WELCOME TO THE WESTERN RESERVE PLAYHOUSE
Western Reserve Playhouse began as The Bath Community Players in 1956 as a non-profit organization. In 1966 WRP purchased The Barn and began its transition from a small group of players to a widespread three county organization. Situated in the Bath-Richfield Township area the theatre has attracted audiences from Summit, Cuyahoga, and Medina counties.
Over the past several years the Barn has had many renovations, including a new roof, siding, and new stage, thanks to the generous support of many organizations and the donated time of many volunteers.
Western Reserve Playhouse has produced many shows including Fantasticks, My Fair Lady, Music Man, Cabaret, Arsenic & Old Lace, Oliver, Once Upon a Mattress, and Opal’s Husband.
Goodyear Community Theatre was originally formed as an employee activity at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. It evolved into a community theatre that produced large scale musicals including such productions as The King & I, Mame, Gypsy, Peter Pan, Anything Goes, and the holiday special Babes In Toyland. GCT’s last production in Goodyear Hall was Oklahoma! (1995). The Board of Trustees of Goodyear Community Theatre changed its name to RiverWalk Playhouse based on the expectation that it would be moving from Goodyear Hall to the Falls Theatre. Complications with the renovations between the developer and the City of Cuyahoga Falls resulted in RiverWalk being in limbo.
Lake Players was founded in 1985 by Tom McChesney and Dan Maclachian. Located in a former church in Uniontown, Lake Players produced a wide variety of shows including On Golden Pond, Greater Tuna, Odd Couple, Steel Magnolias, Radio Gals, Boys Nest Door, and two original plays by Tom McChesney, Daughter of Dr Fu and Polly’s Place.
In 2002 tragedy struck when the theatre caught fire after being hit by lightning. RiverWalk and Lake Players decided to merge and look for a permanent “home”.
In 2006 Western Reserve Playhouse and RiverWalk/Phoenix Stage Productions merged. WRP was on the verge of closing due to lack of board members and volunteers and RiverWalk/Phoenix was going to close due to the lack of a theatre!
The combined organizations, known as Western Reserve Playhouse, are committed in providing a creative outlet and educational experience for talented area residents. Upholding the highest quality productions in community theatre, its audiences are assured of an entertaining evening!