Since its founding in 1939, Bucks County Playhouse has been a vital home for the development of new theatrical work. Over the decades, the Playhouse has premiered original plays and musicals, hosted workshops and readings, and provided artists with the creative resources and supportive community needed to bring new stories to life.
With the Playhouse’s renovation and reopening in 2012, that commitment has only deepened. More than a dozen new works have been developed and produced on the historic Playhouse stage over the past decade, reflecting an enduring dedication to nurturing fresh voices and original theater. Supporting new work remains central to the Playhouse’s mission. See a recent history of new works below (along with information on how you can help!)
MISERY
Misery, a new stage version of the Stephen King novel about a novelist held captive and hobbled (literally) by his greatest fan, received its world premiere at Bucks County Playhouse. The adaptation was by two-time Academy Award winner William Goldman, who penned the 1990 screen version of the book.
Daniel Gerroll and JohAnna Day
MOTHERS AND SONS
The world premiere of Mothers and Sons, a new work by four-time Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally starred Tony winner Tyne Daly. The show went to Broadway in 2014.
NATIONAL PASTIME
The world premiere of a lighthearted musical about baseball and the 1930s radio culture in small town America.
The cast of “A Taste of Things to Come”
A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME
A saucy world premiere musical set in the 1950s and 60s about four women in a cooking club whose lives change as they realize there’s more to life than casseroles. Lorin Latarro’s directorial debut!
CAKE OFF
A developmental production of this new musical comedy based on a play by Sheri Wilner, with music and lyrics by Adam Gwon and Julia Jordan set at an imaginary national bake off competition.
The cast of “Clue: On Stage”
CLUE: ON STAGE
Sally Struthers starred as Mrs. Peacock in the world premiere of Clue, a live play based on the Hasbro board game and the 1985 movie. Think hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. Productions of Clue continues to tour the world!
ROCK AND ROLL MAN: THE ALAN FREED STORY
A world premiere musical about Cleveland DJ Alan Freed, who is credited with coining the term “rock and roll” and bringing rhythm and blues to a wider audience. Starring Alan Campbell and George Wendt.
THE NEW WORLD
With book and lyrics by Phoebe Kreutz and Music by Gary Adler, the world premiere musical rom-com re-imagined a meeting between Native Americans and Pilgrims in 1620. With Ann Harada and Justin Guarini.
Candace Bushnell
IS THERE STILL SEX IN THE CITY?
Candace Bushnell, whose Sex and the City anthology spawned the hit HBO series debuted here solo show at the Playhouse. The show then went Off-Broadway and on tour.
AMERICAN JADE
Jodi Long’s autobigraphical play made its premiere at the Playhouse. Long is the first Asian American actress to win a Daytime Emmy in any acting category. The production was filmed for future broadcast.
LAST OF THE RED HOT MAMAS
The world premiere musical explored the life of Sophie Tucker, the bawdy, full-figured teenager determined to conquer vaudeville, whatever the cost.
Ryann Redmond and Rheaume Crenshaw
HARD ROAD TO HEAVEN
The world premiere country musical, follows Jenny Dixon, the reigning queen of country as she navigates the ups and downs of a superstar career and the gospel-singing family she left behind.
The cast of The Apple Boys
THE APPLE BOYS
With its tight-harmony singing, and playful storytelling, the musical comedy, The Apple Boys, featured a book by Jonothon Lyons and music by Ben Bonnema and a dazzling 4-person cast who played a vibrant cast of unforgettable characters.
We are proud to proud to announce
the world premiere musical, STARSTRUCK!
With music and lyrics by Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls and a book written by Beth Malone and Mary Ann Stratton, the Cyrano de Bergerac-inspired musical will make its premiere February 20 – March 21, 2026, at Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania.