Numerous art and cultural amenities accentuate the quality of life in the Tuscarawas Valley. Whether you are looking for a good theatrical presentation, concert, festival, or museum, you can be sure that you can find it in Tuscarawas County.

Tuscarawas County is fortunate to be home to Ohio's official state play and its first outdoor drama, "Trumpet In the Land," written by Pulitzer-prize winning author Paul Green. This professional, outdoor production premiered in June 1970 on the stage of the picturesque Schoenbrunn Amphitheater, located just 2 1/2 miles east of downtown New Philadelphia. The amphitheater is also home to Ohio's newest outdoor drama, "The White Savage," written by local playwrights Joseph Bonamico and Mark H. Durbin, which premiered in 1997. Both dramas sweep you back in time to the 1700s and the Revolutionary War era and portray actual events that took place in the Tuscarawas Valley and surrounding areas. Professional actors, singers, and dancers; authentic-looking costumes; horses; battle pyrotechnics; and state-of-the-art light and sound systems combine for an outstanding evening of family entertainment under the stars. The amphitheater also plays host to a popular Broadway musical during each of its seasons that run from mid-June to late August with performances beginning at 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary Season and is another local source of entertainment. The community theatre draws on local talent and beyond in order to produce four productions each season, which include a combination of musicals, dramas, and comedies. For music enthusiasts, the Tuscarawas County Philharmonic provides the area with superb musical performances of both classical and pop that entertain and educate audiences. The Philharmonic season runs from mid-November through early May and includes traditional December Holiday Concerts with the Children's Chorus. For those who are looking for an outdoor family event during the seasons of Spring, Summer and Fall, Tuscarawas County plays host to several area cultural and historical festivals that are hosted by individual towns and villages. Such festivals provide an excellent and affordable opportunity for family entertainment by experiencing their contests, parades and carnival-like atmospheres.

With over 10 museums located in Tuscarawas County, history buffs are certain to appreciate the ability to learn about the area's past in a wide range of areas. Tuscarawas County museums include the following: the Schoenbrunn State Memorial & Museum, the Gnadenhutten Museum, Warther's Museum, the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, the Reeves Victorian Home & Museum, the Cy Young Museum, the Zoar Village Museum, Fort Laurens State Memorial & Museum, Temperance Tavern Museum, and the Alpine Hills Museum. From Native American Indian artifacts to trains, woodcarvings and sports memorabilia, there is much to be learned from a visit to one of our museums. As you can see, there is no need to travel to the "big city" for quality entertainment and historical knowledge because in Tuscarawas County, we have it all right here!

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