Our History

"The Proof of the Pudding"

From The Mt. Lebanon News, August 1949 

"The experiment of the Little Lake Theatre, out at Donaldson's Cross Roads, of "arena staging" has apparently proved most successful. Their patronage has climbed every week since they opened in the middle of June, and just a week ago they had the SRO out three nights, with over twenty standees Saturday!

There were many local doubters that it would be accepted in Pittsburgh, but the energetic and able director of the Little Lake, Will Disney, stuck to his decision and has proved again that "the proof of the pudding is in the eating".

F.S. Olmsted  

 53 Years Strong!

Little Lake Theatre takes great pride in its long and varied history and its years of service to the community.  The theatre, in one form or another, has resided on the edge of Canonsburg Lake, just west of Route 19 in North Strabane Township, since 1949.  The theatre has been operational for 53 consecutive years.  Take time to read a news article from a 1949 Mt. Lebanon News piece (reprinted below), read about our founder Will Disney, take in some backstage stories, or stop by the Wall of Fame containing some of the Lake's most beloved performers.  And for those of you out there who never thought we'd make it, "The proof of the pudding..."
 

Reprinted from Mt. Lebanon News, Spring 1949

While the snow of winter (what little there was) was falling the plans and dreams of Mr. and Mrs. WE. Disney of Abbeyville Apartrnents and their son Mr. Will Disney concerned only the warm summer months then far in the future.

The success of the Mt. Lebanon Players and the absence of any summer theatre in the South Hills section of Pittsburgh made the Disney's feel sure that area residents would enjoy and support summer stock located near the home town.

Will Disney was successful in obtaining a five year lease on the barn and a section of the property of Mr. Bill McDowell bordering on the west side of Alcoa Lake. The body of water lies just to the southwest of Donaldson's crossroads on Route 19.

As soon as the weather broke in May the Disney's put Contractor Elmer Dickey to work turning the 54 year old barn into a modem summer theatre plant. Mrs. Disney commented, "How times have changed. This barn cost $450 to be built originally, and we've spent ten times that much just fixing it up."

The finished product was a unique stage plant featuring arena, of central staging and including a light platform, business office, dressing rooms, actors lounge, public rest rooms and seating capacity for 230.

The decision to use the new arena type staging where the audience is seated on all four sides and very close to the actors, came after long investigation and consideration. The closest arena type theatre is at State College, Pa. where it has been very successful.

Interested theatre people from all over the nation have visited the barn, to see the new style. Director Disney tells of the participating feeling imparted to the audience from the closeness of the actor and viewer in a recent show where the leading man puts his arm around the leading lady in a love scene. Without fail the first row of spectators, no more than three feet away, shyly turned their heads and looked at the floor out of gentle embarrassment.

The barn is leased for a five year period and future plans include a restaurant to be located directly across the street from the theatre to be run under separate management; guest directors from top notch professionals; and a weekly schedule of plays to run through September 20.

 

 

 

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