Bristol Riverside Theatre Announces 2009-2010 Season

Bristol Riverside Theatre is pleased to announce its 2009-2010 season. In this year of economic turmoil, the theatre offers audiences works to lift spirits, whether with a side-splitting comedy, a story of extraordinary personal courage, or a much-heralded musical review by two of the most talented writers in musical theatre.

The season kicks off with The Philly Fan, a one-man tour-de-force that takes a comic and heartfelt look at the struggle of the long-suffering Philadelphia sports fan. Making its Bucks County debut this year, The Philly Fan is written by Philadelphia playwright Bruce Graham and stars two-time Barrymore Award-winner Tom McCarthy.

Next, BRT presents the classic marital musical I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change with book & lyrics by Joe Di Pietro and music by Jimmy Roberts, followed by the Winter Musicale - featuring favorite classic and contemporary holiday songs for the family.

2010 kicks off with Larry Shue's Obie Award-winning comedy, The Foreigner and is followed by the Philadelphia premiere of Bridget Carpenter's Up - the first mainstage production to emerge from the America Rising: Voices of Today reading series. The season closes with the musical Closer Than Ever (a co-production with Queens Theatre in the Park) with music by David Shire and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr.

America Rising: Voices of Today will begin its second season in 2009-2010. "Our intention is for America Rising to be one of our most important sources of new work," said BRT Artistic Director Keith Baker. "It is only in its infancy and already we have found an outstanding new play in Up that we are very proud to present on the mainstage. We feel it has a great future that will prove invaluable to us."

This series includes staged readings that showcase some of the country's brightest up-and-coming playwrights. Presented in partnership with Temple University, the series will include plays by Jennifer Tuckett, Sarah Saltwick, Stephanie Zadravec, and a new musical by Jenny Giering and Laura Harrington that will be presented on BRT's mainstage.

The season will also include programming for all ages with a series of family shows from Theatre Arts Center and Hedgerow Theatre. The productions include Cinderella's Birthday Party, That's What Kids Do!, Tiny Tim's Christmas, and Snow White and the Little People.

2009-2010 SEASON

The Philly Fan

September 15 -October 4, 2009
(Opening Night: September 17)

Conceived & Performed by Tom McCarthy

Play by Bruce Graham
Directed by Joe Canuso

In this one-man tour-de-force, two-time Barrymore Award winner Tom McCarthy takes his audiences on a journey through Philadelphia sports history of the last fifty years (and the frustrations therein!). The Philly Fan is an in-your-face, tell-it-like-it-is romp through the eyes of a hardcore sports fan that will have audiences rolling in the aisles. "Those who follow sports, and those who don't, will delight in this show, written with humor by Bruce Graham and acted by a bluff, outspokenly funny Tom McCarthy." - The Philadelphia Inquirer

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change

November 3 - 22, 2009

(Opening Night: November 5)

Book & Lyrics by Joe Di Pietro

Music by Jimmy Roberts
Directed by Susan D. Atkinson

The trials and tribulations of being single, dating, marriage, loss, and heartbreak are cleverly explored in this hysterical musical. I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change addresses every relationship moment you've secretly thought about - from the crazed, hopeless singles scene to cold feet and the in-laws, 30 years of marriage, and everything else that you're afraid to admit. "A great date show. A perfect mating dance. It's Seinfeld set to music." - The Star Ledger

Winter Musicale

December 3 - 20, 2009
Directed by Keith Baker

Like building a December snowman, baking gingerbread cookies, or sipping hot cocoa by the fire, BRT's Winter Musicale will fill audiences with cheer. This BRT tradition celebrates the season with favorite holiday songs from yesterday and today. Full of warmth, humor and joy, audiences will hear first rate performances of traditional carols, popular classics, contemporary arrangements and even original songs.

The Foreigner

January 26 - February 14, 2010
(Opening Night: January 28)

by Larry Shue
Directed by Keith Baker

Hilarity ensues when Englishman Charlie Baker, the self-proclaimed "world's dullest man," takes a vacation at a rural fishing lodge with his eccentric army buddy, Froggy LeSuer. Froggy concocts an outrageous scheme to save Charlie from his shy self by introducing him as an exotic "foreigner" who can't speak English. Soon Charlie's guileless persona backfires and the lodge guests share their deepest secrets and most sinister plans in this two-time Obie winner. "A romantic comedy with enough warmth and truth in it that it is not only funny, but also often moving." - The New York Times

Up (Philadelphia Area Premiere)

March 16 - April 4, 2010
(Opening Night: March 18)

By Bridget Carpenter
Directed by Keith Baker

How high can dreams take us? In this Philadelphia area premiere, Walter Griffin was a man literally above all others for one magical moment in his life. Ever since, he has tried to recapture that instant of defying gravity. Now his life is beginning to crumble around him following the loss of his job. But Walter doesn't want his job or any job. He wants to invent, create, to do something great. As his son grows up and his wife struggles to hold the family together, can Walter do the impossible? Up is the first BRT Mainstage production to emerge from the America Rising series.

Closer Than Ever

May 4 - 23, 2010
(Opening Night: May 6)

Music by David Shire

Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr.

Winner of the 1989 Outer Critics Circle Award, each song in Closer Than Ever is an intimate, insightful tale about love, security and happiness - and holding onto them in a world that pulls people in a hundred directions at once. Maltby and Shire bring their celebrated craft and contemporary sensibility to songs about aging, mid-life crisis, second marriages, parental role reversals, wicked satirical jabs at Muzak, working couples, and unrequited love.

AMERICA RISING: VOICES OF TODAY'S WOMEN

Produced and directed by Founding Director, Susan D. Atkinson, the America Rising: Voices of Today staged reading series is a celebration of culture and language. Presented in partnership with Temple University's MFA graduate acting program, the series opens the door to the hottest new voices of the American theatre. The events also include post-reading discussions, food and live music. All readings begin at 5:00 p.m. and are held at St. James Parish Hall, 225 Walnut Street in Bristol, unless otherwise noted.

I Am A Superhero

by Jennifer Tuckett

Sunday, October 11, 2009

I Am A Superhero is the full account of how 12 year old English child Yasmin became a full-fledged superhero. While Yasmin's mother is grieving the death of her father, young Yasmin takes it upon herself to conquer the forces of darkness and save her mum. In the process, she forges an identity for herself and comes of age in this funny, touching and inspiring story of youth, persistence and wonder.

Low Hanging Stars

by Sarah Saltwick

Sunday, February 21, 2010

In this ghostly love story set in the beautiful New England Hills, audiences are led to see fame and romance in very different ways. Low Hanging Stars suggests that the hardest thing to do in life is to simply live the present moment. A new work by an Austin based writer, this story is filled with insight, imagination and beauty.

Honey Brown Eyes

by Stephanie Zadravec

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Bosnia 1992: In two kitchens, two soldiers recover a little of what they've lost during the war - a Serbian paramilitary must face the consequences of his own brutality, while a Bosnian resistance fighter, crippled by the limits of his own courage, seeks refuge with a kindred soul. Honey Brown Eyes was recently nominated for Best New Play in Washington, D.C.'s Helen Hayes Awards for its recent production at Theater J. It is also a nominee for the Charles MacArthur Award for best Play or Musical.

Crossing Brooklyn

Special musical event on the BRT Mainstage

Music by Jenny Giering, Book and Lyrics by Laura Harrington

Monday May 17, 2010

BRT presents a newly revised version of this Off-Broadway hit. Following September 11, 2001 many Americans and New Yorkers in particular felt lost, fearful and trapped. Des was a teacher working near the towers when they fell. Haunted by her memories of a lost student she has lived her life in anxiety, fear, and despair. Perhaps with the energy of New York itself and her own determination she can overcome the emotional walls she faces. With a stunning score by rising NYC recording artist and composer Jenny Giering and a book by acclaimed playwright Laura Harrington, Crossing Brooklyn dares audiences to think that great things might come out of tragic events and that anyone can overcome demons and see the beauty around them.

FAMILY THEATRE

BRT is bringing in family programming from Theatre Arts Center and Hedgerow Theatre especially for young audiences - a great family outing or activity for youth groups.

Cinderella's Birthday Party

(Hedgerow Theatre)

Saturday, October 3, 10am

Cinderella is all grown up and throwing a birthday party for her own little princess. Children can even come dressed in costume to attend the party!

That's What Kids Do!

(Theatre Arts Center)

Friday October 9, 11am

Saturday, October 10, 11am & 1pm

A musical about kids that stars kids. Set in a school, the show takes you into the world of children as seen from their point of view.

Tiny Tim's Christmas

(Hedgerow Theatre)

Wednesday, December 9, 10am

Thursday, December 10, 10am

Friday, December 11, 10am

Saturday, December 12, 10am
Dicken's classic tale as seen through the eyes of Tiny Tim. (Without the ghosts!)

Snow White and the Little People

(Hedgerow Theatre)

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 10am

Based on the beloved fairy tale, this show with music asks children from the audience to help save Snow White.

SUBSCRIPTIONS & TICKETS
Bristol Riverside Theatre is located at 120 Radcliffe Street in Bristol, PA. 2009-2010 Season subscriptions and individual tickets are available by calling the BRT Box Office at (215) 785-0100. Subscriptions range from $99 - $125 for adults and $50 for students.

Winter Musicale tickets are $29, $25 for BRT members and $10 for students.

America Rising: Voices of Today subscriptions are $45, $40 for BRT members, and individual reading tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Tickets for Family Theatre shows are $8 for adults and children, $7 for BRT members. Groups of 10 or more can call Group Sales at (215) 985-6664 for group rates.

About Bristol Riverside Theatre
Since 1986, BRT has brought consistently acclaimed professional theatre to Bucks County and maintained a long-term commitment to finding and developing new plays. The theatre is the recipient of over 50 Barrymore Award nominations for Excellence in Theatre, given annually by the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia. In addition to its mainstage productions, the theatre serves as a cultural hub for the community, with such programs as children's theatre, community concerts and exhibitions of local visual arts. Currently under the direction of Artistic Director Keith Baker, Founding Director Susan D. Atkinson, and Managing Director, Amy Kaissar, BRT is entering its 23rd season. For information, visit www.brtstage.org.