The Little Lake Theatre that Could
Courtesy of Hawk Photography and Multimedia LLC
Nestled in the scenic area near Canonsburg Lake, the Little Lake Theatre Company has been delighting audiences for a whopping 76 seasons now.
“We’re very blessed to be bouncing back from COVID,” said Patricia Knapp, managing director, adding that for a while they had to go virtual. “When we opened back up, we started with an outside tent, then moved back inside, while complying with protocols. Our cleaning protocols are here to stay and people are feeling more comfortable coming back,” she said.
The History of a Small Theatre
The family-owned Little Lake Theatre began with theatre lovers Will Disney and his mother Edith, both of whom were determined to form their own theatre company. In 1947, the two set eyes on the scenic Canonsburg Lake area, which featured a big red barn. When they approached the farmer, they were happy to learn that he was amenable to renting out part of it for the theatre. Within a period of two years, the theatre was up and running, much to the delight of the small community.
Within two years, it was time to expand. A new stockade-enclosed theatre was created, and additional changes were made to accommodate larger audiences. A few years later yet another expansion was in order. This time a building was added for a green room and dressing rooms. The actors embraced the changes, especially since they no longer had to venture from the theatre to the barn to visit the snack bar or use the restrooms.
A Dedicated Employee
House Manager Leigh Ann Frohnapfel has been with the theatre 48 years now.
“They needed help in the kitchen when it was a dinner theatre and I would make money with tips. When I had my son, it was a nice gig in the evenings when my husband was home,” she said.
She enjoyed it so much that she hung around for almost five decades.
Frohnapfel explained that the dinner part of the theatre went by the wayside when restaurants began cropping up in the area.
“The only food served now are snacks during intermission,” she said.
Over the years, Frohnapfel has worked in various capacities, from the aforementioned kitchen worker, to props manager, to house manager.
“I really enjoyed using my creativity to find props for the shows and still design a show or two a season,” she said.
As for plays, Frohnapfel has seen them evolve over time. “We used to focus exclusively on living room comedies, but later we became more ambitious and added musicals,” she said.
That’s not to say the comedies still aren’t popular.
“People like to come out and forget their troubles and laugh,” she said, adding that the audience feels like it’s part of the action due to the “in the round” structure that situates them just 25-feet from the stage.
Frohnapfel said that the area has become less rural compared to when she started.
“There’s a lot of construction now, but we still have a family of deer who live in the back and a pair of eagles who live on the lake,” she said.
She said that everyone is looking forward to a high-rise retirement community that is underway nearby.
“We’re excited for volunteers to walk over here and help us because finding actors is less of an issue than finding those who are willing to work behind the scenes,” she said.
One thing that keeps valuable employees like Knapp around is the warm and supportive atmosphere. “I’ve watched people grow up, been in weddings, gone to weddings, even buried a few people. I consider them family,” she said.
Now Showing
From May 9-26, “Wait until Dark” by Frederick Knott and adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, tells the story of a blind woman living in a New York City apartment whose husband takes possession of a mysterious doll. This sets the main character on a deleterious course where she’ll have to use her wits, strength, and resourcefulness to escape.
Sensory-Friendly Performances
The Little Lake Theatre also offers sensory-friendly performances of some of their shows, including “Wait Until Dark.” During these performances, the house lights will be dimmed, as will the intensity of lighting and sound effects. The relaxed and inclusive atmosphere will enable patrons to come and go as they please, while tablets and smartphones will be permitted to help non-verbal audience members communicate. A quiet area in the lobby will be available for those who need to take a break from the show.
An audio description of the theatre’s latest play will be available during the May 19 performance at 2 p.m.
Knapp said that this is turning out to be a stellar year for the little theatre that could.
“Our new artistic director Patrick Cannon is going to be introducing more fun and new comedies and musicals and our subscribers have recently skyrocketed, so we’re looking forward to what the future brings,” she said.
Little Lake Theatre has plays throughout the year. To learn more, visit www.littlelake.org.