Bucks County Playhouse Announces Cast for “Barefoot in the Park” by Neil Simon
Contact: Rick Miramontez / Molly Barnett / Elizabeth Wagner rick@oandmco.com / molly@oandmco.com / elizabeth@oandmco.com 212-695-7400 Local Contact: Mandee Kuenzle
Mandee@bcptheater.org
908-246-0882
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE
BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE
ANNOUNCES A CAST OF 30+ FOR
“B A R E F O O T I N T H E P A R K”
BY NEIL SIMON
ROLE OF DELIVERY PERSON TO BE FILLED BY DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FOR EACH PERFORMANCE
SECOND PRODUCTION
OF 2012 SUMMER SEASON
BEGINS PERFORMANCES TUESDAY, AUGUST 7
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
New Hope, PA (7/12/12) – Bucks County Playhouse (BCP) (Jed Bernstein, Producing Director) has announced the casting for Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon, its second production of the 2012 summer season. The cast will feature veteran performers Jonathan Hadary (Spamalot, Gypsy), Candy Buckley (Cabaret), Lee Aaron Rosen (The Normal Heart), and Robert John Biedermann (Wizard of Oz), who will be joined by the recipient of Julliard’s 2011 John Houseman Prize, Virginia Veale. Performances begin Tuesday, August 7th and run through Sunday, August 26th (70 South Main Street).
Each performance will also feature a distinguished member of the local community in the role of the “Delivery Person”. Scheduled to appear to date are: New Hope Mayor Laurence D. Keller, New Hope Borough Council President Dr. Claire Shaw, New Hope Borough Councilwoman Geri Delevich, Chairman of the Board of the Heritage Conservancy Marvin L. Woodall, artist/photographer and former CEO of the James A. Michener Art Museum Bruce Katsiff, Executive Director of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce Dr. Vail P. Garvin, and beloved cabaret entertainer and owner of Bob Egan Entertainment Bob Egan.
In addition, everyone is invited to visit the Bucks County Playhouse box office (70 South Main Street) to sign up for a chance to join this distinguished cast on stage as the “Delivery Person” for one performance.
First seen on the BCP stage nearly 50 years ago prior to its original 1963 Broadway run, this iconic and beloved play about the trials and tribulations of two newlyweds on the top floor of a New York brownstone has been leaving audiences breathless with laughter for generations. Directed by Tony® Award nominee Sheryl Kaller (2010’s Tony® Award-nominated new play, Next Fall) this timeless comedy provides a breath of fresh air for the dog days of summer.
“I am so delighted that the Bucks County Playhouse, such an important place in my creative life, will be up and running again. For it to feature in its renaissance season, one of my own plays is icing on the cake,” commented Neil Simon.
Barefoot in the Park will play the following schedule: Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m., Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m., Thursdays at 4:00 and 8:30 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 4:00 and 8:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m
Barefoot in the Park is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
The Bucks County Playhouse 2012 Season is generously supported by Flemington Car and Truck Country, Princeton Automobile Company and Vincent DiBianca & Patty Oceanak. Barefoot in the Park is graciously sponsored in part by Stoller Family Partners.
The first production of the Bucks County Playhouse 2012 summer season, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing, is currently in performances and runs through Sunday, July 29th (70 South Main Street).
Directed by Tony® Award nominee and Emmy Award® winner Lonny Price, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing features over 30 of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s greatest hits, from “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” to “Some Enchanted Evening.” This 1994 Tony® Award-nominated musical revue is “something wonderful” for all lovers of classic musical theater.
The cast features a line-up of some of Broadway’s most seasoned performers including Courtney Balan (Broadway: [title of show], Cry-Baby), Ron Bohmer (Broadway: Phantom of the Opera, Ragtime), Greg Bosworth (Atlanta: Xanadu, Clyde and Bonnie: A Folktale), Erin Davie (Broadway: A Little Night Music, Grey Gardens), and Kenita R. Miller (Broadway: Xanadu, The Color Purple). These top Broadway performers have appeared in critically acclaimed New York productions and have collectively played over 4,000 Broadway performances, underlining the Playhouse’s commitment to featuring the best performers available.
In addition to the summer and holiday productions, Bucks County Playhouse will present a cabaret series Thursday, July 19 – Saturday, July 21 at 11:00 p.m., and Thursday, August 16 – Saturday, August 18 at 11:00 p.m. at Havana Restaurant & Bar (105 South Main Street). December dates will be announced soon. The series will invite Playhouse cast members, etc. to step outside their traditional roles to perform in a 45 minute cabaret style show. The July edition will be hosted by award winning playwright Christopher Durang, a long time Bucks County resident.
Durang will be joined by actors Sherry Anderson and John Augustine for a performance of his hit variety act, “Chris Durang and Dawne”. The act Chris Durang and Dawne was a 10:30 p.m. show at the Criterion Center Nightclub in New York City in 1989 and became a surprise hit, extending several times. It was featured as part of “Varieties,” a weekly variety show at the Rainbow Room in 1990. In 1991 it was performed at the Bay Street Theatre and the Williamstown Theatre Festival Cabaret. In 1994 the act hosted its own variety show at Caroline’s Comedy Club. Among the guests were Sigourney Weaver, Al Franken Jr., Julie Hagerty, Savion Glover, Reno, and Julie Halston. And in 1995 an updated version of the act was presented at the Triad Club in Manhattan, winning a Bistro Award shared by all three performers. Their most recent performance was on January 30, 2012 at Town Hall when they received a Special Nightlife Award for their “legendary nightclub act.” The Nightlife Awards honor the best in cabaret, comedy and jazz, and differs from other award shows in that it features no acceptance speeches. Instead of speeches, the winners perform.
A little over one week after what would have been Oscar Hammerstein II’s 117th birthday, on Sunday, July 22nd , the Playhouse will present “Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music”, a full-screen Technicolor showing of the classic Julie Andrews film, based on the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, that comes complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along. After more than 10,000 performances in 9 countries, the fun-filled show finally comes to Bucks County. “Bucks County was such an important place in the life of Oscar Hammerstein II, and at Highland Farm he had a retreat where he did much of his creative work,” commented Ted Chapin, President and Executive Director of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.
The presentation at the Bucks County Playhouse will be preceded by a special outdoor BBQ Style dinner hosted by Hamilton’s Grill Room. Other local establishments including, The Logan Inn, Giant, Pineville Tavern, and Walker’s Wine & Spirits will also be supporting the festivities. The show will start with a vocal warm-up led by the evening’s host, who will also take the audience through their complimentary ‘magic moments pack’, containing various props to be used at strategic points throughout the film. Then of course there is the famous fancy-dress competition in which everyone who has come in costume is invited onto the stage to show off their fantastic tailoring skills.
Tickets are on sale now. Tickets to the event (movie and dinner) are $30 for adults and $15 for children under 12 years of age. To purchase tickets, visit bcptheater.org or call 215-862-2121. The BBQ dinner will begin at 5pm and the film screening will commence at 6:30pm.
The third production of 2012 will open in December. Full details for this production are forthcoming.
Tickets are on sale now! Regular single ticket prices range from $29 to $54, subscription prices range from $55 to $153, and groups of 10 or more range from $21 to $41. Playhouse Productions Members will receive discounts on both subscriptions and single tickets along with other benefits. For full details, and to purchase tickets, please visit bcptheater.org or call 215-862-2121.
A Grand Night for Singing plays the following schedule: Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m., Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m., Thursdays at 4:00 and 8:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4:00 and 8:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
A Grand Night for Singing has music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Musical arrangements are by Fred Wells with orchestrations by Michael Gibson and Jonathan Tunick. It was originally produced at Roundabout Theatre Company, New York City in 1993 and conceived by Walter Bobbie.
A Grand Night for Singing is graciously sponsored in part by Jones Lang LaSalle and Princeton Global Asset Management.
For more information about employment, internships or auditions at the Bucks County Playhouse please contact us at info@bcptheater.org
Located 90 minutes from New York City, the Bucks County Playhouse opened in 1939 on the site of a grist mill dating from the late eighteenth century. Ironically, the structure was at that time in danger of demolition; however playwright Moss Hart and the local community rallied to save the building and re-opened it as a theatrical venue, which quickly became one of the country’s most famous regional theaters. In continuous operation until December 2010, a veritable who’s who of American theatrical royalty has trod its boards, including Kim Hunter, Helen Hayes, Kitty Carlisle, Colleen Dewhurst, Shirley Booth, Lillian Gish, June Lockhart, Grace Kelly, Robert Redford, Bert Lahr, Leslie Nielsen and Walter Matthau.
Bios¬¬_______________________________________________________________
Robert John Biedermann (Telephone Repair Man) Having just got off his 9th National tour in the last 8 years (…Molly Brown, 7 Brides For 7 Brothers, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Urban Cowboy, Little Women, Wizard of OZ, South Pacific based on the Lincoln Center production) he is looking forward to staying in one place for awhile. Robert has always wanted to work here at Bucks County Playhouse, ever since he started acting 34 years ago. No time like the present. Favorite roles include The Wizard in The Wizard Of Oz (3 National Tours performing in 193 cities and 2 Resident Companies), Potter in It's A Wonderful Life, Major General in Pirates of Penzance and Mr. Frank in Diary Of Anne Frank. Over 150 Productions, teaching children, directing, choreographing (Received a Helen Hayes Nomination for Two To Tango) and much travel, has made this the best possible life. Here's to the passion of acting learned from Toby Orenstein, thank you. Laugh First; don't wait to Laugh Last.
Candy Buckley (Corie’s Mother, Mrs. Banks) Recurring role HBO series Treme. Recent: Next Fall, Dallas Theater Center. Broadway: Cabaret, Thoroughly Modern Millie, After the Fall, Ring Round the Moon. Off-Broadway: Shockheaded Peter, Defying Gravity, Petrified Prince (Drama Desk nom.), Valhalla, Wise Guys, Communicating Doors, Two Noble Kinsmen, Bernarda Alba. Recipient Princess Grace Award Excellence in Theater. Company member 4 seasons American Repertory Theater: Hedda Gabler, among others. Company member 11 seasons Dallas Theater Center: All the King’s Men, among others. Autumn Sonata, Yale Rep; Little Dog Laughed, Hartford TheaterWorks; A Delicate Balance, The Guthrie; Sweeney Todd, Casa Manana; Arena Stage (Helen Hayes nom.); Seattle Rep; Trinity Rep; South Coast Rep.; Westport Country Playhouse; Williamstown Theater Festival. TV: “Gossip Girl”, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”. Upcoming film: Bachelorette.
Jonathan Hadary (Victor Velasco) Broadway: Spamalot (King Arthur), Awake and Sing!, All Shook Up, The Best Man, Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit), Gypsy (Herbie- 1990 Tony Award® nomination), As Is (Obie Award), Torch Song Trilogy, and Gemini. Off-Broadway includes: Larry Kramer's The Destiny of Me (Ned Weeks), Weird Romance, Assassins (original production), Wenceslas Square, Tomfoolery, and God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater. Film/Television includes: Kenneth Lonergan's Margaret, the Coen Brothers' Intolerable Cruelty, Bait, A Simple Wish, Private Parts, and A Time to Kill. Mr. Hadary also played Schroeder in a Bucks County Playhouse production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown which he also directed.
Lee Aaron Rosen (Paul Bratter) Broadway: The Normal Heart. Off-Broadway: Gabriel (Atlantic Theatre Company), The Lady From Dubuque (Signature Theatre). Regional:Suddenly Last Summer and Mary’s Wedding (Westport Country Playhouse); All MySons (Huntington Theatre); Barefoot in the Park (Actors Theatre of Louisville); and Once in a Lifetime, Loot and God of Vengeance (Williamstown). TV: “Person of Interest,” “Damages,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Guiding Light.” Film: Saving Private Ryan, Company K, and the upcoming short film Lawn Care. He received his MFA from NYU's Graduate Acting Program, and he is a proud, longtime volunteer at New York's 52nd Street Project.
Virginia Veale (Corie Bratter) is a recent graduate of The Juilliard Drama Division. At Juilliard, Virginia was the recipient of the 2011 John Houseman Prize which is granted to a Juilliard student that has demonstrated exceptional ability in classical theater. A proud Canadian, she now lives in LA with her fiancé.
Sheryl Kaller (Director, Barefoot in the Park) was nominated for a 2010 Tony Award as best director for Geoffrey Nauffts’ award-winning play, Next Fall. She has directed at many theaters including the New Group, Primary Stages, Williamstown Theatre Festival, A.C.T., New York Stage and Film (9 seasons), The Geffen, Philadelphia Theater Company, American Music Theater Project, the York, EST, Rubicon, National Theater of the Deaf and Naked Angels. She co-founded Two Island Productions (Artistic Director- 6 seasons), a New York and Bermuda-based theater company devoted to developing and producing original plays, playwright retreats/workshops, screenplays, concerts and youth arts and education programs. She has directed and developed a plethora of new plays and musicals with writers including Christopher Durang, Geoffrey Nauffts, Peter Melnick, Regina Taylor, Dick Beebe, Theresa Rebeck, Richard Dresser and Alan Menken.
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