The Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania, is a Treat

New Hope, Pennsylvania, is a small, quaint riverside town with a population of around 2,600, with numbers swelling during the summer and fall season when tourists flock to both New Hope and neighboring Lambertville, just on the other side of the Delaware River, in New Jersey. Its proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia has made New Hope an attractive place to live for both full-time residents and part-timers and weekend visitors. The curving streets hug the Delaware River and houses and shops trace the river and the old Delaware Canal Towpath. Over the years new businesses have come and gone, but some of the holdouts are Parry’s General Provisions store, still a favorite, in a building dating back to 1748 and 1830, and the wonderful Parry Mansion, now the New Hope Historical Society, dating to 1784. Artists have been coming to New Hope and Lambertville for decades, as is evidenced by the multitude of galleries and art stores on both sides of the river.  However, one of the best attractions continues to be the historic Buck County Playhouse.

My first trip to New Hope was specifically to see a production of Gypsy there, perhaps 20 years ago, starring TV’s Joyce DeWitt of Three’s Company. I remember the old space of the theater, thinking how many famous actors have played there over the years, from Helen Hayes to Colleen Dewhurst, Lillian Gish, Jessica Tandy, Grace Kelly, Liza Minnelli, Kevin Kline, and many, many more.  The original structure on the site was built in 1790, but facing demolition in the 1930s, local artists, including the famous Broadway playwright Moss Hart stepped in to save the playhouse and kicked off the first season in 1939. The venue today can seat up to 425 audience members, and has a stage that’s 33 feet deep and 62 feet wide, with two chorus dressing rooms. In addition, there is a private event space in the Playhouse Barn that can hold up to 90 people.

This season, there are several great shows lined up for the remainder of the 2024 season and through January of 2026. Running now through January 5 is the musical Anastasia¸with a talented cast including some Broadway veterans. Running from February into March is Hard Road to Heaven, a world-premier country musical. Following that is another new musical, The Apple Boys and then this fall an American classic, She Loves Me, which has had many successful runs on Broadway and happens to be one of my favorite musicals.

Bucks County Playhouse is more than just a venue for theater and music. Along the beautiful restaurant and bar that are a part of the venue, the playhouse also offer various classes, such as the Craft Cocktail class on January 24 and February 25. There is a wine and painting class on February 20, and they even offer acting classes for adults 17 years and up. If you are interested in tap dancing, there is also a beginner adult tap class that begins this January. There are many more classes and events available, all easy to find on the website.

There is much to do in New Hope whether you are coming just for a show at the Playhouse or staying for a long weekend. Another local favorite is the New Hope Railroad. The 1925 steam engine takes passengers along a 45-minute ride through the countryside. Oldestone Steakhouse is another popular destination, situated inside an old stone church from 1872. There is also a fantastic trail as a part of the Delaware Canal State Park, which is perfect for long hikes and cyclists.

For more information: https://bcptheater.org/