Bristol Riverside Theatre, a cornerstone of the Bristol community and a beacon of the arts for nearly four decades, celebrates its grand reopening on Feb. 3, 2025. Following months of renovations, the historic theatre welcomes audiences back to experience a beautiful theatre auditorium, which will be renamed the John Martinson Theatre.
After months of meticulous planning and construction, BRT’s revitalized home at 120 Radcliffe Street now boasts a state-of-the-art theatrical experience that marries modern functionality with its historic charm. Renovations include enhanced sound and lighting systems, new seating, and carpeting.
The renovation project was supported in part by a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant, underscoring the theatre’s role as a cultural and economic driver in Bristol.
BRT’s grand reopening sets the stage for the Bristol debut of Fires in the Mirror, a searing one-woman production written by Anna Deavere Smith and directed by BRT’s Amy Kaissar. This groundbreaking play seeks to unearth our “National Narrative” by presenting a tapestry of perspectives drawn from over 50 verbatim interviews conducted in the aftermath of the 1991 Crown Heights riots. Acclaimed Brooklyn based actor Phyllis Johnson portrays more than two dozen characters, exploring identity, community, and the search for understanding amidst tragedy.
The renovations at BRT mark the first major update to the theatre since its opening in 1986. They reflect a vision to create a space that invites and inspires.
Tickets for Fires in the Mirror are available now at brtstage.org.
ACCESSIBILITY & VENUE INFORMATION
Bristol Riverside Theatre is located at 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007. Free, ample parking is available near the theatre: in the lot adjacent to the theatre behind Truist Bank, on the street, and in the Municipal Lot behind the shops on Mill St.