The Fantastick Reviews!
September 8, 2024“I would be hard-pressed to think of a better sign of the turning of the seasons than when the proverbial curtain comes down on September 15th and we theater lovers have to wait many a long month for the Mac-Haydn to return” says Lodro Rinzler for Trixie’s List
“The two fathers, who are the comedic heart of the show, provide much of the production’s levity. I would argue that Columbia County could support a show just about two men singing about how much they love their gardens, if those two men were portrayed by Gabe Belyeu and Jeffrey Konowitch.”
“A special treat for long-time patrons of the Mac-Haydn was the on-stage musical accompaniment by Eric Shorey on piano and Kathryn Sloat on harp, providing an immersive and whimsical air to every moment on stage. Both are truly exceptional talents.”
Early Bird Subscriptions Are Available
September 3, 20242025 Is On The Way!
It’s time to look ahead to next season and capitalize on our “Early Bird” offer. Available to current Subscribers and Founder’s Circle members, grab the opportunity to renew your subscription and retain your seats from 2024 as well as lock in your price for 2025.
With Our 2025 7 Show Subscription You Get: One ticket to each of the 6 Mainstage Musicals; One ticket to 1 of our Limited Performance Offerings and THE SAME PRICE as 2024, avoiding our planned subscription and ticket price increases in 2025.
Something Not So Rotten… Read the EGGtraordinary Reviews!
August 18, 2024“The Mac-Haydn Theatre cooks up a perfect theatrical experience with Something Rotten!” says Bill Kellert Nippertown
“John Saunders’ direction plays his performers like a fine tuned instrument.”
“Emma Cummings has designed a set that replicates a Renaissance stage which choreographer Mandy Modic makes the most of, with performers leaping up and down, several full company tap sequences that Busby Berkeley would be envious of.”
“Bethany Marx has assembled one of the finest costume designs seen at The Mac all season.”
“I would gladly see it again. Especially this edition. It is just plain wonderful.” says Peter Bergman for Berkshire Edge
“Nick’s wife Beatrice is played with style, grace, and hilarious intent by Madison Stratton, who makes the most of her two songs and her wonderful comic scenes as she proves herself worthy of her marriage”
“This is a show I intend to see again before it completes its three-week run.”
“Milords and ladies: get thyself over to Chatham. N.Y. for an undeniably riotous, rollicking evening of song, dance, and hilarity” says Jeannie Woods for Berkshire on Stage
“This entertaining Elizabethan pastiche could easily sink under its own weight, the jokes and parodies come so fast and furious. But Director Saunders has done a fabulous job of casting and staging a big, big show in the intimate theatre space.”
“Andrew Burton Kelly is amiable and passionate as the older brother, Nick Bottom. He’s an extremely fine singer and terrific actor who is indefatigably entertaining.”
“Stratton is a spectacular performer—her powerful and beautiful voice and charismatic rendition of the wife who disguises herself as a man to keep the household afloat is truly memorable.”
“SOMETHING ROTTEN is dazzlingly entertaining. No need to wait for the big song and dance showstopper at the end—this show is chock full of huge dance numbers from the get-go.”
“A tremendous shout out goes to costume designer Bethany Marx. SOMETHING ROTTEN must have over 100 costumes and the valiant 22-member cast donned one after another with remarkable aplomb.”
Something Costumes
August 14, 2024BRINGING THE RENAISSANCE TO THE MAC
Something Rotten costume designer Bethany Marx gives us a behind the scenes look as she pulls from the extenssive fabric collection at our local costume annex to transport us right into the 1600’s and bring this Rotten spectacle to life!
Every show takes on its own life when it comes to costumes. Some shows are pulled mainly from our stock, and other shows, like Something Rotten become a puzzle of stock items we own, rental items we get from other theatres, and new builds, meaning we build the costumes from scratch ourselves. Bethany works with her team to find the best solutions for each character and each moment in the show. Just by seeing how long it takes to work through our fabrics, you can imagine how much work it is to put together an entire production!
All Shook Up by the Reviews!
August 4, 2024Bill Kellert states “it is the music, 24 Presley hits and dancing that makes this show so very worthwhile. It’s fun, engaging and nostalgic without ever feeling dated or passe. Not an easy feat to accomplish, and this cast and crew do it without ever breaking a sweat.”Nippertown
“Spencer Stanley is superb as Chad the roustabout, putting his own spin on the Presley classics including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Roustabout,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and the iconic “Burning Love.” Stanley never tries to imitate The King, though he does have Presley’s swiveling hip movements down to an art form.”
“The most spectacular parts of the show are the chorus numbers, magnificently re-imagined vocals of classic hits. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” sends chills down your spine with the combination of choreography, lighting and vocals.”
“If I am so glad I saw the show. I suspect you will feel the same when you see it, and I urge you to hasten to The Mac-Haydn in Chatham, New York.” says Peter Bergman for Berkshire Edge
“The songs from the Presley can work wonderfully in this peculiar play, literally shaking up the story and rattling the characters. It is all obvious under the fine direction of David Alpert and the expert choreography of Andrew Turteltaub.”
“The outstanding cast of the Mac-Haydn Theatre shakes their hips, sings their hearts out and absolutely dazzles in All Shook Up” says Paula Kaplan Reiss for Berkshire on Stage
“Kelley, as Sylvia, a role she has played before, often steals the stage whenever she appears. She is strong, wise, funny and has a voice that fills the theater. We all fall in love with her. She is the heart of the show.”
“Choreography by Andrew Turteltaub is top-notch on a relatively small thrust stage. A special shout-out to ensemble member, Tanner Kirol. A trained ballet dancer, his dancing draws attention in every group number.”
“I didn’t need to see Elvis to fall in love with this production of All Shook Up. I just couldn’t help it. Thank you very much.”
Over The Moon Reviews for RENT!
July 20, 2024“It’s the best show I’ve seen in years. So much so that I recommend seeing it twice.” says Lodro Rinzler for Trixie’s List
“Andrew Burton Kelley (who was incredible in Xanadu) plays Mark, our point-of-view character who hides behind his camera, documenting the lives of his found family. Good lord this man is talented. It’s worth going just to see him move through the emotional arcs of the show.”
“Our Mimi is new to the MacHaydn and boy, what a find. Anna Viveros brought an incredible balance of wild, sexy and dangerous to the role of Mimi, offering a truly electric performance. She made some big acting choices and I was delighted that every single one of them hit.”
“Marcus Jordan brings unbridled joy to the role of Tom Collins in the first act and beautiful sentimentality in the second; it’s a marvel to behold”
“Amber Mawande-Spytek plays Joanne and just f-ing nails it. Mawande-Spytek is an incredible actor who balances the multiple aspects of Joanne simultaneously with grace and ease.”
“Josh Walker plays Benny, our villain turned hero and they are so fun to watch over the course of the show; it’s hard to take your eyes off them.”
“Everyone around me had a good time and that’s an excellent sign that the Mac has another hit on its hands.” says Peter Bergman for Berkshire Bright Focus
“The show is really held together by fledgling film-maker Mark Cohen, perfectly played by Andrew Burton Kelley. This character both acts within the show’s action and narrates the show for his documentary film in the works as it develops, never an easy task for an actor. Kelley does it all with style and grace and makes it work easily.”
“Joanne is played by Amber Mawande-Spytek in her best role since playing the daughter in Next to Normal.”
Bill Kellert states the Mac-Haydn Theatre “continues to crank out top notch professional productions at the little theatre in the country.”Nippertown
“Backed by the support of the Mac’s music director Eric Shorey, who once again does a masterful job leading the cast through the challenging and demanding roles as well as the flawless choreography as imagined by Elizabeth McGuire that has the cast oftentimes appear to float across the stage.”
“The outstanding performances of the show belong to Velez, the drag queen with the heart of gold and eternal optimism who steals the light whenever he is on the stage.”
“Alivia Cross creates an incredible set for the actors to play on. She constructs a warehouse space that is the apartment for Mark and Ross and also becomes the streets , tent city and parks of New York. Almost miraculously, Cross’s set makes the stage appear larger than the actual stage on which it is built.”
Talkback With The Rent Cast and Creatives
July 18, 2024Join Us For A Special Discussion Sunday 7/21
We’re excited to announce a special talkback session immediately following the 7pm performance on Sunday, July 21.
Join our cast and crew for an engaging discussion exploring the creative process and the themes of RENT through the lens of writing. The talk back will include cast members Andrew Burton Kelley, Adeline Trivers, Anthony Michael Velez, Josh Walker, Marcus Jordan and Amber Mawande-Spytek as well as Director John Saunders, Music Director Eric Shorey and Scenic Designer Aliva Cross.
The Return of Sister Act Earns Joyous Reviews
July 3, 2024J. Peter Bergman says if you are a fan of musicals, ‘Sister Act’ is your finest opportunity. I would say, “go, sit back and laugh” in his review for The Berkshire Edge
“I cannot imagine a better choice for this role than Wemitt. Her final moments with Deloris were so emotionally right that they made the show.”
“On the other hand, Judith Wyatt as Sister Mary Lazarus was hilarious, as was Bella Babcock as Sister Mary-Martin-of-Tours. Samantha Rhea Parrish gave an exuberant performance as Mary Patrick. The men in the show were also quite good, particularly Jake Koch, Fernando Flores, and Anthony Michael Velez in their almost-show-stopping song in Act Two, “Lady in the Long Black Dress.”
“The second offering in Mac-Haydn’s 2024 repertory season promises some comedic relief” according to Sierra Pasquale for Berkshire on Stage
“The band was bright and full the night I was in attendance and I caught Matt Levinstein conducting from off-stage, always something to be applauded. Of particular note was the costumes. Daniel Hewson performs some magic on that stage that, to go off without a hitch, certainly has some divine intervention.”
“Josh Walker, brings heart, empathy and warmth to a character who could easily be forgettable support.”
“As I was sitting in the Mac-Haydn during intermission, I couldn’t help but notice how the arc of the ceiling reminded me of the arc of so many churches I have found myself in in my lifetime and what a beautiful sign that was to sit back and enjoy the rest of the show, like an old- fashioned barn raising.”
“The Mac-Haydn always puts on a good show, in my opinion, and ‘Sister Act’ is thoroughly entertaining.” according to Adreanna Limbach for Trixie’s List
“From the moment the lights go up on the stage, Laiya Parker takes us to church as an irresistible Deloris Van Cartier. She’s equal parts silly, charming and sincere which makes her easy to cheer for as the action unfolds. Combined with her rich, soulful vocals, Parker carries the starring role effortlessly.”
“There were dozens of moments throughout Sister Act that had the audience hollering, belly laughing and clapping along to the music, which is the pure expression of joy that I want in a summertime musical.”
“If you’re in a funk and want to lift your mood, get tickets. If you like soulful vocals and a groovy beat, get tickets. If you like big laughs and a little romance, get tickets.”
Wemitt Returns As Mother Superior
June 24, 2024Back In The Act!
Mac-Haydn legend Monica M. Wemitt returns to this iconic role in the modern classic Sister Act. Eight years ago Wemitt set the stage alight in a moving and heartfelt performance. Given the success of her debut performance in the role, you won’t want to miss it this season as she comes to it with a new perspective this season! We asked her about this experience, second time around.
Monica, what is it like taking on Mother Superior again and what is different?
“I’m more comfortable with the role and feel like instead of getting to know Mother Superior, this time around I gets to sit down, talk, and have a conversation with her. There are more vulnerabilities within her. The second time around you are able to find the nuances you normally cannot in a theatrical space such as this.”
“Not to put down earlier moments of the Mac-Haydn Theatre, but the talent and voices within this specific cast and others the artistic team has gathered over the years are “goose bumpy.” It is thrilling to know how strong of musicians we have across the board.”
“It is amazing to reprise this role knowing this theatre has grown into exactly what the founders would have ever dreamed of – Lynn and Linda would be excited and proud to know where the Mac-Haydn Theatre stands today; producing musicals and very strong ones at that.”
Sister Act opens on June 27 and runs for three weeks until July 14.
2024 Subscriptions Still Available
May 20, 2024There’s still time!
4 Shows for $170?! Even better, 7 Shows for $280?!
99% of our subscribers from 2023 have already renewed or upgraded there subscriptions in 2024 and we have so many new subscribers this year to date that our subscription sales are up by 12.5% accross the board. What better indication could there be that this is an amazing opportunity to see wonderful musical theater through the entire summer season in 2024.