There Is So Much To Love About The Revamped Bedford Playhouse
/I was very slow to learn about the major revitalization of a 1947 movie theater happening just 20 minutes from my house in Bedford, NY. Back in Spring 2017, a revamp to the tune of over $8 million began to transform the former movie theater into what is today a beautiful cultural hub called the Bedford Playhouse.
Now that I’ve finally visited, I am hooked on the Bedford Playhouse. There is a lot to love about this place.
Yes, Movies Are Shown Here
Yes, the Bedford Playhouse shows films. It has three theaters of varying sizes, each with state of the art projection and sound equipment and cushy seats. First run movie releases - from blockbusters to independent and art house films - are shown, as well as family programming and niche classics. For example, at the time of this post, the Playhouse is showing Oscar contenders like Little Women and Ford v. Ferrari, and later next week, you can catch a showing of Billy Wilder’s rom-com classic, The Apartment, as part of the Playhouse’s Classic series.
And the Bedford Playhouse offers a lot of extra“flair” with its film screenings. Per the Playhouse’s Marketing Director, Lindsay Hearon, the Playhouse tries to pair film showings with an event or activity inspired by that film. When Frozen 2 came out, they invited all the mini Annas and Elsas around to meet their Frozen heroes and walk the red carpet before the show.
This Friday, comedic icon, Chevy Chase, is ushering in the Playhouse’s new “Laugh Out Loud” series with a Q and A session and a showing of Caddyshack. This event is sold out but several other “LOL” classic screenings (including one of my personal favorites, Airplane) are coming to the Playhouse in the next few months.
But There Is So Much Else Going On, Too
There is so much else going on at the Bedford Playhouse beyond film screenings. Its regular programming includes author series, speakers, performances, art showings, educational offerings and family focused events. A few weeks ago, Dylan Lauren of Dylan’s Candy Bar spoke to a multi-age crowd at the Playhouse about her new candy career and treated guests to a delectable candy bar. Early next month, there will be an Author’s Event at the Playhouse, featuring a panel of three authors, as well as a comedy night called “He Said, She Said” - perfect for getting couples ready for Valentine’s Day romance! Plus there is always a rotating selection of art on display at the Bedford Playhouse.
Ultimately, the Playhouse’s goal is be a cultural hub for the area and to bring residents of Bedford and surrounding communities together for all kinds of cultural programming and event offerings. So far, I think they are succeeding.
The Playhouse is also offering the community a new event space. Rent out any of its beautifully redone spaces for private film screenings, meetings, school events or even a big birthday blow out! And on the second level, next to the largest of the three theaters, is a really posh but small “Green Room” that can be rented out for a night in conjunction with a film or event or even a wine tasting or meal.
No Matter Why You Visit, Stop By The Brand New Cafe
As I mentioned, the Bedford Playhouse seeks to be a community hang out, and what better way to entice the community to come inside than with a beautiful full service cafe and bar.
Open from 9am to 8pm on Mondays through Wednesdays, and 9am until the end of the last film or event on Thursdays through Sundays, the brand new Playhouse Cafe is worth visiting in its own right. It’s bright and cheery and works well for a quiet weekday work lunch or a Saturday night meal and cocktails. You can and should visit the cafe, even if you’re not otherwise planning to hit a film or event at the Playhouse.
But combining a visit to the swanky cafe with an artsy film breathes new life into the old “dinner and a movie” trope. Come for a bite before your show or stay for a coffee or night cap after the movie ends. Or grab your food and drink and take it all into the theater with you. The cafe space, like the rest of the Playhouse, is pretty and inviting.
And mark your calendar for February 27th, when the Playhouse is doing an Elton John sing-along in the Playhouse Cafe. The show, featuring cabaret performer, Rick Jensen, begins at 8pm, and there are three cafe seatings ($20 food or bev minimum) beforehand at 6:30pm, 7pm and 7:30pm.
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The Bedford Playhouse is located at 633 Old Post Road in Bedford. Tickets for regular screenings are $14 for adults and $12 for children & seniors. Prices for non-film, speaker and special events will vary.
