LifeStyle Magazine - Curtain Call: Bristol Riverside Theater

Curtain Call: Bristol Riverside Theater

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Written by Candice Hynoski

You don’t have to trek all the way to New York City to experience the thrill and excitement of a professional live theatrical performance. It’s all right here at the prestigious Bristol Riverside Theater, Bucks County's first Equity Regional Theatre. Situated next to the scenic Delaware River, the Bristol Riverside Theater (BRT) has wowed audiences for more than 20 years with witty and highly entertaining performances. With the affordable price of tickets, picturesque setting and unique theater experience, it’s no wonder the BRT has grown so rapidly in popularity.

However, opening the theater did not go without its challenges. The biggest obstacle the BRT’s Founding Producing Director, Susan D. Atkinson, faced when she first opened the doors in 1987, was attracting a crowd in a location that was not regarded as a theatrical community. Edward Keith Baker, Artistic Director and veteran actor at the BRT, recalled, “We are a little off of the beaten path and a little bit out of the way even though we are in Bucks County, and the challenge is to get the word out and to let people know what is going on here. When people come here they are very shocked and surprised with how beautiful it is, how beautiful the setting is on the river and the extremely high quality work that is done on the stage.”

Since its inception, the BRT has helped to revive the Bristol area in more ways than one. Baker explained, “There are thousands of people that come into the town because of the theater. And the theater has $2.5 million a year of economic impact on the immediate community.” The BRT is also active with local charitable organizations. “During the holidays, we put on a community concert with the Lions Club to raise money for scholarships for underprivileged kids.”

As the BRT continues to grow, Baker recognizes the need to constantly modernize and reinvent the theater and the performances.

“I understand theater cannot stand still; this cannot be my mother’s theater. It has to be a current contemporary theater that is responding in the most open manner. And if we get stuck doing business as usual we will not survive because we will not draw in young people,” said Baker.

One way the BRT is changing the whole theater experience is by hosting pre-performance discussions about the musical or play the audience is about to see. “We are directing the audience toward why we choose a particular piece, what the play entails, and what they should look for. It warms up the audience and allows them to be on the inside,” commented Baker.

With an intimate setting, ample legroom and each of the 300 seats a mere 35 feet from the stage, every audience member has a superb view. And intermission is not your typical thirty-minute break. You can stretch your legs and stroll along the Delaware River or shop downtown on historic Mill Street and return just in time for the second act.

Here’s a preview of what’s in store for the fall. Barbara McCulloh and Brad Little perform in “I do! I do!”- a musical about the trials and tribulations of 50 years of marriage.   Jo Twiss stars in “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge,” a hilarious alternative to the typical Christmas story. Then, 2008 begins with the world premiere of “Clouds,” an intimate musical portrait celebrating women in Jazz, written and performed by Chris Calloway, daughter of Cab Calloway. The 2007/2008 theater season wraps up with “Dear World,” a musical based on “The Madwoman of Chaillon,” by Jean Giraudoux.

The BRT is the recipient of more than 50 nominations for The Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theater, given annually by the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia. Keith Baker has been nominated for Outstanding Direction of a Play for the world premiere of "The Balkan Women" and Outstanding Direction of a Play for "The Dresser.” "The Dresser" was also nominated for Outstanding Overall Production of a Play. "The Balkan Women" won the Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play.

For tickets, performance dates or more information about the Bristol Riverside Theater, please call 215-785-0100 or visit www.BRTstage.org.

Candice Hynoski lives in Devon, PA.

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