About
Our Founders
The Prather family, Tom, Deborah, David, and Will, are a true theatrical family that has produced quality theatre for more than 50 years. The Prathers bring years of expertise to each production and are known for creating a comfortable, but luxurious ambiance in each of their theatres.
Family and friends remember Tom Prather, founder of Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Written by Mike Andrelczyk, LNP Staff Writer
June 18, 2023
“All the world’s a stage, / And all the men and women merely players; / They have their exits and their entrances; / And one man in his time plays many parts,” Shakespeare wrote. Shakespeare wrote one of the most quotable metaphors for life and theater in his comedy “As You Like It.” But the saying is especially fitting when discussing the life of Tom Prather, founder of Lancaster’s Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, and its sister theater, the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers, Florida.
Prather died in Florida on April 3, just days before what would’ve been his 86th birthday. He was diagnosed with stage-four bone cancer in January and had been receiving palliative care at a retirement community in Fort Myers.
Prather left a remarkable legacy in the theater world. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Deborah “Debbie” Prather, two sons, Will and David, and and a grandson, TJ.
Here, his family, friends and coworkers recall what made the man they lovingly called “TRP” so special.
Our Theatre Companies
The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre – Lancaster, PA
Now in our 38th year, Dutch Apple consistently provides top-quality productions, award-winning food, and exceptional service to over 150,000 guests annually. Our theatre seats 320 and is located in Lancaster County, the heart of the Amish Country, in southeastern Pennsylvania. It features a simple yet sophisticated charm you won’t find in many theatres.
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre – Fort Myers, FL
Broadway Palm, our sister theatre, is now celebrating its 31st Season. The theatre entertains over 170,000 guests annually. The facility includes a 450-seat dinner theatre, a 100-seat “black-box” theatre called The Off Broadway Palm Theatre, a 120-seat dining room called Café Cabaret, and a 30-seat space just off the main lobby called The Art Café. The theatre can be found on Florida’s Gulf Coast between Tampa and Miami.
Prather Touring Company/APEX Touring
Our national tour division, Prather Productions, premiered in Boston, Massachusetts with the production of Beehive, the 60s Musical. Prather Productions has also produced Footloose, the 10th Anniversary Tour; The Wedding Singer; All Shook Up; Blast; Fiddler on the Roof; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers; Memphis the Musical; Million Dollar Quartet; Pippin; Cabaret; The Wizard of Oz; Once; Finding Neverland; Summer: The Donna Summer Musical; and currently is on extended tour with Chicago.
