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Rabbit Run Theater: A Summer Tradition in Madison, OH

You Should Check Out Rabbit Run Theater

If you’re visiting during the summer and looking for something a little different to do in the evening, Rabbit Run Theater is a solid pick. It’s not flashy or over-the-top—it’s quiet, nostalgic, and full of small-town charm. And it’s right nearby.

What makes it really special? Rabbit Run is one of the last true barn theaters still operating in the U.S. That alone is worth checking out. But there’s also the history, the atmosphere, and the lineup of live shows that fill the place with energy every summer.


So, where did the name come from?

Back before it was a theater, the land was a working farm. One of the main crops? Broccoli. Apparently, the local rabbits were big fans—so many of them showed up to snack that they actually beat little trails through the fields. When the Klump family decided to turn the barn into a theater in the 1940s, they looked around, saw all those bunny paths, and thought, “Rabbit Run... that has a nice ring to it.” Turns out, it stuck. People remember the name, and to this day, they still get plenty of actual rabbits running through the property.


A Theater With a Story

The barn itself dates back to the 1800s. It was just a regular old horse barn for years. But in 1946, the Klumps gave it new life as a summer stock theater—a popular setup back then where young actors would come in, rehearse all week, and perform weekend shows. Rabbit Run quickly became a creative hub for rising talent.


photo credit The News Herald


Did You Know?

Before they were stars, these familiar names performed right here at Rabbit Run:

  • Dustin Hoffman spent the summer of 1962 here, long before The Graduate and Rain Man.

  • Jessica Tandy (Driving Miss Daisy) and her husband Hume Cronyn performed The Fourposter here before it ever hit Broadway.

  • Charles Grodin (Beethoven, Midnight Run, Dave) got early experience on this stage.

  • Jim Backus, best known as Mr. Magoo and Thurston Howell III from Gilligan’s Island, also performed here—with a twist.


There’s a great story about Jim Backus: In the late 1950s, he broke his leg and couldn’t work in LA, so he headed back to the Cleveland area to visit family. His agent found out about Rabbit Run and managed to get both Jim and his wife, Henny, cast in The Man Who Came to Dinner—which just so happens to be about a guy with a broken leg. Perfect fit.



What’s playing this season?

The 2025 lineup is packed:

  • Wait Until Dark – classic suspense

  • Anastasia the Musical – big story, big music

  • Calendar Girls – funny, heartwarming, and a little bold

  • Sweeney Todd – dark, dramatic, and unforgettable


The whole vibe is relaxed. You can show up early, bring a picnic or a bottle of local wine, and enjoy the grounds before the show. You’re surrounded by trees, the air is quiet, and as the sun starts to dip, you can feel that old barn come to life.

If you're staying with us and want to plan a Rabbit Run night, we’re happy to help with tickets, directions, or even a to-go picnic. Guests always come back saying it was one of their favorite parts of the trip.


It’s not just a show. It’s a piece of Madison history—and still hopping with energy.

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