Since 1973, theatre goers have been coming to the Ritz Company Playhouse in Hawley, Pennsylvania for live entertainment. Musicals, comedies and children’s productions are put on at this art deco style theatre that was built in 1933 from July through September. The Ritz Company Playhouse will be celebrating 41 seasons this year.
The Ritz Company Playhouse building was once a movie and vaudeville theatre. The 1st performance back in June of 1973 was the musical Brigadoon. Since then, the many volunteers that make up the theatre have been entertaining audiences year after year. The Ritz Players are a group of volunteer community theatre enthusiasts. Their mission is to deliver good entertainment to the community by offering live theatre productions for the Hawley area. Ritz Company Playhouse also offers a summer program for children ages 6-14 known as the Ritz Bitz Junior Actors. In this 4-5 week program, children will put on a Broadway musical that has been adapted for school aged kids. The Ritz Bitz performance this year will be Cinderella.
Auditions for this year’s performances are starting this week. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will hold auditions for actors and actresses ages 14 and older on May 27th and 28th at 7:30pm. Auditions for Cinderella will be held on June 13th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Rising 1st graders through 9th graders are welcome to audition.
Tickets to the plays can be purchased ahead of time online or day of at the box office. It is recommended to purchase early for best seating. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and seniors. For show reservations, click here.
This year’s schedule is packed with comedies and musicals. The season kicks off with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Performances begin July 3rd and run through the 19th. A Slice of the Blarney, a comedy by Kitty Burns will run from July 24th through August 2nd. The Ritz Bitz Junior actors will put on Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s G2K Cinderella. Show dates are August 7th through the 16th. Tickets for this show are only $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for seniors and students. Arsenic and Old Lace is a classical comedy by Joseph Kesselring will begin on August 21st and run through September 6th. And the last performance of the season is $38,000- For a Friendly Face, a comedy by Kristin Shepherd. The show dates will be September 18th through the 27th.
Less than a mile down the road from the Ritz Company Playhouse is The Settlers Inn. Make a small getaway when you plan to visit the theatre and come and stay with us at our 1920’s restored Arts and Crafts Lodge. We have 23 beautiful guest suites for you to choose from with most rooms featuring Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces and comfy Microfiber robes. There is also an award-winning restaurant on-site with a seasonal menu, extensive wine list and local craft brews. When making your reservations, be sure to ask us about our Deck Dining Duo package. You’ll not only get to enjoy dining on our scenic deck, but also on the deck of our sister property Ledges Hotel. Call us at 570-226-2993 for more information!
Photo courtesy of Spiffyman