A new lease on life for historic Pa. playhouse

[January 08, 2011]  PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- A nonprofit group of theater lovers from Broadway to southeastern Pennsylvania is banding together to save a historic suburban Philadelphia playhouse that was facing the final curtain.

The Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope went into foreclosure and was shuttered last month after more than 70 years in business.

A new conservancy made up of local residents, government officials, and a consortium of Broadway professionals says it aims to buy and reopen the theater by summer.

A bank took over the playhouse after the theater's owner fell behind on the mortgage.

Grace Kelly, Robert Redford and Bernadette Peters are among the actors who have performed at the 450-seat playhouse on the Delaware River.

[Associated Press]

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