
J. Peter Bergman Praises Pippin in his review for The Berkshire Edge
“Nothing freshens old theater quite like a new generation making it their own without reference to the original. This production is the proof of that theory.”
“Nothing freshens old theater quite like a new generation making it their own without reference to the original. This production is the proof of that theory.”
(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
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).
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 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!
Growing up in the 1970s suburbs of Manhattan, Mikel spent his late teens performing in various dinner and regional theatre. Credits include: Oliver!, Damn Yankees, Gypsy, Mame, Guys and Dolls, The Robber Bridegroom, Cabaret, George M!, Applause and Pippin were personal standouts. An early mentorship by Constantine Kitsopoulos and Ithaca College BFA program prepared him for the booming theater scene of NYC in the mid/late 1980s. Additional credits include, Peter in The Flower Girl (written and directed by Leonard Malfi), Hyde in Hollywood (by Peter Parnell dir. Gerry Gutierrez) at the American Palace Theatre and later for PBS American Showtime. After a 35-year hiatus from the theatre and successful career in fashion advertising, Mikel was thrilled to make his Mac-Haydn debut as Charles in Pippin in 2021, for which he earned a Berkshire Theatre Critics Award nomination. It’s great to be back!
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
New Production Season Ended
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
There’s magic to do when a young man learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in Stephen Schwartz’s iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece. Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment.
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
Clementine Kline is thrilled to be back at the Mac! She made her debut in 2019 as Little Girl in RAGTIME, and returned as Thea in PIPPIN in 2021. Born and raised on the Lower East Side of NYC, she has always loved performing. Credits include: A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL (National Tour 2018 & 2019), SESAME STREET 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL (HBO/PBS), RADIO GALAXY (Reading). She also loved playing Tess in CRAZY FOR YOU (French Woods Festival), Timon in THE LION KING (CCYT), and Young Fiona in SHREK (CCYT). Clementine has sung at Feinstein’s/54 Below and danced her own choreography at New York Live Arts. Thank you to John Saunders, the entire Mac family, and mom & dad. @clementinekline
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.
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
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!
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.
Elizabeth McGuire is a choreographer, performer, and teaching artist living in NYC. In 2011, Elizabeth Co-Founded ToUch Performance Art, a dance-theater company that specializes in innovative, immersive and multi-disciplinary performances, and has produced over 50 shows as Co-Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer. Outside of ToUch, she has had the honor choreographing for many wonderful productions including at the American Repertory Theater, the Signature Theater, the Connelly Theater, AMDA, Manhattan School of Music, CBS Network, and of course, the MHT. Elizabeth also serves as Managing Director for Broadway Bound Kids, a non-profit dedicated to providing access to arts education for all students. She is thrilled to be back at the Mac and is grateful to John and the team for having her. www.mcguiremoves.com
Emily is so excited to return to the Mac-Haydn stage for another amazing season! She is currently a rising junior at Marymount Manhattan College where she is studying Musical Theatre. Some of her favorite roles have included Lady of the Lake (Spamalot), Ensemble (Ragtime), and Player (Pippin). She has also spent time working on her skills in other areas off-stage including wardrobe, props, lighting, stage management, and choreography. Emily wants to thank her parents, sisters, and her Mac-Haydn family for always supporting her and pushing her to be the best that she can be.
Liz Gurland is delighted to be back at The Mac-Haydn Theatre for the 2022 season! Past roles at Mac-Haydn include: Woman 3 in And the World Goes ‘Round, Grandma in Pippin, Fräulein Schneider in Cabaret, Angie in The Wedding Singer and Miss Lynch in Grease. Liz has performed with such diverse organizations as The MacHaydn Theatre, Theatre Now New York, Gallery Players, The Phoenix Theatre (PA), La MaMa E.T.C. and New Jersey Verismo Opera. She created a one woman show in collaboration with the Emily Dickinson Museum. While earning her MFA at UC Irvine, she performed with Starlight Musical Theater in San Diego, Los Angeles Opera, Long Beach Opera and Aspen Opera Theater. MFA UC Irvine. www.lizgurland.com
Angela Carstensen is beyond excited to spend a fifth season at The Mac! In the summer of 2016 Angela started at the Mac-Haydn Theatre as the First-Hand in the costume shop and is thrilled to be returning as Costume-Supervisor this season. Previous Mac-Haydn costume design credits include: Pippin (2021), Cabaret (2018), Saturday Night Fever & Spamalot (2017) and South Pacific (2016). In addition to running a costume shop, Angela spent three years on the road with national tours: Waitress (2021, Head of Wardrobe), The Spongebob Musical (2019, Asst. Wardrobe) and The Sound of Music (2018, Asst. Wardrobe). When not working, Angela can be found petting the nearest dog. Angela would like to thank Anthony for his love and support and everyone at The Mac-Haydn Theatre for keeping the dream alive!