Reading Lights Up the Silver Screen

The city’s historic streets recently hosted a film crew, turning everyday neighborhoods into a movie set for the new drama “Magic Time.” The production took place in June, using two restored homes owned by local councilman O. Christopher Miller and his wife William Bender. Their Victorian architecture, with mahogany details and stained‑glass windows, gave the film an authentic 19th‑century feel that even long‑time residents admired.

Playwright Douglas Carter Beane, known for his Tony‑nominated plays, directed the film. He grew up in nearby Wyomissing and has long been fascinated by the grand houses that line Centre Avenue. Though he had written stage works set in Reading, “Magic Time” is his first project filmed here. The story blends romance, ghostly elements, and a behind‑the‑scenes look at theater life, all while celebrating community spirit.

The cast features well‑known actors such as Santino Fontana, Patti LuPone, and Matthew Broderick. Their roles emphasize the film’s focus on artistic collaboration and local pride. Beane admitted that he never imagined certain scenes would come to life in Reading, like a dive bar turned into an English‑Irish pub at the real Ugly Oyster Drafthaus.

Producer Rob Hinderliter highlighted that this is the first major movie shot in Reading since “Rabbit, Run” over half a century ago. The city welcomed the crew warmly and offered historic sites like Northwest Middle School for additional filming locations. Hinderliter anticipates the film’s release in early autumn, aiming for indie festival buzz and a limited theatrical run.

The project showcases how local heritage can inspire contemporary storytelling, turning familiar streets into a canvas for cinema and reminding residents that their town’s history still holds stories worth telling.