Bucks County Playhouse recently launched new outdoor Courtyard Cabarets — featuring a variety of young artists who have previously appeared at the Playhouse.
The 30-minute shows, which are free of charge, will be held every Saturday and Sunday through the summer at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Different shows will be presented each weekend and will include a mix of traditional and contemporary musical theater and popular classics.
Guests can sit at the tables in the courtyard and dine on food from the take-out menu from The Deck Restaurant and Bar at Bucks County Playhouse or order from the brand-new, full-service Gazebo Bar that offers a menu of mixed cocktails, wine and beer.
“We’re excited about these shows taking place all summer long. Each week we will have a new show to keep it interesting and fun for our guests,” said Patrice Soriero, director of the Courtyard Cabarets.
Jeremy Ehlinger, the associate producer for the Playhouse, added, “Safety is our number one concern, and our guests love this new way to connect, without making direct contact. Each performer is completely socially distanced from each other as well as from the audience.”
Sisters Sierra Safran, 17, and Anna Shea Safran, 15, have performed in several productions at the Playhouse and have been featured in the inaugural courtyard cabarets.
“It’s pretty awesome to have this experience,” Sierra said. “Everyone’s been stuck indoors. It feels normal for us to perform and we’re so glad to have the chance to do it at a place we love.”
Added Anna Shea, “It’s great to perform in daylight. We can actually see everyone’s faces and connect with them. The audiences get very involved.”
In addition to seating in the Playhouse’s courtyard and river deck, The Deck Restaurant and Bar at Bucks County Playhouse has resumed dining-in restaurant operation. With its garage-door-sized windows that roll up, The Deck has been approved by Bucks County to host a limited number of socially distanced diners indoors.
Although the Playhouse has not been open since March, it has been active in creating digital content. “Word of Mouth Live” and the “Playhouse Virtual Variety Show” — play alternating Sundays 7 p.m. on the Bucks County Playhouse website, YouTube channel and Facebook page.
The Playhouse is currently working on returning to live performances on its stage, and details will be announced shortly.
