A Brief History of the Bucks County Playhouse. . .

The Bucks County Playhouse is a national landmark rich in theatrical history. Some of the biggest and brightest names in show business first got their start on its stage.

The building known as the Bucks County Playhouse was originally a grist mill. The Hope Mills, as they were first named, burned to the ground and were rebuilt in the year 1790 by local businessman, Benjamin Parry. This building was renamed the New Hope Mills and the town got a new name as well.
With the threat of this already historic building being torn down in the 1930's, the mill was purchased by a group of individuals, including playwright, Moss Hart, expressly for the purpose of performing live theatrical productions. Renovations began in 1938, and an official opening was scheduled for July 1, 1939. Workers continued renovations right up until a few minutes before the theatre opened its doors to the first paying customers. The first show performed was a drama, Springtime for Henry, starring the well known, Edward Everett Horton.
The sparkling reputation of the Bucks County Playhouse grew rapidly. It soon became known as America's Most Famous Summer Theatre, and for good reason. Not only did performances feature well known stars of stage, screen and television, but the Playhouse also became known as a pre-Broadway theatre premiering some of the most famous dramas in theatrical history. Dramas like Harvey, Nobody Loves Me (Barefoot In The Park) and Give 'Em Hell Harry made their premieres at Bucks County.
The list of actors and actresses that have appeared at Bucks County Playhouse is impressive. Kim Hunter, Helen Hayes, Kitty Carlisle, Colleen Dewhurst, Shirley Booth, Sara Seegar, Lillian Gish, June Lockhart, Frances Reid, Peggy McCay, Grace Kelly, Bonnie Franklin, Kaye Ballard and Sandy Dennis have all appeared in performances. A list of actors includes Farley Granger, Robert Redford, Paul Lynde, Kevin McCarthy, Bert Lahr, Leslie Nielsen, Jack Klugman, Gale Gordon, Roddy McDowell, Walter Matthau, Merv Griffin and Larry Hagman. Today the Bucks County Playhouse continues its tradition of performing quality musicals and dramas.
Robert Redford and Elizabeth Ashley in rehearsal for Neil Simon's premiere of Nobody Loves Me, later retitled Barefoot In The Park.
photo courtesy of Trudy Hoffman