Located along the Delaware River on the site of a historic 1790 grist mill, Bucks County Playhouse is deeply intertwined with Pennsylvania history. The original structure, Hope Mill, was destroyed by fire. Benjamin Parry rebuilt the mill and named it “New Hope Mill” giving rise to the renaming of the city from Coryell’s Ferry to “New Hope.” The structure itself was ultimately transformed into a theater in 1939 after being saved from demolition by a group of artists, including renowned playwright Moss Hart, a member of the historic Genius Belt of Bucks County.
 
Upon opening in 1939 with its first production, Springtime for Henry, the Playhouse quickly rose to national prominence as “America’s Most Famous Summer Theater.” Over the decades, it has hosted a remarkable array of talent, including Grace Kelly, Robert Redford, Angela Lansbury, Dick Van Dyke, Liza Minnelli and Audra McDonald, among many others. Its stage has served as both a launching pad and home for some of the most influential figures in American theater.
 
Beyond its historic legacy, Bucks County Playhouse continues to serve as a vibrant cultural institution today. Following a major restoration and reopening in 2012, the Playhouse provides high-quality productions, educational programming and community engagement opportunities that enrich residents and attract visitors from across Pennsylvania and beyond.
 
This designation recognizes not only the Playhouse’s national significance, but also its enduring impact on the cultural life and economy of our Commonwealth.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution to designate Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope as the “State Theater of Pennsylvania,” to recognize its extraordinary contributions to our Commonwealth’s cultural and theatrical heritage.