Charles A.B. Heinze and Richard North Gage were willing to gamble, and had the energy and drive to meet any challenge head on. Together, they blended their understanding of hospitality and entertainment to create and sustain professional theater along the banks of the Yellow Breeches.

Outside the Theatre: Richard North Gage, Charles A.B. Heinze, Mary Lu Heinze

Like Phineas T. Barnum, who overcame almost insurmountable odds to become the world’s greatest showman, Heinze and Gage performed a “miracle” at Allenberry. In this Fiftieth Season of the Allenberry Playhouse, it is fitting to salute and to celebrate the lives and the combined achievement of these two extraordinary men. Respect and gratitude is also due to those who accepted the legacy: John J. Heinze as producer, and Ed Aldridge, Nelson Sheeley, Michael Rothhaar, Michael Haney and Richard J. Frost as artistic directors.

Fifty years of professional theater “without a grant” is a monumental achievement. Hundreds of actors, dancers and musicians, together with designers and technicians, have created an incredible body of work — almost six hundred productions of drama, comedy, farce, mystery and musical.

Allenberry Playhouse represents the longest running summer stock season and has proved to be one of the most productive theaters in the country.