Priscilla Beach Theatre Restoration, Priscilla Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Priscilla Beach Theatre, which just completed its 78th year, is the oldest barn theatre still in operation in the United States. The ongoing restoration work by owners and guardians Bob and Sandy Malone will be completed in time for next summer's performance season. "Fiddler on the Roof," and "Chicago" are already scheduled. You may call 508-224-4888 to get your tickets now.

Construction of the decking continues, further grading work on the surrounding property has been completed, and gutter and downspout installation is underway.

Astute observers of this blog who have followed the construction progress will note something missing in this image that has been in every blog post from this angle of view since May 2014. (Answer at the end - and no skipping ahead).

The permanent electrical hook-up/connection has been made and the temporary pole and meter removed. That seems important to me, it means the end of construction is getting close, it means inspectors have deemed it safe to connect PBT to the grid, it means live shows with full lights and sound are ever closer to fruition, it means that soon, the curtain will open again on live theatre in the PBT barn.

View of the southwest side. Long shadows prevail even at midday this time of year.

New decking, new doors, new siding.

Meanwhile inside, this view is from the very rear at audience left, the four-level risers are in place ready to receive the new chairs and happy theatre-goers.

Likewise, at audience right.

This busy view from the stage shows the edge of the stage in the immediate foreground, the floor level audience area in the mid-distance, and the elevated risers that will give everyone in the house a great view of the stage.

This update is the latest edition of a multi-part series which I began in May 2014 to chronicle this extraordinary project to restore a precious part of our American theatrical heritage. You can read my other blog posts about the construction progress and stage performances by typing "Priscilla Beach" in the search box in the right side column of this blog.

Answer to what's missing: The old yellow light pole with the black lantern on top has been removed from beside the granite steps.  I have been amazed that it survived so long during the construction considering the bulldozers, tractors, boulders, dirt piles, and general disruption on site.

Here's the view a week earlier with the yellow lamp post still standing.