The 300 Word Commentary: Savoring the joys of summer stock
A summer bucket list might include the obligatory visit to a favorite swimming hole, the reading of a salacious beach read and the devouring of a barbecue feast.
But for me, the season requires one other thing: seeing a summer stock production.
So, I visited New Hampshire this past week and caught the New London Barn Playhouse’s production of “Escape to Margaritaville” (my review just ran). Granted, I was eager to attend because I hadn’t seen the show since its original Broadway production, which I thought was unfairly maligned. And, well, I’m a Jimmy Buffett fan.
At the same time, I just wanted to experience summer stock. It’s a great American tradition with a simple playbook: Audiences far from the big city – often in some of the country’s most bucolic settings — get the opportunity to enjoy theater, while actors — especially young, aspiring actors — get the opportunity to perfect their craft.
All this comes together in robust fashion at New London, which has a handpicked ensemble of college-age talents who appear in shows throughout the summer season. And the audience clearly relishes the chance to see them: Many performances are all but sold out, including the one I attended.
Like other summer theaters, New London also has its own cherished traditions – I love the fact that you can rent a seat cushion for the princely sum of 5 cents. The price has been in place for ages.
Summer stock isn’t what it used to be, however: The golden age of this theatrical ritual was decades ago when various economic and societal factors worked in its favor. Many once bustling summer theaters have closed up shop since then.
But some survive and prosper. New London is proof of that. And summer just wouldn’t be the same without places like it.— Charles Passy
Published: Aug. 9, 2026