“Under the direction of musical supervisor David Maglione, the band never missed a note and were often joined on the risers by the performers, who sang to them, joked with them and made them part of the story.”
“I saw this revue in New York in 1992 and rode home on the 104 bus with its star, Karen Ziemba. This time, at the Mac-Haydn Theatre, I relived that experience and loved everything about this new, re-thought production.”
“Todd Underwood has directed and choreographed this show making the perfectly integrated work into one with a single vision. For the ultimate play-within-a-play experience this production is hard to beat, but the line is easy to follow as Underwood clearly understands.”
“Director John Saunders has done a very good job with this special romantic comedy. He has employed a soft, delicate touch and not pushed sentiment in place of reality, a hard thing to make work in a musical like this one.”
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
Xander “XAXA” James is thrilled to be back at The Mac-Haydn! Having made his debut last year as Georg in “She Loves Me”, he jumped at the chance to be a part of this season as Jerry in “The Full Monty”. After a 10 year break Xander is happy to be back doing theater a bit more regularly. Some of his favorite roles include, Henry in “Next to Normal”, Chip in “Spelling Bee”, Jud in “Oklahoma”, and Frankie in “Forever Plaid”. Outside of The Mac, Xander spends his days as a professional musician in New York City under the moniker XAXA. He has had the pleasure of playing some of NYC landmarks such as Groove, Cafe Wha?, The Red Lion, City Winery, and The Rainbow Room. You can visit www.xaxamusic.com to find out more and stream all of his original music on all platforms.
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 a New York Based Performer and always loves being back at the Mac! Her passion is to create waves of art in musical theatre and the performance industry as a whole. You may recognize her from previous recent seasons at the Mac-haydn. outside of performing, Amber loves spending her time thrift shopping, rearranging her apartment for the 50th time and of course hanging out with her wonderful friends. Her recent credits include Escape To Margaritaville (Marley), Next to Normal (Natalie), Xanadu (Erato), and Pippin (Leading Player). Lots of thanks to her friends and family who are always supporting her endeavors and cheering her on. You can follow Amber on Instagram and TikTok at @amber.mawande
Anthony Velez is honored to be returning to the Mac- Haydn Theatre for their 2023 season. He is excited to have graduated NYU Tisch this year! His most recent credits include Al/James Haupt (BANDSTAND) at the Department of Drama’s New Studio on Broadway. You might remember his past roles as Paul San Marco (A CHORUS LINE), Sancho (MAN OF LA MANCHA) & Arpad Laszlo (SHE LOVES ME) at the Mac-Haydn Theatre. Anthony is also a National Youth Arts Awards 2019 recipient for the category of Best Actor in a Musical as Jack Kelly in NEWSIES (Pied Piper Youth Theatre). He is looking forward to taking his career to the next level by attending Peridance Conservatory in the Spring of 2024. He would like to thank his family & friends for always supporting his passion for the arts. IG: @anthonyvelezzz
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
Andrew Burton Kelley is thrilled to be returning to the Mac-Haydn! Andrew lives in NYC with his wife and fellow actor Rachel Pantazis, but is originally from Westminster, MA. He has performed across the country in the National Tour of Waitress, and on Carnival Cruise Lines, along with many regional productions in New Hampshire, Michigan, Massachusetts, and New York. Past Mac-Haydn roles include Sonny (Xanadu), Henry (Next to Normal), Will Parker (Oklahoma!), Lewis (Pippin), Kodlay (She Loves Me, Berkshire Theatre Award Nominated), Houdini (Ragtime), and Seymour (Little Shop of Horrors). So much love to his family for their never ending love and support. To Rachel, for being on this crazy journey together. And last but not least to Eloise, the best kitten anyone could ask for. IG: @thereal_abk
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 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 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!
Rachel Pantazis is overjoyed to be returning to the Mac for her 4th season! Rachel is a classically trained soprano who has performed nationally and internationally for audiences on land and sea. She has just celebrated her first year as a soprano 2 with America’s Sweethearts NYC, an Andrews Sisters tribute group that travels the country honoring veterans. She also just finished her first NYC workshop of Anne of Green Gables with Open Arts Alliance as Mrs. Barry. Rachel teaches private voice out of her apartment in upper Manhattan and recently returned from music directing youth theatre camps at the Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School in Colorado. Favorite roles at the Mac include Ado Annie in Oklahoma!, Betty in Sunset Boulevard, the Housekeeper in Man of La Mancha, Calliope in Xanadu, and Nikki in Curtains. ABK
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 is happy to be back for his 6th season at the Mac! He was most recently seen in URINETOWN (Senator Fipp) and THE FULL MONTY (Ensemble.) Other select Mac credits include HELLO DOLLY (Horace Vandergelder), RAGTIME (JP Morgan), FUNNY GIRL (Flo Ziegfeld), ANNIE (Drake), ANYTHING GOES (Eli Whitney), MAN OF LA MANCHA (Governor) and SUNSET BOULEVARD (Cecil B. de Mille.) 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 engineers at an advertising agency based in NYC! As always, my love to Tim for his support in all I do onstage and off.
Ashley DeLane Burger (Director/Choreographer) is returning for her 5th Season! She has been enjoying trying on as many different “hats” in the industry as possible over the last decade. Beyond a choreographer & performer Ashley DeLane is a proud teaching artist, at studio, high school and collegiate levels, judges dance competitions around the country, and last winter she joined the CoComelon Live National Tour as their Company Manager. She is elated to add Director to that list this season with The Marvelous Wonderettes! www.ashleydelane.com
Mac Magic includes – Choreo: Forever Plaid (2022 BWW Best Choreography), A Chorus Line (Assoc & Standby), She Loves Me, Sunset Boulevard, South Pacific. Stage: The Full Monty, Pippin (2021 BWW Best Supporting Performer), Man of La Mancha, Major Arcana, Beehive, My Fair Lady, Chicago, Nice Work If You Can Get It.
BA Theatre Performance: Wagner College. MS Kinesiology: ATSU. CMA: Laban Institute of Movement Studies.