Second bailout group pledges return of New Hope's Bucks County Playhouse to 'glory days'

Bucks County Playhouse (background) and former Club Zadar in New Hope, PA 

By Charlie Sahner

W. Paul Beckwith of New Hope announced at Tuesday night's Borough Council meeting that he and a private foundation are mounting a rival effort to rescue and restore the foreclosed Bucks County Theater.

Broadway producer Jed Bernstein and a pair of local residents had announced in December their formation of a "Bucks County Playhouse Conservancy," but that group appears somewhat adrift, according to sources close to the organization.

In a statement read in his absence by an associate, Beckwith said that his group's intention was to return the Playhouse to "its glory days and advance the program offerings to include opera, symphony, professional theater, [and] productions by local individuals and groups."

Beckwith said that the group is developing a plan through the established New Hope Arts organization to convert the Playhouse into a "not for profit venue" through "the generosity of a private foundation."

The plan envisions an "outlet" at the Playhouse site that will serve "the good people of New Hope/Lambertville as well as the surrounding area" and become "a pivotal performing arts center for all to enjoy."

Added Beckwith in his statement, "What is important to note is that steps are being taken to develop a program for the Playhouse to ensure that the coming season presents a vital and entertaining program while the plan moves forward."

He urged patience on the part of concerned residents and groups, citing "complexities" arising from the controversial series of events leading to the Playhouse's recent closure.

But, pledged Beckwith, "The project deserves and will receive a solid financial, legal, and executable plan to keep the Playhouse pertinent for generations to come.

"We are dedicated to the Borough of New Hope, we respect the role that the Playhouse plays in the historic, social and economic climate of the area and truly what it means to our fellow residents," he continued.

Second group emerges to save Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope

By Charlie Sahner

A new group has formed to save the foreclosed Bucks County Playhouse and is making a serious move to purchase the famous structure, according to multiple sources close to the situation.

The move comes at a time when the Doylestown-based Bucks County Playhouse Conservancy, founded by Peggy McRae and backed by the Heritage Conservancy of Doylestown, local lawyer Rick Appel, and Broadway producer Jed Bernstein, have announced their own rescue plan for the Playhouse, seized by lender Stoneridge Bank on Dec. 22.

Said Bernstein last week, “The entire theatre community was aghast at the idea of permanently losing this legendary venue and picturesque piece of theatre history.”

But substantial funding from Bernstein and his Broadway associates has not yet materialized, according to sources familiar with the organization, and the group appears adrift, only recently receiving non-profit certification and attempting to shed its somewhat enigmatic aura.

Enter the new Playhouse rescue group -- one which is "serious and not about to be beaten," according to an individual involved who asked not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the situation.  This latest, New Hope-based group is also non-profit, and intends to keep the Playhouse a performing arts center as part of a complete waterfront revival effort.

Importantly, say sources, the new group is well-funded and moving forward decisively.

Comment from the Bucks County Playhouse Conservancy was not immediately available.


(originally published December 30)

Group Formed to Save Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope PA

Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA

By Charlie Sahner

A group of concerned citizens and civic leaders has been formed and held meetings with additional parties in an attempt to secure ownership of the Bucks County Playhouse and ensure that it remains an artistic asset to the community, according to several individuals familiar with the situation who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the negotiations.

Ralph A. Miller, owner of New Hope's famed Bucks County Playhouse, is having apparent difficulty making debt payments, and barring any last minute financial or legal efforts, the theater will be auctioned off at a sheriff sale in Doylestown on Nov. 12, confirmed county officials and court records.

Sources say that a last-minute payment or related action by the owner would not be unexpected.

Miller has been running the theater since 1977, and owes the Stonebridge Bank of Skippack more than $2 million, documents reveal. Neither Miller, his lawyer nor any official of Stonebridge Bank or its parent company would return phone calls requesting information.

Borough officials have also not yet responded to requests for information.

Sheriff sales are much like regular foreclosure auctions, but are presided over by a sheriff due to a state requirement.

Miller was personally served with a notice of the sale on Aug. 25 of this year, a sheriff's hand bill was posted on Sept. 28, and the final affidavit attesting to the notice of sale was filed Oct. 27, according to court records.

Speaking of the upcoming sale, Mechanic Street Mugs owner and business leader Joel Roberts commented, "The Playhouse has a history going back to the Canal House days associating it with Mechanic Street and its businesses. We look forward to whatever future the playhouse has and will continue to work hand in hand with them to improve the creative environment of this artistic neighborhood."

The Bucks County Playhouse, centrally located at 70 S. Main St., quickly became known as a pre-Broadway theater venue following its 1939 opening, with shows like Barefoot in the Park and Harvey premiering there.

The roll call of actors appearing in Playhouse productions is myriad, as are stories of the rumored off-stage antics of some at local bars, restaurants and gatherings. Playhouse actors have included Robert Redford, Grace Kelly, Helen Hayes, Kim Hunter, Shirley Booth, Paul Lynde, Gale Gordon, Roddy McDowell, Walter Matthau, Merv Griffen and Larry Hagman.