Classic dinner theater involves three things: a live theater performance, a restaurant, and usually a bar. Classic AMERICAN Dinner theater is all those things and a smidge of historical significance…
History of American Dinner Theater
The dinner theater experience is really a uniquely American phenomenon. There were versions of it early on in our history but it really didn’t hit its zenith until the 1970s. They were super popular in 1976, when 147 professional dinner theaters in operation nationwide. (as per Wikipedia)
Particularly popular were the dinner theaters that used former movie actors to star in the productions. And why not? who wouldn’t want to go see a screen icon up close and personal doing what they did and enjoying that and a good meal?
Trivia: Burt Reynolds owned a dinner theater in Florida from 1979-1997
Alas, the dinner theater boom crashed in the mid 1980s for one simple reason. The actors could make more money doing one commercial then they would during an entire run of dinner theater and they didn’t have to travel. Money talks. It always has.
Part of this also was people tired of seeing the same performance over and over.
In 1999 there were less than 10 dinner theaters in recorded existence.
Since 2000 there has been an interest and resurgence in the Dinner Theater experience. From pop ups like Teatro Zinzani to destination theaters like Pirates Adventure or Midevial Times. But there are a few authentic American Dinner Theater experiences true to their origins and they are hidden gems in outlying areas and totally worth the effort to sleuth them out!
This Family got to experience American Dinner Theater at its finest and are thrilled to share it with you.
Warning: After you read this, you will 100% want to jump in the car and get to Rileys Farm as fast as you can. I highly recommend checking their website for tickets first because their productions are so unique and special, they sell out fast.
What Makes Rileys Farm so special?
The Riley family owns and operates a great farm in the San Bernadino mountains (Oak Glen, CA) that grows u pick berries, apples, and pumpkins but their greatest ‘crop’ is living history.
SEE PHOTOS OF RILEYS PUMPKIN PATCH
The family and employees go to great lengths to portray colonial life circa 1770s so from the instant you step away from the parking lot you are immediately immersed in the world they’ve created.
The attention to detail can only come from passion and that is clear from the hairstyles to accents to the perfect execution of costume of every single player. You could say without exaggeration the dinner theater experience begins with your arrival to the property as you are instantly welcomed by sights and sounds of yesteryear.
A Closer Look at the role of Costume
Any production can be instantly gauged by costume. Have you ever watched a film and seen a terrible wig? A clearly modern outfit in a 1960s or 1970s period TV show? Yeah, me too, and it instantly takes me out of the story and turns me into a critic. Boo.
One of the things we admire most about the dinner theater experience, and really all the experiences at Rileys, is the detail in the costuming. Mary is the resident costumer and she has done UNBELIEVABLE amounts of research on proper fabrics, styles, sewing technique, shoes, hair, everything!
A couple of ‘shifty’ looking girls 
My dashing husband
The result is that visitors feel like they’ve stepped back in time. The clothes are just as functional as they are beautiful, just as they were in the period they portray.
You Too Can Play Dress Up
You Guys!!!! One of the COOLEST most amazing things that Rileys does that no other dinner theater does (to my knowledge anyway) is that YOU CAN DRESS UP TOO!!! For a nominal fee, they will costume you and you can experience the dinner theater in the period they portray!!! HOW FREAKING COOL IS THAT?!?
Let me take a moment to insert here that every single home schooler studying American History should do this! It’s an experience paralleled to none.
In addition to the costumes being perfect to period, they are about the most comfortable things ever and I have to say, I thought I knew a lot about dressing this period but being dressed by an expert, I learned a whole lot more.
Before… 
…After
The Old Fashioned Dinner Theater Experience
Intimate. That is the word that comes to mind. If there is one thing dinner theater promotes is community. From the very beginning you are greeted and seated by the very players in the production giving you instant connection to the adventure you are about to embark on.
The seating is family style in long rows so you have opportunity to meet your neighbors and participate in that other old fashioned notion, talk. We’ve met so many fun people this way! One year we even met Santa! (It’s true)
The ambiance was impeccable. We entered to a house band playing diddies on the guitar and fiddle and lantern light and twinkle lights punctuated the feel of intimacy.
As if another thing could have possibly been needed to facilitate camaraderie, guests are invited to an old fashioned hay ride. It was a brisk ride in that crisp fall air. Perfect for the dinner theater performance we were about to experience, THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW!!! I won’t give it all away but there were spooky surprises on the hay ride to appropriate to the theme. 🙂
The Dinner Part of Dinner Theater
I could have easily filled myself with the pumpkin soup and corn chowder! Add the apple cider (which we are HUGE fans of) and I am harvest happy for days! BUT I paced myself for the goodness that came next.
Chicken… 
…or beef?
Rileys sets it up so it’s appetizers then Act I. Dinner then Act II. So smart! There are games to see which table is released first to line up and food is served by the characters so once again endearing us all to each other and the performers. By this point in the night it started to feel like a party with friends. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never that at a dinner…or a theater for that matter! Behold, the magic of Dinner Theater.
A little note on drinks. As expected there is tea, lemonade, and water. For the adults there is wine available but we HIGHLY recommend the cider! There is hot apple cider which is a must but also the hard ciders….made right there on the mountain with Riley apples. OMG YUM! and by OMG YUM I mean OMG YUM!!!
READ MORE ABOUT HARD CIDERS IN THE TAVERN EXPERIENCE (COMING IN NOVEMBER)
When you’ve had several ciders, you start thinking things like ‘Posing with this carved pumpkin is an AMAZING idea!’
Party at the Van Tassels
You know that part of the Sleepy Hollow story where the Van Tassels hold the Halloween party? Everyone is there…Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel… and US!
After Act II and tummies were full in a whirl of motion the entire staff descended upon the place and where we all were sitting just moments ago became the Van Tassel living room and we ALL became participants in the story!
Let’s see…. there was a pumpkin carving contest, apple bobbing, country dancing,
pumpkin pie eating contest,
A valiant effort! 
But alas… 
Second place…
and…. seed spitting! Yours truly didn’t do too shabby! Who knew I was… (singing) ‘especially good at expectorating…’ (That was a Beauty and the Beast reference in case you didn’t know)
With everyone cracking up and having a great time (like you do at a party) in an almost seamless moment Act III began. Immediately afterward we were directed outside because Ichabod was calling it a night and we all filed out to bid him farewell. (because we were still part of the party)
If you know the Washington Irving Itstory, you know what came next!
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Out of the darkness headed straight for Ichabod came THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN complete with burning pumpkin in his hand!
You want to know what’s terrifying? A headless man on a horse running straight at you with a burning pumpkin in his hand.
IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!
He threw the burning pumpkin down on the ground in front of us and in that moment Ichabod was spirited away …or so goes the legend…
We all filed inside for one last spooky closing scene and final bows.
OH and picked up our apple pie to go. You will absolutely want to get an apple pie to go! It’s made from apples grown right there! Maybe even cider to go too…
Riley’s Farm Theater Company
It is reasonable to say Riley’s Farm does Sleepy Hollow like no other. They put their hearts into these productions and it shows in every little detail. Other performances include The Harvest Feast, A Christmas Carol, and many more throughout the year. They are all historical in nature and all very accurate in portrayal, right down to a moment of thanks in prayer before the meal. (And you can dress up-did I mention that?)
American Dinner Theater at its finest. There is just no other way to put it.
Have you been to an old fashioned dinner theater? What did you love? And amirite? Do you totally want to jump in a car right now and get to Oak Glen?
Pin it to Plan it!
Join us on our Historical/Hysterical adventures!! There is always room at our table for one more!
If we want to make this overnight (we are in San Diego) what are our options?
This looks incredible for our DAR chapters!
This looks like a wonderful experience. My girls would love it. It does make me want to jump in the car and head to Riley’s Farm!
Excellent! Be sure to check out their list of events. They always have something fun and interactive going on with the theater!
Yes I totally want to jump in a car right now and get to Oak Glen! I have not been to such an event. I would love to attend.
I hope you do! It’s a great time and many memories will be made!
I love dinner theaters and this looks like such a fun event. Thanks for the information!
I hope you get a chance to go! It’s a ton of fun!
How fun is that? Getting to dress up as well. Such a fun Idea
SO MUCH FUN!!!!! And remarkably comfortable as well 🙂
How fun! This is dinner theater taken up a notch. I love that you can dress up too. Sounds like a magical experience.
On the nose Cindy! I hope you get a chance to experience it for yourself!
This sounds absolutely amazing! I love historical costuming of any era and also do viking reenactment/living history on a regular basis. I may have to look this up next time I’m in California!
Oh fun! Yes this is a must do! A little off the beaten path but well worth every step!
I love the idea of dressing up in costume as well for the dinner. That would be very cool.
It brought things to life in a whole new way. Very interactive and very fun
What a cool thing to do! I love the attention to details. I would love to do something like this.
Oh you should!!!! Tell them we said hi!
That looks like a great time! I want to bring my family!
Do it!!! You will make so many memories and have so much fun!!!
Have not been to a historical theatre dinner but dining with the Sleepy Hollow cast sounds like a blast!
It is truly a gem! I hope you get a chance to visit. I’m a big fan of their performance of A Christmas Carol as well!!
I’m all about history and love live theatre…and there’s food also? Yes, please. And so cool you can dress up and get into character for a true immersive experience.
Isn’t is just so cool??? It is truly immersive and brings a new element to the entire experience. I was sad to put on my modern clothes again. Sage wanted to buy her outfit.
What a fun and unique time! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed!
That is so fun and sooo interactive. I love that you got to dress up as well in period costumes.What a unique experience for you and your family. I would totally do this one.
100% I hope you do! Lots of memories just waiting to be made
K, I really want to go to this RIGHT NOW. So fun, and I would totally dress up. We need more of these kinds of experiences!
YES! We DO need more kinds of these experiences. Riley’s is near and dear to my heart. Mr Riley’s re enactment of Patrick Henry’s speech is unbelievable and will bring a tear to your eye. You can’t leave this place without your heart full.
Wow, you all look like you are having such an amazing time. I like the costumes and your sharing the history and experience with us.
You are welcome! I hoped you learned a little something and are inspired
Oh my gosh, this looks like so much FUN! I love my seasonal bucket lists, and this is headed to the top of my fall bucket list. The family-friendly activities and immersive experience sound amazing.
YES! As it should! You may find a new annual tradition… it’s pretty great!
You are right! I do want to jump in a car and ride over! How fun and exciting for the entire family!
haha perfect!
I’ve had a couple of dinner theater experiences, and really enjoyed the entire concept. This looks like a really fun experience, and if I didn’t live 1,300 miles away, I would hop in the car to experience it!
Pin it for your next trip out this way. Absolutely worth the effort!
Dinner Theater’s are so much fun. I’ve only been to one and it was a blast. Loved your photos and thank you for sharing the wonderful adventure you and your family experienced.
Glad you enjoyed. I hope you find it inspirational
Looks like fun! Great pics! 🙂
Thank you. It is a special place
I love dinner theaters! This one in particular looks like so much fun! Thank you for sharing so many photos; it really enhances your story.
Thank you and glad you enjoyed!
This looks so cool and adorable. Your family and you seem to have had a really fun night!
always 🙂
This is totally up my alley! I love history, I love theater & I love to eat! What a great experience for you! And you can dress in costume too! How fun! Going to look into this type of thing in my area, and if I can’t find it, I may have to travel to Cali!
PERFECT! You should absolutely find a way to get there. It’s a special place that does some rather extraordinary work
What a great experience and awesome way to bring history alive!
Isn’t it though? It’s the perfect blend of history and fun.
This is super cool and I love historical and old things like this!
us too!!! IT’s pretty much what we do 🙂
This is such a precious experience. I seriously need to take my kids to this (maybe when they are a little older). Regardless I love that they allow you to dress up. Looks like such a fun family-friendly experience. Thanks for sharing-I pinned it so I can find it when we eventually make it out that way!
They have so much going on for kids of all ages but I agree it is a precious experience and one we’ve turned into an annual tradition. So many memories of good clean fun.
How cool that you can dress up. I have been to a few dinner theaters and they are so fun. The option to get to try on the costumes, that I have never done.
This is the only place I know of that has that option and I have to say it makes the experience that much more personal and fun. A really interesting and unique element that has a big impact.
The best part would be dressing up too. I’m almost 50 and have never been to a dinner theater!
Oh Ramae, you’d love it!
What a fun experience! My kids would love something like this!
I highly recommend going! We’ve made life long memories here and it is a place where a kid can really be a kid.
This looks like such a fun experience!
It is!!!! Thank you for reading!
Oh I wish we lived closer to this!
I hope you get a chance to visit! It’s well worth the effort. 🙂
beautiful theatre farm – love all the attractions that promote culture, heritage, and history! We have a few here in British Columbia, and I remember a few really cool ones when traveling through Ontario in Canada. Always something new to learn! thank you for posting!
We’ve been to a few in BC and Alberta. I do love them and they do a splendid job of keeping the stories of the 1800s. I am a bit partial to our 17700s stories though 🙂 Yes always something new to learn and experience!
You are so right I want to go and experience that now! Especially, with Sleepy Hollow, I love that story. You all look like you had so much fun, and it’s great that you dressed up too. Something else to add to my to-do list. Thank you for the pictures.
haahha perfect-o!
Sleepy Hollow is just one of those fab overlooked stories and these guys bring it alive in such a unique and personal way. I hope you do get there soon!
Such fun! Great pictures and story!
This looks awesome! Thanks for sharing all the great photos.
How fun! I would love to visit here! I remember so vividly an immersive colonial experience on the east coast when I was a child – what I don’t remember is where it actually was. It was a field trip and I was so amazed at how I felt like I had jumped back in time. This would be so cool.
It really is a unique and special place. I hope you do get a chance to visit!
This looks like a fun place! I love Dinner theater shows. I would love to dress up!
My favorite part about this place is the fact that you can dress up too! Great pictures, I’ll have to check this place out one day with the kids!
It is the best part! It brings things alive in a way that is personal. I hope you do bring the kiddos there. It’s a fabulous place to be a kid.
I have always loved dinner theaters! Rileys looks like an amazing experience if I am ever in that area I am going for sure! Thank you foe sharing all the great pictures and the review..AMAZING!!
Lovely! I hope you do Holly. You would absolutely love it!
Looks like a fun event! Thank you for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed! I hope you get a chance to visit in person!
Riley’s Farm sounds like an amazing place to visit!
It really is a special place. And… the only place I know of where you can immerse yourself in Colonial History on the WEST coast 🙂
That looks like such a fun time and great experience for your family!
Thank you! It’s a special place I hope you are inspired to visit!