center, Downtown Lancaster City.
  • The Ware Center is a performing arts center located on Lancaster’s famous Gallery Row. Each season, they present a variety of performing arts events, host free events during the monthly Lancaster First Friday arts celebrations, and curate a host of diverse community events that help our neighbors and visitors to engage in the community and the world. Events cover many areas: music from classical, jazz, cabaret, popular and opera; cultural performances; dance; theatre; poetry; and lectures. Their 2023-2024 system includes Irish Christmas in America, Ceilidh: An Evening of Irish Music and Dance, and An Evening with Brandon Leake. Visit their website to learn more.
• The Trust Center, Downtown Lancaster City.
  • The Trust Performing Arts Center is a stunning venue for music, theater, and dance in the heart of downtown Lancaster. The 2023-2024 Season includes performances by Samantha Hankey | Soprano; Apollo5; Elaris Duo with Xun Pan; and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Local Theater

• Ephrata Performing Arts Center, Ephrata, PA
  • Ephrata Performing Arts Center at Sharadin Bigler Theater has been producing high-quality community theatre productions in Lancaster County since 1980. Here you can catch some of the best local talents in shining plays, musicals, and children’s productions. This season’s productions included shows like Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera: Students Edition, and Clybourne Park. Stay tuned for more information on the 2024 season as it is announced. 
• Susquehanna Stage, Marietta, PA
  • Susquehanna Stage seeks to celebrate the humanity that binds us all together through theatrical performances. Each production features astonishing local talent and seeks to engage audiences of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Don’t miss their 2024 season which will include Anything Goes, Other Desert Cities, and a Youth and Teen Production of Grease. 
• Prima Theatre, Downtown Lancaster City:
  • Prima Theatre is home to experimental concerts and boutique musicals that are sure to entertain. Located in Lancaster City, Prima seeks to provide quality entertainment and a welcoming environment for all. These unique concerts and plays will have you fully immersed in their worlds and enjoying wonderful music and performers. Visit Prima’s website for more information on their seasons as they are announced.
• Gretna Theatre, Mount Gretna, PA
  • Gretna Theatre is a professional theater that has been producing theater in the Chautauqua area since 1927. Performances by renowned actors such as Bernadette Peters and Laurie Beechman built a reputation for being a high-caliber performance space. Their upcoming 2024 Summer Stock season is currently set to include Chess the Musical, In Concert, Great Balls of Fire, and so much more!

Dinner Theater

• Dutch Apple Dinner Theater, Centerville Rd, Lancaster
  • A year-round theater offering an all-you-can-eat buffet option. With both classic and contemporary musicals, this theater provides a fun evening full of song, dance, and a delicious meal. Their season also includes concerts and children’s theatre productions. Be sure to stop in this season to catch shows like The Addams Family, Hairspray, and The Sound of Music!

• Magic and Wonder Theater, Paradise, PA
  • This award-winning theater delivers a mesmerizing experience through a variety of shows, including the spellbinding “Mystery” led by master illusionist Brett Myers, and the nostalgia-filled “Jukebox Jive”. During the holiday season, the theater transforms into a winter wonderland, presenting enchanting Christmas shows like “Winter Wonderland” and “Holly Jolly Jukebox.” With each performance, Magic & Wonder Theater promises to transport audiences to a world of magic, music, and wonder.

Looking for the perfect place to stay as you explore the thriving arts culture here in Lancaster? Book a stay at AmishView Inn & Suites for a relaxing getaway after a day of admiring the wonders of our local talents and productions.