The Mac-Haydn Theatre cast house, which burned on July 13, was torn down and taken away last week. “Finally!,” said Artistic Director/Producer Lynne Haydn, adding that there was much testing and paperwork to be done before the project could physically begin. Ms. Haydn and the theatre Board of Directors are exploring options on replacing the house. Eleven people escaped the fire without injury, thanks to working smoke alarms. Board member Clinton Whittemore headed the project for MHT; the demolition was done by Cristo Demolition, Inc. of Albany.
Almost 100 reservations, generous donations and exciting silent auction bids helped The Mac-Haydn Theatre raise $17,624 at the recent "The Show Will Go On" Gala. The special event was held to kick off fund drives for rebuilding the Mac-Haydn cast house.
About 200 guests enjoyed drinks and appetizers as they bid on silent auction items that ranged from art photographs and prints to gift certificates for area dining to pound cakes. Dinner, catered by the Kinderhook Elks, was served before exciting entertainment by some favorite Mac-Haydn performers from over the years.
Mac-Haydn’s Artistic Director/Producer Lynne Haydn welcomed guests and thanked them for their support. Ms. Haydn also thanked all those who assisted with donations, work and ideas for the event. Among those helping were David Allan of Mac-Haydn partner radio station WABY, and Jay Scott and Ben Patten of the Jay and Ben Morning Show on Magic590 WROW radio. MHT volunteers set up and decorated for the evening, held in the main exhibition building on the Chatham Fairgrounds. Volunteers also manned beverage and appetizer serving areas, and helped with dinner service.
