Local Actors, Musicians, Playwrights Take The Stage At Phillips' Mill

NEW HOPE, PA — A new musical at Phillips' Mill highlights the work of nine playwrights from Bucks County and nearby New Jersey and 26 local actors and musicians.

"Marriage: What's Love Got to Do With It" runs this weekend only at the Mill stage. It's "a musical comedy presented cabaret-style, with original one-act plays and lots of song and dance," according to a news release.

The Mill Drama Program asked the nine playwrights to write one-act plays about marriage for the show. The playwrights are Chris Canaan, Lisa DeAngelis, Phil Eichinger, John S. Weeren, Steve Sullivan, Rick Goodwin, John McDonnell, Kevin Nalty and Tabitha Dell’ Angelo.

"Marriage: What's Love Got to Do With It" is produced by Valerie Eastburn, choreographed by Betty Benton, and directed by Fran Young, according to Phillips' Mill. The show will be presented at the Mill theater, 2619 River Road in New Hope. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30. Click here for tickets or more information.

Guests are "invited to bring wine and snacks to enjoy before and during the show," the Mill said.

"I'm always thrilled to see a play of mine put on at the Mill," said McDonnell, of Doylestown. "I think the stage itself is one of the best in Bucks County and I love the intimate atmosphere. Plus, they always find the perfect cast!"

"One of the great things about community theater is the way it brings people together," said Eastburn, also of Doylestown and Chair of the Mill Drama Committee. "The Phillips' Mill Players are amateur actors who contribute their time, talent and efforts to create wonderful entertainment, and to share the joy that is live theater. This show, in particular, is so much fun, and sure to brighten your spirits."

"It’s rewarding to work with local actors who may start out saying, 'Oh, I can’t dance!'" said choreographer Benton, of New Hope. "I show them that with a little work and a lot of positive attitude, they can move rhythmically on stage and have fun doing it. They realize everybody can dance!"

“It has been an absolute privilege to work with such talented performers," said director Young, of Carversville. "If you want an evening of entertainment to help you escape the stresses of the modern world, 'Marriage: What’s Love Got to Do With It' is for you!"

The PA cast, writers, and crew come from New Hope, Doylestown, Buckingham, Carversville, Pipersville, Warrington, and Philadelphia. New Jersey contributors hail from Stockton, Princeton, and Rahway.