HAWLEY, PA — When people look at a new area to relocate to, or to start and raise a family, they look at the best homes, neighborhoods, and school districts But has anyone ever thought about looking at the local arts and culture as a major factor when choosing a new community?

Having a strong arts and culture presence in any community makes a huge difference in the atmosphere and the overall well being of any town, both physically and even economically, according to a report published by the Americans for the Arts Public Art Network Council.

Discovering new cultural attributes in your town or a prospective town is like going on a treasure hunt. It is both fulfilling and necessary. It’s often said that the more you look, the more people you connect with and this helps you discover even more local cultural and historic treasures. And so you find yourself and what’s important to you, making you a valuable member of that community.

Let’s explore!

If you already live in a town where a piece of history is alive and actively giving back and enriching its community, then you are one of the lucky ones. And if you live in Hawley, PA or in one of its surrounding towns, you are one of those lucky people. All because this community houses a true cultural treasure, the Ritz Company Playhouse, located at 512 Keystone St.

How it all began

Marjorie Murphy—”Peggy” to her loved ones— convinced her husband, Dick Murphy, to purchase—or, best said, “save”—the old building that was once a movie and vaudeville theater in Hawley, because she recognized the importance of providing arts and culture to the people in the community.

On June 29, 1973, the Ritz Company Playhouse opened the curtains for the first time with the musical production of “Brigadoon.” Peggy, Dick, their family and friends, and countless volunteers dedicated their time and passion to making sure the Ritz continued to deliver live theater entertainment to its community for many years to come. On May 8, 1980, the Ritz was presented an award of excellence for serving the local community and for providing a noteworthy tourist destination for the Pocono region.

Mason Clark and Alison Hoffmann during the the production of "The Addams Family."

Fifty years and counting

“This year, the Ritz Playhouse is celebrating its 50th season, an incredible accomplishment for a local theater,” proudly said Sarah Clauss, the Ritz Company Playhouse president. The Ritz was closed during the 2020 pandemic; however, new ways were discovered to stay in touch with fans. Clauss hosted live online interviews with the Ritz members to reminisce about past seasons. It proved to be a great success during their off-stage period.

The theater was happy to resume its live performances in 2021. Clauss continued, “The Ritz Company Playhouse is so much more than a live theater company. It is a true cultural force, providing priceless value to the members of the community, on and off stage, that includes generations of people of all ages, professions, interests and backgrounds. Everyone is welcome at the Ritz!”

Many begin their journey at the Ritz from the time they are little kids, either as a family member of someone already part of the theater, or through the local school districts with which the Ritz has an ongoing, successful relationship with.

“The Ritz provides you with the full understanding of what it takes to be a good contributing member of the community by putting in the hard work and making the commitment to all aspects of what it takes to put on a show, from cleaning and organizing to being a team player, working together to make a show a success,” said Clauss.

Clauss began her journey at the Ritz after she graduated from the Wallenpaupack Area High School as a backstage assistant during the production of “Boys from Syracuse.” She is her family’s third-generation Ritz member. “Dedication of Ritz members and their ‘checked at the door egos’ have allowed the theater to thrive and prosper into what it is today and what it is committed to be tomorrow,” concluded Clauss.

It all begins at the Ritz

“Many people come to the Ritz later in life, without any theater performing experience and are welcomed with open arms,” said Alison Hoffmann, choreographer, director and Ritz Playhouse board member. When you see a show at the Ritz, you might see your local attorney, an insurance agent, a teacher, a veterinarian, a banker or even your next-door neighbor as one of the characters on stage. “It’s all part of the Ritz’s inviting atmosphere… local people that care to keep the magic of the live theater alive,” continued Hoffman.

Many alumni of the Ritz Playhouse get involved at the theater through their schools’ collaboration programs with the Ritz Playhouse and the Ritz Bitz Junior Actors, a summer theater program for children in first grade through ninth grade. The program provides an opportunity to take part in a Broadway musical adapted by theatrical publishing companies specifically for school-year performers. Children from all over the tri-state area come to the Ritz to participate in this summer program. “The Ritz Playhouse makes sure to keep the cost of the program as low as possible to make it accessible to all children,” said Caroline Lehman, Ritz Bitz choreographer, director and Ritz Playhouse vice president. The skills learned through the summer program at the Ritz far outweigh the monetary value, and provide the children with boosted self confidence and priceless life skills such as conflict resolution, problem-solving and, most importantly, how to work as a team and trust your fellow team members.

Lisa Rogali is a mezzo-soprano who currently performs opera, musical theater, contemporary and concert music—and she got her start at the Ritz.

After the Ritz

“Many of the Ritz Bitz members continue to perfect their skills and move on to perform in many future shows at the Ritz,” said Clauss. Those valuable skills learned at the Ritz could prove life changing, as many choose to actively pursue successful careers in the theater, arts and communication industries, like marketing, productions, special effects, news casting, promotions, theater program teachers and administrators and, of course, performing.

“The Ritz Company Playhouse gave me an opportunity to perform the role of Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” when I was only 16 years old. Without that experience, I’m not sure I would be the performer I am today,” said Lisa Marie Rogali, mezzo-soprano, currently performing opera, musical theater, contemporary and concert music across the country.

For Rogali, it all began at The Ritz with her first leading role as Dorothy, which allowed her to learn a lot about herself and who she was as a performer. The Ritz sparked the journey she took to create the career she has today. “I believe being onstage is the best way for young actors to learn. The Ritz gave me the opportunity to explore and take risks for the first time! I’ll never forget finding my voice on that stage.”

Some members of the Ritz had amazing opportunities to be part of professional shows in New York City as guest actors and production managers.

Major benefits of live theater

Besides acting, many other roles are available at the theater and all of them are as important, from ushers to costume and prop managers, backdrop artists, ticket box attendants, live pit musicians and more. Even if children or grandchildren are not interested in on-stage roles, you can introduce your children to the live theater by taking them to see the shows. Studies like one by the University of Arkansas showed major benefits for students who attended live theater, such as enhanced literary knowledge, tolerance, empathy and better ability to recognize and appreciate what other people think and feel.

Josh Martin and Mark Zimmer during the production of "Drop Dead" at the Ritz Company Playhouse.

Be part of the Ritz

The Ritz continues to grow and maintain its Art Deco style through numerous renovations, light and sound system upgrades, and future plans for alternative energy sources like solar panels, thanks to the friends and sponsors of the Ritz Playhouse, plus grants, private donations and the support from all who attend the shows.

The Ritz Playhouse season opens in July and runs into September, featuring performances of musicals, straight comedies and junior plays by the Ritz Bitz Players. Collaborations with local organizations and festivals, like Hawley Hoedown and Hawley Winterfest have expanded the Ritz’s operating season to include a Valentine’s Day show, a bluegrass concert in the fall and a jazz concert and a free Christmas show during the winter season that includes a visit from Santa.

Learn more about the Ritz at www.ritzplayhouse.com or on its Facebook page, @RitzCompanyPlayhouse. The Company Players is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and accepts donations via mail, online or in person during the operating season. Sign up for newsletters, make plans to see the show this season, and help ensure this cultural treasure continues to add tremendous value to our community.