Bedford Playhouse Reveals Big Plans For 75th Anniversary Celebrations

BEDFORD, NY — The Bedford Playhouse has big plans for a big birthday.

UPDATE: The "Broadway Behind the Curtain" event originally scheduled for Sunday, April 10 has been rescheduled to Sunday, Aug. 5.

The iconic Hudson Valley venue will celebrate its 75th anniversary all year long with comedy, live entertainment, Broadway on the Lawn, award-winning documentaries, special screenings, theatrical productions, music, Shakespeare, as well as current and classic films.

After closing in 2015 due to needed repairs, a grass-roots campaign resurrected the Playhouse in its current form, as a modern community-gathering place and cultural center. Today, there are three theaters, a cafe, a 36-foot screen, state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos surround sound technology and leather seats.

"It's all about the experience," Bedford Playhouse Director Michael Hoagland said in an announcement of the festivities. He added that the Playhouse "consistently offers top notch programming in a terrific space."

The 75th anniversary party begins this weekend, almost 75 years to the day since the Bedford Playhouse first opened its doors as a single-theater facility. There will be three nights of exclusive events to celebrate "75 years of community inspiration and world-class programming."

On Friday, April 8, at 6:00 p.m., there will be a chic Parisian-style welcome reception with complimentary themed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres before the 8 p.m. showing of the Oscar-winning classic, "An American in Paris." Attendees are encouraged to dress in their "French best." There will be music, dancing and discounted drinks, starting at 10:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

On Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m., celebrity medium Thomas John will channel and deliver messages from "spirits from the other side." Tickets are available here.

Note: This event, which was originally scheduled for Sunday, April 10, has been rescheduled to Sunday, August 5. The Playhouse's new series "Broadway Behind the Curtain" will premiere with the legendary Tony-winning producer, Fran Weissler. Weissler and her husband, Barry, have produced 28 Broadway hits and earned nearly three dozen Tony/Drama Desk nominations and awards. Special musical guests will be Broadway music director, Rob Bowman and award-winning cabaret artist, Amra-Faye Wright. Show tickets and VIP reception tickets are sold separately.

In honor of the Playhouse's 75th year, the organization is asking the community to consider a gift to the Bedford Playhouse, a non-profit organization that depends on donations from the community. The goal is to raise $75,000 by April 10. "Please consider a donation of $75, $750, $7,500 in honor of our anniversary and continued commitment to the betterment of our community," Playhouse officials said. Additional information about donations and a way to donate online can be found here.