Forest Theater Guild

I bought four tickets for a show this summer. Then I got a phone call from the theater saying that show shouldn’t have offered on the website and would I like to get a refund or schedule a different show. I asked for the refund. Weeks pass and nothing’s happened. Maybe they’re just hoping everybody forgets they’re owed a refund. Their contact number on their website is just an info voicemail. Maybe the shows are great. That kind of service is pretty disappointing, though.

Great. This is an annual treat for our family. Pack the picnic basket, seat warmers/​blankets, and enjoy the show. Really fun.

Wow, another cool place to add to my list of things to do around here in the summer.
With a group of people we headed over to see the musical «Evita». I had no idea what to expect, as others did the planning, but I knew it was outside and was told they allow picnics and to bring wine. Wow– how many places can you go these days that welcome you to bring your own food AND alcohol, no restrictions, glass is fine, etc!
The theatre is hidden in a grove of trees. Parking can be difficult, they have a small lot inside their main gate, otherwise it’s street parking on very narrow windy streets, so get there early! Seating is generally general admission, so even more reason to get there early. (hint– try to snag one of the few rows with a railing in the front if you’re doing food/​drinks because you can use it as a table!). The amphitheater is small and cozy though, and there’s basically no bad seats, so don’t worry. I’d also suggest bringing something soft to sit on as the wood benches get hard fast!
The stage/​performance/​acting was great. It’s kinda magical out there in the dark with just the stage and two small bonfires burning on each side. It gets cold at night, so bring layers.
They apparently show various plays throughout the summer, and also movies. Not sure how much the movies are, but the Evita tix were $ 25 with various discounts for students/​seniors etc.
They have a small snack bar selling everything from coffee to soda, homemade chili to ‘cup of noodles, cookies, etc. Nothing to fancy or substantial so bring stuff along.
The pre-​show talk mentioned something about upcoming improvements like more comfortable seating and more bathrooms. Sounds good just as long as they keep the charm, though I have no doubt they will

The Forest Theater in Carmel is a cultural and community icon for about 100 years. This theater is an outdoor amphitheater that puts on live stage plays. The theater sits amongst tall Monterey pines, with the moon and stars as a canopy, with the amphitheater seats facing a fairly large stage. It is a rustic, woodsy setting, with two firepits blazing away for the foggy nights.
Forest Theater Guild is the founding theater company of the Forest Theater and it was built by Herbert Heron, the founder.
I have been here many times through the years, but I recently (August 2007) saw Peter Pan (the musical based on the book and play performed by the likes of Sandy Duncan, Kathy Rigby and Mary Martin). This staging requires full flying acrobatics as part of the scenes (made famous on Broadway and TV by Mary Martin 50 years ago), and lo and behold this production accomplishes this with a fully rigged apparatus to support the actors in flight. I must say for a local theater production, this was a great time out. The play itself is great, but the performances were fantastic, the set incredible, the music wonderful for a small group, the main actors superb in talent on the stage, and the venue is unbeatable for a family night out at the theater in a casual, fun environment! The cast numbered over 80, when you include all the pirates, indians, lost boys, and main actors. There was a great intro piece with about 40 kids dressed as pirates singing several songs to warm up the crowd. The choreographer was superb in dealing with such a large group of amateurs and kids on a small stage, yet keeping the movements in time with the music and flow of the scenes’ tempo.
If you are in Carmel in the summer, look up the Forest Theater and the Golden Bough theater to see what they are playing. Peter Pan was $ 35 for adults, so very affordable for live theater with a quality production and great natural venue. It does get cooler at night, so if you go to the Forest Theater, bring comfy clothes and a warm jacket or blanket, and a seat cushion is not a bad idea (you will be sitting on wood seating in the forest!). Come 90 minutes early for the show (parking is often problematic) and bring your dinner (and wine), it is encouraged. You will love your time out, either the play, performances, night in the forest, the foggy sea breeze from carmel beach, or just being with friends on a picnic (or better yet, enjoy all of the above!)
Call for info at the Forest Theater Guild. The theater itself is off the main drag, Ocean Ave, just before downtown Carmel, at Santa Rita and Mt. View roads. There is limited parking in the lot, otherwise on the side streets. If you are going at night, bring a flashlight, as Carmel has no street lights and sidewalks in the more residential areas off the main shopping areas for tourists.