Mac-Haydn Awarded $30,000 from NYSCA
January 2, 2023MAC-HAYDN AWARDED $30,000 IN SUPPORT FROM NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS
(January 3, 2023–Chatham, NY) The Mac-Haydn Theatre announced today a grant award totaling $30,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the recovery of the nonprofit arts and culture sector. The grant is the largest amount received for a single funding year in the Chatham summer theatre’s history.
“We are delighted to receive this level of support from NYSCA,” said Managing Director James Rodgers, discussing what the award means for the Mac-Haydn. “It is a validation of the work we have been doing both on and off the stage during the last several years. This will provide an additional platform for continued growth in our foundational and donor support.”
NYSCA Executive Director Mara Manus said, “We are immensely grateful to Governor Hochul and the Legislature for their unprecedented investment of $240 million to support arts organizations across the state. New York State arts organizations such as The Mac-Haydn Theatre are the cornerstone of our vibrant arts economy. As crucial drivers of our health and vitality, we are grateful to the unwavering dedication of arts workers across the state.”
The historic grant will go toward the Mac-Haydn’s marketing costs, enhancing the areas of print and digital media, advertising, promotions, publicity and additional program costs. Rodgers added that this support could not have come at a better time, enabling the Mac-Haydn to continue their outreach into a wider community. “If people don’t know we are here, how can they come and see us? This grant will help us allocate the resources required to introduce our organization, and our work, a little more loudly!”
NYSCA Chair Katherine Nicholls said, “On behalf of the entire Council, I congratulate The Mac-Haydn on this grant award. Their creative work provides the benefits of the arts to both their community and all of New York. Arts organizations are essential, leading our tourism economy and fueling sectors such as hospitality, transit, and Main Streets across our state.”
For more information on the Mac-Haydn and its current projects, please visit www.machaydntheatre.org.
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About the Mac-Haydn Theatre
Founded in 1969, the Mac-Haydn Theatre strives to present innovative, diverse and professional musical theatre productions to the residents of Columbia County and beyond. We aim to cultivate young talent for careers in theatre and seek to provide a supportive environment for the creation of new musical theatre works.
About the New York State Council on the Arts
The Council on the Arts preserves and advances the arts and culture that make New York State an exceptional place to live, work and visit. The Council upholds the right of all New Yorkers to experience the vital contributions the arts make to our communities, education, economic development, and quality of life. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award record funding in FY 2023, providing support across the full breadth of the arts, including dedicated support for arts education and underrepresented Communities.
The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit http://www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, Twitter @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.
Gabe Belyeu Awarded Berkshire Theatre Award for “A Call to Places”
November 21, 2022“A CALL TO PLACES” TAKES HOME A BERKIE
Our very own Gabe Belyeu took home the Berkie for “Outstanding Production with Fewer than Six Performances” last week for “A Call to Places!”
The Berkshire Theatre Awards were held on Monday, November 14 in Pittsfield. Nominees from the Mac-Haydn included Elizabeth McGuire, Monica M. Wemitt, Amber Mawande-Spytek, Kylan Ross, John Saunders, Dean Marino, Gabe Belyeu, Meredith Lustig, Andrew Gmoser, Beth Kirkpatrick and the production of “Next to Normal.”
The Mac-Haydn congratulates Gabe Belyeu, Andrew Burton Kelley, Rachel Pantazis, Eric Shorey, John Saunders, and the whole “A Call to Places” team. The Mac-Haydn is so proud to have debuted this incredible production!
Congrats to all nominees and winners from last week’s ceremony – as always, we are honored to be nominated among all of you. For the full list of winners, visit berkshirecritics.org
Mac-Haydn Awarded $10,000 from NYSCA
November 8, 2022MAC-HAYDN AWARDED $10,000 IN RECOVERY FUNDING FROM NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS
(November 8, 2022–Chatham, NY) The Mac-Haydn Theatre has received a Regrowth and Capacity grant of $10,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts. The grant will go toward the organization’s COVID-19 costs, as the Chatham theatre continues its ongoing recovery from pandemic challenges.
Mac-Haydn’s Managing Director James Rodgers spoke to the significance of this support: “NYSCA’s contribution aided us in providing the resources to maintain a safe environment for our staff and patrons during this extremely challenging period. These resources, combined with the diligent work from our staff, allowed us to maintain an uninterrupted 2022 summer season. This was a remarkable achievement under the circumstances.”
After shuttering for the entirety of its 2020 season, the Mac-Haydn reopened in July of 2021 and recently concluded its first full, 4-month season back since 2019 this past summer. COVID-19-related expenses have ranged from PPE, to company-wide weekly antigen testing, to COVID Compliance Officer Certification Training.
“NYSCA applauds Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature for their historic investment of $240 million for the nonprofit arts and culture sector,” said Mara Manus, Executive Director of NYSCA, “As we continue rebuilding the arts across our New York, Mac-Haydn Theatre will play a vital role in the renewal of our state’s economy and creative ecosystem. Congratulations on your award from the entire NYSCA team.”
“Council congratulates Mac-Haydn Theatre on their grant award! These grants are from the people of New York State, for the future of New York State,” said Katherine Nicholls, Chair, NYSCA.
For more information on the Mac-Haydn and its current projects, please visit www.machaydntheatre.org.
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About the Mac-Haydn Theatre
Founded in 1969, the Mac-Haydn Theatre strives to present innovative, diverse and professional musical theatre productions to the residents of Columbia County and beyond. We aim to cultivate young talent for careers in theatre and seek to provide a supportive environment for the creation of new musical theatre works.
About the New York State Council on the Arts
The Council on the Arts preserves and advances the arts and culture that make New York State an exceptional place to live, work and visit. The Council upholds the right of all New Yorkers to experience the vital contributions the arts make to our communities, education, economic development, and quality of life. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award record funding in FY 2023, providing support across the full breadth of the arts, including dedicated support for arts education and underrepresented Communities.
The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit http://www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, Twitter @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.
2022 Berkshire Theatre Award Nominations
October 18, 2022We’re Nominated for 12 “Berkies!”
This week, The Berkshire Theatre Critics Association announced the nominees for the 6th Berkshire Theatre Awards, known colloquially as “The Berkies”. This year’s awards recognize shows that opened in the greater Berkshire region between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022.
Nominations for the Mac-Haydn are as follows:
Outstanding Choreography
Elizabeth McGuire, The Full Monty, Mac-Haydn Theatre
Outstanding Direction of a Musical
John Saunders, Next to Normal, Mac-Haydn Theatre
Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play or Musical
Andrew Gmoser, Next to Normal, Mac-Haydn Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical
Monica M. Wemitt, The Full Monty, Mac-Haydn Theatre
Amber Mawande-Spytek, Next to Normal, Mac Haydn Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical
Gabe Belyeu, Next to Normal, Mac-Haydn Theatre
Dean Marino, The Full Monty, Mac-Haydn Theatre
Kylan Ross, Next to Normal, Mac-Haydn Theatre
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical
Beth Kirkpatrick, Next to Normal, Mac-Haydn Theatre
Outstanding Production With Fewer Than Six Performances
A Call to Places, starring Gabe Belyeu, Mac-Haydn Theatre
To Sondheim, With Love, starring Meredith Lustig, Mac-Haydn Theatre
Outstanding Production of a Musical
Next to Normal, Mac-Haydn Theatre
The purpose of the BTCA and the Berkshire Theatre Awards is to promote and celebrate the quality and diversity of theatre in the region. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on the evening of November 14 at Zion Lutheran Church in Pittsfield.
An update on our COVID-19 Protocols for the 2023 Season
September 24, 2022An update on our COVID-19 Protocols for the 2023 Season
After examining statewide, nationwide, and industry-wide policies, as well as recommendations from the CDC and local health departments, we are planning to lift our vaccination requirement for audience members and volunteers during the 2023 season. Full time staff and company members will still be required to be fully vaccinated.
We are so excited to have reached the point where we can welcome each and every member of our community back into the theater again this year. We have greatly appreciated your compliance with our protocols for the past two years; we know the requirement has been challenging, restrictive and frustrating. Believe us when we say, we wish we didn’t have to do it. However, it is worth noting that we have managed to navigate the past two seasons with no cancellations or call-outs due to cases of COVID-19 within our company and crew in both 2021 and 2022. That’s right, zero.
At a time when it seemed impossible, your support and commitment to these protocols has allowed us to confidently and safely produce live theater during a pandemic – which is pretty incredible. We are so proud of our community and truly cannot thank you enough.
All that being said, we do not know what the future will bring and if there were to be an extreme change in the course of the virus leading to worsening conditions, we reserve the right to reimplement this policy if necessary. However, if our policies on vaccinations change and you are no longer able to attend, any tickets you purchase will be fully refunded.
As for our mask requirement, we are also planing to lift that requirement. However, we are continuing to examine this policy and will make a final determination closer to the beginning of the season. We will keep you updated on any changes, and will publish our final 2023 COVID-19 Protocols by May 1st, 2023.
In the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy, and get excited for Summer 2023!
With Gratitude,
The Mac-Haydn Theatre COVID-19 Compliance Team
Forever Plaid is “90 minutes of vocal liquid gold”
September 14, 2022Bill Kellert calls “Forever Plaid” “90 minutes of vocal liquid gold” in his review for Nippertown
“Together, they are a compilation of sweet, insecure, somewhat neurotic, and incredibly talented young men who have been given the opportunity to live out their one last dream.”
“Together, The Plaids give us 90 minutes of vocal liquid gold.”
“Smooth, silky, and joyful. Cody Edwards sets up most of the numbers. His strong lead voice carries the group through “Three Coins in The Fountain”, “Moments to Remember”, “Perfidia”, and “Catch a Falling Star” to name but a few.”
“John Hannigan’s deep rich bass offers depth to all the numbers and takes center stage with the “Sixteen Tons”/“Chain Gang” medley.”
“Kylan Ross’s soaring, crystal clear, pristine tenor shines in “Cry”, and Miles Yokom’s baritone continually rounds out the group’s sound throughout the show.”
“What makes this production work so well is a combination of Eric Shorey’s musical direction and Ashley Delane Burger’s choreography. Director James Barry has shown his ability as a secure director by allowing the music to be the star of this show.”
J. Peter Bergman says “Forever Plaid” is a “most satisfying” production in his review for The Berkshire Edge
“If you’ve never seen this show before it is one not to miss, and if you’re a fan of the piece, James Barry has directed a smash hit version of it for the Mac.”
“Kylan Ross, by stepping back from lead roles into this ensemble work, has solidified his place as an emerging star of the company”
“Barry’s staging of the play gives all four men that special something that defines musical groups as special people who understand cooperation in the notes, and the choreography by Ashley DeLane Burger of their lives together is as special as their story.”
“costumes, designed by Claire Mezzetta, are delightful and a grand piano centered set design by Kevin Gleason is practically perfect in every way. Andrew Gmoser’s fun lighting gives the quartet everything they need and also provides subtle showcasing of music director Eric Shorey as needed.”
“This light comedy is both entertaining and thought-provoking and ultimately most satisfying. It’s a sweet and sentimental combination of a show and well worth devoting some time to as the summer season wanes and warps into Autumn.”
Andrew Andrews says you will “enjoy every moment” in their review for Opplaud
“Covering more than a dozen songs from the fifties and a retro rendition of at least one from the early sixties, the four young men who have been frozen in time harmonize, croon and synchronize their steps…”
“You can almost smell the Brylcreem as the small but talented cast belts out one vocal harmony after another, with choreography that’s as tight and enjoyable as the singing…”
“anyone who came of age in the 1950s is sure to enjoy every moment of this performance…”
“For those of us who grew up in the era of Happy Days and Sha Na Na, plenty of songs are familiar enough to sing along…”
“the show’s greatest highlight is an amazingly-funny circus parody of The Ed Sullivan Show. Quoting Frankie’s passionate, accidental outburst, “It was good, dammit!””
Xanadu a “Gift from the Gods!”
September 10, 2022J. Peter Bergman says “Xanadu” will leave you “breathless” in his review for The Berkshire Edge
“The company does wonderful work on stage and off. The costumes designed by Angela Carstensen are often as silly as the story. Lighting by Andrew Gmoser highlights each of the
moments perfectly. Kevin Gleason’s sets capture the hilarity of the situation. The company of
nine players, some of them doubling their roles, are excellent.”
“Kelley is a lovely foil for the nonsense surrounding his character and Galorenzo and Pantazis are such delicious villains they should always be given the chance to play the bad guys.”
“Yancey entertains as always. Two of the muses (all sisters, remember) are hysterically played by Ricky Dobbs (Thalia, Muse of Comedy) and Patrick MacLennan (Terpsicore, Muse of Dance).”
“A wonderful choice to cover the difficulties of the transition from Summer to Autumn, I suggest that you get your tickets now, get to Chatham and indulge your entertainment needs with “Xanadu” while you can. It doesn’t play every night, but seeing Robin Campbell’s humorous take on modern-day’s man in relationship to the eternal values of the world is worth the effort.”
Trixie Starr calls the production “A Gift From the Gods” in her review for Trixie’s List
“As a Gen Xer, I knew all the songs – I’m Alive, Suddenly, Magic, Evil Woman – you’ve heard them all before. The colorful costumes and dance routines are fantasmic! There’s an incredible tap dance routine by performer Tezz Yancey – based on the movie’s performance by Gene Kelly.”
“The multi-talented lead actress, Kira/Clio, played by Lucy Rhoades, can belt out a song, dance up a storm, roller-skate around a small stage, and squawk out an Australian accent with gusto!”
“Kudos to the set and costume designers, Kevin Gleason and Angela Carstensen, for a scene filled with life-sized Greek mythical characters, such as a white centaur with gold glittering hooves.”
“Singing, dancing, sets, costumes, and comedy – it’s all there at Xanadu – a gift from the Gods! Sweeter than ambrosia, Xanadu is a delight!”
“Don’t walk – skip jauntily – or better yet, roller-skate to the Mac-Haydn”
Bill Kellert says “Xanadu” “pure comic camp” in his review for Nippertown
“Andrew Burton Kelley returns to the Mac stage, and it appears that this is the role he is clearly having the most fun with this season. Lucy Rhoades joins the Mac-Haydn family and fits right in. Kelley and Rhoades are a dynamic duo on stage.”
“Kira and Sonny are both very lovable characters. The actors filling the shoes, or in Rhoades case, the roller skates, are a delight.”
“Both possess strong voices, have great sense of comic timing and make their time on stage, which is almost nonstop, appear effortless.”
“While the sisters are all excellent, outstanding in the group are Ricky Dobbs and Rachel Pantazis as Thailia and Calliope.”
“Julie Galorenzo, Melpomene (the evil sister), is a joy to watch. She is clearly great at being evil. Her strong singing voice soars in “Evil Women”. It is her asides, mostly visual, to the audience that had the small but very appreciative crowd coming unglued at the show.”
“Tezz Yancey once again dazzles the appreciative crowd with his wonderful tap dancing ability.”
“Director Robin Campbell has elevated this mindless two hours to pure comic camp.”
“Choreographer David Tankersley and Music Director Bobby McCoy have worked together to present the best in eighties music and have us believe that we are all in the world’s first roller disco.”
“Andrew Gmoser’s lighting and Sean McGinley’s sound design fill in the voids beautifully in Kevin Gleason’s somewhat spartan set.”
Showstoppers a “Tremendously Entertaining” Production
September 5, 2022Andrew Andrews calls “Showstoppers” “tremendously entertaining” in their review for Opplaud
“Regular readers already know the high regard I hold for the Mac-Haydn, so it should come as no surprise that I found this year’s Showstoppers tremendously entertaining.”
“Opening with perfect choreography to “Rhythm of Life” (Sweet Charity) and closing with perfect harmony to “Seasons of Love” (Rent), the ensemble numbers sandwiched an uninterrupted stream of solos, each highlighting the individual talents of the performers…”
“Lucy Rhoades’ impeccable singing, dancing and acting in her delivery of “If I Were a Bell…”
“Showstoppers proves that the Hudson Valley can’t just claim a handful of highly-skilled performers—we’re full of them”
“proof-positive that you don’t need to head into Manhattan and pay twice as much for a showcase this enjoyable from a cast with this much talent.”
J. Peter Bergman says “Showstoppers” lives up to its name in his review for The Berkshire Edge
“It did, indeed, stop the show cold garnering as much applause as it deserved, for the company
chorus sang it like an anthem for this theater’s works of arts.”
“It was followed by “What Do I Need With Love?” from Thoroughly Modern Millie sung handsomely by Cody Edwards and “If I Were a Bell”, a comedy-ballad from Guys and Dolls adorably performed by Lucy Rhoades.”
“After much well-deserved cheers from the audience, Trevor Squiers sang “Forest for the Trees” from The Spitfire Grill, a 2001 off-Broadway musical. He moved us with its sentiments.”
Bill Kellert says “Showstoppers” features “some of the most gifted performers” in his review for Nippertown
“The full cast opened the show with a stunningly choreographed number from Sweet Charity, “The Rhythm of Life”.”
“What Producing Artistic Director John Saunders has sandwiched between the two numbers is a most satisfying 70 or so minutes of some of the most gifted performers the theatre has had the pleasure to present.”
“Music Director and Arranger Eric Shorey has led the house orchestra all season, as well as the productions with a deftness of talent. He has brought out the best in the performers all season and continues in this review.”
“Choreographer Holly Lauren Dayton is a truly amazing talent. Whether she was moving around a cast of 20+ on the stage, or a duo, trio, or quartet of dancers, she has made them all shine brightly.”
“Julia Hajjar’s “Love You Didn’t Do Right By Me” from White Christmas was the torch song highlight of the show.”
“Tezz Yancey, who combined adlib-ed commentary putting together a song from objects the audience held up, to his amazing tap dancing, gave the audience the total package.”
“That being said, the overall company at Mac-Haydn this season has been incomparable to any previous season. It appears every year that John Saunders has assembled a group that, on the whole, has topped the talent showcased previously.”
Spend Labor Day at the Mac-Haydn!
August 20, 2022Three Exciting Shows – Two Big Discounts!
While Labor Day is a sign of the end of summer for many, it means that Summer In September is just beginning here at the Mac-Haydn! In fact, we’ve got three big shows running Labor Day weekend – and we want you to join us to celebrate, and take advantage of our Labor Day Deals!
This Labor Day Weekend (Friday 9/2 – Sunday 9/4):
See any two of our productions for just $68 – that’s 25% off our standard ticket price.
See all three productions for $90 – 30% off our standard ticket price.
Call our box office at 518-392-9292 or click below to take advantage of this offer!
Please note, each package purchase will include a $5.00 convenience fee.
Heading to the Columbia County Fair this weekend? Show your ticket to our box office and receive $15 off your walk-up ticket to ANY performance of ANY production starting Wednesday, 8/31 through Sunday, 9/4!
Learn More About the Eligible Productions
Monica Wemitt Is Back On Stage
August 16, 2022Monica Wemitt Back At The Mac!
That’s right, Monica Wemitt makes her grand return to the Mac-Haydn stage this week for the first time in three years! We caught up with Monica this week to chat about what she’s been up to in the meantime, and what it means to return to our stage.
Q: How excited are you to be back on stage at the Mac-Haydn?
A: Not only is it exciting to be on the stage, but to be able to work in this new configuration is so much fun!
Q: What have you been up to since you were last seen on our stage?
A: Aside from being the Covid Compliance Manager here at the theatre, I pivoted into doing audio books. It’s such a fulfilling job to be able to record, edit and master the tracks I record for these books. I also was the soloist at St. Mary’s in Waterford for period between Thanksgiving and Easter for the past two years.
Q: What was your most memorable role at the Mac?
A: Honestly there are just too many to list, but the ones that come immediately to mind are Miss Hannigan in ANNIE, Frau Blucher in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN and Carmen in CURTAINS.
Q: Tell us about your role in “The Full Monty”?
A: That would be the role of Jeanette and she is amazing. Not one to pull her punches, a heart of gold, and quite a saucy way of speaking.
Q: What is the most exciting part of being in the cast of “The Full Monty”?
A: To be in such a fun show. The music is great, the script is really well-written and to be performing with this cast is a real honor, and of course to be working with Todd Underwood (Director) and Lizzie McGuire (Choreographer) who give everyone the liberty to create.