After the success of its first “Live Outdoor Cabaret” in July held in the parking lot of The Pennsylvania Playhouse (PPH) along Illick’s Mill Road, Bethlehem, the community theater is presenting its second live cabaret, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 and 13.

“Playhouse Parts: Live at PPH” celebrates the many talented community members who have volunteered their time at the theater.

The cabaret, which is sold out for both nights, has socially-distanced seating (a maximum of 70 for each performance) and 16 performers who have played memorable parts on the Playhouse stage, singing some of their favorite show tunes and doing monologues.

Performers include Elizabeth Marsh-Gilkeson, who played The Witch in “Into The Woods” and Amalia in “She Loves Me”; Taylor Van Kooten (Linda in “Blood Brothers); Hannah Kurczeski (Helen Keller, “A Miracle Worker”); Mike Daniels (Frank Cioffi, “Curtains”); Ryan Leif (Coneybear, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”), and Cody Jackson (Arnold Epstein, “Biloxi Blues”).

Also performing is Rody Gilkeson, PPH Theater Administrator for the past two years. Most recently, he has directed PPH shows, including “Brighton Street Memoirs” and “She Loves Me.” He has appeared on stage in such iconic roles as Jesus in “Godspell,” Judas in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Sweeney in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” and Che in “Evita.”

He’s excited to be performing with his wife Elizabeth Marsh-Gilkeson, whom he met while both were performing in “Harvey” at the Playhouse.

“Elizabeth and I will be singing along with 14 other wonderful entertainers,” says Gilkeson.

Other PPH shows expected to be represented include “Guys and Dolls,” “La Cage aux Folles,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “The Happy Elf.”

Performers include Cindi Greatsinger, Madison Williams, Shannon O’Grady, Ryan Doncsecz, Angelina Dries, Tatiana Torres, Matt Redline, Jess Weber, Kyleigh Vicoso and Julia Urich.

“Playhouse Parts: Live at PPH” is directed by Alessandra Fanelli with technical direction by Brett Oliviera.

The event benefits PPH’s “We All Play A Part” fundraiser, which helps the not-for-profit theater continue to operate after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic drastically reduced revenue following the state-mandated shutdown.

“I love the Pennsylvania Playhouse for so many reasons,” Gilkeson says. “I hope it will be producing theater long after I am gone.”

Face masks must be worn at the cabaret. Audience members are to bring their own chairs. “We All Play A Part” T-shirts are available to benefit PPH. The event is BYOB. Bathrooms will be available inside the Playhouse.

The Playhouse’s next cabaret, “The Scaredy-Cab,” a Halloween-themed cabaret, is scheduled for Oct. 11 and 12.

Pines opening “Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical”:

The Pines Dinner Theatre is keeping the entertainment coming with reduced capacity and social distancing at its 448 N. 17th St., Allentown, venue with “Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical,” Sept. 11- Oct. 25.

Three men and three women make up the cast of the musical that takes a comedic look at situations faced in mid-life. Everything from reading glasses and mammograms, to weekend warriors and proctology exams are spoofed in the show about growing older. The show is rated PG-13.

Performances are 6:30 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. show Friday and Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. dinner and 2 p.m. show Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Show-only tickets are available.

Ticket information: www.pinesdinnertheatre.com; 610-433-2333

Touchstone hosts frontline medical workers:

Touchstone Theatre of Bethlehem returns to last year’s successful “Festival UnBound” with a series of outdoor, socially-distanced, socially responsible arts, food, and conversation weekly through Oct. 16.

“Medical Workers Speak Out,” 7 p.m. Sept. 13, is being presented in the parking lot of Touchstone, 321 E. Fourth St.. Bethlehem.

Hear stories from Lehigh Valley healthcare professionals in the time of Covid-19. Doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals have come to the forefront of national attention for their work on the frontlines of the pandemic. Come listen to tales of trauma, triumph, compassion and celebration from nurses, respiratory therapists and pulmonologists.

Touchstone will provide a livestream or digital recording to accommodate audience members who are not comfortable attending live events.

Attendance is limited for social-distancing safely. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Face masks are required.

Reservations: Chris@touchstone.org; 610-867-1689. Unclaimed reservations will be released at 6:45 p.m.

Rain date is 7 p.m. Sept. 13.

Information: www.touchstone.org

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com