Whether you enjoy soaking in the rays of the summer sun or drinking in the crisp air of a moonlit night, something about watching a live show under an open sky awakens the soul. So to help you find that pitch-perfect theater, the members and editors of VirtualTourist.com have compiled this list of the best open-air theaters around the world. In the poetic words of Shakespeare, "If music be the food of love, play on..."

1. DELACORTE THEATER, NEW YORK CITY, N.Y.

A serene haven amidst the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, the Delacorte Theater has been carrying on a Shakespearean tradition for more than four decades. Dedicated to providing free shows to its patrons, this open-air theater has featured the likes of celebrity powerhouses Denzel Washington and Philip Seymour Hoffman. More recently, Oscar host Anne Hathaway flexed her acting chops with a performance in "Twelfth Night."

2. KURANDA AMPHITHEATER, KURANDA, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Hidden within the Australian rainforest, this open-air theater's inception is as unique as its location. Built by the hands of local residents this theater was created for the community and by the community and the community maintains it. Since the 1970s this theater has been a platform for well-known international artists like UB40 and The Wailers, but has also been loyal to its roots by giving original plays and local artists a performance venue.

3. BROWNSEA OPEN AIR THEATRE, POOLE, U.K.

Sail off into the sunset and head to a private island where the Brownsea Open Air Theatre has been captivating audiences with its intricate costumes, elaborate sets and accomplished actors. Appropriately nicknamed "BOAT," this theater company has been kept afloat by its dedicated professionals who volunteer their time, allowing proceeds to go directly toward the National Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust.

4. MINACK THEATRE, CORNWALL, U.K.

This breathtaking site is one of the most well known open-air theaters in the world. Perched atop a rocky cliff side, the Minack Theatre offers a spectacular ocean view that may well distract patrons from the performance. Audiences can thank a single woman, Rowena Cade, for envisioning and creating this theatrical treasure. Since 1932, the theater has pleased audiences with a variety of musicals, Shakespearean plays and contemporary theater productions.

5. RED ROCKS PARK AND AMPHITHEATRE, MORRISON, COLO.

This geological wonder will leave you speechless as a lavish array of red, orange and pink hues spill across the sky at sunset. The Red Rocks Amphitheater offers a rare listening experience for music lovers, but also serves as a stunning backdrop for graduation ceremonies, bird watchers, and summer film viewer enthusiasts.

6. SLANE CASTLE, SLANE, IRELAND

The manicured lawns and polished grounds of the Slane Castle offer an ironic stage for hardcore rock performances. However, this impressive venue has been home to some of the greatest rock legends of all time. For the past 30 years, performers like The Rolling Stones, U2 and Bruce Springsteen have regaled crowds of nearly 80,000 people.

7. TANGLEWOOD, STOCKBRIDGE, MASS.

Nestled between picturesque trees and sprawling green lawns, spectators flock to this site to enjoy a casual yet classy picnic under blanketing blue skies. Since 1934, Tanglewood has been serenading loyal audiences to an exquisite mix of classical, jazz, and contemporary music. It has also successfully established itself as a premier training institution, offering instruction to some of the nation's brightest up-and-coming musicians.

8. STORTEBEKER THEATRE, RUGEN, GERMANY

Do you ever dream of being transported into a scene from "Pirates of the Caribbean"? You can find this rare and adventurous experience on an island in Germany! Every year the Stortebeker Festival puts on a thrilling display of boats, pirates, sword fights and fireworks. This show has mastered the art of storytelling by mixing a little bit of history with a lot of imagination.

9. MAYNARDVILLE OPEN-AIR THEATRE, WYNBERG, SOUTH AFRICA

Tucked tightly within a thicket of trees, the Maynardville stands as one of South Africa's cherished gems. The theater prides itself in consistently showcasing ethnically diverse casts and playing a pivotal role in introducing Shakespeare to young children. This summer, the theater is returning to its roots and revisiting its very first production "The Taming of the Shrew."

10. ARENA DI VERONA; VERONA, ITALY

This gorgeous open-air theater is one of the oldest and most revered historical landmarks in the world. Visitors should rush to buy tickets before its 89th Opera Festival kicks off in June. In fact, President Giorgio Napolitano is among those eager to experience the magic, as he is slated to watch "La Traviata" on its opening night.

 

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