Where We Came From
In the late 1960s, the West Chester Players of West Chester and the Barley Sheaf Players of Coatesville merged to form the West Chester and Barley Sheaf Players (recently renamed The Barley Sheaf Players). The West Chester Players had members but no money and the Barley Sheaf Players had money but few members. When the two groups merged, they did 3 adult shows per year in various rented spaces and a traveling children’s show, which provided the revenue to keep the group going. An adult show that made any money was cause for a party but, then, wasn’t everything? Butterflies are Free netted about 3 dollars.

Our Home
In 1973, all 27 founding members scraped the money together to buy a permanent home in Lionville – the Oddfellows Hall – a hall without running water and with so little electricity that they could only run two Fresnels (theater lights) at a time. They started doing shows as often as possible. In addition to shows, they held children’s workshops, art shows, One-Act festivals, and Fuller Brush sales for income generation. Somehow they stayed afloat.

Where We Are Now
Still housed in the old Oddfellows Hall, the Players now boast a membership over 200. each year, we offer a 5-show season as well as 2 summer youth programs, a One-Act Play Festival, a holiday production, and a traveling and in-house children’s workshop program. We are always looking for ways to reach out to our community. for example: a food drive (coordinated with our holiday productions), complimentary tickets (offered to women’s shelters and other organizations in the area), special appearances at nursing homes, and more. We have succeeded over the years because we put a strong emphasis on family and community involvement. and the success of one makes the success of others possible.

Mission Statement
The Barley Sheaf Players is a community theater organization dedicated to the ongoing promotion and encouragement of dramatic arts in the region surrounding Lionville, Pennsylvania. We encourage the dramatic arts within this area via:

• the presentation of theatrical productions throughout the calendar year including musicals, dramas, comedies, holiday shows, one-act plays, and children’s productions
• the conduct of educational and experiential events to coach members and non-members in theatrical disciplines
• the sponsorship of activities and causes which promote artistic endeavors
• active cooperation and exchange with other area theatrical organizations for the common good of the community and the arts within our region.
• in all activities, it is the goal of the Players to find the optimal blend of representing a true community spirit, fostering creativity, and maintaining stewardship for the continued well-being of the Players.

Vision Statement
The Barley Sheaf Players will always strive to be recognized within our region, as well as by our peers within the theater community, as a shining example of artistic achievement and encouragement in combination with a pervasive sense of community spirit.

Now in its 39th season in its home on Whitford Road in Lionville, BSP strives to promote and encourage dramatic arts in the Chester County region and to be recognized within the region as an example of artistic achievement combined with a pervasive sense of community spirit.

The box office phone line (610-363-7075) is available 24 hours a day. Most performances are on Friday and Saturday evenings, with an occasional Sunday matinee.

Woven into the mix are American favorites, evolving seasonally using the highest quality produce, beef and lamb, cheeses and cream from Chester and Lancaster Counties. One visit to The Whip and you’ll know why so many locals covet it and why hundreds of visitors travel miles to experience it.

Formerly the Bacon’s Tavern and the ol’ Kings Highway Inn, we are located at the intersection of Route 340, the ol’ Kings Highway and Bondsville Road in Downingtown, PA.

Come in and make new friends or relax with some ol’ ones.

We prepare every dish with care to ensure our customers enjoy the best dining experience possible. Casual, everyday style food made from fresh ingredients makes our menu reminiscent of Mom’s home cooking.

The Lasorda Brothers, Eddy, Harry, Morris and Smokey began the tradition way back in 1971 along with their wives and children. After many, many succesful years in the business and numerous friends along the way. Again, along with the kids they are back at it again. We hope to see all our old friends and new ones.

Special Offer – 10 for 12
Pay for ten months and get two months of membership for free.

We took the idea of fast food and the quality of a sit-down restaurant and put the two together to form PRONTO!

We have something for everyone… Speed, Quality, Convenience, and more. Pull on up and say hello… we’ll be ready for you!

Since 1974, our family has been providing fresh, quality food, with exceptional service [to countless loyal patrons]. As kids, we worked alongside our parents who grew three successful businesses, in Southeastern, PA: Thorndale Piazza Deli, Café Gap and Ruffini’s Restaurant. We’re the second generation, building a new concept on over 37 years of experience – and we’re excited to share it with you!

At Pronto, we offer high-end Italian cuisine at the speed of fast food; but we’ll never sacrifice quality for speed. An important tradition of our close-knit, Italian family is gathering around fresh, delicious food and we know you wouldn’t want to serve your family any less. Our authentic recipes, direct from Italy, are made with only healthy ingredients, and we strive to use foods that are free of chemical and genetically modified additives, so you can be confident you’re enjoying only the best.

We welcome and invite you to enjoy the best of Italy – from our table to yours.