FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS CONTACT:
Amanda Calvin
acalvin@machaydntheatre.org
(518) 392-9292

‘SUMMER IN SEPTEMBER’ RETURNS TO THE MAC-HAYDN WITH ‘XANADU’ AND ‘FOREVER PLAID’ REPERTORY SEASON

(August 29, 2022–Chatham, NY) The electrifying roller-skating tale “Xanadu” and the deliciously fun 1950s Barbershop revue “Forever Plaid” will play the Mac-Haydn Theatre in a repertory schedule, running September 9 through October 2.

After immense success and positive reviews upon its debut in 2021, the “Summer in September” Mac-Haydn season returns, including two musicals and three concert-style Limited Performances: “Showstoppers,” featuring the Mac-Haydn company, “To Sondheim, With Love,” starring Meredith Lustig, and “A Call to Places,” with Gabe Belyeu – all presented in a repertory schedule throughout the month.

“After last season’s successful Summer in September series, I am so excited to keep the fun going into the fall,” said Artistic Director John Saunders. “Whether it’s the big laughs of ‘Xanadu’ or the sentimental joy of ‘Forever Plaid,’ both shows promise to be a great way to spend an afternoon or an evening with us here at The Mac.”

Following the critically acclaimed 2015 debut of Xanadu at the Mac-Haydn, the Tony Award-nominated, fun-filled, roller skating, musical adventure rolls back to the Mac. After their Berkshire Theatre Award-nominated production of “The World Goes ‘Round” last season, creative trifecta Director Robin Campbell, Music Director Walter “Bobby” McCoy, and Choreographer David Tankersley lead the production.

Tankersley reprises his creative role from the 2015 production, having also performed in the “Xanadu” Original Broadway Company, and served as the production’s dance assistant and skating coach.

“This cast is a complete dream,” said Tankersley. “The magic and laughter is spilling out of the room every time we get together and this is such an honor to be part of such a beautiful experience!”

As Kira, the role made famous by the late Olivia Newton John, is Lucy Rhoades, following her audience-favorite Mac-Haydn debut as Lois Lane in “Kiss Me, Kate” earlier this season. Returning as Sonny Malone is Andrew Burton Kelley, who is joined by his “The Full Monty” castmate, Tezz Yancey, as Danny.

Rounding out the cast are Julie Galorenzo as Melpomene, Rachel Pantazis as Calliope, Ricky Dobbs as Thalia, Julia Hajjar as Euterpe, Amber Mawande-Spytek as Erato, and Patrick MacLennan as Terpsicore.

Berkshire Theatre Award-winning director James Barry makes his Mac-Haydn debut at the helm of “Forever Plaid,” the beloved barbershop revue which has repeatedly been a favorite for Chatham audiences. Ashley DeLane Burger joins the creative team as choreographer, with Mac-Haydn Music Supervisor Eric Shorey as music director.

Fan-favorites Kylan Ross and Cody Edwards star as Jinx and Frankie. Miles Yokom and John Hannigan make their Mac-Haydn debuts as Sparky and Smudge.

The Mac-Haydn Theatre’s “Summer in September” season runs through October 2 and features Meredith Lustig (“To Sondheim, With Love”), Gabe Belyeu (“A Call To Places”), and the Mac-Haydn 2022 Company (“Showstoppers”), in addition to “Xanadu” and “Forever Plaid.”

Vaccination and masks are required for all patrons. For tickets, please visit www.machaydntheatre.org or call the box office at (518) 392-9292.

***

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.