The creators of the Broadway smash hit The Producers are back with another monster musical comedy, and this time they’re bringing the hilarious, scientifically proven, and monstrously good time of Young Frankenstein to Pennsylvania Playhouse!

We are delighted to present this wickedly inspired stage adaptation of Mel Brooks' classic horror film parody from Oct 10 to Oct. 26 at the Playhouse on Illicks Mill Road (Just in time for Halloween).

You're warmly invited to a special one-night showcase of Act 1 of Black Angel — a powerful new play inspired by the life of Otto Sampson Sr., a Black American WWII hero whose courage is documented by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.

Set against the backdrop of Jim Crow South Carolina and the horrors of World War II, Black Angel traces one man’s journey through trauma, injustice, and ultimately, redemption — illuminating the strength of the human spirit in the face of oppression.

📅 Saturday, September 20th

🕠 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)

📍 The Ice House | 56 River Street, Bethlehem, PA

🌟 Evening Schedule:

🎶 6:00–6:15 PM — Reception and refreshments

🎭 6:15–6:45 PM — Act One Reading of Black Angel

☕ Immediately following the reading, enjoy a short break with refreshments, then join our talkback with the Creators.

Stick around for a powerful post-show conversation with playwright Francine Gold and Rasheeda Sampson-Jefferson, daughter of Otto Sampson Sr., as they reflect on the history, humanity, and legacy behind the play.

Playwright Francine Gold is a 1st born American, and the descendent of victims and survivors of

the Holocaust. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education, and an undergraduate Degree in

Theatre Arts. She has won numerous awards and most recently was honored in 2020 with the

Secretary of The Smithsonian and founding director of the National Museum of African

American History in Washington D.C. as the inaugural recipients of the David McCullough Prize

for Excellence in Public History. Prior to twenty years in public education, Ms. Gold's theater

background includes Co-founding The Healing Theatre, Inc., directing and writing children's

theater, and artist in residencies. She is currently working on a theatrical satire, literary memoir

and literacy thru history educational book. Francine is good friends with Rasheeda

Sampson-Jefferson.

💬 Why Attend?

🎭 Witness raw, original art from local voices

🎶 Be moved by live music that sets the tone

🗣️ Engage in a meaningful, real-world discussion

🆓 Free admission (donations welcome)

🪑 Seating is limited – early arrival recommended!

Presented by Basement Poetry

Raw. Original. Art.

📩 Questions? Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BETHLEHEM, PA – Touchstone Theatre, the region’s only ensemble-based theatre, presents a staged reading of "Spit Out the Poison"–-- an original work written by Ensemble Member Matt Prideaux.

A modern-day Greek tragedy with drinks, dancing, pinatas, and perhaps just a little bit of bloodshed, "Spit Out the Poison" is a one-night-only staged reading on January 29 at 7pm in Touchstone’s 75-seat theatre on the SouthSide of Bethlehem.

Join us for an evening celebrating Paul – the man of the hour, the party animal himself – as he moves into the next chapter of his life. However, his plans for retirement get thrown out the window when his celebration turns into a bit of a nightmare. I mean, it’s Paul’s party, he can die if he wants to, right? 

This script has been a decade-in-the-making, originating as a draft written during playwright Matt Prideaux’s undergraduate years.

Inspired by Stephen Sondheim’s Company, which questions societal fixation on marriage and manhood, Spit Out the Poison extends the conversation further by asking: Who would I become if I gave in to society’s idea of the "traditional man"?

“With this piece, I am exploring themes of masculinity, identity, and societal expectations. At its core, it is a confrontation of what happens when someone is forced into a mold that doesn’t fit—and the damage that can result,” says Matt. “It’s emotionally raw and, at times, painful. But for those who are a little broken, like me, I hope it provides comfort. I hope you feel seen, understood, and a little less alone.”

"Spit Out the Poison" is a one-night-only staged reading on January 29, 2025.

Reading begins at 7pm, doors open at 6:30pm.

Tickets are FREE, but reservations are encouraged.

Viewer discretion is advised. Recommended for ages 16 and up.

Reservations are available at 610.867.1689 or online at touchstone.org.

Bethlehem, PA — This winter, suspense takes center stage as the Pennsylvania Playhouse presents Dial M for Murder, a gripping play that inspired the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie.

Directed by Gary Boyer, this thrilling production will run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM from January 24th to February 9th.