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Bucks County Playhouse is set to launch its summer season with the lively new musical comedy, The Apple Boys, scheduled from May 2 to May 25.
The announcement regarding casting and production details comes from Producing Director Alexander Fraser, Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, and Producer Josh Fiedler. This musical marks the second new work to debut at the Playhouse this year, which is sponsored by Bank of America for the 2025 season.
The narrative of The Apple Boys transports audiences to Gilded Age Coney Island, introducing Jack Chapman III, the grandson of the legendary Johnny Appleseed. In a spirited effort to save his family’s failing apple orchard, Jack recruits an eclectic mix of characters, including the founder of Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs and the world’s strongest man. With an inventive score and tight vocal harmonies, this musical promises a raucous experience, advocating for underdogs and celebrating the essence of friendship.
This production of The Apple Boys has been made possible through a special arrangement with Johnnie Moore Hawkins and Jonothon Lyons.
“Discovering a fresh show that surprises you is one of the joys of producing,” remarked Alexander Fraser. “The Apple Boys is not only innovative but also genuinely humorous, taking audiences on a thrilling ride of laughter and joy. Its big heart and vibrant spirit captivated us, and we are excited to share this original musical with our patrons.”
The production features a book by Jonothon Lyons, with music and lyrics by Ben Bonnema. Directed by David Alpert, the choreography is being handled by Marc Kimelman, with Rona Siddiqui overseeing music supervision.
The Apple Boys showcases an inventive storyline and a harmonious score, with four talented actors embodying over two dozen distinct characters. The cast includes Josh Breckenridge (known for Broadway shows like “Swept Away” and “The Heart of Rock and Roll”), Jelani Remy (featured in “Back to the Future” and “The Lion King”), Tony nominee Emily Skeggs (“Fun Home”), and Teddy Yudain (“Little Shop of Horrors” Off-Broadway). Supporting roles will be played by DeShawn Travis Bowens, Rachel Kay, and John Mezzina Hannigan, who will cover the leads and enhance the ensemble.
The creative team behind this production includes Adam Koch (Scenic Design), Johanna Pan (Costume Design), Rui Rita (Lighting Design), Beth Lake (Sound Design), Matt Gallagher (Vocal Arranger), and Sujin Kim-Ramsey (Music Director). The Production Stage Manager is RL Campbell, while Sauniq Lawson serves as Assistant Stage Manager. Jason Styres, CSA, is responsible for casting.
ABOUT BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE
Bucks County Playhouse has a rich theatrical legacy that dates back to its establishment in 1939 by notable figures in the arts. This year marks the twelfth anniversary of its reopening and restoration in 2012. The Playhouse annually attracts over 75,000 visitors, playing a pivotal role in the economic revitalization of New Hope and its neighboring regions. Since Tony Award-winning producers Alexander Fraser, Robyn Goodman, and Josh Fiedler took leadership in 2014, the theater has regained its status as a hub for Broadway and Hollywood talent. Productions such as “Company” featuring Justin Guarini and William Finn’s “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” were highlighted by the Wall Street Journal as among the best theatrical offerings in 2015. The Playhouse garnered further recognition in subsequent years for standout shows like “42nd Street” and continues to be celebrated as one of the leading regional theaters on the East Coast.
Record-breaking box office success has accompanied numerous productions, including “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story,” “Steel Magnolias” directed by Marsha Mason, and “Mamma Mia!” directed by John Tartaglia. Recently, the 2023 season achieved remarkable success with productions such as “Tick, Tick Boom,” “Bridges of Madison County,” and “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” which became the highest-selling show in the Playhouse’s history. The 2024 season further attracted a new audience, with substantial attendance for productions like “Grease!” and “Anastasia: The Musical.” The creative teams that collaborate for new productions at Bucks County Playhouse consist of some of the most accomplished artists in the contemporary theater scene, eager to perform on a historic stage that has nurtured talents such as Grace Kelly, Robert Redford, and Jessica Walter.
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