The Playmill Theatre opens 2026 season in new Island Park home
ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) - After years of planning and construction, the curtain is drawn back tonight on a new chapter for one of East Idaho's most beloved summer traditions. The Playmill Theatre celebrates its brand-new home in Island Park with the official opening of its 2026 season.
The opening of the new venue marks a significant milestone and realization of a long-held dream for the theater, which has entertained countless locals and visitors to Yellowstone for generations. This new venue replaces the original Playmill theater in West Yellowstone, which served audiences for many years. The modern space is designed to continue The Playmill's legacy for years to come.
The 2026 season begins with opening night performances and features a lineup that includes Disney's Frozen, Les Misérables, and Disney's Newsies throughout the summer.
Excitement has been building among longtime patrons eager to experience the new space.
"I return to Playmill again and again because of the magic that's on stage and off," said longtime supporter Annie Dalling.
For Phillip and Catherine Richards, along with granddaughter Kyndal Baker, attending The Playmill has become a cherished tradition since its 1964 opening.
"Well, it's always been just terrific talent and great fun," Phillip Richards said. "We've been going ever since we were married," Richards said, beaming across to his wife Catherine. The couple first saw productions at the theatre in 1969 and have been loyal patrons since.
Others say they're looking forward to seeing how the new theater enhances the productions they've loved for years.
"I'm excited to see the new stage, their new space, and what they're going to incorporate," said Erin Madsen, joined by her husband, Aaron Madsen. "We want The Playmill to be something that everybody has to experience and see how awesome it is," Aaron added.
The theater is prepared to welcome audiences, but Playmill officials kindly ask guests to be patient and open-minded as construction continues outside the building. Some exterior work, including landscaping and parking lot improvements, will take place over the next several weeks as crews put the finishing touches on the property. Additionally, new amenities, including a restaurant called Steakhouse 64 and the Mill Creek Mercantile gift shop, are expected to be completed later this year.
Despite the remaining work, Playmill theater owners Roger and Heidi Merrill say they are thrilled to finally open the doors to a space designed to carry The Playmill tradition into the future.
"Construction on the new building has been nonstop during the day," Roger Merill said. "And during the day is when the problem-solving process happens. But the minute we walk into rehearsals at night, that's when all day problems go away. We've been blessed with such a prepared cast. They're ready to go, and we are to."
"That is why we do what we do," Heidi Merrill added. "It has nothing to do with the space or the building. It's about what we are able to give back to the audience."
In the spirit of this special transition year for the theatre, The Playmill has created a mini-documentary series intended to take audiences behind the magic of building the 23,000 sq ft theatre. To watch the first episode, click here.
The 2026 season begins with its opening weekend to sold-out audiences and features a lineup that includes Disney's Frozen, Les Misérables, and Disney's Newsies, giving audiences plenty of opportunities to experience the theater's new home and family entertainment throughout the summer.
To see the progress of their new space at Island Park during the 2026 inaugural season, audiences can purchase tickets here.
