The St. Jacob's Playhouse is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the popular town of St. Jacob's, Ontario. The town is located just north of the city of Waterloo and was formerly a Mennonite farming community. Its Mennonite roots are still much in evidence in the town. In addition to the playhouse, the town is popular for its farmer's market, gift shops and factory outlet shopping.
There are several theaters in the area that will appeal to visitors who are looking for some culture along with their sightseeing. There are three theaters in St. Jacob's alone: the St. Jacob's Playhouse, the Schoolhouse Theatre and the Church Theatre. There are two nearby theaters that also deserve a visit: the Drayton Festival Theatre and the Kitchener/Waterloo Little Theatre. Staying at a St. Jacob's bed and breakfast will allow you to enjoy all of these things at your leisure.
St. Jacob's Playhouse
40 Benjamin Rd. E.
Waterloo, ON N2V 2J9
519-747-7788
www.draytonentertainment.com
The Playhouse is not far from your St. Jacob's Inn in the market district. The playhouse seats 385 people and is open year round. Recent productions have been "Hairspray," "Blood Brothers" and the "Wizard of Oz." The theater was designed with Mennonite architecture in mind and gives the impression of a converted barn. It's air conditioned and wheelchair accessible.
Schoolhouse Theatre
11 Albert St.
St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0
519-638-5555
www.draytonentertainment.com
The Schoolhouse Theatre is located in St. Jacob's Old Town and is a converted 1867 schoolhouse. The theater seats 100 and is set up like a cabaret with small tables where you can be served a drink. The theater is open from September to December. Recent shows have included "Blue Suede Shoes, Memories of the King," which was a tribute to Elvis Presley.
Church Theatre
1376 King St.
St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2NO
519-886-0660
www.stjacobs.com
The St. Jacob's Church Theatre is located on the main street in the market district. It is a converted church and the seating is church pews. Various community theater groups use it to stage their productions. Past shows put on at the theater have included "Blind Woman's Bluff" and "Don Juan in Chicago."
Drayton Festival Theatre
33 Wellington St. S.
Drayton, ON N0G 1P0
519-638-5555
www.draytonentertainment.com
The Drayton Festival Theatre is located in nearby Drayton. The theater is a converted 1902 opera house that once served as the town hall. It has operated as a theater since 1991 and has 375 seats. The theater has presented such entertainment shows as "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying," "How the Other Half Lives" and "Dance Legends." The theater is open year round.
Kitchener/Waterloo Little Theatre
9 Princess St.
Waterloo, ON N2J 2H4
519-886-0660
kwlt.org
The Kitchener/Waterloo Little Theatre is located in nearby Waterloo. It has a long history dating back to the 1930s. It is a small community theater that seats 60 to 70 people. However, it also presents shows at other venues such as the Church Theatre. In the past they have presented such shows as the "Mousetrap," "Beggar's Opera" and "Frankenstein."