“The Impossible Dream” Continues with Man of La Mancha
The Mac-Haydn’s Own “Impossible Dream” Continues with Man of La Mancha Opening August 26.

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.

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David Tankersley

David is excited to return to the Mac-Haydn after choreographing the 2015 production of Xanadu. Credits include: Xanadu original Broadway cast/Japan tour. Off Broadway: Rockstars NYC. West Side Story World Tour/La Scalla, Cabaret European Tour. National tours: Xanadu, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady. Cinderella, Evita, Sound of Music, Mame, Grease, Beauty and the Beast, Some Enchanted Evening. Figure skating: Radio City Christmas Show (three years), On the Town on Ice (Madison Square Garden), Cinderella on Ice (British Tour). TV and Film: Colors of Winter starring Nancy Kerrigan, Enchanted (Disney).

Creative Roles this Season

Choreographer - Xanadu
Props Designer / Assistant Scenic Designer - A Chorus Line
Props Designer / Assistant Scenic Designer - Urinetown
Props Designer / Assistant Scenic Designer - Kiss Me, Kate
Props Designer / Assistant Scenic Designer - Next to Normal
Props Designer / Assistant Scenic Designer - The Full Monty
Chris Frazier

Chris is thrilled to be making his Mac-Haydn debut! Regional credits: ‘MATILDA’ (Miss Trunchbull) ‘SWEENEY TODD’ (Beadle Bamford) ‘AVENUE Q’ (Nikky/Trekkie Monster) ‘THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’ (William Barfeè) ‘RAGTIME’ (Willy Conklin) Other favorites: ‘TALK RADIO’ (Kent) *2017 NJ Perry Award Winner Best Featured Actor in a Play.* ‘HAIR’ (Woof), ‘THREEPENNY OPERA’ (Sawtooth Bob) ‘WENDY’S SHADOW’ at New York Musical Festival (Curly), Busch Gardens: Williamsburg ‘BLOOD BANQUET’ (Alfred), ‘SEUSSICAL’ (Horton). All the love to my family.

Hayden Ponjuan

Hayden Ponjuan is delighted to be making his Mac-Haydn Theatre debut! Hayden, a Baton Rouge, Louisiana native, is currently pursuing a BFA in Music Theatre at The Hartt School. Recent credits include Aaron Mckinney in The Laramie Project (The Hartt School) Che Guevara in Evita (Jean’s Playhouse) Rolf in The Sound of Music (Jean’s Playhouse) and Ren McCormack in Footloose (Theatre Baton Rouge). He would like to thank his parents Jorge and Cristin, and his two brothers Noah and Dawson for their unconditional love and support. Lastly he would like to thank Mark Planner for his vocal guidance throughout his career. Following his graduation, Hayden has plans to become a New York City-based actor. For professional inquiries… Email: hayden.ponjuan@gmail.com

Mia Sempertegui

Mia Sempertegui is a current graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. In the Fall she is off to Los Angeles to complete her training and receive her BFA in Theatre. She was born and raised in Queens, NY. Mia’s most recent project was the short film POCHA, directed by Carly Oscar, and she played Vic, the main protagonist. She has also performed in cabarets and concerts all throughout NYC since she was in high school. When not performing she is picking up new hobbies that interest her, such as crocheting, ceramics, sewing, piano, and writing music. Mia is extremely thrilled to join the Mac-Haydn Theatre family and escape the sounds of the big city for the summer! miasempertegui.com, (IG)miasemperteguii

Amber Mawande-Spytek

Amber is Thrilled to be back at the Mac-Haydn for her second season! You may have seen her last season as the Leading Player in Pippin, or as an ensemble member in the one of the other shows. Amber has just graduated from AMDA’s Musical Theatre Conservatory in New York City after two years of hard focused training, and is now excited to be starting her career in performance. She’s wants to thank all of her wonderful teachers back at AMDA, the most important being The Mac-Haydn’s very own John Saunders. She is most excited to see familiar faces and meet all the new ones! She wants to thank her parents and close friends for all of their support in the recent years, she couldn’t do it without them!

Roles this Season

Mrs. Millennium in Urinetown
Natalie in Next to Normal
Joanie Lish in The Full Monty
Erato in Xanadu
Anthony Velez

Anthony Velez is honored to be returning to the Mac-Haydn Theatre this season! He is pursuing his BFA at NYU/Tisch School of the Arts; he will become a fourth-year student at the New Studio on Broadway in the Fall. His most recent credits include Christian (Fun Home) but you might remember him as Sancho (Man of La Mancha) and Arpad (She Loves Me) at the Mac-Haydn Theatre. However, his favorite role to take on was Angel Dumott Schunard (Rent) at Pied Piper Youth Theatre. He hopes to pursue his dreams to be on Broadway after college. Anthony is so blessed to earn this opportunity to perform especially during such uncertain times! He would like to thank his family for always supporting his passion for the arts. IG: @anthonyvelezzz

Roles this Season

Paul San Marco in A Chorus Line
Denizen/Cop/Executive in Urinetown
Stagehand (Philip) in Kiss Me, Kate
Buddy "Keno" Walsh in The Full Monty
Mac-Haydn Reopens July 29

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Mac-Haydn Theatre returns with a determination to be a beacon for the community, once again bringing people together for a shared experience.

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.”



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Performance Details

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

Andrew Burton Kelley

Andrew Burton Kelley is thrilled to be back at The Mac-Haydn for another amazing summer! He most recently finished touring with the company of Waitress as a Swing. Recent Mac-Haydn credits include: She Loves Me (Kodaly), Man of La Mancha (The Duke), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), and Oklahoma! (Will Parker). Love to his family, his incredible wife Rachel, and the world’s prettiest kitten, Eloise.

Roles this Season

Henry in Next to Normal
Ethan Girard in The Full Monty
Sonny Malone in Xanadu
William Taitel

William Taitel is a Baritone from Rockaway, New Jersey. This will be his second season of performances at the Mac-Haydn Theatre. He is super excited to give his all this season, especially since the world has been in a state of chaos and he has been cooped up inside for too long. His other performances include: Jekyll & Hyde (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), Oklahoma (Ali Hakim), Ragtime (Booker T. Washington). He hopes you enjoy the performances and the season! Do it up big!

Sam Seleznow

Sam is so excited to be back in Chatham with his Mac-Haydn family and is grateful to be doing theater again. Past credits include: Footloose (Ren), Sweeney Todd (Tobias), Grease (Johnny Casino), Ragtime (Tateh u/s), James and the Giant Peach (Grasshopper), Matilda (Big Kid), and many others at Mac-Haydn and at other regional theaters. Sam has also worked as a production singer for two cruise lines traveling all over the world and working in Germany. Sam was stranded at sea for two months at the beginning of the pandemic and is happy to be back on land! Sam will soon be releasing a music project that he wrote, co-produced, and recorded during the pandemic so look out for that (ig- @samseleznow). Sam is a Hartt school Alumni. Much love to his family and everyone at Mac-Haydn.

Kylan Ross

Kylan is thrilled to be back with his Mac-Haydn family for another season. Originally from Ireland, he now calls New York City home. Kylan is a Musical Theatre and Film graduate from the New York Film Academy. Some of Kylans favorite past credits include: THE WORLD GOES ROUND (Berkshire Theatre Award Nominee for Outstanding Lead Male in a Musical 2021), TODRICK HALLS: STRAIGHT OUTTA OZ, North American Tour (The Wizard), PIPPIN (Pippin), NEWSIES (Davey/Race), RAGTIME (Younger Brother), CHESS (Anatoly), SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (Gus), JOSEPH… DREAMCOAT (Joseph), GREASE (Doody). Kylan would like to thank all of his family back home in Ireland for their constant love and support.
Keep up with Kylan on Instagram at: @kylanross

Roles this Season

Al DeLuca in A Chorus Line
Bobby Strong in Urinetown
Gabe in Next to Normal
Malcom MacGregor in The Full Monty
Jinx in Forever Plaid
Maya Cuevas

Maya is grateful to return to Mac-Haydn for her second year! A recent grad from The Hartt School of Music, Dance, and Theatre, her credits include Goodspeed Musicals Festivals: Gloria GROW, Mac-Haydn Theatre: Sarah RAGTIME, Ronnette LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Frenchie GREASE, Armina OKLAHOMA! Playhouse on Park: Carla u/s IN THE HEIGHTS, North Rockland Theatre Society: Aida AIDA, New Generation Theatre: Vanessa IN THE HEIGHTS, The Hartt School: Loraine u/s ALL SHOOK UP. Maya would very much like to thank her parents, siblings, and all of her family for always being her number one supporters, especially throughout the pandemic. She is super thankful to be back at the place she loves- doing what she loves once again!

Rachel Pantazis

Rachel Pantazis is elated to be returning to the Mac-Hadyn. An NYC based actress, Rachel was a company member in 2019 and played the roles of Nikki in Curtains, Betty in Sunset Boulevard, and Ado Annie in Oklahoma! opposite her incredible husband, Andrew Burton Kelley. Since her time at the Mac, Rachel worked as a production singer for Carnival Cruise Lines out of Miami on itineraries to Mexico and the Bahamas. During the pandemic, Rachel started working as a virtual voice teacher for students of all ages. Rachel was also lucky enough to safely music direct youth theatre at The Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH from fall of 2020-June of 2021. She fully embraced the opportunity to mentor grade school students on virtual platforms and finally in person by the end of May, 2021. Thank you to John, Monica, and the whole Mac team for welcoming her back this summer.

Roles this Season

Calliope/Aphrodite in Xanadu
Angie Colonna

Look out old Mac is back!! Angie is beyond thankful to be returning to a theatre she calls home. Angie made her Mac-Haydn debut in 2019, receiving a nomination for Broadway Worlds Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Rizzo in Grease. Angie is thrilled to take on the role of dance captain and choreographer this summer! Angie is so grateful to be able to continue spreading joy, being an ally and lifting others up all while doing what she loves most. Thank you John, James, Jill and my dear friend Spates for all your continued love and support! Angie dedicates everything she does to her Colonna Army. You’re my way, my moon and my life. After all this time, we survived! Always.

Brian D. Wagner

Brian D Wagner – No stranger to the Mac-Haydn stage, Brian has been seen in several shows since 2017, most recently as the Governor/Maria in Man of La Mancha during the 2021 season. Prior Mac credits include Hello Dolly (Horace Vandergelder), Ragtime (JP Morgan), Funny Girl (Flo Ziegfeld), Annie (Drake), Anything Goes (Eli Whitney) and Sunset Boulevard (Cecil B. deMille) as well as Ensemble roles in Hunchback of Notre Dame, Sweeney Todd and She Loves Me. Other favorite roles include Man In Chair (The Drowsy Chaperone), Doctor Berensteiner (A New Brain) and Dick Deadeye (HMS Pinafore). When not treading the boards, Brian can be seen selling real estate around Columbia County as well as directing a team of data analysts at an advertising agency based in NYC! As always, love to Tim for his support in all I do onstage and off.

Roles this Season

Senator Fipp in Urinetown
General Harrison Howell (Select Performances) in Kiss Me, Kate
Reg Willoughby in The Full Monty
Ashley DeLane Burger

Ashley DeLane Burger is psyched to be back at the Mac for her 4th Season! You may have seen her last summer in Pippin (Fastrada), Man of La Mancha (Innkeeper), Major Arcana (Lover), & Beehive (Patty). More frequently she is behind the scenes choreographing – She Loves Me, Sunset Boulevard, & South Pacific (MacHaydn Theatre), Working: 2012 (Berkshire Theatre Group – 2019 BWW Best Choreography!), RENT, Merrily We Roll Along, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Wagner College). Ashley DeLane holds a BA in Theatre, MS in Kinesiology and obtained her CMA at the Laban Institute of Movement Studies. She is a proud teaching artist, group fitness instructor, dance competition judge & commercial real estate manager (didn’t see that one coming!). She is eternally grateful to be making magic again (especially at a place that feels like home) & wishes to thank John, Eddie, and James for their trust and collaboration and her mother for her never ending support. www.ashleydelane.com

Roles this Season

U/S: Cassie/Sheila in A Chorus Line
Estelle Genovese in The Full Monty

Creative Roles this Season

Associate Choreographer - A Chorus Line
Assistant Director/Choreographer - Forever Plaid