The first significant reconstructive restoration in nearly four decades will begin this June at Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe St.
Renovations of the historic building are set to start following the current production season, which ends on June 2. Architectural firm USA Architects, of Somerville, New Jersey, and Sweetwater Construction Corp., of Cranbury, New Jersey, are performing the work.
The project encompasses state-of-the-art interior improvements, such as enhanced theatrical sound and lighting, new seating, carpeting, aisle railings, expanded concessions, and a window-walled front entryway to welcome and attract audiences. An exterior facelift, including a new facade and roof, a reconstructed main entrance for wheelchair accessibility, a refitted loading dock, and a new HVAC and upgraded electrical systems complete phase one of the revitalization plan.
As anticipated changes to the building evolve, BRT will continue programming for theatergoers offsite through the summer and fall. A local host venue for the fall portion of next season’s mainstage offerings will be determined later this year, allowing patrons continued opportunities to enjoy live entertainment in Bristol. Single tickets go on sale June 10 for all five shows of the upcoming 2024-25 theater season, starting at $52 for standard productions and $57 for musicals, online at brtstage.org or by calling the box office at 215-785-0100.
This summer, the 2024 William Penn Bank Summer Music Festival, typically held inside the theater’s mainstage, will take place at Ben Franklin Middle School, 6403 Mill Creek Road, Levittown, with a concert schedule to be announced in the spring.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our state and local officials for their support and excited for our audiences to have a refreshed experience of the arts and live theater inside our beloved community space,” said BRT producing director Ken Kaissar. “The start of this project is a foothold in the economic expansion of our business community and an investment in future generations. We eagerly anticipate opening the doors to share our homecoming on Jan. 20.”
RACP is a commonwealth grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget to design, acquire and construct a regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement project. Proposals funded by the program have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, generating substantial increases or maintaining current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity. Bristol Borough is one of 272 grantees awarded since the program’s 2012 inception.
