The Schoolhouse Names Bram Lewis New Artistic Director

Bram Lewis, a familiar talent in Westchester theater circles, has recently been named Artistic Director at The Schoolhouse Theater. Lewis is not new to The Schoolhouse, having directed five plays there between 1997 and 2003. His inaugural production as artistic director is his own adaptation of O. Henry’s famous short story, The Gift of the Magi, which will run December 10-20.

“The Schoolhouse is a magical place where artists of skill have long been able to practice their craft,” said Lewis. “It’s my good fortune to have been given this opportunity by my dear friend, Lee Pope, and I’m looking forward to bringing many productions to Westchester audiences who have learned to equate The Schoolhouse with excellent theater.”

Lewis launched and headed up The Phoenix Theater at The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry. Under his direction, Phoenix was invited to be the Theater in Residence at SUNY Purchase in 1990 and produced shows there until 1997. Lewis has worked with theater greats Alan Arkin, Billy Crudup, Ellen Burstyn, Elaine Stritch, Ruby Dee, Francis Sternhagen, Julie Harris and Jason Robards.

In addition to gaining a new artistic director, The Schoolhouse has a newly-transformed sound system, upgraded by audio expert Daryl Bornstein. A resident of North Salem since 1999, Bornstein is a professional audio producer, sound designer and sound engineer for televised special events, recordings and live performances.

His clients include Thirteen/WNET Great performances, Live at Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic Mostly Mozart Festival and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Daryl earned a BA in Music at Dartmouth College, survived four years as Road Manager for Lou Reed, and was fortunate to have served as personal assistant to Leonard Bernstein.

Over the years, The Schoolhouse Theater has earned a reputation as the go-to theater in Westchester, where audiences can see Broadway quality productions at a fraction of the cost. The Schoolhouse is a regional Equity theater, dedicated to presenting professional productions by award-winning playwrights and supporting and promoting all the arts.

The Schoolhouse is located at 3 Owens Road, Croton Falls, NY, just off exit 8 on I-684, and can be “Liked” on Facebook. For more information about The Schoolhouse, or to purchase tickets to The Gift of the Magi, visit www.schoolhousetheater.org or call 914-277-8477.

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