Experience Theatre in Happy Valley
Penn State and Happy Valley know theater. A visit to the downtown theatre is a great way to experience performances by locals, students, and even some bigger name acts. Finished in 2003, the new Downtown Theatre Center is beautifully located in the heart of downtown State College, close to many attractions - a great opportunity for a day or weekend trip. See a spring show, walk around outside, go to dinner, go shopping, and stay in the area!
The Penn State Downtown Theatre hosts a variety of community conversations, musicals, groups, movies and shows this season.
From February 20-26th, stop in at 7:30 to take part in an important Cultural Conversation: Stop the Violence, Start the Conversation. From growing up gay, to the question of environmental drilling, there is a place for anyone to participate in the conversations. Also in February at the Pavilion Theatre on campus, plan to attend a showing of the Grand Hotel, a book by Luther Davis with music and lyrics by Robert Wright and George Forrest. It goes from February 14-28th with shows starting at 7:30 p.m. If you go, be sure to make those most of the night by attending The Grand Hotel Pre-Show Dinner- only $40 per person at the Nittany Lion Inn. There will be features like a cash bar starting at 5 p.m.! Make reservations by February 10th and reserve a room at the Nittany Lion Inn while you’re at it. The Playhouse Theater also located on campus, is hosting a performance of Gizmo, a new play by Anthony Clarvoe. This will run from April 10-21st showing at 7:30 p.m. on evenings. April leaves plenty of time to plan ahead so be sure to book a room at any of the numerous hotels in the State College area including a Holiday Inn Express , Fairfield Inn and Suites , or the Penn Stater .
While you are in the downtown area, on campus, or at an outside hotel, don’t forget to make dinner plans and see what else is going on in Happy Valley. The Down Under Steak House at the Toftrees Resort is perfect for guests staying at the hotel or families coming in for casual dining. Carvers Deli is great for lunch before a show if you’re in the mood for barbecue. If you are staying at the Penn Stater, you have to have lunch, dinner, and their special Sunday Brunch at their featured restaurant, Gardens. Don’t forget about Happy Hour! The Deli offers great food and drink specials at their Z Bar from 9-11 p.m. The Inferno has all day, every day drink specials from $4 SIN Drinks to $3.25 Sam Adams draughts and some of the best pizza in town. If you come on a Friday or Saturday to any of the bars and restaurants in the area, there will most likely be live music playing late into the night to keep the entertainment going.
So come support the Penn State Theatre and Arts program by attending one or more of their spring shows and seeing else what Happy Valley has to offer. With conveniently located venues, not a bad seat in the house, minimal traffic and no waiting in line, why wouldn’t you go? Make it more than just a one night show; stay for a few days and make it an experience you will want to come back to.
Photo credit: Penn State School of Theatre - Downtown Theatre Center
