Great Plains Theatre
Great Plains Theatre
5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Great Plains Theatre is a professional regional theatre drawing audiences and actors from across the nation. We offer vibrant year-round educational youth programming in addition to Improv and live music. GPT also houses Abilene's only movie theater. See Website or call for times and listings.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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8 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
33 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Sage Scott, the Everyday Wanderer
Kansas City, MO402 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
I got to see "Not Another Christmas Letter" at the Great Plains Theatre recently, and it was absolutely amazing! The well-written musical was expertly delivered by a four actor cast accompanied by a live pianists. It was funny, touching, and such a wonderful show. We are already planning a trip back to Abilene to see Abilene-native (and George H. W. Bush's Press Secretary) Marlin Fitzwater's "Empires Fall" in the fall.
Written December 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
newengland50
Franklin, MA443 contributions
Jun 2019
This was our first trip to the mid-west. We selected Abilene to visit the Eisenhower Library and Museum. While reviewing activities in the town on web sites, we noticed the Great Plains Theatre.
We hesitated to buy tickets to a community theatre in a small town. We have attended theatre performances in major east coast cities and in several large European cities, so we did not expect a lot. In addition, we were not big fans of the scheduled performance. There didn't seem to be much to do in the evening in Abilene, so we eventually decided to purchase tickets. Our plan was to leave during intermission if the performance was really bad.
Well, we were wrong. We truly enjoyed the performance of "The Pirates of Penzance" and thought that the cast did a fabulous job. A few performers sang with the skills and range of Broadway performances. The cast was filled with young, enthusiastic, and energetic individuals. Some of them had attended a Kansas University with a drama major.
As we were leaving, we were approached by a person who we believe was the Executive Director. He wanted to hear feedback, he greeted many audience members to make sure that they enjoyed the show, and he was clearly interested in everyone's experience. We guessed that one of the reasons that the theatre is successful is that he took a holistic view and approach to managing the operation.
Most of the seats in the theatre provide good viewing angles. I am including a photo, but it was taken with a phone so it does not provide a great image. It's a nice place and the staff was wonderful.
We hesitated to buy tickets to a community theatre in a small town. We have attended theatre performances in major east coast cities and in several large European cities, so we did not expect a lot. In addition, we were not big fans of the scheduled performance. There didn't seem to be much to do in the evening in Abilene, so we eventually decided to purchase tickets. Our plan was to leave during intermission if the performance was really bad.
Well, we were wrong. We truly enjoyed the performance of "The Pirates of Penzance" and thought that the cast did a fabulous job. A few performers sang with the skills and range of Broadway performances. The cast was filled with young, enthusiastic, and energetic individuals. Some of them had attended a Kansas University with a drama major.
As we were leaving, we were approached by a person who we believe was the Executive Director. He wanted to hear feedback, he greeted many audience members to make sure that they enjoyed the show, and he was clearly interested in everyone's experience. We guessed that one of the reasons that the theatre is successful is that he took a holistic view and approach to managing the operation.
Most of the seats in the theatre provide good viewing angles. I am including a photo, but it was taken with a phone so it does not provide a great image. It's a nice place and the staff was wonderful.
Written August 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BonnieMiller
Hanover, KS37 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
We went to this show for my husbands birthday. A little crowded but they are hoping to expand soon. A very professional production for a small town like Abilene. Very well done.
Written July 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you. Hope you make it back to Abilene and Great Plains Theatre.
Written July 10, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nana Tulip
1 contribution
Aug 2019
Just saw Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, and it was indeed Amazing! This is an extremely fun show and the entire cast is wonderful. The mixture of professional and local talent is done very well. Do yourself a favor and go to see it!
Written August 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yoga47Rae
Salina, KS105 contributions
Aug 2019
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was disappointing!
Certainly not worth the price of the ticket.
Great Plains Theater has been known for the High Caliber Entertainment.
I have been attending this theater for many many years - this is among the
two that have not lived up to the theater reputation. On a positive note -
the children were adorable!
Certainly not worth the price of the ticket.
Great Plains Theater has been known for the High Caliber Entertainment.
I have been attending this theater for many many years - this is among the
two that have not lived up to the theater reputation. On a positive note -
the children were adorable!
Written August 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr_Frankenboogie
Abilene, KS5 contributions
Aug 2019
I have been blessed to have attended upwards of 10 shows of one type or another at this venue per year for the last 10 or so years. From professional plays to shows done by the youth education programs that the theatre runs throughout the year. As to the quality of the acting and singing abilities of those who are hired here, several have gone on to perform on USO troupes and Broadway. The productions are first rate from costuming to musicality, props and stage design to seating and atmosphere. With less than 200 seats it's an intimate theatre experience every-time, and very comfortable. I highly recommend this hidden jewel of the prairie.
Written August 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim W
Clay Center, KS4 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
If you enjoy live theater and quality performances, the Great Plains Theatre is for you. We have seen two performances this year and both were well above our expectations. The acting, singing, choreography and overall performance were top notch. It is well worth the trip to Abilene. If you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend that you attend a performance.
Written August 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melodie S
Abilene, KS10 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
They have great talent and plays in the small town of Abilene. Dont think that because it is not New York City you shouldn't go. Tickets are reasonable and every play I have seen has been wonderful.
Written June 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A'Lisa J
Abilene, KS83 contributions
May 2018
Yes, its so true, lil' ol' Abilene KS has live theatre! And not just any run of the mill theatre, but classic and exceptional shows! They don't hold back on over the top performances and performers.
Its truly one of the great reasons to live in Abilene. A small town community that appreciates and supports live theatre in todays world is unique and rare. So thankful for all the wonderful sponsors and supporters that keep this theatre going. The show must go on!
Its truly one of the great reasons to live in Abilene. A small town community that appreciates and supports live theatre in todays world is unique and rare. So thankful for all the wonderful sponsors and supporters that keep this theatre going. The show must go on!
Written June 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rocksoldier_18
Abilene, KS23 contributions
Jul 2017
Top-notch actors and actresses from across the United States come here to put on amazing productions. Plus, they also show films here.
Written October 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What do you have scheculed for this fall 2018? Are there going to be any plays for school children?
Written October 1, 2018
Yes, Beauty and the Beast starts Oct 5
Show Dates:
Friday, October 5 at 7 pm
Saturday, October 6 at 7 pm
Sunday, October 7 at 2 pm
Ticket prices:
$12 Adults
$8 Students
Written October 2, 2018
We just closed "Mamma Mia!" and will open "Gypsy" on June 30th. Next will be "Ragtime" which opens August 11th. Hope to see you!
Written June 14, 2017
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