In the center of Forest Park, site of 1904’s illustrious World’s Fair, sits the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor theatre, The Municipal Theatre, AKA The Muny.

Seating about 11,000 guests, The Muny serves as the hub for those seeking a beautiful evening in the park highlighted by a season of crowd-pleasing shows. This summer, the Muny put on a series of shows “42nd Street,” “Annie,” “Meet me in St. Louis,” “Godspell,” “The Music Man,” “Camelot” and Hairspray.” Filling such robust ensembles are actors from all over the world who audition in New York, Los Angeles and St. Louis.

“The majority of the actors have already performed their particular roles on Broadway,” Laura Peter, public relations spokeswoman for the Muny, said.

The need for a venue where expression of diverse ideas could occur became essential after the success of the World’s Fair in St. Louis. Desires for a permanent outdoor theatre began to materialize in 1916 with plans for an outdoor production of “As You Like It” by a famous Shakespearean theater troupe headed by actress Mary Margaret Anglin.

Anglin and Civic League President John Gundlach chose a grassy area between two large oak trees for a June 1916 series of performances. The ensemble included Sidney Greenstreet of classic films like The Maltese Falcon and Casablanca and was aided by more than 1,000 St. Louis folk dancers and singers. The performances were in celebration of the 300th year anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death.

Entering its 92nd year, one can see the Muny’s progress in becoming a strong cultural symbol for both St. Louis and the arts. One of the first features recognized by newcomers to the Muny are the colonnades of tall columns on both sides as well as across the front of the theatre.

In 1994, the architectural design team was given the Tucker Award for the 1937 redesign. The Tucker Award is a highly prestigious award honoring those who have achieved excellence in design through the incorporation and use of natural stone in their building or landscape project.

Regardless of the prestige attached to the theater, Peter feels the quality of the product is what’s most important.

“The Muny is a St. Louis attraction steeped in tradition,” she said. “There are terrific shows and it allows for a beautiful evening in the park with family.”

For more information about the Muny, including full schedule and ways to get involved, visit http://www.muny.org.