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PRINTER'S NO. 1652
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 295
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY SANTARSIERO AND FARRY, APRIL 29, 2026
REFERRED TO STATE GOVERNMENT, APRIL 29, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Designating the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope as the State
Theater of Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The Bucks County Playhouse is located on the site of
a former grist mill on the banks of the Delaware River in New
Hope, Pennsylvania, midway between Philadelphia and New York
City; and
WHEREAS, The original structure was rebuilt in 1790 after a
fire destroyed Hope Mills, leading Benjamin Parry to build the
newly named New Hope Mills, which inspired the village to change
its name from Coryell's Ferry to New Hope; and
WHEREAS, In the 1930s, the historic site was preserved from
demolition through the efforts of a dedicated group of artists,
including renowned Broadway playwright and Bucks County resident
Moss Hart; and
WHEREAS, The Bucks County Playhouse officially opened July 1,
1939, with a production of "Springtime for Henry," featuring
acclaimed actor Edward Everett Horton; and
WHEREAS, The Bucks County Playhouse quickly earned national
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prominence as "America's Most Famous Summer Theater," hosting a
remarkable array of American theatrical talent, including Grace
Kelly, Robert Redford, Neil Simon, Helen Hayes, Angela Lansbury,
Dick Van Dyke, Liza Minnelli, Walter Matthau, Audra McDonald and
many others who helped shape the American stage; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its history, the Bucks County Playhouse
has served as a cultural cornerstone of this Commonwealth,
contributing to this Commonwealth's rich theatrical tradition
and elevating this Commonwealth's national profile in the
performing arts; and
WHEREAS, Following a period of closure, the Bucks County
Playhouse was restored and reopened in 2012, preserving its
historic legacy while continuing to provide high-quality
productions, educational programming and community engagement;
and
WHEREAS, Today, the Bucks County Playhouse remains a vibrant
and iconic institution that attracts visitors from across this
Commonwealth, the region and the nation; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the Bucks County
Playhouse in New Hope as the State Theater of Pennsylvania.
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