Newtown Theatre
America's oldest continuously operating movie theater: it screened footage of the San Francisco earthquake in 1906 and never stopped. The 1883 brick building on State Street still runs about 50 films a year, plus tribute bands and stand-up nights.
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Sting Ray's 50s and 60s Rock 'n' Roll Show
Sting Ray Anthony works the doo-wop and early rock songbook on a Wednesday afternoon, three to five. Matinee timing that suits anyone who would rather not drive home late.
A Night of Dueling Pianos
Two players, two pianos, and a request list the crowd shouts out. Eight to ten on a Saturday at the 1831 theatre on North State Street.
Story Songs of the 70s
An afternoon built around the decade's narrative songs, the ones with an actual plot. One to three on a Sunday, which leaves the rest of the day open.
A Tribute to Graceland: Paul Simon's Classic Album
The 1986 Paul Simon record played front to back, South African rhythms and all. Thursday night, eight to ten, at the 1831 theatre on North State Street.
A Tribute to Jethro Tull featuring The Tull Project
The Tull Project takes on the flute-forward prog catalog, Aqualung era and beyond. Friday night, eight to ten, at the old theatre on North State Street.
A Night of Bowie
Ziggy through the Berlin years and out the other side, two hours on a Saturday night. The 1831 room on North State Street, walking distance from the borough's bars.
The Magic of Heart
Barracuda, Crazy on You and the rest of the Wilson sisters' catalog, eight to ten on a Friday. North State Street, and the restaurants nearby stay open after.
The Discoteks: A Tribute to '70s Dance Music
Disco night at the 1831 theatre, eight to ten. Same evening as Porchstock across the borough, so you can make a full day of it and finish here.
Teen Idols of the 50s, 60s and 70s
A Sunday afternoon run through the teen-idol songbook, three to five, at the theatre on North State Street. Out in time for an early dinner in the borough.
A Night of U2
A tribute band runs the anthems for two hours in the century-old State Street theatre. Small room, big sound, and the borough's restaurants are a two-minute walk from the door.
The Music of The Doors
Sunset Strip material played straight, with an afternoon start rather than the usual eight o'clock curtain. Light My Fire, Riders on the Storm, and an organ loud enough to move the seats.
Double Duran: A Tribute to Duran Duran
Eighties synth pop played by a tribute act that takes the arrangements seriously. Eight o'clock on a Saturday in the old State Street movie house, which has been running since 1906.
"I Love That Song" with The One Hit Wonderers
A Sunday matinee built entirely from songs you know exactly one of. Three o'clock start, done by five, so the evening stays open. The kind of set list that keeps a room singing.
Bucks County FilmFest
Films run noon to three at the State Street theatre, a Saturday block instead of an evening show. Check the theatre's page for the program before you drive over.
Ukulele Phenomenon Feng E
A ukulele player who treats four strings like a full band, working through rock and jazz arrangements. Thursday at eight, State Street, and worth breaking up the week for.
The Uncle Louie Variety Show
Comedy, music and characters in the old variety format, seven o'clock on a Friday. Two hours inside, then the borough's bars are a short walk down State Street.
Beatles vs. Stones: The Greatest Show That Never Was
Two tribute bands trade songs across the afternoon, settling the old argument with guitars instead of opinions. Three o'clock start in a room that seats a few hundred.
Let's Get It On: Celebrating the Music of Marvin Gaye and Motown
Sunday afternoon soul, three to five, running the Marvin Gaye songbook and the wider Motown catalog. The State Street theatre is small enough that a horn section fills the whole room.
Susan Werner
The Iowa songwriter plays folk, jazz and gospel-leaning originals with a lot of talk between songs. Friday at eight in the State Street theatre, which suits her sort of set.
The Best of Chicago
Two shows in one day, three o'clock and evening, working the horn-driven Chicago catalog. Saturday on State Street, and the matinee is usually the easier ticket to get.
Sweet Baby James: The #1 James Taylor Tribute
A James Taylor tribute across two nights, Thursday and Friday, eight o'clock each. Fire and Rain, Carolina in My Mind, the quiet songs played quietly in a small room.
The American Bombshells
A one o'clock Saturday matinee of 1940s USO-style close harmony singing, done by three. Early enough to leave the whole evening free, in the State Street theatre.
Andy Falco and Travis Book Play Jerry Garcia
Two players from the Infamous Stringdusters take on the Jerry Garcia songbook, acoustic and loose. Thursday at eight in the State Street theatre. Bluegrass instruments, Dead repertoire.
The Music of Fleetwood Mac
Two nights of Rumours-era material, Friday and Saturday at eight. In a theatre this size Dreams lands a lot closer than it would in an arena, which is the point.
Comedian Joe DeVito
Stand-up the night after Thanksgiving, seven o'clock, timed for everyone who needs out of the house. A club-circuit comic on the 1906 State Street stage.
Boundless Love: A Tribute to John Prine
Prine's songs played by people who clearly know them well, Saturday at eight. Angel from Montgomery and the rest, in a room that suits a story told slowly.
More like this
Broad Theater
A downtown movie theater on West Broad Street, marquee lit over the sidewalk. First-run films a short walk from Main Street's dinner spots.
REEL CINEMAS NARBERTH STADIUM 2
Narberth's own two-screen movie house on Narberth Avenue, first-run films a short walk from dinner. The neighborhood answer to a multiplex parking lot.
Zlock Performing Arts Center
A 339-seat theater on Bucks County Community College's Newtown campus, booking concerts, theater, and dance all year. Small enough that there isn't a bad seat in the house.
