It Was a Dark and Stormy Night– A review of “Campfire Stories at Camp Guyasuta”

“Campfire Stories at Camp Guyasuta” winds back the clock to childhood’s relaxed, innocent, summer nights. Those magical times when sitting around a campfire, eating s’mores, and telling spooky stories, were just about the best imaginable way to pass a few hours. The campers (audience members) at Camp Moonside are lucky enough to enjoy all these things and more!

The fictitious Camp Moonside is set in an idyllic, natural, wooded setting located a short walk from Camp Guyasuta’s parking lot. Counselors (actors) warmly welcome the campers as they wander in. After some musical entertainment, dancing, and interactive activities, the counselors engage in a ghostly storytelling competition. The glow of the crackling woodfire lends a mysterious ambiance that intensifies the spooky mood.

Bradleigh Bell’s frightening story left the campers with a clear example of the importance of respecting other’s boundaries.

Elizabeth Glyptis’s sweetly shared story warns what might happen if one attempts to swindle another–especially if that someone is a witch!

Isaac Miller detailed an Irish story about a girl living between two worlds. His animated delivery has an almost Shakespearean feel to it— except when he is speaking with an Irish accent.

Tal Kroser is bigger than life when he makes a dramatic, surprise entrance.

The much-maligned Green Man (of fame in the South Hills of Pittsburgh) is featured in Sydney Dubose’s poignantly told story that reveals the moving, tragic origin of the Green Man.

Al (Allie Lampman-Sims) plays the very funny, hickish groundskeeper.

Brooke Echnat (director) makes clever use of the wide open space. The actors aren’t confined to the immediate performance area. Their unexpected entrances from several directions add to the wondrous tone of this theatrical experience.

Sean Collier (playwright) creates an entertaining, unique, and clever show, where adults can channel their inner child. The audience members fully embrace the show’s interactive elements, leading to a warm camaraderie developing among them.

A crisp night, under a full moon, in the woods, listening to ghost stories around a blazing campfire is the perfect way to unwind, forget about everyday stresses, and appreciate the simple things in life. Do yourself a favor and take the time to smell the campfire. Join the other happy campers at Camp Moonside for a much-deserved restorative interlude.