The Bedford Playhouse Reborn

The Bedford Playhouse Reborn: The eagerly anticipated reopening of the historic Bedford Playhouse is targeted for Summer 2017. And according to Playhouse President John Farr, the renovated theater will be much more than a place to see a movie. “It will be a community hub,” he says, “a cultural center that will host a variety of entertaining events, educational programs and social gatherings for people of all ages.”

The playhouse will feature a 250-seat, state-of-the art theater, two smaller theaters and a first-floor café. In addition to screening first-run, classic, art-house and family films, this unique venue will offer space for speaking events, movie clubs, small musical performances, one-act plays, wine tastings, art exhibits, educational programs and other arts-related activities. A vibrant cultural and social center to be used both day and night, the playhouse will offer daytime classes and programs ideal for retirees and stay-at-home parents. The café will be open to the public during the day, says Farr, as “a place to have lunch or sit down after dropping your kids off at school.” Additional parking spaces are being provided to accommodate the new uses of the site.

Originally built in 1947, the playhouse is located at 633 Old Post Road, at the center of Bedford Village. When it closed its doors in 2015, the grass-roots organization Friends of Bedford Playhouse was formed with the goal of transforming the cinema into a not-for-profit cinema and community destination.

To demonstrate the kinds of dynamic and stimulating activities the new playhouse will offer, the Friends are working with local organizations to present a film series, author talks and other cultural events over the next few months. The first of these will take place on Sunday, September 11, at 5pm, at the Katonah Village Library, with the screening of the documentary, Rebirth, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Released in 2011, this award-winning documentary looks at the physical and emotional healing process of first responders and those who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks. Following the movie, Farr will host a question-and-answer session with Rebirth Producer David Solomon, a Bedford resident and husband of Bedford Playhouse Chairman Sarah Long. Reservations are required to attend the event; click here for reservations.

The Friends are also planning a Kids Film Festival in mid-October. Details about the films and screening locations will be announced soon in What To Do.

Since its founding, the Friends of Bedford Playhouse has raised $3.75 million from 1,000 donors, funding the demolition of the original theater. Another $1.5 million is needed to proceed with the construction and reopen by next year. “We’re most of the way there,” says Farr, “but the next 10 weeks are crucial.”

Most of this financial support has come from the people of Bedford, but Farr looking beyond the hamlet for assistance. Anticipating that this exciting venue will be a magnet for culture lovers in all of Northern Westchester and nearby Connecticut, Farr is reaching out for contributions from the residents of Armonk, Pound Ridge, North Salem, Lewisboro, New Canaan, Greenwich and other neighboring communities to help make the vision a reality.

Indeed, naming opportunities are available for large donations, including the 250-seat theater for a $1 million donation, the 50-seat theater for $400,000 and the expansive lower lobby for $600,000. Those donating $5,000 or more will have their names displayed on the playhouse’s permanent donors founders wall. Anyone interested in making a significant gift should please call Director of Development Dan Friedman at 914.659.8292. For smaller donations, or for more information about Bedford Playhouse, please go to bedfordplayhouse.org.

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