Spring Mountain Ranch is where to go in Las Vegas when you want to get away from the hustle, bustle, and stress of The Strip.
Super Summer Theater
Every summer out at Spring Mountain Ranch from June through August and sometimes September, the Super Summer Theater puts on
Courtesy of Las Vegas City Life
one Musical per month at the outdoor theater. It’s only a 30-40 minute drive from The Strip heading west on Charleston past Red Rock Canyon, but it’ll seem like you’re in another world. It’s also where to go in Las Vegas for cooler temperatures. About 10 degrees cooler. Here’s what’s coming in 2012. As a season opener in May it will be A Grand Night for Singing on the 18th and 19th featuring some of the best songs from Broadway musicals by Rodgers and Hammerstein. The June production is Crazy for You. Oliver! will play in July, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat in August and Leader of the Pack in September. It ain’t Broadway, but it’s a beautiful night out. You can buy and print out your tickets online this season which makes really convenient. Yay!
A Night Under the Stars
For about the same price as a movie ticket (only $12 in advance) you and your family can enjoy a live performance of some great musicals away from the neon, where the only Las Vegas lights you’ll see are on the stage and from the stars in the night sky. It’s the desert in a way you rarely get to see and it’s simply beautiful. Leave the kids home and it’s a romantic night out. Invite everyone you know (that’s my style) and it’s a party!
Blanket or Chair?
The stage for the productions is outside on a large grassy area, (yeah, I said grass! in Las Vegas!) that is divided into two sections. Blanket Section, for those who prefer to set out a blanket to sit on or Chair Section if you prefer to bring a folding chair to sit on. To make it real easy, you can rent a plastic chair at Super Summer Theater for only a buck. There isn’t any assigned seating. First come, first to send their kids running ahead with the blanket (that’s my strategy); first served. And as long as I can get my butt up off the blanket without assistance, I’ll be on the blanket side. (Ssshh…..only the old people sit on the chair side).
Brown Bag it
The park opens at 6pm, which is when you should plan to arrive at the latest, but the show doesn’t start until 8pm (7pm in September). This gives you two hours to roam the grounds, get in touch with nature (lots of deer, burros, and horses) check out the historic ranch 
house, view some art work by locals, play a game, and most importantly have a picnic. I know you’re probably thinking, “You must be high if you think I’m gonna be out in the blaring sun in the middle of summer!” Really, it’s 10 degrees cooler on average and what’s even better, by 6:15 or so, the entire grassy area is in the shade of the gorgeous Red Rock Mountains. You can make you’re picnic as simple as you like. Bring a couple of snacks and sandwiches, pick up some fried chicken on the way, or buy a hot dog, drink, and snacks at the concession stand. I think the dogs are about $2 and the snacks and drinks are real cheap too.
Or Go All Out
This is definitely how we roll. Yep, I’m that person in front of you on line with pillows, blankets, coolers, and bags full of stuff; the whole caravan. They allow liquor in the park, so I’ve got great Champagne on ice, pastic champagne glasses with strawberries of course, a short legged table to set up on our blanket that rolls up into a neat carrying bag, chilled shrimp, steak sandwiches……the works!!
You’ve Got to Go!
Honestly, of all the wonderful, crazy, fun, and exciting things there are to do in this town, this is by far my favorite place to go and I look forward to it every year. Super Summer Theater is where to go in Las Vegas for the best mini get away.
