Curtain up at the Forestbugh Playhouse! ...everything old is new again

Posted 8/21/12

Forestbugh Playhouse (FBP) producer Franklin Trapp is really excited these days. Even though Trapp took possession of the theatre last season, it was a “transition period” as outgoing producer …

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Curtain up at the Forestbugh Playhouse! ...everything old is new again

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Forestbugh Playhouse (FBP) producer Franklin Trapp is really excited these days. Even though Trapp took possession of the theatre last season, it was a “transition period” as outgoing producer Norman Duttweiler handed over the keys and bid adieu to Sullivan County, where he had been presenting shows for 25 years. I sat down with Trapp to discuss the 2015 season, his plans for the expanded Forestburgh Tavern, and his vision for the future.

“This is really my maiden voyage,” Trapp told me in between rehearsals. “Thankfully, I had Norman helping me last year, but this season is all mine. It’s exciting and nerve-wracking, with a million moving parts to wrangle, from feeding the company, to selling tickets, to putting on the best shows the playhouse has ever produced!” Steeped in history, the legacy of the FBP is one that Trapp continues to honor, while invigorating the place with renewed energy and style. Founded in 1947, the playhouse is the oldest continuously operating professional summer theatre in New York State and operates from mid-June through Labor Day. It offers three different types of performance experiences: Broadway musicals and plays on the main stage, a youth theatre production that runs all summer long, and cabaret performances presented with dinner in the adjoining tavern during the week, with late-night cabarets on Friday and Saturday after every show.

Building on the past, Franklin is putting his own touch on the future as he adds exciting programs to what audiences have already come to expect, with an expanded tavern series that includes presenting live local bands, game nights and a rotating art exhibit (the Forestburgh Playhouse Gallery) that will change with each show on the main stage. Curated by the Tagliatella Gallery in New York, the world-class artwork on display will include original pieces by Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Lichtenstein, Banksy and renowned artist Russell Young. “The artwork is for sale,” Trapp is quick to point out, “and a portion of the proceeds will go to the playhouse [which operates as a not-for-profit organization] and raises the bar for us all. This is a first for the playhouse and the county, and gives patrons an opportunity to view [and purchase] these incredible works of art in an intimate setting, before or after being wowed by our amazing performers.”

With shows like “Damn Yankees,” “Young Frankenstein,” and “Oliver!” on the bill, Trapp is sure there is something for everyone this year and gives credit where credit is due. “Our audiences help to choose the productions to ensure we are giving them what they want. Adding this incredible art exhibit is icing on the cake.” While making changes is motivation for Trapp, keeping with tradition is equally so, and it’s important to him that audiences understand that the key ingredients will remain the same. “Quality professional theatre is what has made this playhouse famous, and that is not going to change,” he says, while checking in with his stage manager regarding costume changes. “I’m very hands-on,” he whispers, careful to not interrupt the choreographer at work, “and excited about the changes taking place. We’re working with the Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County, providing seats for the students and giving them an opportunity to read scenes with the cast of ‘Shrek’ this summer, along with providing tickets for homeless teens through our community outreach program.”

His work with organizations throughout the county is not limited to education, as exemplified by the beautification efforts ongoing at the Playhouse. “Our new tavern patio is gorgeous,” Trapp enthuses, “and our famous gardens have been expanded, thanks to a grant from Sullivan Renaissance. We have a brand new sound system and our ‘Adopt-A-Seat’ program is underway, which will make the theatre-going experience even more comfortable for patrons next season.” With all of these changes underway, things look bright for the future of the playhouse and tavern, but Trapp once again points out that what’s best about the place remains intact. “We have the best young performers in the country, and theatre is a live art which provides audiences with an interactive experience.” Maintaining the tradition of what has come before is a responsibility that Franklin Trapp doesn’t take lightly, so as the curtain rises on a new day at the Forestburgh Playhouse, he is wildly enthusiastic about what the future holds. “I haven’t abandoned what works,” he says, “but everything old is new again!”

[The new Forestburgh Tavern is available for private parties, weddings and special events. For information on reserving the space, and a schedule of shows and performances go to www.fbplayhouse.org or call 845/794-1194.]

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