Lights, cameras, and action filled the Historic Hotel Bethlehem April 17 when the Pennsylvania Youth Theater celebrated their 40th anniversary. Current students, supporters, and alumni shared the stage exchanging stories and experiences spanning 40 years.

The evening was filled with alumni participation. PYT alumnus Dylan Brown, a Liberty HS grad, was the host and MC, performing in the finale with another notable alumnus Mathew Moisey. Moisey, a graduate of Southern Lehigh HS, is credited with many Broadway and touring credits. He performed “Never Never Land” from Peter Pan, and “Who’d I’d be” from “Shrek” with fellow professional, Alyssa Wray.

PYT Founders, Madeline Ramsey, and Katheryn and Charles Klein were honored by alumni Wayne Gmitter and Nick Flatto. Gmitter is credited with being the first student at PYT. He commended Ramsey and the Kleins for “their vision and patience… and their impact on the students.” Flatto praised the founding three for “their vision for theater education that has inspired pride and creativity in students.” The newly decorated lounge at PYT will now bear the names of the three founders and be known as the “Founders Lounge, in their honor.

One of the performance highlights of the evening was that of Tony Award winning actress Kate Baldwin. She performed several numbers from “Hello Dolly” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Current students performed in “Biggest Blame Fool” from “Seussical” and the finale, “Snoopy the Musical.”

The evening was truly a legacy in lights as current and future stars honored PYT.