Molly Gilmore

posts by Molly Gilmore

Ashland, a Favorite Vacation Spot for Literary and Theatrical Types from Olympia

Ashland, Oregon — known and loved as the home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival — is a favorite vacation spot for literary and theatrical types from Olympia. People’s willingness to make a six-hour drive each year, a testament to the popularity of Ashland and the festival, offers Shakespeare and more in repertory from March through October. While the plays are Ashland’s main draw, you don’t have to be a friend of Will to enjoy the festival. Of this year’s 10 shows, three — “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The Taming of the Shrew” and “Henry IV, Pt. One” — are by the bard.

Kitsap Forest Theater: Fabulous Travel Destination

A visit to the Kitsap Forest Theater, an hour from Olympia, is as much about the place as the plays. The productions, often old-fashioned musicals on a grand scale, boast strong production values, winning performers and well-played live music. But the theater itself is arguably the star of every show. “The space is magical,” said Gala Lindvall, a producer for the theater, owned by the Mountaineers. “As you walk down to it, it’s like it was 100 years ago. We take audiences on a journey away from regular life.” Next up at the outdoor theater, on a 466-acre nature preserve near Bremerton, is Oliver, opening July 25.

Oly Arts Summer 2026 Print Edition — Issue No. 36

The summer print edition of Oly Arts magazine is published! Copies of the printed version are available free of charge throughout the area – find out where you can pick up a copy and see a list of articles in this issue.

July 1, 2026 — Revel in the weather or escape into air conditioning

Molly Gilmore “Arts Aficionado” #1 — July 1, 2026 — Revel in the weather or escape into air conditioning:
Party with legends at Harlequin – “Million Dollar Quartet”
Shakespeare in the trees – Animal Fire Theatre’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost”
Semiquincentennial celebrations – Lacey and Tumwater 4th of July

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