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Bedford Playhouse Fundraiser Features Northern Westchester Celebrities

BEDFORD, N.Y. -- Local celebrities will do their bit in Bedford next week to raise funds for the renovation of a beloved local theater.

A fundraiser for the Bedford Playhouse renovation project is set for Friday, Aug. 26. The former two-screen movie theater on Old Post Road in the village is being re-imagined as a state-of-the-art entertainment center and community hub.

A fundraiser for the Bedford Playhouse renovation project is set for Friday, Aug. 26. The former two-screen movie theater on Old Post Road in the village is being re-imagined as a state-of-the-art entertainment center and community hub.

Photo Credit: Michael Nocella
The Bedford Playhouse's new main theater will feature state-of-the-art digital equipment.

The Bedford Playhouse's new main theater will feature state-of-the-art digital equipment.

Photo Credit: bedfordplayhouse.org
A smaller theater at the Bedford Playhouse.

A smaller theater at the Bedford Playhouse.

Photo Credit: bedfordplayhouse.org
The David Worby Theater at the Bedford Playhouse will be used for smaller cultural events.

The David Worby Theater at the Bedford Playhouse will be used for smaller cultural events.

Photo Credit: bedfordplayhouse.org
A cafe at the Bedford Playhouse will be a place for the community to hang out and enjoy light fare.

A cafe at the Bedford Playhouse will be a place for the community to hang out and enjoy light fare.

Photo Credit: bedfordplayhouse.org

The Bedford Playhouse, a now shuttered two-screen movie theater, is being brought back to life as an art-house cinema and community hub.

The fundraiser, “Playing for the Playhouse,” is a celebration of the movies and performing arts.

It is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26, at the Walker Center for the Arts on the campus of the Harvey School.

The school is at 260 Jay St., Katonah.

A reception will precede performances by actress Glenn Close and Paul Shaffer, David Letterman’s band leader and sidekick, both Bedford residents.

Also performing will be actor and comedian Chevy Chase of Bedford; Terre Blair Hamlisch, widow of composer and conductor Marvin Hamlisch; stand-up comic and actor Robert Klein of Briarcliff Manor; Broadway performer and singer Marissa McGowan; actor and screenwriter Chazz Palminteri of Bedford; and actor Jeffrey Tambor of Lewisboro.

All of the performers were “generously donating their time” to the playhouse, according to Dan Friedman, its director of development.

The new playhouse’s state-of-the-art movie theaters will be used to screen first-run independent, foreign and documentary films, as well as classics and family favorites.

Space will be dedicated for musical and theatrical performances, speakers, educational programs, and other events.

There will also be a café where light fare will be served.

Playhouse President John Farr has said that he wants the venue to not only be a spot for entertainment, but a community hub.

According to Bedford Playhouse’s website, $3.6 million – more than half of the total goal – has been raised for the renovation project, which is slated for completion in the fall of 2017.

Tickets can be purchased online, but folks planning to attend must RSVP by Saturday, Aug. 20.

Priority Reserved Seating tickets, at $500 each, have been sold out, but some Open Seating ($300 each) spots remain, Friedman said.

In accordance with Harvey School policy, guests must be 21 or older.

For information about tickets to the event, or the project, contact the playhouse at info@bedfordplayhouse.org.

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