NEW HOPE: Playhouse plans are unveiled at open house

   NEW HOPE — At an open house event Feb. 16, attendees learned about “exciting and sweeping renovation plans” for the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope.
   The long-term vision is centered on how to make the Playhouse more functional, self-sustaining, and enjoyable for all who visit. The renovations will be executed in phases.
   Future plans include:
   — Enhancing the functionality and esthetics of the waterfront area;
   — Updating actor’s accommodations;
   — And potentially building a deck around the back of the Playhouse overlooking the Delaware River.
   ”The most difficult challenge is ensuring that we balance the scope of this first phase in a manner that addresses compliance issues, yet is conservative on expenditures in areas of the Playhouse that are slated for future renovations,” stated Tanya Cooper, president of the Bridge Street Foundation.
   ”These plans have been born out of a close collaboration with architect Michael Schnoerring from the firm of Mills & Schnoerring (architects of the Westport Country Playhouse).”
   To help fund these capital improvements, the Bucks County Playhouse has created a “Founders Club” program, which also was announced at the Feb. 16 open house.
   The “Founders Club” is an outreach from Kevin and Sherri Daugherty to engage “a group of uniquely philanthropic individuals to share the goal of returning the Playhouse to its former glory. The hope is to achieve a goal of $1,000,000 in support of reopening BCP,” said a spokesman. For more information about the “Founders Club,” call 215-315-7788.
   The Playhouse is scheduled to reopen this summer. The first production will begin previews on July 2 — 73 years and a day after the playhouse first opened. The second production will begin performances on Aug. 7. Each production will run for three weeks.
   A local landmark that has sat empty since late 2010, Bucks County Playhouse showcased some of Broadway’s most recognizable talent from the time it opened in 1939 on the site of a grist mill dating from the late 18th century.
   Ironically, in 1939, that structure was in danger of demolition. But, playwright, Moss Hart, and the local community rallied to save the building and reopened it as a theatrical venue, which became one of the country’s most famous regional theaters.
   In continuous operation from then until December 2010, “a veritable who’s who of American theatrical royalty 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,” the spokesman said.
   ”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. 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,” said the spokesman.
   BCP also has introduced 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 and discounts to special offers at local businesses and attractions,” the spokesman noted.
   Memberships are $80 for individuals, $160 for families, and $500 for businesses. For more information, and to purchase a membership, visit: www.bcptheater.org or call 215-315-7788.
    — Ruth Luse