Bucks County Playhouse (BCP), the legendary and beloved theater in New Hope, Pennsylvania, announced its official reopening at a press conference today, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Bridge Street Foundation (Kevin & Sherri Daugherty, Founders; Tanya Cooper, President), Broadway Producer Jed Bernstein, and Bucks County Playhouse Conservancy (Peggy McRae, Founder). A local landmark that has sat empty since late 2010, Bucks County Playhouse has showcased some of Broadway's most recognizable talent since it opened in 1939. Under the leadership of producing director Jed Bernstein and, most importantly, with support from the local community, The Playhouse will soon delight theater fans again.
“On behalf of the Bridge Street Foundation, we would like to thank Mr. Bernstein, Ms. McRae and the entire community for their dedication and support towards the revitalization of the Bucks County Playhouse,” stated Cooper, who, as President, will lead and represent the Bridge Street Foundation in all matters related to the Bucks County Playhouse. “We are committed to ensuring that BCP is restored as a theatrical presence in Bucks County for all to enjoy for years to come.”
“I have always believed that good theater has the power to make a significant impact on its community,” said Bernstein. “BCP served as proof of that notion right here in New Hope for more than seventy years, and I look forward to the opportunity of proving it again.”
With the theater now readying to reopen, the Bucks County Playhouse Conservancy is dissolving, having accomplished its mission. Peggy McRae will join the Bucks County Playhouse as the Director of Community Affairs effective February 1st.
“I’m so thrilled to be a part of The Playhouse, now that we will be up and running in the near future,” McRae said. “And I’m so grateful to all of the volunteers who donated their time and money to make this happen. We couldn’t have done it without this fantastic community.”
“We’ve been happily inundated with an overwhelmingly positive and heartfelt response from the community,” Kevin and Sherri Daugherty added. “We are attempting to coordinate our responses to each person individually, and are grateful for the community’s willingness to get involved. We also ask for everyone’s patience as we are initially focused on getting the theater ready in time for a summer opening.”
Bucks County Playhouse will be undergoing renovations and a revitalization project in 2012, with plans to reopen in time for the summer 2012 season. BCP will present two summer productions and a 2012 holiday show. Plans are also in place for a spring gala to benefit The Playhouse. Information about these productions and gala will be announced at a later date.
Having lost its Equity status under the previous leadership, it is now on the path to return to Equity status. Additionally, an important goal for the theater is to bring back live music in various productions.
It was also announced today that BCP will introduce a theater membership program. So many people have asked about ways to support and be a part of the revival of The Playhouse and the first and easiest is to join The Playhouse as a member. Benefits will range from “first chance” ticket access to special offers at local businesses and attractions. Memberships are $80 for individuals, $160 for families, and $500 for businesses. For more information, and to purchase a membership, visit the new website at www.bcptheater.org or call 215-315-7788.
Located 90 minutes from New York City, the Bucks County Playhouse opened in 1939 on the site of a grist mill dating from the late eighteenth century. Ironically, the structure was at that time in danger of demolition; however playwright Moss Hart and the local community rallied to save the building and re-opened it as a theatrical venue, which quickly became one of the country’s most famous regional theaters. In continuous operation until December 2010, a veritable who’s who of American theatrical royalty has trod its boards, including Kim Hunter, Helen Hayes, Kitty Carlisle, Colleen Dewhurst, Shirley Booth, Lillian Gish, June Lockhart, Grace Kelly, Robert Redford, Bert Lahr, Leslie Nielsen and Walter Matthau.
