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The first significant reconstructive restoration in nearly four decades will begin this June at Bristol Riverside Theatre (BRT) (120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007). Renovations of the historic building will begin following the current production season, which ends on June 2. Architectural firm USA Architects out of Somerville, NJ, and Sweetwater Construction Corp. based in Cranbury, NJ, will perform the work.
The project encompasses state-of-the-art interior improvements such as enhanced theatrical sound and lighting, new seating, carpeting, aisle railings, expanded concessions, and a window-walled front entryway to welcome and attract audiences. An exterior facelift, including a new façade and roof, a restructured main entrance for wheelchair accessibility, a refitted loading dock, and a new HVAC and upgraded electrical systems, complete phase one of the revitalization plan.
As anticipated changes to the building evolve, BRT will continue programming for theatergoers offsite through the summer and fall. A local host venue for the fall portion of next season’s mainstage offerings will be determined later this year, allowing patrons continued opportunities to enjoy live entertainment in Bristol. Single tickets go on sale June 10 for all five shows of the upcoming 2024-25 theatre season, starting at $52 for standard productions and $57 for musicals, online at brtstage.org.
This summer, the 2024 William Penn Bank Summer Music Fest, typically held inside the theater’s mainstage, will take place at Ben Franklin Middle School (6403 Mill Creek Rd, Levittown, PA 19057) with a concert schedule to be announced in the spring.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our state and local officials for their support and excited for our audiences to have a refreshed experience of the arts and live theatre inside our beloved community space,” said BRT Producing Director Ken Kaissar. “The start of this project is a foothold in the economic expansion of our business community and an investment in future generations. We eagerly anticipate opening the doors to share our homecoming on January 20!”
RACP is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget to design, acquire, and construct a regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement project. Proposals funded by the program have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, generating substantial increases or maintaining current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. Bristol Borough is one of 272 grantees awarded since the program’s 2012 inception.
More information, updates, and advance ticket purchases are available at brtstage.org, tickets.www.brtstage.org, and through the BRT box office at 215-785-0100.
About Bristol Riverside Theatre: Since 1986, Bristol Riverside Theatre (BRT) has continued to bring acclaimed theatre to Bucks County. The theatre is the recipient of over 71 Barrymore Award nominations. Now under the direction of Producing Directors Amy and Ken Kaissar and General Manager Megan Jones, the theatre serves as a cultural hub for the community. In addition to its mainstage productions, BRT offers the William Penn Bank Summer Music Fest, the new play development series America Rising, the summer theatre arts camp ArtRageous, and a range of education programs for local youth. For information, visit www.brtstage.org.