To the editor,

I have been a patron of the Arundel Barn Playhouse since it opened 12 years ago. The owner and executive producer, Adrienne Grant, transformed an old barn in to a lovely theater. She has worked hard to develop the property and grounds and to produce excellent plays. Overall, the Arundel Barn Playhouse is a warm and welcoming place to enjoy an evening and to witness wonderful productions. This has been confirmed by friends and people I meet who have spent an evening there. Our community is fortunate to have such a fine quality arts endeavor in our own “backyard.”

I can’t help but notice, however, that attendance has been down by a large margin this summer and the rows that have been filled. In past years now show lots of empty space. Perhaps the rainy weather has been a factor or that local people have come to take the playhouse for granted and although their intentions were to attend this summer, the summer is slipping by and they have not yet done so. 

Economic times are causing each of us to evaluate where our discretionary dollars are being spent. We all need to think about the value of this theater to our community and consider supporting it. I would like to encourage everyone in our community and summer visitors to attend the next two plays – “Altar Boys,” showing through Aug. 15 and “Almost Maine,” showing from Aug. 18 through 29. 

The Arundel Barn Playhouse needs our support in order to continue providing us with fine quality entertainment and a lovely environment in which to enjoy it. 

Patricia O’Connor

Kennebunk