Jenny Wiley Theatre

In the summer of 1965, a small group of players from Paintsville, Kentucky, presented South Pacific - Jenny Wiley Theatre's first musical. Although the state park amphitheatre was constructed with the intent of presenting historical dramas of the Big Sandy region (and in particular, Jenny Wiley's legend), that first play proved to be prophetic, for it was in musical repertory that Jenny Wiley Theatre found its destiny. Since that first season of performances, Jenny Wiley Theatre has presented countless productions, holding to the standards of the best summer stock theatres,  while expanding their mission to include year round productions and educational tours. 

Now in its fourth decade, Jenny Wiley Theatre is one of the longest-running outdoor summer musical theatres in the country. JWT remains committed to serving the needs of both the visitors to our region and local audiences who want to take advantage of our variety of productions throughout the summer. Moreover, the Theatre now presents fall and holiday productions at venues throughout the region. 
 

 

From its inception in 1962, the Board’s mission has been to enrich our regional community through the performing arts. Composed of citizens from all across the Big Sandy and surrounding region, the Board of Trustees is not only committed to excellence in the Theatre's now year-round productions, but also seeks to stimulate overall participation in the performing arts experience. The Theatre is particularly proud of its Educational Outreach program, which sponsors performance programs in schools across the state and theatre workshops throughout the year.

 

Over the years more than 2,000 aspiring actors, singers, dancers, musicians, and technicians have worked at Jenny Wiley Theatre. Many of them were talented local people who found an outlet for their creativity and an opportunity to enhance their professional development right here at home. Others were actors and technicians from all across the country who gained not only professional experience, but also the chance to experience our region's culture and beauty during their time at JWT.

 

A number of these professionals later achieved more visible roles in national television, theatre, and film. Most notably, Michael Cerveris, who spent three summers at JWT, won a Tony for his performance in TOMMY on Broadway in 1994 and a second Tony for his performance in Assassins. Some other well-known JWT alumni include Sharon Lawrence from ABC’s NYPD BLUE and most recently Desparate Housewives, James Barbour, who played the Beast in Disney’s Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast and was Tony-nominated for his role as Mr. Rochester in the musical, Jane Eyre; Jim Varney, Ernest Goes to Camp; Tommy Kirk, Old Yeller; Ron Palilo, WELCOME BACK KOTTER; Jeff Silbar, composer of THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS; Randy Jones of the VILLAGE PEOPLE singing group; and Paige Davis, host of TLC's Trading Spaces.