Not many towns the size of Auburn, New York can claim Broadway-calibre theatre on their doorstep. But that’s exactly what the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse delivers. And it has been delivering since 1971.
The playhouse is the primary venue of The REV Theatre Company. They’re known throughout the region as “Broadway in the Finger Lakes.” Furthermore, they’re the largest producing professional musical theatre organisation in New York State outside of New York City. The productions genuinely earn that description. Sets, costumes, casting, and direction all operate at a professional level. Regular visitors draw comparisons to the best regional theatres in the country. Shows like South Pacific, Anything Goes, Grease, and 42nd Street have all graced the stage here. And the quality consistently surprises first-time visitors.
The venue itself is beautiful. The 501-seat theatre sits in Emerson Park on the shores of Owasco Lake. It’s just outside Auburn — about a 20 minute drive from Skaneateles. Furthermore, there’s not a bad seat in the house. The sight lines are excellent and the acoustics are superb. The intimate scale means you always feel close to the action. Many regular patrons arrive early to picnic on the lakeside grounds before the show. It’s a lovely tradition and well worth building into your evening.
Beyond the main stage, The REV also runs the Carriage House Theater. This is where newer and more experimental musicals find their feet. Some of these productions have subsequently gone on to Broadway — which gives the whole enterprise an exciting sense of possibility.
Book early. Shows sell out — particularly in summer. Additionally, tickets are available through The REV’s website. Find them at 6877 East Lake Road, Auburn, NY 13021.