Theatre Harrisburg is proudly presenting its landmark 100th season just as it began a century ago—with a staged reading of A.A. Milne’s The Dover Road at the Dauphin County Library. The event will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm and will honor both the theatre’s legacy and its enduring partnership with the community, while setting the stage for a vibrant future.
Founded in 1926, Theatre Harrisburg has been a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life, bringing generations of residents together through the performing arts. A.A. Milne’s witty comedy was the company’s very first production, making this anniversary reading not only a tribute to its past but also a testament to its resilience and creativity as it steps into a new century of storytelling.
“This moment is both a reflection and a promise,” said Lorien Reese Mahay, Executive Director of Theatre Harrisburg. “By returning to The Dover Road, we’re honoring the vision of those who came before us while reaffirming our commitment to creating experiences that unite, inspire and transform. Our 100th season is not just about looking back—it’s about looking forward to the next hundred years.”
The Dauphin County Library hosted the meeting 100 years ago where ten women met to explore the idea of a local, volunteer-based theatre that would produce quality plays. The Library has been an essential partner in Harrisburg’s cultural and educational landscape, making it a fitting venue for this centennial event.
“Just as the Library has stood as a beacon of knowledge and community for over a century, Theatre Harrisburg has been a beacon of creativity and expression,” said Ryan McCrory, Executive Director of the Dauphin County Library System. “Together, we represent the heart of Harrisburg—where stories are not only read, but lived, shared and celebrated.”
The reading of The Dover Road will serve as both a celebratory kickoff and an invitation to the community to be part of the theatre’s centennial journey. Additional events and productions highlighting Theatre Harrisburg’s rich history and bright future will be announced throughout the season.
The event details are as follows:
The Dover Road reading
Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm EDT
McCormick Riverfront Library
101 Walnut Street, downtown Harrisburg (enter on the street level)
Recommended parking at the Walnut Street Garage at 215 Walnut Street in Harrisburg or on the street as available.
The Dover Road, a witty three-act comedy by A. A. Milne, turns the thrill of elopement into a comedic compatibility test. Two eloping couples are waylaid by the eccentric Mr. Latimer at his charming estate near Dover. Confined together for a week, they uncover the realities of everyday intimacy, leading to a surprising realignment of love, friendship, and self-discovery.
Theatre Harrisburg, founded in 1926 as the Harrisburg Community Theatre during the “little theatre” movement, is the oldest performing arts organization in the Capital Region and one of the oldest active community theatres in the United States (theatreharrisburg.com). Today, its productions are staged in two venues: the intimate Jay and Nancy Krevsky Production Center in uptown Harrisburg and the grand Sunoco Performance Theater at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Theatre Harrisburg relies on the dedication of its professional staff and the volunteer efforts of community members to bring high-quality, affordable live theatre to audiences across the region.
Now celebrating its historic 100th Season, Theatre Harrisburg continues to honor its past while looking toward the future—expanding opportunities for local artists, engaging new audiences, and advancing its mission of making “community take center stage.”
The Dauphin County Library System provides quality public library service to the residents of Dauphin County through 8 library locations, a website and a 24 hour automated phone line. The Library is a private, non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status. It is governed by a 17-member Board of Trustees, five appointed annually by the Dauphin County Commissioners, and twelve elected for three-year terms. For more information about The Dauphin County Library System visit dcls.org.
THE DOVER ROAD
A.A. Milne’s THE DOVER ROAD
In collaboration with the Dauphin County Library System
Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm EDT
McCormick Riverfront Library
Admission is FREE but reservations are REQUIRED. Reserve your spot below!