FACES & PLACES
AROUND TOWN
JUNE / JULY 2012

PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCES SUMMER 2012 SEASON FOR NEWLY RENOVATED BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE

Grand Night for Singing
The new season for the newly renovated Bucks County Playhouse will launch with A Grand Night for Singing by Rodgers and Hammerstein, directed by Tony® Award nominee and Emmy Award® winning Lonny Price. From "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'" to "Some Enchanted Evening," this 1993 Tony® Award-nominated musical revue features over 30 of Rodgers and Hammerstein's greatest hits. A Grand Night for Singing is "something wonderful" for all lovers of classic musical theater. Performances are Monday, July 2 through Sunday, July 29..

The cast will feature a line-up of some of Broadway's most seasoned performers including Courtney Balan (Broadway: [title of show], Cry-Baby), Ron Bohmer (Broadway: Phantom of the Opera, Ragtime), Greg Bosworth (Atlanta: Xanadu, Clyde and Bonnie: A Folktale), Erin Davie (Broadway: A Little Night Music, Grey Gardens), and Kenita R. Miller (Broadway: Xanadu, The Color Purple). These top Broadway performers have appeared in critically acclaimed New York productions and have collectively played over 4,000 Broadway

"Bucks County was such an important place in the life of Oscar Hammerstein II," commented Ted Chapin, President and Executive Director of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization. "In Highland Farm he had a retreat where he did much of his creative work. The fact that a Rodgers & Hammerstein
show – and one that celebrates the whole collaboration – is reopening the legendary Bucks County Playhouse is a thrill to us all. Congratulations!"

"Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music"
A little over one week after what would have been Oscar Hammerstein II's 117th birthday, on Sunday, July 22nd , the Playhouse will present "Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music", a full-screen Technicolor showing of the classic Julie Andrews film, based on the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, that comes complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along. After more than 10,000 performances in 9 countries, the fun-filled show finally comes to Bucks County. "Bucks County was such an important place in the life of Oscar Hammerstein II, and at Highland Farm he had a retreat where he did much of his creative work," commented Ted Chapin, President and Executive Director of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.

Barefoot in the Park
The summer continues with Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon. First seen on the BCP stage nearly 50 years ago prior to its original 1963 Broadway run, this iconic and beloved play about the trials and tribulations of two newlyweds on the top floor of a New York brownstone has been leaving audiences breathless with laughter for generations. Directed by Tony® Award nominee Sheryl Kaller (2010's Tony® Award-nominated new play, Next Fall) this timeless comedy provides a breath of fresh air for the dog days of summer. Performances are Tuesday, August 7 through Sunday, August 26.

"I am so delighted that the Bucks County Playhouse, such an important place in my creative life, will be up and running again. For it to feature in its renaissance season, one of my own plays is icing on the cake," commented Neil Simon.

December production TBA
The third production of 2012 will run from Tuesday, December 4 through Sunday, December 30. Full details for this production are forthcoming. Casting for both productions will announced at a later date.

Jed Bernstein commented that, "In planning the 2012 launch, we wanted to accomplish three very important goals: return live music to our stage, return to the BCP legacy of producing plays, and raise the quality of the performers and performances. These two productions allow us to accomplish that, as does our return to an Actors' Equity contract"

"We are so delighted that the Bucks County Playhouse has decided that a critical part of its revival will be its return to Actors' Equity contract status," added Mary McColl Executive Director of the Actors' Equity Association.

Cabaret Series
"What a clear example of the advantage of using the most talented actors in the world. We are thrilled for Bucks County and our membership." In addition to the summer and holiday productions, Bucks County Playhouse will present a cabaret series Thursday, July 19 – Saturday, July 21 at 11:00 p.m., and Thursday, August 16 – Saturday, August 18 at 11:00 p.m. at Havana Restaurant & Bar (105 South Main Street). December dates will be announced soon.

The series will invite Playhouse cast members, etc. to step outside their traditional roles to perform in a 45 minute cabaret style show. The July edition will be hosted by award winning playwright Christopher Durang, a long time Bucks County resident. The Playhouse is also excited to announce that two companies have already signed on as corporate partners for our summer productions. Jones Lang La Salle, the financial and professional services firm specializing in commercial real estate services and investment management, and Princeton Global Asset Management, an investment advisory firm.

Tickets and Membership
Subscription tickets for those in our membership program are on sale now. Members will have an exclusive three-day window to purchase subscriptions, and members will receive discounts on both subscriptions and single tickets along with other Playhouse benefits.

For full Membership details, and to purchase tickets, please visit bcptheater.org or call 215-315-7788. Subscription prices range from $55 to $153. Regular single ticket prices range from $29 to $54. Groups of 10 or more will range from $21 to $41. To purchase tickets visit bcptheater.org or call 215-315-7788.

"Our restoration team continues to meet the daily challenges head on and we recognize the efforts of everyone that is contributing to this achievement. The success of this restoration is dependent on a community effort and the dedication we have seen to date is incomparable," says Bridge Street Foundation president Tanya Cooper.