Robert (Bob) Gerenser and John (JD) Danaher have announced a musical production collaboration.  Bob Gerenser owner of the S.J. Gerenser Theater and John Danaher producer of Merging Music have joined forces to create a performing arts venue in the venerable S.J. Gerenser Theater.  To commemorate the difference between the past identity of the Theater and the future the space will be known as, “The S. J. Gerenser Theater for the Performing Arts.” 

The auditorium style room opened on October 30, 1902 just in time for Halloween and one year before the Wright Brothers flew at Kitty Hawk .  The workman  who built the space bragged about the quality of the hand cut hardwood maple floor which they said is the best dance floor in five counties. Over the years the room was used as a Town Hall (then known as Coryell Hall), a gymnasium for the high school on the hill.  Over the years such luminaries as William Jennings Brian and George C. Scott have trod the boards of the raised stage.  From 1988 through 1992 many fine shows have been produced in the space.  Such shows as The Leader of the Pack- the Ellie Greenwich Story and Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You.  The Coryell's Ferry Militia has hosted the Colonial Christmas Ball for more than 25 years. In addition the Theater worked closely with the New Hope Arts Commission hosting a number of acts for the performing arts festival.  Since 1992 the space was shared with the Bucks County Academy of Fencing which limited the ability to produce freely although it did allow the Fencing academy to grow large enough to move to their ample new space at the Lace Works in Lambertville NJ .

Now that theater is the sole purpose for the room, once again, many exciting performances are contemplated.

The idea is to provide access to a live venue of significant size.  The strength of the room is that it is an open room that may be configured in a variety of different ways to accommodate many different styles of music or live performances.  Many local bands have been invited to play here as well as the Downtown Players under the capable direction of Ginny Brennen.  Also a New Years gala dance party, Super Bowl party and a stunning array of Irish music to honor Saint Patrick during the month of March.  Other groups and acts are invited to submit their project for review.

The S.J. Gerenser Theater for the Performing Arts is located in New Hope on the corner of Bridge Street and Stockton Avenue between the Canal and the Railroad tracks.  Call 215-862-1948 for tickets or show up at the door day of show and purchase tickets at the box office.

For more information contact:

Robert V. Gerenser           
215-480-5332
S.J. Gerenser Theater for the Performing Arts

John Danaher
267-987-7855
Merging Music