The Mac-Haydn Theatre presents The World Goes ‘Round from September 10 through October 3, 2021.
Instead of the usual two-week summer stock schedule, the theatre will rotate this debut mainstage show in a repertory schedule with Beehive: The ‘60s Musical. The two musicals will run simultaneously, in addition to the five Limited Performances presented in September, with two separate casts and creative teams.
The Mac-Haydn’s own “Impossible Dream” continues with the long-awaited return of Man of La Mancha.
A moving tale about a man’s refusal to give up his impossible dream, inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ masterpiece Don Quixote. Powerful, brutal, hilarious, and heartbreaking, it celebrates the perseverance of someone who refuses to relinquish his ideals or his passion.
The Mac-Haydn Theatre presents She Loves Me, the classic musical by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick and Joe Masteroff, running August 12 through 22. Considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written, She Loves Me is a warm, romantic comedy with an endearing innocence and a touch of old-world elegance. Set in a 1930s European perfumery, two feuding shop clerks both respond to a “lonely hearts advertisement” in the newspaper. They now live for the love letters that they exchange, but the identity of their admirers remains unknown.
Alumna Kelly Gabrielle Murphy returns to the Mac-Haydn as soprano Amalia Balash, after touring with Fiddler on the Roof as Tzeitel nationally before the pandemic. Murphy returns following her fan-favorite performances at the Mac-Haydn as Sophie in Mamma Mia! (2018), Johanna in Sweeney Todd (2017), and Jolene in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (2017).
Newcomer Xander James makes his Mac-Haydn debut as Georg Nowack after a ten-year hiatus from live theatre. James currently works as a professional musician based in New York City, and his previous stage credits include Henry in Next to Normal, Chip in …Spelling Bee, and Jud in Oklahoma.
Rounding out the cast are returnees Erin Spears Ledford as Ilona Ritter, Andrew Burton Kelley as Steven Kodaly, Gabe Belyeu as Mr. Maraczek, William Taitel as Ladislav Sipos and Brian Wagner as Keller. Anthony Velez, continuing his debut season at the Mac-Haydn, is Arpad Laszlo.
She Loves Me is directed by Producing Artistic Director John Saunders, choreographed by Ashley DeLane Burger and music directed by David Maglione, with costume design by Bethany Marx, hair and makeup design by Matthew Oliver, lighting design by Andrew Gmoser, props by Emily Spateholts, sound design by Corbin White, and scenic design by Erin Kiernan.
Vaccination is required for all patrons. For tickets and details on COVID-19 protocols, please visit www.machaydntheatre.org/covid-19 or call the box office at 518-392-9292.
Visit Our She Loves Me Show Page To Learn More About The Show
What are the press saying?
See Our Article In Broadway World
Press Contact
Amanda Calvin, Promotions Manager
Phone: 518-392-9292
Email: acalvin@machaydntheatre.org
(CHATHAM, NY – July 23, 2021) There’s magic to do when a young man learns the true meaning of glory, love, and war in this iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece. Presented for the first time ever on the Mac-Haydn stage, Pippin features numerous fan-favorite returning actors and debuts the summer theatre’s new stage extension.
We’re excited to welcome back Kylan Ross, in the title role, who was last seen in 2019 as Younger Brother (Ragtime) and Doody (Grease). Amber Mawande-Spytek makes her smashing Mac-Haydn debut as the fierce and ferocious Leading Player. We can’t wait for audiences to experience her lively energy and unbelievable talent.
Another returnee, Maya Cuevas, is the sweet yet complicated Catherine. We are thrilled to have her back for a second season in the Mac-Haydn acting company after her acclaimed performance as Sarah in our 2019 production of Ragtime. King Charlemagne is played by Columbia County’s own Mikel Hunter, stylist and art director and owner of a fine art and apparel gallery located in Hudson, NY. Hunter makes his Mac-Haydn debut, returning to the stage after his career as an actor in the 1980s.
Rounding out the cast are Mac-Haydn favorites Ashley DeLane Burger (Sunset Boulevard choreographer, 2019) as Fastrada, Liz Gurland (Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret, 2018) as Berthe, Andrew Burton Kelley (Will Parker in Oklahoma, 2019) as Lewis, Clementine Kline (Little Girl in Ragtime, 2019) as Thea and David Aaron (Xanadu choreographer, 2015) as the Player with Fire.
Pippin is directed by Producing Artistic Director John Saunders, choreographed by Elizabeth McGuire and music directed by David Maglione, with costume design by Angela Carstensen, hair and makeup design by Matthew Oliver, lighting design by Andrew Gmoser, props by Emily Spateholts, sound design by Corbin White and scenic design by Emma Cummings.
Vaccination is required for all patrons. For tickets and details on COVID-19 protocols, please visit www.machaydntheatre.org/covid-19 or call the box office at 518-392-9292.
Visit Our Pippin Show Page To Learn More About Pippin
What are the press saying?
See Our Article In Broadway World
Press Contact
Amanda Calvin, Executive Assistant
Phone: 518-392-9292
Email: acalvin@machaydntheatre.org
CHATHAM, NY – June 14, 2021 The Mac-Haydn Theatre will reopen its doors for live performances on July 29 after more than a year of closure, bringing the exciting summer theatre it’s known for back to Chatham, NY. Audience members and staff will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The theatre’s season will run July 29 through October 3 and include five musicals, as well as several limited performances. Tickets go on sale later in June.
As Mac-Haydn emerges into an entirely new environment for both theatre producers and theatre goers, managing director James Rodgers has no illusions about the difficulties ahead as people find their confidence to return to live theatre. “It is incredibly important that, above all else, a safe environment is created for our staff and patrons. We now feel that the time is right and that we can operate our space safely within the protocols outlined by the CDC.”
Because the season is starting later than usual, the team plans to keep the programming coming through the month of September with a new and exciting performance schedule. “Rep-tember,” consisting of two musicals and various limited performances, will be presented on a repertory schedule. Guest artists for limited performances include Broadway artist Elizabeth Ward Land, innovative ensemble Touch, award-winning Kurt Weill performer James Benjamin Rodgers, Mac-Haydn favorite Laura Helm, and the immeasurable combined talent of the 2021 artists roster for the Showstoppers revue.
The Mac-Haydn Theatre is known as one of the country’s few theatres in-the-round. To allow for more social distancing an entire section has been removed, transforming the dynamic space into something that audiences have never seen before. This will be unique for 2021 as the theatre anticipates returning to full capacity in 2022. “Even with the reconfigured stage, we have still managed to maintain the ‘in-the round’ feel we are famous for. I think our dedicated fans will be especially delighted to see the new space along with the fantastic fall line-up we have scheduled,” says producing artistic director John Saunders. “We have been waiting what feels like a lifetime to get back to what we do best, and I just can’t wait to see everyone back at The Mac!”
Financial and box office manager Dee Lashway, who has worked with the theatre since its earliest years, feels that the Mac-Haydn has never experienced anything like the last 18 months in its 51-year history. “I have been with the theatre every summer since 1970, and not having a season in 2020 was devastatingly sad for me but the support, good wishes, and ‘miss you’ comments from so many of our patrons touched my heart, gave me hope that all would be fine, and made all of us determined to keep moving forward.”
What are the press saying?
See Our Article In Broadway World
Main Stage
Pippin (July 29 – August 8, 2021)
She Loves Me (August 12 – August 22, 2021)
Man of La Mancha (August 26 – September 5, 2021)
Beehive: The ‘60s Musical (September 11 – October 2, 2021)
The World Goes ‘Round (September 10 – October 3, 2021)
All Tickets $42
Children’s Theatre
The Most Incredible Thing (August 20 – August 28, 2021)
All Tickets $14
Limited Events
Exiled: The Evolution of Kurt Weill — James Benjamin Rodgers (September 1 & 29, 2021)
Still Within the Sound of My Voice: The Songs of Linda Ronstadt — Elizabeth Ward Land (August 18, September 10 & 17, 2021)
Showstoppers — Mac-Haydn Company (September 4, 15, 22 & 29, 2021)
toUch (Dates TBD)
Laura’s at the Helm — Laura Helm in Concert (September 15 & 22, 2021)
All Tickets $42
Ticket Purchases
Ticket Sales: By phone and online beginning late June.
Online: www.machaydntheatre.org
Phone: 518-392-9292
Press Contact
James Rodgers, Managing Director
Phone: (212) 920-1257
Email: jrodgers@machaydntheatre.org
We expand the series with an exciting six masterclass offering “In The Style Of” presented by the incomparable Bryan Knowlton
The award-winning, London-based choreographer will bring to life the essence of famous choreographers that changed the face of Broadway.
Spanning from Susan Stroman to Jerome Robbins, participants will learn “in the style of” choreography in excerpts from six different shows. Participants can expect a 90-minute class that includes a warmup, brief chat about the choreographer’s history and an in-depth breakdown of the choreography.
Whether you sign up for all six classes or choose to drop in for one or two, all are welcome to join this energetic, fun experience that will be sure to educate and inspire.
The series will start on March 6 and will run March 13, March 20, March 27, April 3, April 10. Classes will start at 10:15am EST, will run for 90 minutes and will be hosted on Zoom.
Once you have registered you will be sent information on how to access the class.
The Mac-Haydn Artist Workshop Series continues Sunday, February 21st!
This series will showcase our incredible alumni and artists from our community who will lead a wide variety of virtual workshops. Each workshop will serve as a fundraiser for the Bright Future Fund as we work toward our 2021 reopening here at the Mac-Haydn.
The Latest Workshop: SELF-CARE SUNDAY with Ashley DeLane Burger
Join Mac-Haydn choreographer (South Pacific, Sunset Boulevard) Ashley DeLane Burger on February 21 at 12pm via Zoom for a one-hour deep dive into self care and how we can use it to retain or restore our equilibrium through the day, year, and life. All you need is yourself, your breath, and a pen and paper.
ALL are welcome, the more the merrier, we learn from each other – it’s time to retake our power!
Ashley DeLane is a somatic practitioner, teacher, choreographer with certifications in Laban Movement Analysis, Yoga TuneUp, and ACE (GFI). She has her Masters in Kinesiology (Corrective Exercise/Rehabilitation) and BA in Theatre. She enjoys combining her whole tool box in an individualized-based approach through her work in “First-Class Coaching.”
Learn More About First-Class Coaching
Zoom on Sunday, February 21 at 12pm.
Click Here to Sign Up for the Workshop
Access With Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/95313527410
Meeting code: 953 1352 7410
A donation of $20 is suggested to attend the workshop. All donations generated from this event will go directly to the Bright Future Fund.
A Message from Artistic Director John Saunders.
Dear Friends,
Above and beyond all, I hope this message finds you in good health both physically and spiritually. To say I missed seeing each and every one of you this past summer would be an understatement. I believe we all felt a void not being able to gather and celebrate live theatre together at the Mac.
In March, when this began, the team here at Mac-Haydn began aggressively doing everything we could to ensure our survival during this troubling time. From the establishment of our Bright Future Fund to our new digital content, we remained very busy all summer long bringing as much entertainment as we could muster to all of you. Behind those scenes we also took many crucial “unseen” steps to ensure our future. This included federal assistance, real estate planning, and a real tightening of our operating budget. In many ways, this crisis led us to discover new programs and maintain a strong financial footing after the last few successful seasons. Our goal is to take every action we can to make sure we are here to welcome you all back to the theatre when this pandemic is resolved.
A Week of Fiendish Fear, running October 27 – November 2, 2020.
We are excited to present our first ever Mac-Halloween, a celebration of fright.
Halloween enthusiast Erin Spears, Mac-Haydn legend Gabe Belyeu and set designer Erin Kiernan, all make amazing contributions. We hope you will join us for a week of terrific terror!
The Mac-Haydn Artist Workshop Series continues this Friday!
This series will showcase our incredible alumni and artists from our community who will lead a wide variety of virtual workshops. Each workshop will serve as a fundraiser for the Bright Future Fund as we work toward our 2021 reopening here at the Mac-Haydn.
Our next workshop will be led by Mac-Haydn alumna and certified personal trainer Jesse Lynn Harte, who will lead a no-equipment fitness class via Zoom on Friday, September 25 at 5pm.
Click Here to Sign Up for the Workshop
Access With Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/94635291243
A donation of $20 is suggested to attend the workshop. All donations generated from this event will go directly to the Bright Future Fund.
This week our 2019 Dance Captain Madi Cupp-Enyard talks to James Rodgers about her commitment to promote Black art and activism on social media by highlighting the work of Black creators.
We hope you will watch this essential conversation with this impressive and active young woman as we try to gain understanding of the current events specific to the Black Lives Matter movement.
As part of her activism, Madi has asked that people donate to Reclaim the Block an organization which began in 2018 and organizes Minneapolis community and city council members to move money from the police department into other areas of the city’s budget that truly promote community health and safety. They organize around policies that strengthen community-led safety initiatives and reduce reliance on police departments.
The Mac-Haydn Theatre has released the second episode of In The Meantime, a weekly webcast series hosted by Producing Artistic Director John Saunders, as part of the Mac-Haydn Online virtual programming initiative. The Episode Premieres On YouTube at 12pm on Friday, May 29th.
Episode 2 features Elizabeth McGuire, choreographer for the 2019 production of Camelot, and Rob Brinkmann, last seen on the Mac-Haydn stage as Jud Fry in the 2019 production of Oklahoma!, for which he won a Berkshire Theatre Award. The two talk with Saunders about their artistic projects during quarantine, recent wedding, and experiences working at the Mac-Haydn Theatre.
Tune in on the Mac-Haydn YouTube Channel. Also hit subscribe below to receive updates about upcoming episodes as as well reminders to tune in.
Following the premiere, each episode will become available to stream
We are so excited to announce the launch of “In the Meantime,” our new weekly webcast hosted by Producing Artistic Director John Saunders!
The series will premiere Friday, May 22 at 12pm and continue each week throughout the summer. Episodes will premiere on the Mac-Haydn YouTube Channel. Channel subcribers will be sent updates about upcoming episodes as as well reminders to tune in.
Following the premiere, each episode will become available on all our online platforms as well as right here on our website.
During each episode John will host notable Mac-Haydn alumni, discussing and showcasing their artistic endeavors during quarantine as well as learning more about their past experiences working at the theatre.
Episode 1 will feature Mac-Haydn favorite Emily Kron, last seen as Audrey in the 2019 production of Little Shop of Horrors. Kron’s past roles at the Mac-Haydn also include Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, Geneviève in The Baker’s Wife, and her Berkshire Theatre Award-winning performance as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd.
Head over to YouTube to watch our premiere episode!
Today is Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement aimed at unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.
In solidarity with that mission, Mac-Haydn Theatre board member Meg Dooley and her husband Peter LaVigne have made a generous commitment of $10,000 to the Bright Future Fund, which they will give in monthly installments of $1,000 for the next 10 months.
Meg spoke about her motivations for giving: “For more than 25 years, the Mac-Haydn Theatre has been such an important and joyful part of our lives, it’s hard to imagine a summer in Chatham without it. But we will get through it – just this once! Peter and I are committed to doing everything we can to make sure the Mac-Haydn Theatre is back and stronger than ever in 2021.”
Meg and Peter’s commitment highlights the benefit of making a monthly donation both for the theatre and for the donor. “Knowing that this recurring gift will be coming in for the next 10 months is hugely beneficial in helping us determine our plans as we navigate through this crisis.” said Mac-Haydn managing director James Rodgers.
Meg also offered an especially unique incentive to others who follow her lead: “Join us in supporting the Bright Future Fund. In recognition of your generous gift, I promise that in a future season, I will return to the MHT stage for my FOURTH appearance as Mrs. Higgins in My Fair Lady – right, John Saunders???…”.
A huge thank you to Meg and Peter for their generous support!
As time marches on during this crisis, it has become obvious that our only responsible decision is to cancel the 2020 season. This decision did not come lightly and has weighed heavily upon me since this crisis began. I am nothing if not an optimist, but I have realized that the most important thing is the health and safety of our audience, artists, volunteers, and staff. Second to that is my commitment to see the Mac-Haydn Theatre survive through this historical moment. Cancelling this season is the only way to see our incredible organization move forward into the summer of 2021.
Currently, the plan is to present this season’s line-up of shows in 2021. The buzz and excitement that was already building makes this an easy decision. The enthusiastic response from our audiences about the shows planned has been extraordinary and we will work tirelessly through this coming year to bring these shows to life when we reopen the theatre next spring.
So what happens next? I am thrilled to tell you that plans are underway for some exciting events that could potentially take place later this summer if we are able to gather together. We are also exploring several exciting virtual possibilities that can keep us connected both now and into the future. Rest assured, we will keep you posted every step of the way so you can still be a part of Mac-Haydn’s audience, or as so many like to call it… the Mac Family.
Many of you may not realize how significantly this crisis has impacted us. 85% of our annual budget comes directly from ticket sales generated through both subscriptions and individual sales throughout the summer. Needless to say, this puts the future of the theatre in very serious jeopardy.
Now, more-than-ever before in our history, we need your help. I know this is such a difficult time for so many of us and the uncertainty of what lies ahead is overwhelming to say the least. Your contributions to us at this time are so critical to our survival. More than anything, I want the Mac-Haydn to weather this difficult time so we can be here for you and your family and share in the joy that flows so heartily every summer.
If you have purchased tickets for the 2020 season, please go to our Postponement Ticket Information page to fill out a form letting us know how you would like us to handle your tickets.
I will miss seeing you all terribly this summer and pray that time flies by quickly. Please stay safe, healthy, and surrounded by love. We will be sure to stay in touch with each and every one of you as we work diligently to keep the Mac-Haydn moving towards a bolder and brighter future.
My best wishes,
John Saunders | Producing Artistic Director
As we work to determine what our 2020 Season will look like at the Mac-Haydn, we wanted to take a trip down memory lane with some of our favorite artists by asking them to perform, from the safety of their self isolation, songs which they have brought to our stage in the past. We hope you will enjoy a little trip down memory lane with us during this uncertain time.
Who could forget Elizabeth Ward Land’s tour de force as the iconic Norma Desmond in 2019’s Sunset Boulevard? It was a triumphant show in many respects but nothing compared to her remarkable performance.
Just in case you did forget it, she has recreated one of the most famous moments from the show as only Liz could.
See Other Materials From The Production
In 2017 we presented an inspired production of Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece Sweeney Todd.
Emily Kron was spellbinding and hilarious in the pivotal role of the grotesque and vicious Mrs. Lovett. Her portrayal gave us such empathy for this corrupted soul that we could not help but love her.
Here she gives us a glimpse of the amazing detail that she incorporated into that performance.
In this difficult time, sometimes you just need to have a good laugh. Here it is.
2018 saw the world premiere of this magical musical by our music supervisor David Maglione. A story of fear, hope and discovery, it moved audiences of all ages and set a new standard in our Children’s Theatre productions. Kelly was delightful in the title role and those who saw this performance will never forget it.
We see in this amazing performance from their family’s home just how joyous the act of making music together is.
Think wonderful thoughts everyone. And please stay safe.
See Other Materials From The Production
In 2017 Rachel created the perfect Irene Molloy in our remarkable production of Hello Dolly.
Words cannot describe her beautiful artistry in this performance from her living room, reminding us how many people we wish we could hug today.
Stay safe and strong everyone. These magical moments of human connection will return.
George gave a Berkshire Award winning performance as Daddy Warbucks in our 2018 production of Annie.
As New York City goes through this unprecedented time, George Reminds us of why we love this incredible place. Let’s hope we can enjoy all its wonders, and eccentricities again in the coming months.
Stay safe New York. We love you and all the amazing people who call you home.
During this time of isolation, it becomes very clear to us all just how important the sentiments of this song are.
See Other Materials From The Production
Lauren performed Fanny Bryce with us in 2018 as part of our 50th Anniversary season to rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. J. Peter Bergman of The Berkshire Edge said of Lauren. “She embraces the uniqueness of the Fanny Brice persona… she is as good as it gets!”. We think you get a marvelous impression of that in this heartfelt rendition of the song, performed from her bedroom.
During this time of isolation, it becomes very clear to us all just how important the sentiments of this song are.
See Other Materials From The Production
Dear Mac-Haydn Family,
We wanted to reach out to let you know that our thoughts and best wishes are with you during this unprecedented time. We hope you are doing well and we wish we could do more right now to ease the emotional burden of life’s daily challenges, just as we strive to do each and every summer.
We are especially conscious of all our essential workers. This encompasses a wide range of fields from manufacturers to law enforcement, sanitation workers to retailers, safety service providers to our incredibly courageous medical professionals. We are eternally grateful for their hard work and sacrifice in protecting us, caring for us, feeding us, keeping our lights on and guiding us through this crisis. Without them we would be lost.
As events continue to unfold it becomes increasingly clear that the Mac-Haydn 2020 season will need to be altered in some way. Once those changes become clear, we will reach out to you. However, we believe that when this time of social distancing ends, and when it is safe for people to gather in large groups once again, it is our work that will become essential—providing the vital thread that will bring our community back together. It is because of that conviction that the Mac-Haydn team continues to examine what our 2020 season can be. This will depend on both what is financially possible, and what is safe.
We are immensely grateful to have a remarkable team of artists, technicians, administrators and volunteers, all of whom will answer the call when the time comes to get back to creating the vital experience of live theatre.
For now we must support the essential workers of today by staying at home and remaining safe. When their work is done, ours will begin.
On behalf of the Mac-Haydn Board and team, stay safe and be kind to one another.
I hope this message finds you in good health and good spirits. Here at Mac-Haydn we are following the unfolding events very carefully and taking our cues from the CDC and our state’s leaders.
Nothing is more social than live theatre. The experience at Mac-Haydn begins the minute we pull into the driveway. We see old friends, we hug, we laugh, we cry, and we dream together as we share this incredible live event day in and day out.
We are determined to keep Mac-Haydn going through this uncertain time, to bring together the incredibly talented performers, designers, musicians, technicians, and volunteers that make Mac-Haydn the magical place it is today. We are also determined to see our incredible audiences return to the theatre this summer. And more than anything, we are determined to maintain the one thing we need most right now—hope.
We are continuing to plan the upcoming season and hope to open our doors to all of our loyal subscribers and audience members. We are very lucky that we have the ability to modify our schedule as this crisis develops. What does that mean? Well, it means we could open as scheduled or with some adjustments. Regardless, we will be ready when the time comes. We will be updating you regularly so please stay connected to us on the website, Facebook and Instagram.
The Mac-Haydn Theatre has been a part of this community and the theatre community for more than 50 years and we will continue to be. With your help, patience, and hope we will get through this difficult time and be together again doing what we love the most very soon. Above all else, please stay safe and healthy.
My best,
John