Photo credit: Jenna Davis
The 2025 season of Theatre in the Park opened with Disney’s Moana Jr.
When Theatre in the Park began in 1976, it was known as The Great American People Show, a nonprofit theater company focused on American history, particularly the life of Abraham Lincoln. For about 20 years, the popular company performed at Lincoln’s New Salem. In 1995, Illinois designated The Great American People Show as the official state theater of Lincoln and the American Experience. This designation was revised in 2022 to name Theatre in the Park at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site as the official State Theatre of Illinois.
TIP offers both outdoor and indoor performances, producing over the years everything from family-friendly musicals to compelling dramas. The outdoor amphitheater known as Kelso Hollow, located on a hill behind the Visitor Center, seats 500 people and hosts performances from early June to late August. The indoor theater, also situated within the historic site, provides a venue for productions during the off-season or in inclement weather.
In recent years, Theatre in the Park has focused on improving its facilities and expanding its programming, focusing on some unconventional or lesser-known works. The 2025 season features a diverse lineup, including a partnership with Studio on the Square for a youth production of Disney’s Moana Jr.; one of Shakespeare’s best-known comedies; a musical by the late Ken Bradbury, a beloved local playwright, with composer Roger Wainwright; and a hilarious road-trip comedy by Jones Hope Wooten. These productions reflect TIP’s commitment to offering a variety of performances that appeal to a wide audience.
Mary Kate Smith, founder of The Studio On The Square, a performing arts and community studio in Petersburg, was the director of Moana, Jr., the 2025 season’s opening show. I asked for her thoughts of what audiences can look forward to this summer.
“Moana, and the collaboration with Menard County youth, kicked off a varied season and got local families in the habit of visiting the park who may not have Kelso Hollow Amphitheater on their radar,” Smith said.
“Under new supervision, the site is getting many upgrades to enhance the audience (experience) and cast enjoyment, as well as a return to its natural setting roots. From power washing, to fresh paint, new backstage fencing and seating options, (these) little differences are already adding up to make big impact.”
She added, “The Studio On The Square is anxious to expand our collaboration to include more opportunities both inside and outside, bringing audiences to Kelso Hollow but also the indoor auditorium. The Studio held our spring showcase earlier this year in May to an SRO audience that was also able to stroll the village and enjoy Railsplitter Gifts and Eatery. I think these expansions provide great use for both stages and a return to the bustling activity that New Salem needs.”
If you’ve ever experienced a show at TIP, you’re already familiar with the intimate environment, surrounded by nature with scarcely a bad seat in the house. For those new to the idea of a trip to the New Salem theater, be prepared for not only a variety of entertainment but experiencing it amid the soothing sound of frogs and crickets, and if you’re really lucky, a few twinkling fireflies dancing in the distance.
The remaining shows for this season include:
An Evening with Mrs. Lincoln
June 27–28
A poignant portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln’s life, featuring two one-act plays: Taking Leave and The Fabric of Friendship.
Twelfth Night (original adaptation)
July 10-13
A fast-paced, romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, featuring mistaken identities and witty humor.
Ken Bradbury’s Camp Sunshine
Aug. 1-3, 8-9
A musical comedy about a quirky summer camp experience, written by Ken Bradbury and Roger Wainwright.
Mama Won’t Fly
Aug. 14-17
A comedic road-trip play by Jones Hope Wooten, directed by Lora Beavers.
All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. with general admission seating. Tickets range from $15-$20 and can be purchased online or by calling 217-725-0239. The venue is ADA-compliant and offers ramp access. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit the official website: theatreinthepark.net.