1995 - Pirate Playhouse History - WSFP TV
Channel: Port Washington Play Troupe
Date: 2023-08-08

1995 WSFP television segment about the Pirate Playhouse on Sanibel Island in Florida.  The Pirate Playhouse was founded by Ruth and Philip Hunter of Port Washington, N.Y.  Ruth Hunter appeared on Broadway in the 1933 production of Tobacco Road as Ellie Mae.  The show ran until 1941.  She appeared in 3,182 performances.  Before retiring to Sanibel Island, the Hunters founded the Town Dock Theatre on Manhasset Isle in Port Washington, N.Y.  Performances were held during the summer in Marshalls Marina winter dry-dock storage near Louie's restaurant. The Town Dock Theatre did about 10 plays each year and performances were theater in the round.  The Hunters also had a local Radio Show called "Let's Go with The Hunters".
In 1965 Ruth & Philip Hunter bought a 1903 schoolhouse at 1905 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island in Florida and converted it into a pink 90-seat theater called the Pirate Playhouse.  They ran it for 18 years and created original plays where many well-known Sanibel residents were known to star in the productions. The Hunters then built a new theater across the street from the Sanibel Community House in the late 80’s when there was a growing need for a larger theater.  Sadly, Philip Hunter passed away during a performance in 1982.  Ruth Hunter passed away in 1993.  Performances continued at the Pirate Playhouse until 1991 when a larger theater was built.  The Pirate Playhouse ultimately became the Old Schoolhouse Theater.