Bucks County Playhouse Announces Shows For 2023 Season, Adjusts Pricing To Expand Access

During a kick-off event recently, Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope Borough revealed the titles and directors for its 84th season, which will officially launch on May 19.

The 2023 season features four newly produced shows, including “Tommy and Me,” “Tick, Tick…Boom!,” “The Bridges of Madison County,” and “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.” Additionally, an all-new production of “The Rocky Horror Show” will be presented, and The Playhouse Youth Company will revive the musical, “Alien8.”

“We’re taking a fresh look at four recently popular shows we believe will become the classics of tomorrow,” says Producing Director Alexander Fraser. “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 theatre can give.”

The season begins on May 20th with a new production of Ray Didinger’s “Tommy and Me,” directed by Nick Corley. The show recalls a seminal time in Didinger’s life when he helped his idol, Philadelphia Eagles legendary wide receiver Tommy McDonald, gain his place in the NFL Hall of Fame.

Following “Tommy and Me,” the season continues with Jonathan Larson’s (“Rent”) “Tick, Tick…Boom!,” directed by Bucks County Playhouse Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, who was one of the original producers of the musical off-Broadway in 2001.

“Before ‘Rent’ I gave Jonathan Larson his very first reading of ‘Boho Days’ which later became ‘Tick… Tick… Boom!’,” said Goodman. “I have always loved his music and how he captured that moment when a brilliant artist turns 30 and is still waiting for his real life to begin.” 

“The Bridges of Madison County” directed by original Broadway cast member and Playhouse Artistic Associate Hunter Foster, will feature Broadway’s Kate Baldwin (“Hello, Dolly!,” “Finian’s Rainbow”) in the role of Francesca. The show is one of the centerpieces of the season.

A long-anticipated production of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” also under Hunter Foster’s direction, will cap off the 2023 season.

The musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” which has become a Playhouse tradition every October, will be performed again at Bucks County Playhouse in addition to the subscription season.

“We are pleased to announce that we will revisit ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ this year,” said Producer Josh Fiedler. “Hunter and our producing team believe it is the perfect time to create a ‘Rocky Horror’ for today’s audiences — keeping the high energy and over-the-top irreverence of our original production but giving it a new production design, as well as some added twists and touches.”

The Bucks County Playhouse has diversified its price structure, adjusted the pricing for its subscription program, and added school-day matinees at a significant discount this year in order to increase access to its programs.

“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 theatre among young people — and help create the audience of tomorrow.”

Starting at $208 for a four-show bundle, season tickets are now readily available. Groups of ten or more are eligible for reduced rates. All play names, performers, and performance dates are liable to change. Casting information will be released soon.

For the 2023 season, subscription plans and individual tickets are on sale and can be ordered online at BucksCountyPlayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 215-862-2121.

The Bucks County Playhouse was founded in 1939 and was restored in 2012. It serves more than 75,000 patrons each year and has been known to draw big names.