Bucks County Playhouse announced the titles and directors for its 2023 season, which officially launches May 19. This is the Playhouse’s 84th season, and the 11th since reopening in 2012.
The 2023 season kicks off with new productions of the play Tommy and Me, followed by the Jonathan Larson musical Tick, Tick … Boom!, the Tony-winning musical romance The Bridges of Madison County and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. In addition, the Playhouse is producing an all-new production of The Rocky Horror Show, while The Playhouse Youth Company is reviving the musical ALiEN8. Casting for the 2023 season is by Paul Hardt, Hardt Casting, LLC.
“For 2023, we’re taking a fresh look at four recently popular shows we believe will become the classics of tomorrow,” said producing director Alexander Fraser. “Starting with Ray Didinger’s valentine to sports fans in Tommy and Me straight through to the nostalgic technicolor world of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, these characters are at a crossroads, each facing a turning point in their lives. They promise a great evening of entertainment for the whole family and provide a sense of community that only the theater can give.”
Tommy and Me runs May 19-June 17. Magical things can happen when a boy meets his sports idol. Legendary Philadelphia sports journalist Ray Didinger’s lifelong friendship with Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Tommy McDonald led both down an expected path — straight to Canton, Ohio and the National Football League’s Hall of Fame. Tommy and Me is a valentine to the relationship between sports stars and fans everywhere. Directed by Nick Corley.
Tick, Tick … Boom! runs June 23-July 15. This is a high-octane rock musical that follows the life of a young composer facing 30 with little to show for it. Based on his life before he wrote Rent, Larson’s Tick, Tick … Boom! is a youthful, vibrant and moving rock musical reminding us that sometimes, dreams can come true. Directed by Eric Rosen.
The Bridges of Madison County runs Aug. 11-Sept. 10. National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid wanders into the life of housewife Francesca Johnson for four days in the 1960s — leading to a whirlwind relationship that forever alters the course of her life. Featuring a Tony-winning score by Broadway’s Jason Robert Brown (Parade) and a performance by one of Broadway’s brightest lights, Kate Baldwin. Directed by Hunter Foster.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas runs Nov. 17-Dec. 31. A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general. With no snow in the forecast, and no tourists in sight, can they pull off a yuletide miracle? Based on the classic Hollywood movie musical, this is a technicolor, Broadway musical extravaganza. Directed by Hunter Foster.
The Rocky Horror Show runs Oct. 13-28. Strap on your corset and roll up your fishnets, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show returns in an all-new production. The musical that inspired the 1975 classic cult film, The Rocky Horror Show follows engaged couple Brad and Janet on the adventure to beat all adventures. As they seek shelter at a mysterious old castle on a dark and stormy night, they encounter transvestite scientist, Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter, as he unveils his perfect male creation, Rocky. The show features an infectious rock n’ roll score. Directed by Hunter Foster.
ALiEN8 runs July 27-30. A new contemporary musical written in the style of Dear Evan Hansen and Be More Chill, ALiEN8 tells the story of a wounded town reckoning with their shame and finding connection through forgiveness. Featuring a contemporary score performed by the Playhouse Youth Company Orchestra and a diverse cast of characters, ALiEN8 challenges us to think deeply about who we really are, who we want to be, and how to reconcile differences between our present and future selves. Directed and choreographed by Kara Jonsson.
This season, the Playhouse is focusing its attention on increasing access to its programs and has diversified its price structure, enhanced its subscription program pricing and added school day matinees at a deeply discounted rate.
“Quality theater should be for everyone,” said managing director Adele Adkins. “We believe it is important to remove the barriers for those who feel they cannot afford to come to the Playhouse. We want to foster a lifelong love of theater among young people, and help create the audience of tomorrow. We spent a lot of time this off season working on creating and adjusting programs that create affordability for all our patrons.”
Among the areas of focus are ensuring the subscription package offers additional value by eliminating upgrade fees, creating special pricing for theatergoers under the age of 40, providing local schools with deeply discounted school day matinee tickets, and adding multiple price points in each public performance beginning at just $39.
Season tickets are now available and start at $208 for a four-show package. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Details on casting will be announced soon. For tickets and more information, visit BucksCountyPlayhouse.org or call 215-862-2121. Bucks County Playhouse is located at 70 S. Main St. in New Hope.
