Stage 62 was formed in 1962 from the members of a Bethel Park Recreation program on Theater Arts. Its first production was Teahouse of the August Moon in November of 1962. Its shows were staged generally at the Bethel Park Junior High School (which was renamed North Middle School in 1973, and then Park Avenue School following renovations in 1977). Occasionally, shows were staged at the Bethel Park High School; for a couple of seasons (1976-1979) Independence Middle School was used.

The group staged two shows a year for several years, generally a fall musical and a spring "straight" show (Comedy or Drama).

In 1979, the group added a Children's Show to its season with Jack and the Beanstalk.

In 1990, due to the deteriorating condition of Park Avenue School, and the continuous threat of its sale by the Bethel Park School District, the group found another home in Carnegie Borough, at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall . Its beautiful stage featured Godspell in 1990 and has been the home of Stage 62 ever since. In 1997 the group crafted and installed a re-creation of the original act curtain in the music hall. (In the meantime, Bethel Park tore down the Park Avenue School building and erected a remarkably similar building in its place. The new facility is home to The Heritage Players.

In 1991, a fourth show was added to the season, around the last two weekends of July.

Back to home page

This page was last updated Wed May 05 18:20:31 2010