Bucks County Playhouse Announces 2019 Lineup

NEW HOPE, PA — Some old favorites and some new titles are on tap in 2019 at Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope. The theater has announced the lineup for its new season, which will kick off with the classic "Dial M for Murder" on May 17.

Other productions planned for the theater's 80th-anniversary season include "Mamma Mia!" (June 28-Aug. 3), "Always ... Patsy Cline" (Aug. 9-Sept. 7), and "Once, the Musical" (Nov. 8-30).

Also back this season will be an October run of "Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show" (Oct. 11-27) and a Christmastime production of "Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Playhouse Christmas Show" (Dec. 6-29).

"With box office record-breaking productions of '42nd Street' and 'Million Dollar Quartet,' our 2018 season was a resounding success," said theater producer Josh Fiedler. "More than 30% of our audience were first-time ticket buyers last year — more than any other time in the Playhouse’s 80-year history.

"This 2019 season reflects this growth and shows our commitment to reward audiences — old and new — with a high-quality theater experience."

Season tickets for the four subscription shows are now available and start at $200. Single tickets for "Dial M for Murder" also are currently on sale. All other single tickets to 2019 season productions go on sale later this month.

For tickets and information, visit the Bucks County Playhouse website or call 215-862-2121.

In addition to its mainstage productions, the playhouse has plans to celebrate its 80th anniversary with a series of benefit readings during its Play Discovery Reading Series. Curated by Marsha Mason, the series continues with upcoming readings of "The Man Who Came to Dinner" and "Lion in Winter."

This summer, the playhouse will produce its annual Oscar Hammerstein Festival — a weekend of special events devoted to musical theater — and the centerpiece of its 80th anniversary celebration will be a riverfront gala in September to officially unveil a revitalized New Hope waterfront.

Here's a closer look at the Bucks County Playhouse's 2019 subscription productions:

"Dial M for Murder" (May 17-June 15) by Frederick Knott.

Directed by Mike Donahue. Scenic Design by Anna Louizos. Costume Design by Tristan Raines. Lighting Design by Scott Zielinksi. Sound Design by Bart Fasbender.

"Dial M for Murder" is a timeless masterpiece of nail-biting suspense. Tony believes he has plotted the perfect crime. When the tables are turned, however, Tony will stop at nothing to make sure his plans succeed. The play that inspired Hitchcock’s classic film weaves an ever-tightening web of danger and deception that will keep you hooked from start all the way up to the breathtaking final curtain.

"Mamma Mia!" (June 28-Aug. 3) Music and lyrics by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. Book by Catherine Johnson. Originally conceived by Judy Craymer. Additional material/arrangements by Martin Koch

Directed by John Tartaglia. Choreographed by Shannon Lewis. Music Direction by Will Shuler. Scenic Design by Anna Louizos. Costume Design by Ashley Rose Horton. Lighting Design by Kelly Easterling. Sound Design by Bart Fasbender.

"Mamma Mia!" is the worldwide sensation that has audiences dancing everywhere. On the eve of her wedding, Sophie invites three men from her mother’s past to try to discover the identity of her father. Told through the music of ABBA, it features 22 of their greatest hits such hits as "Voulez Vous," "Take a Chance on Me," and "Dancing Queen" — growing into a finale you simply can’t resist.

"Always . . . Patsy Cline" (Aug. 9-Sept. 7) By Ted Swindley

Directed by David Galligan. Musical Direction by Will Shuler. Scenic Design by Campbell Baird. Lighting Design by Michael Gilliam.

Based on a true-story, "Always ... Patsy Cline" is a showcase for 27 songs including "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces," and many more. After hearing Cline on the radio in 1957, housewife Louise Seger became an immediate, avid fan. A chance meeting at a concert brought them face to face. Over a pot of coffee, they forged a bond that would last until Cline’s tragic death in 1963. "Always … Patsy Cline" is a valentine to their friendship and a tribute to a great American music icon.

"Once: The Musical" (Nov. 8–30) Book by Enda Walsh. Music and Lyrics by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. Based on the motion picture written and directed by John Carney.

Directed and Choreographed by Lorin Latarro.

Performed by a talented cast of actor-musicians, the Tony-winning best musical, "Once," tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician and part-time vacuum repairman, Guy. He is about to give up on his musical dream when a beautiful young Czech immigrant, Girl, takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, Guy’s music soars to powerful new heights. When an opportunity arises in America for Guy, will Girl let him know how she truly feels?