citronella circuit

English

Etymology

Coinage attributed to the actress Tallulah Bankhead. Citronella is an insect repellent that one might expect to use outdoors in summer.

Noun

citronella circuit

1. (theater, informal) The round of summer stock theater performances.
   • 1951, LIFE, volume 30, number 26, page 94:

     They either starve, take up smuggling or invade the citronella circuit in a beat-up revival.

   • 1972, Travel, volumes 137-138, page 12:

     We don't mean just the usual fare of summer stock offerings, although it is certainly pleasant to see a recent Broadway hit or view a tryout for the Big Time on the so-called citronella circuit.