The New Olde Bank Theatre, which will open its doors for the first time tomorrow at 722 Allegheny River Blvd. in Verona, isn't your average suburban theater.

Of course, it never was -- even when it was the old Olde Bank Theatre.

Founded in 1999 by Freeport natives Sean Michael O'Donnell and Todd Collar, that earlier incarnation of the Bank Theatre was in a former bank building in Natrona Heights, Harrison, and closed in 2003 after a successful run.

An idea of how unusual the old Olde Bank was can be had by looking at the lineup for its final season, which included an original comedy by Mr. O'Donnell, the artistic director; two original Broadway medleys; and back-to-back productions by 19th-century dramatist Henrik Ibsen.

Small suburban theaters tend to rely on familiar comedies and big-name musicals, which are popular with a wide audience. But Mr. O'Donnell said the New Olde Bank will be sticking to its old formula.

"Original works, some Shakespeare, some serious plays," he said. "If no one's doing it, it will find a place with us."

That eclectic mix continues in the New Olde Bank's premiere season, which will open with a collection of Mr. O'Donnell's racy one-act comedies called "Return to the Moral Abyss."

It will be followed by a children's play, "Gold, Leprechauns and Rainbows," by Dan O'Donnell, Mr. O'Donnell's father; then by an original musical, "Soul," by old Olde Bank actor Vincent Chelkowski.

Though the "Moral Abyss" part of his title is tongue-in-cheek, said Mr. O'Donnell, the "Return" part certainly seems appropriate to the occasion.

After the old Olde Bank closed in 2003, Mr. O'Donnell and Mr. Collar relocated to Jersey City, N.J., outside New York City. But Mr. O'Donnell said they always intended to come back, and when they returned to the Pittsburgh area in March, they looked into opening another theater.

Immediately, he said, things started falling into place.

"I found this space for rent on Craig's List, and it was perfect," Mr. O'Donnell said.

The perfect space was the old Knights of Columbus meeting hall in Verona. It will now seat 52 and provide a kitchen, dressing rooms and space for props.

Old Olde Bank alumni, such as Mr. Chelkowski, quickly rallied around the new theater.

"They came running," said Mr. Collar, who serves as New Bank's managing director. "Everyone said the old theater provided them with such a sense of community, like a family, and we're hoping to do that again. Not just with the original people, but also with new people from the area."

Of course, family feeling may come more easily if, like Mr. O'Donnell, you have your father as scenic construction crew and contributing playwright.

Dan O'Donnell has been director of drama at Freeport Junior High School for 18 years and has written and directed more than 30 plays, including several for the old Olde Bank.

"Sean has a really good knack for writing and directing, and good business sense," he said. "I think he'll do well in the new location."

The elder Mr. O'Donnell is not the only one who believes that. David Ricupero, a Verona councilman for 19 years, said he expected the New Olde Bank to be an asset to the community.

"With 50 seats, that's 25 couples coming into our local restaurants and stores," he noted.

Mr. Ricupero added that the theater's location, on Allegheny River Boulevard, might also prompt people to take a closer look at Verona, which is working toward funding renovations to its business district.

Mr. O'Donnell and Mr. Collar said they learned valuable lessons from running the old theater that will help the new one succeed.

First, is keep the operation simple and overhead costs low. Mr. Collar pointed out that because the theater's decisions aren't made by committee, but by Mr. O'Donnell and himself, things get done faster and with less waste.

"And that creates a better atmosphere for creativity," he said. "Actors can commit themselves because they can see we're committed."

Rent is often a theater's biggest cost, but Mr. O'Donnell said the new Olde Bank has been fortunate on that score.

"We were lucky to find a very affordable space," he said, adding that low costs will enable the theater to keep ticket prices low.

The second lesson is to do shows that are challenging -- for them, their actors and their audiences.

"I don't want to be bored," Mr. O'Donnell said. "I don't think anyone else wants to be, either."

"If you do quality, people will come," added Mr. Collar. "And if your audience comes to like and trust you, they'll try new things."