FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mac-Haydn Earns Multiple Nominations for the 2026 “Berkies”
The Secret Garden
CHATHAM, NY (October 28, 2026)—Mac-Haydn Theatre is proud to announce that its 2026 season has received sixteen nominations from the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association (BTCA) for the 2026 Berkshire Theatre Awards, commonly known as the “Berkies.”
The nominations recognize Mac-Haydn artists and productions across a range of categories, celebrating outstanding performances, choreography, direction, and technical design.
Outstanding Choreography:
Kaitlyn Frank, Newsies
Kaitlyn Frank, Hairspray
Outstanding Direction of a Musical:
John Saunders, The Secret Garden
John Saunders, Daddy Long Legs
Steve Edlund, Hairspray
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical:
Jeannine Trimboli, Hairspray
Tzintli Cerda, Newsies
Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play or Musical:
Andrew Gmoser, The Addams Family
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical:
John Saunders, Hairspray
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical:
Hannah Shankman, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Madison Stratton, The Addams Family
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical:
Gabe Belyeu, The Addams Family
Outstanding Production with Fewer Than Six Performances:
Daddy Long Legs, Directed by John Saunders
Outstanding Production of a Musical:
The Secret Garden, Directed by John Saunders
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Directed by Eoghan Hartley
Hairspray, Directed by Steve Edlund
“We are thrilled to see the work of our artists and creative teams recognized by the Berkies,” said President Paul Colarusso. “These nominations reflect the extraordinary talent, dedication, and collaboration that go into bringing each production to life. We’re proud to be part of a regional theatre community that continues to celebrate and support outstanding theatrical work.”
The BTCA revealed the full slate of nominees on October 21, 2026. The awards ceremony will take place at 7:00pm, Monday, November 9, 2026, at Shakespeare & Company’s Tina Packer Playhouse in Lenox, Massachusetts. The ceremony is open to the public, with tickets priced at $10 to help cover event expenses. To reserve tickets, call 413-769-8306.
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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.
About the Berkies
Established by the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association, the Berkies celebrate excellence in theatre across the greater Berkshire region. The awards span drama, musicals, design, direction, performance, and community outreach, and are open to productions from theatres across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, and New York.