Page 9 - ARTS Montco - 2019 Fall/Winter Guide
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So, the company is producing shows like a bilingual drama that examines what it means to be a “minority” in modern-day America, and a play about the ever- pressing concern of global warming.
Other highlights of Theatre Horizon’s 15th season – its largest ever with seven productions – will feature concerts of “Little Shop of Horrors,” including cast members and the director from the theater’s 2018 hit musical, “The Color Purple,” and a reunion of its 2015 Barrymore Outstanding Musical Award-winning “Into the Woods.” Full productions will include “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” “The Agitators,” and “Athena.”
Founded in 2005 by Reilly – a King of Prussia native – and Matthew Decker, Theatre Horizon began as a summer outdoor theater. In 2012, the company relocated to a more permanent, renovated home in a 120-seat performance venue in the heart of supporting the borough’s revitalization and serving as a downtown anchor in the county seat.
Their determination has helped Theatre Horizon receive such recognition as the American Theatre Wing’s National Theatre Company Award – one of only 12 in the nation awarded by the same organization that puts on the Tony Awards.
Reilly’s passion inspired and motivated Bala Cynwyd native Molly Braverman, Theatre Horizon’s Managing Director, to come back to Montco from Broadway.
Below: Erin Reilly (left) & Matthew Decker (right)
“The quality of work here is equal to the experience on Broadway, but you don’t have to go to New York still works on Broadway shows like “Hamilton” and “Wicked.” “With a smaller space that’s closer to the stage, you also get to experience a unique intimacy with the arts that you don’t get on Broadway.”
Plus, the performances are more affordable, with free parking and dozens of restaurants within minutes of the theater.
Besides entertaining thousands with thoughtful plays and musicals over the years, Theatre Horizon has also provided more than 5,000 free or discounted tickets, and reached more than 10,000 children through its educational drama classes and camps, including a kind in the nation.
Always looking to the future, Reilly said the group is seeking to expand those programs.
Photos by Alex Medvick ARTS Montco Fall & Winter 2019 Guide · artsmontco.com
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“We’re staying committed to using the arts to shine a spotlight on the other good work that our partners do to make Montco a more tolerant, kinder, and vibrant place to live.” ~Erin Reilly, Artistic Director
