'Noises Off!' a play by Michael Frayn kicks off Bucks County Playhouse season
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Bucks County Playhouse in downtown New Hope started its 85th season Friday with its opening night of Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off!” which runs through June 16.
The comedic "Noises Off!" is the first of four shows featured in Bucks County Playhouse’s 2024 subscription package, which also includes “Last of the Red Hot Mamas,” “Grease” and “Anastasia: The Musical.”
After breaking box office records last year, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will also return to the Playhouse this fall.
The Playhouse producing team recently announced they are dedicating the mainstage season to Playwright Christopher Durang, who passed away last month.
“Christopher Durang was a beloved part of the Playhouse family. As a member of the Playhouse Artists Board and a resident of Bucks County, he was an ardent supporter of the Playhouse and its work,” says Executive Producer Robyn Goodman.
“A talented actor and a superb playwright, Chris is known for tackling difficult subjects in the most absurd, and hilarious way. He made us laugh at ourselves, so it is fitting that we launch our season dedicated to him with, ‘Noises Off,’ a comedy about a vain and incompetent troupe of actors trying desperately to perform a farce.”
This season, show times have been moved up a half hour earlier than last year, with evening performances starting at 7:30 p.m. and all matinees beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Learn more about upcoming 2024 productions at the Bucks County Playhouse and how to get your tickets:
'Noises Off' by Michael Frayn
When: May 17 – June 16
"A director and a troupe of mediocre actors blunder from a bad dress rehearsal to a spectacularly disastrous performance. Yet, no flubbed line, missed cue, slamming door, falling trouser or flying sardine will keep the show from (hilariously) going on," according to the Playhouse.
Starring Jennifer Cody (Broadway’s “Urinetown,” “Grease,” “Shrek” and BCP’s “The Rocky Horror Show”) as Dotty, John Bolton (Broadway’s “Dames at Sea” and BCP’s “Company”) as Frederick, and Marilu Henner as Belinda, reprising the role she first played in the 1992 film version of “Noises Off.” Directed by Hunter Foster.
'Last of the Red Hot Mamas'
When: June 28 – July 27
"Before Mae West, Bette Midler or Queen Latifah, there was Sophie Tucker. A fabulously full-figured teenager, Sophie was determined to conquer vaudeville – whatever the cost. With the help of two former Harlem headliners, Sophie’s rise from a deli to international fame is told with song, dance, and a big dose of Sophie’s groundbreakingly sassy humor."
Based on a book by Susan Ecker, Harrison David Rivers and Lloyd Ecker. Directed and choreographed by Shea Sullivan.
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'Grease'
When: Aug. 9 – Sept. 8
"It’s Rydell High in 1959 and the duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys” and the gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” rule the roost. After a summer romance, Danny and Sandy are unexpectedly reunited for their senior year, but can they survive the good and bad times at Rydell High?"
Book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. Choreographed by Shannon Lewis and directed by Hunter Foster.
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'Anastasia: The Musical'
When: Nov. 22 – Jan. 5
"Featuring the popular songs from the original animated feature and more, “Anastasia” is a sweeping musical adventure that transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s. A brave young woman named Anya sets out to discover the mystery of her past but is pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her."
Book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.
'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'
When: Oct. 11 – Nov. 3
"Strap on your corset and roll up your fishnets, Richard O’Brien’s “The Rocky Horror Show” returns to Bucks County Playhouse 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.” "
Book, music and lyrics by Richard O’Brien. Choreographed by Shannon Lewis and directed by Hunter Foster.
Note: This show is an off-subscription production and not included in the four-show package.
How to get tickets to the Bucks County Playhouse
Season tickets for a four-show package can be purchased for $240, including fees. Special discounted subscriptions are available for patrons under 40, according to the Playhouse.
Single tickets are also available with prices starting as low as $39, including fees. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. All play titles, artists, and dates are subject to change.
Subscription packages and single tickets for the 2024 season may be purchased at buckscountyplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 215-862-2121.
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More shows and events offered at The Bucks County Playhouse
In addition to its mainstage productions, the Playhouse welcomes a variety of talents to the stage through its Visiting Artist Series and family-friendly programs.
The theater also hosts events throughout the year on the Playhouse Deck, such as craft cocktail classes and wine and paint nights.
For a complete list of offerings or to purchase tickets, visit buckscountyplayhouse.org.
Reporter Michele Haddon covers local news, small business, economic development, community revitalization, art and culture for The Intelligencer and Bucks County Courier Times at PhillyBurbs.com. Please considering supporting local journalism with a subscription.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: 'Noises Off!' a play by Michael Frayn begins at Bucks County Playhouse
