RAY DIDINGER’S TOMMY AND ME

kicks off new season at Bucks County Playhouse

Are you already counting down the days to football season? Well, you can get a taste this spring when Bucks County Playhouse brings Tommy and Me back to the stage. The play is written by and based on the real story of sports journalist Ray Didinger’s decades-long friendship with Hall of Famer Tommy McDonald. The autobiographical story is one that is about the love of the game and the dreams of a little boy coming true. I spoke with Alex Fraser, Producing Director of Bucks County Playhouse, about the show and why Eagles fans will enjoy this heartwarming, true story. a: I told Ray when the touring production stopped here last winter that one day, I wanted to do our own production. When the opportunity arose to do it this year, we jumped on it. The Eagles’ great season didn’t hurt. a: We produce our MainStage productions, which means that we start from scratch. We’ve brought on a terrific director, Nick Corley. I think I first met Nick when we worked on a new musical by Jimmy Buffet 25 years ago. He’s worked at the Playhouse several times over the past two years. He flipped for the play as soon as he read it. Together, we’ve hired new designers, and are working on a new cast for the show as we speak. We’ve had great interest from some prominent actors…. stay tuned! a: I think shock would be an appropriate response! We discovered last year he’s a big theatre fan, too, and he was proud to have his play on the stage where so many great careers began. Ray told me that Joe Canuso, the director of the original production, always told him a sign of success would be when one day, a theatre would come along that wanted to do their own production. Ray and Joe have been enthusiastic supporters of every step we’ve taken… and I know they are excited to see what we come up with. a: Ray’s love of the Eagles is felt throughout the play. The long-time Eagles’ fans in the audience last year were often moved to tears, remembering the many great players of their day referenced in the story. Ray’s play will also carry fans through the off-season and keep them connected to their hometown team, even when they’re not on the gridiron. a: The hurdles Tommy had to jump to get on the team to begin with can be appreciated by anyone who had the experience of being the underdog and makes the ending triumph all the more sweet. And we all have heroes… this play is a tribute to heroes and those they inspire to follow their dreams. a: I’m just a theatre guy. I was watching old movies in the other room while my father was yelling at the game on TV. What impressed me is how similar sports fans are to theatre fans…we both are passionate about our faves and the Tony Awards is our World Series. a: The play inspired me to remember and appreciate those who I looked up to throughout my life, and make sure I pass it along to the next generation. It’s also funny and with a happy ending! a: The best river-view in town is from our restaurant, the Deck, just behind the Playhouse right on the riverbanks. As for shopping…Love Saves the Day on the corner of Bridge and Main Streets is a hoot. Fred Eisen Leather has beautiful hand-made everything leather, and a lot of our patrons stop in The Ferry Market before and after the show.

Q: Why did you feel it was important to bring Tommy and Me back to Bucks County Playhouse?

Q: How is this new production different from the one you ran last spring?

Q: What was Ray Didinger’s reaction when you told him the plan to bring this show back?

Q: Our Philadelphia Eagles had a big season. What will the team’s fans love about Tommy and Me?

Q: What if you aren’t a sports fan? Why should people come to see the show?

Q: Who are your sports idols? Have you ever met any of them?

Q: What do you hope audiences take away from Tommy and Me?

Q: Do you have any suggestions for some “must visit” shops and restaurants before the show?

Tommy and Me runs from May 19 to June 20.

Tickets can be purchased at BucksCountyPlayhouse.org or by calling 215-862-2121. PRH

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