New System Casts Bucks County Playhouse In A Brand New Light

NEW HOPE, PA —A grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is casting the Buck County Playhouse in a brand new light.

On the opening night of “Evita,” State Senator Steve Santarsiero was given the honor of throwing the switch on a brand new outdoor lighting system bought and paid for with a $95,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“This lighting helps return the playhouse as the beacon of our community. It provides safety and security for our patrons. And as the economic driver for this community, this is going to celebrate the Playhouse in a very visible and great way,” said Alex Fraser, the Bucks County Playhouse’s Producing Director.

“When the playhouse reopened 10 years ago there was an incredible lighting system that lit the whole building. It lasted about one year and it died,” said Fraser. “We tried to fix it. We couldn’t fix it. And it was a very expensive proposition. So it got put on hold.”

The project was resurrected two years ago with the receipt of a grant to fund the project, but due to the COVID supply chain problem it took until now to receive and then install the equipment, said Fraser.

The new lighting system is designed to respect the Playhouse’s history, dating back to 1939, and illuminates the buildings and grounds in a way that welcomes visitors and provides additional safety for guests. It also architecturally lights the Aquetong Creek waterfall.

Click Here To Watch The Debut Of the New Lighting System

“Like Alex said, this Playhouse is the economic driver for this community. And in many ways it is the heart of New Hope. And everything that has been happening here has helped rejuvenate this community,” said Santarsiero. “And it’s a pleasure for me to have a small part in that.

“We are very thankful that the Governor and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have been able to help out in this small way with this lighting. We are absolutely committed to be a partner with the Playhouse to keep it strong for many, many years to come as this focal point in New Hope Borough,” said Santarsiero.

Steeped in a theatrical history with a roster of theatrical royalty, the Playhouse is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its 2012 re-opening and restoration.

With more than 75,000 patrons walking through its doors every year, the Playhouse has been leading the economic resurgence of New Hope and the surrounding community.

In 2014, Tony Award-winning producers Alexander Fraser, Robyn Goodman and Josh Fiedler took the helm of the Playhouse, reclaiming its reputation of attracting Broadway and Hollywood artists.

The Playhouse’s current production - a reimagined “Evita” - offers audiences a new look, in an exciting, intimate production through October 30.

With lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and music by Tim Rice, “Evita” is directed by Will Pomerantz with Choreographer Marcos Santana and takes place in the intimate setting of a tango bar. It is presented in association with Bay Street Theater.