NEW HOPE, Pa., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- As Shakespeare said in his melancholy play, As You Like It: "All the world's a stage." And if director Stephen Stahl has his way, the Borough of New Hope will take center stage, not just for its eclectic galleries and restaurants, but for top-notch, professional arts events as well.
Stahl, an award-winning director, writer, producer and filmmaker, and a long-time New Hope resident, will be helping to transform the old New Hope Arts Center into a hub of creative activity in the heart of the Borough's downtown. With his proposed schedule of equity plays, music events, international film festivals, art exhibits, and much more, his goal is to return New Hope to its rich heritage as a community entrenched deeply in the performing and visual arts. With the first professional play opening at the center on August 14, Stahl is thrilled that the community has rallied behind him and producer Grant Waldman in making Souvenir possible.
"This has been a true labor of love, and an unprecedented collaboration between our local officials, business owners and residents," said Stahl. "We literally had only a few weeks to put the production together, and bring in the best actors, set and lighting designers in the business. We also had to get the building ready for the show, and we are grateful for the sweat equity of so many of our volunteers."
Stahl said that volunteers have done everything from cleaning the space, painting the stage and hanging curtains to more elaborate tasks such as landscaping the interior and exterior of the building. "We are so fortunate to have the support of Seasons Garden Center in Washington Crossing," Stahl added. "They have been kind enough to donate their expertise in gardening and design, and are providing all of the plantings, urns and flowers that people will see in and out of the space. And during opening night, everyone who attends the play will enjoy donated creations by Horizon's chef, Rachael Klein.
Waldman, who is also the co-owner of Wildflowers Restaurant in New Hope, was originally scheduled to play the lead role of Florence Foster Jenkins in Souvenir; however, the playwright insisted that the role be played by a woman, and he was replaced by Gina V. Stevens, a veteran actor and journalist. "My hope is that we will do well, and use the net proceeds from the play to support the animal shelter and rescue that I started in Thailand six years ago," Waldman said. "I would also like to raise awareness of the need for no-kill shelters here in the U.S., and I can say from experience that if we can do it overseas, we can certainly do it here."
Waldman has also arranged for theatre-goers to adopt dogs and cats during the show's performances. In partnership with the Bucks County SPCA, photos of the animals will be posted on the stairway walls, and people can begin the adoption process from there. Waldman also said that the Bridge Theatre Company and New Hope Celebrates, both non-profit organizations, have donated money to support the play and his philanthropic efforts.
New Hope Mayor, Larry Keller, who is also on the board of directors of New Hope Arts Center, said that New Hope Arts is in the midst of a major capital campaign. "Our goal is to raise $1.1 million to upgrade the building and create a major regional arts center," Keller said. "Our fundraising efforts have done very well, despite a tough economy. We're also pleased that Stephen had agreed to come on board, and we're excited about Souvenir's opening. We believe it will be the beginning of many more dynamic arts programs to come," he added.
Tickets for the play are $30 and can be obtained by visiting, www.smarttix.com or by calling, 877-238-5596. The New Hope Arts Center is located at 2 Stockton Avenue (corner of Stockton Avenue and Bridge Street). Performances begin on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15 at 8:00 p.m., and there is a Sunday matinee at 4:00 p.m. The show continues at the same time every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through August 30.
Coverage is invited. Reviewers are welcome.
SOURCE New Hope Arts Center
