After a decade of elevating the La Mirada Theatre, BT McNicholl is heading to one of the most historic playhouses in the country. Bucks County Playhouse has a rich history of producing extraordinary theater in New Hope, Pennsylvania and now, a leader with deep roots in La Mirada’s cultural community is set to guide its next chapter.
BT McNicholl, outgoing Producing Artistic Director of the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, has been named the new Producing Artistic Director of the Bucks County Playhouse. The announcement was made on March 18, 2026, with McNicholl set to begin his new role on June 22.
During his tenure, McNicholl led the 1,251-seat La Mirada Theatre through a period of notable artistic and financial growth, elevating its reputation as a premier performing arts venue in Southern California. A protégé of legendary director Mike Nichols, McNicholl brought with him a strong foundation in Broadway and international theater, shaping a vision that emphasized both excellence and accessibility. His impact has expanded and diversified programming to reach broader audiences. The Theatre has delivered consistent “Broadway-quality” experiences locally and strengthened the theater’s financial and artistic positioning. McNichols’s background includes work on Broadway productions such as Spamalot and Billy Elliot, and collaborations with some of the industry’s most respected directors.
McNicholl’s career spans national tours, Broadway productions, and international stages across Europe, Asia, and Australia. He has worked alongside acclaimed directors including Stephen Daldry and Sam Mendes, and has directed major productions such as the national tour of Cabaret. He also collaborated with Stephen Sondheim on a concert version of A Little Night Music, further cementing his reputation as a creative force in the theater world.
Founded in 1939 on the site of a former grist mill along the Delaware River, Bucks County Playhouse has long been regarded as one of the nation’s most treasured regional theaters. Known as “America’s Most Famous Summer Theater,” it has hosted generations of iconic performers and productions. Playhouse leadership expressed confidence in McNicholl’s appointment, citing his “experience, imagination, and respect for legacy” as key to continuing the institution’s success.
For La Mirada, McNicholl’s departure marks the close of a transformative era, one defined by artistic ambition, professional excellence, and a deep connection to community. As he steps into this new role, his influence remains embedded in the local arts landscape, leaving behind a strengthened institution and a standard of quality that will continue to resonate. La Mirada City Councilman Steve DeRuse stated ‘BT will be missed’. A search for McNicholls’ replacement has not yet started. City Councilman John Lewis added “He is going to be hard to replace. He is such a talented individual.”
