NEW HOPE, PA — The holidays arrive in spectacular style at Bucks County Playhouse when Irving Berlin's "Holiday Inn," the heartwarming Broadway musical inspired by the beloved film, takes the stage Nov. 19 through Jan. 3.
Featuring dazzling dance numbers, a charming romantic story, and more than 20 of Irving Berlin's most celebrated songs, the production promises a festive theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
"Holiday Inn" is co-directed by Nick Corley and Shea Sullivan, with choreography by Sullivan. Both directors return to Bucks County Playhouse, where Corley previously served as associate director of Candace Bushnell's "Is There Still Sex in the City?" and directed the Playhouse's 2023 production of "Tommy & Me."
Sullivan, who directed and choreographed this fall's "Rock of Ages," also helmed the Playhouse productions of "Leader of the Pack" and "Last of the Red Hot Mamas." Her additional credits include "Frozen" at Paper Mill Playhouse and the Off-Broadway productions of "R.R.R.E.D.," "Neurosis," "Polkadots" and "Pageant!"
Featuring a treasure trove of Irving Berlin favorites, including "Blue Skies," "Easter Parade," "Heat Wave," "Cheek to Cheek" and the biggest-selling holiday song of all time, "White Christmas," "Holiday Inn" celebrates the joy of the holidays — and the magic of music and dance throughout the year.
"There's something special about spending the holidays together at Bucks County Playhouse, and 'Holiday Inn' is exactly the kind of show that brings everyone together," says Producing Artistic Director BT McNicholl. "It's filled with wonderful music, spectacular dancing, romance and plenty of laughs — all wrapped up in the warmth and nostalgia of an old-fashioned holiday celebration. Whether you're continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, making the Playhouse part of your holiday season is a wonderful way to make memories together."
From left are Eric William Morris, Luke Hawkins, Deanna Cudjoe, and Alyse Alan Louis.
The Playhouse's production of "Holiday Inn" will be dedicated to the memory of acclaimed Broadway scenic designer Anna Louizos, who designed the show's original Broadway premiere in 2016. A beloved member of the Bucks County Playhouse family and its Artist Council, Louizos designed 18 productions at the Playhouse over more than a decade, most recently this summer's "South Pacific." Her extraordinary artistry and longstanding connection to the Playhouse make this dedication especially meaningful. Louizos was the spouse and longtime partner of former Playhouse Executive Producer Robyn Goodman.
When song-and-dance man Jim Hardy leaves the bright lights of show business behind for a quieter life in Connecticut, he discovers that his farmhouse might be the perfect setting for an entirely new kind of entertainment. His idea: transform the property into a country inn that opens only on holidays. But when an old show-business partner returns and romance complicates his plans, Jim discovers that love, friendship and a little theatrical magic can make every day worth celebrating.
Eric William Morris (Broadway's "King Kong") stars as Jim Hardy, the song-and-dance man who trades the spotlight for a Connecticut farmhouse. Luke Hawkins (Broadway's "Xanadu," Harry Connick Jr.'s "A Tribute to Cole Porter") plays his former performing partner Ted Hanover. Hawkins has also appeared as a tap soloist at Carnegie Hall and toured internationally with Connick.
Deanna Cudjoe (Broadway's "Smash," Barrington Stage Company's "A Chorus Line") plays Lila Dixon, their glamorous stage partner, while Alyse Alan Louis (Havertown, PA native from Broadway's "Amélie" and "Disaster!") stars as Linda Mason, the talented performer who captures Jim's heart. Carlos Lopez (Broadway's "A Chorus Line," "Grease," "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Man of La Mancha") portrays Danny, and Tina Stafford (BCP's "Once" and "Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Playhouse Christmas Show") plays Louise.
Sharing the role of Charlie Winslow are Grant Knudson (Walnut Street Theatre's "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Beauty and the Beast") and Eddie Pfender ("Mame," "Pippin").
"Holiday Inn" features music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and a book by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge. The musical is based on the film from Universal Pictures and is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. concordtheatricals.com.
Performances of Irving Berlin's "Holiday Inn" run November 19 through January 3 at Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main Street, New Hope. Special Pay-What-You-Can preview performances will be held Nov. 19 and 20. The official opening performance is Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. ASL Interpreted performance is Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are available at BucksCountyPlayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at 215-862-2121.
Bucks County Playhouse's 2026 season is sponsored by Bank of America. Irving Berlin's "Holiday Inn" is sponsored by EY (Ernst & Young).
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