Tony Braithwaite Named Act II Artistic Director

in Ambler has announced that award-winning actor, Tony Braithwaite, will succeed Bud Martin as the theater’s Producing Artistic Director.

Braithwaite said at a meet and greet that he came to Act II in 2003 when he was cast in Schrodinger's Girlfriend and “loved it.”

Since then, Braithwaite has performed in Art, The Story of My Life, Boeing-Boeing, Iron Kisses, Stones in His Pockets, Say Goodnight Gracie and The Big Bang, as well as four special events: Laughing All the Way; Heeere's Tony!; First Impressions; and Look Mom, I'm Swell.

Braithwaite told Patch that he felt he had become a “public face for the theater” and that the residents of Ambler felt like they knew him from his performances.

In a press release from Act II Playhouse, Braithwaite said, "I am so excited to become Artistic Director of Act II Playhouse. Act II has been a kind of artistic home for me since my first show here in 2003.  I have loved getting to know the patrons, the extended community of Ambler, and the terrific staff and board at Act II."

As Artistic Director for Act II, he will bring his acting talent to the stage in Ambler more than before. He will also continue as the Director of Dramatics at his alma mater St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia.

Braithwaite told Patch that he sees his job at Act II as making sure that patrons have a great night at the theater and to keep the standards high so the experience is enjoyable.

He added that he wants to start a children’s theater at Act II with daytime performances, to “give wonderful opportunities to children.”

Braithwaite is a three-time Barrymore Award-winner, and a 13-time nominee. Act II has won two Barrymore Awards since 2008.

The final production of Act II's 2011/12 season will be the musical My Fair Lady, starring Braithwaite as Henry Higgins.