Courtney Kaia

Courtney is filled with gratitude to spend her first summer in Chatham with the extraordinary Mac-Haydn team! A graduate of California Polytechnic State University with a degree in Business Administration and a Theatre Arts minor. She served as the Marketing Associate for Cal Poly’s original ensemble Writer’s Block, Marketing Intern at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, and most recently as a Workshop Teacher and Brand Ambassador at the Museum of Broadway. Courtney has always dreamed of playing a role in theatrical stories being told, helping to promote these stories, and creating life changing experiences within the world of visual and performing arts. She would not be where she is today if not for her family, friends, golden retriever Poppy, and the Mac for supporting her dreams. “No day but today!” @courtkaia

Belle Babcock

Belle is excited to be back at the Mac this summer after growing up at the theatre. Belle graduated in May from Montclair State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Last summer she appeared at the Mac in Footloose (Wendy Jo), 42nd street (Ethel), and The Sound of Music (Baroness). She also recently appeared in Sophisticated Ladies (Terri), Spring Awakening (Anna), and Head Over Heels (Gynecia) at Montclair State, Mamma Mia (Sophie), Urinetown (Hope) and Young Frankenstein (Inga) at Venice Theatre, and Hairspray (Amber) at The Players Centrer in Florida. Love to Mom, Jess, Ama, and her best friends for being the coolest people ever. Love you all! Ladybug hugs to Daddy and Papa<3 bellebabcock.com

Roles this Season

Sister Mary Martin-Of-Tours in Sister Act
Ensemble in Rent
Ensemble in All Shook Up
Portia in Something Rotten
Alessandra Alcala

Alessandra Alcala is a Southern California native and very excited to be on this side of the country for the Mac-Haydn’s 2023 Season! Most recently she served as the Music Assistant/Keyboard Sub for Center Theatre Group’s revival of “The Secret Garden” at LA’s Ahmanson Theatre. Other credits: Great American Melodrama (Resident MD/Composer/Arranger), SLO REP (MD: Xanadu, The Marvelous Wonderettes), Pacific Conservatory Theatre (Asst. MD: The Secret Garden, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, MD: Chicago). She is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Music, and studied Choral Music/Conducting through the Delaware Choral Symposium in Provence, France. When not behind the keyboard, you can catch her playing this weird instrument called the fife – select performances include: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Universal Studios, and Disneyland. Alessandra is a member of Maestra Music and the American Federation of Musicians. @alessandra.alcala

Creative Roles this Season

Asst. Music Director - 42nd Street
Asst. Music Director - Footloose
Asst. Music Director - The Sound of Music
Asst. Music Director - Godspell
Asst. Music Director - Jersey Boys
Mac-Haydn Taps Into Summer With 42nd Street

MAC-HAYDN THEATRE TAPS INTO THE START OF SUMMER WITH “42ND STREET”

(June 15, 2023–Chatham, NY) The Mac-Haydn Theatre’s 54th summer season opens with the Tony-winning tap musical “42nd Street,” running June 22 through July 2.

In this classic show-within-a-show, aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer lands her first professional gig in a new Broadway production, led by big-time New York producer Julian Marsh. Set in the height of the Great Depression, the show faces threats of closing—and a serious problem when the leading lady breaks her ankle on opening night.

Artistic Director John Saunders opens the season in the director’s chair, a role he will fulfill two more times this season for “The Sound of Music” and “Jersey Boys.” “There is a joyous sense of fulfillment in a way by bringing “42nd Street” back this summer,” said Saunders. “It was scheduled for our 2020 season and we all know how that went. Now we can finally present this iconic “showbiz” musical packed with optimism just the way we dreamt it many years ago.”

Saunders is joined by Choreographer Mandy Modic, Music Director Eric Shorey and Assistant Music Director Alessandra Alcala. The production will feature scenic design by Erin Kiernan, along with lighting design by Andrew Gmoser, costume design by Bethany Marx, sound design by Sean McGinley, hair and makeup design by Emily Allen, and props design by Adriana Ayala.

After earning a 2022 Berkshire Theatre Award for his solo show “A Call to Places” last season, Mac-Haydn veteran Gabe Belyeu steps into the iconic role of Julian Marsh, a role originated by Jerry Orbach. He is joined by Madison Stratton as Dorothy Brock, who has been seen previously on the Mac-Haydn stage in “Camelot” (2019), “Spamalot” (2017) and “Major Arcana” (2021).

Making her Mac-Haydn debut, Rachel Revellese is Peggy Sawyer. A rising senior at Syracuse University, Revellese has previously appeared at Interlakes Theatre and is the recipient of numerous regional and national titles in tap dance.

Among the returnees of the cast are Jonah Hale as Billy Lawlor, Bella DePaola as “Anytime” Annie, Kristen Clark Bielefeldt as Maggie Jones, and Brian Wagner as Abner Dillon. Jake Koch and Arthur Beutel make their Mac-Haydn debuts as Bert Barry and Pat Denning, respectively.

42nd Street’s grand return to the Mac-Haydn is sure to deliver an extraordinary night out. Chock-full of Broadway standards including “We’re In The Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” “Dames,” and of course “Forty-Second Street” – this iconic love letter to the theater will have audiences shaking their shoes.

“42nd Street” features music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin, and a book by Michael Stewart & Mark Bramble. The musical is based on the novel by Bradford Ropes. The show was originally produced on Broadway by David Merrick, with direction and choreography by Gower Champion.

For tickets and information, please visit www.machaydntheatre.org or call the box office at (518) 392-9292.

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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.

Kristen Clark Bielefeldt

Kristen is overjoyed to be ‘back at the Mac’ after last appearing as Kitty (THE DROWSY CHAPERONE) in 2015. This will be her 3rd time performing ‘42nd Street’ on the Mac-Haydn stage, and it holds a special place in her heart as the first show she ever performed here. In her many summers performing at Mac-Haydn in a variety of roles, her favorites include Mazzeppa (GYPSY), Ms. Medlock (SECRET GARDEN), Ballad Singing Gorilla (SUGAR BABIES) and Ginger (BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS).

Kristen received a BA in Theatre from Wagner College and currently holds the title of Marketing Manager for Columbia Memorial Health. This year she also was honored to become a member of the Mac-Haydn Board of Directors.

She keeps busy with her husband and two daughters, Charlotte & Eloise (who have never seen their mommy perform on stage yet).

HUGE thank you to John & Paul as well as my family for making the possibility for me to perform again a reality.

Roles this Season

Maggie in 42nd Street
Logan Shields

Logan is thrilled to be back at the Mac-Haydn Theatre this season taking on a new administrative role. A Columbia County native, Logan has been attending shows at the Mac for his entire life. Not only did Logan fall in love with theater at the Mac, but made his stage debut in 2011 in “The King and I” as well as “Rodney the Reluctant Dragon.” Currently a senior at Purchase College Logan is majoring in arts management with two minors in sociology and theatre & performance. As a performer, recent credits include: Second Officer (U/S Louis) in “A View from the Bridge,” Performer in “Fornés Fest,” and Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Much thanks to Logan’s family, friends, and everyone at the Mac for the abundance of love & support. @logan_shields_

Taylor Sheppard

Mac-Haydn Theatre Debut

Taylor is beyond excited to be spending her summer here at Mac-Haydn Theatre. Hailing from Newnan, GA, (30 mins outside of Atlanta) she is a recent grad from Shenandoah Conservatory, and is very excited to start her post-grad career performing here. Her favorite past roles include: Heather Duke in HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL, Sally in REEFER MADNESS, Alice in staged reading of a new script for Frank Wildhorn’s WONDERLAND, and getting to Assistant Direct TUCK EVERLASTING, under the direction of original cast member Michael Park, and choreographed by Shannon Lewis. She would like to thank her friends and family for their never wavering and constant love and support. She hopes you all enjoy the shows and has a great time.

Roles this Season

Phyllis in 42nd Street
Eleanor Dunbar in Footloose
Nun/Party Guest in The Sound of Music
Kassi McMillan

Mac-Haydn Theatre Debut

Kassi McMillan is overjoyed to be making her Mac-Haydn Theatre debut this summer! Originally from Fort Lauderdale, FL she currently attends the University of Cincinnati (CCM) and will be a Senior Musical Theatre major this fall. Her favorite CCM credits include Anna in Spring Awakening, Melpomene in Xanadu, and Honoria in Rocket Science. She is the 2019 Papermill Playhouse Rising Star Award Winner for Best Actress as Alice Murphy in Bright Star. In addition to appearing onstage, you can catch her as Gina in Henry Danger on Nickelodeon. Besides theatre, Kassi loves to bake and decorate cakes and play with her three dogs. She would like to thank her parents and sister for their constant love and support!

Roles this Season

Lorraine in 42nd Street
Rusty in Footloose
Frau Schmidt/Nun in The Sound of Music
Cast in Godspell
Jerome Byrne

Mac-Haydn Theatre Debut

This is Jerome’s first time performing with Mac-Haydn. He is extremely excited for this new and challenging endeavor and can’t wait to get started. This will be his third time performing out of high school. He previously played Mr. Wormwood in Upstage Productions’ “Matilda” and more recently he played Aaron Jablonski in Ghent Playhouse’s presentation of “Invitation to a March.” Jerry lives in a small town in Greene County where he works as a landscaper and asbestos inspector. However, he is actively pursuing a full time career in acting and performing and is determined to continue working his way further and further up the ladder in this industry. He looks forward to learning everything he can this summer.

Roles this Season

Mac in 42nd Street
Cop in Footloose
Zeller in The Sound of Music
Mark Tran Russ

Mac-Haydn Theatre Debut

Mark Tran Russ (he/him) just received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory in May and is so excited to make his post-college debut at the Mac-Haydn Theatre. Originally from Long Island, he is looking forward to performing so close to home and the city that made him fall in love with theatre. Some of his favorite credits include Godspell (Lamar), Cinderella (Lord Pinkleton), and A Chorus Line (Don Kerr). Besides performing, he also loves skating (both ice and roller), cooking, and coding! He wants to thank everyone at the theatre for giving him this opportunity as well as his friends and family for always supporting him. Enjoy the show everybody!

Roles this Season

Ensemble in 42nd Street
Lyle in Footloose
Ofer Gordon

Mac-Haydn Theatre Debut

Ofer Gordon is an Israeli-born actor and is a recent graduate from The Hartt School’s BFA Music Theatre training program. Previous credits include: William Bates- “Double Helix” (Goodspeed Opera House), Steven Kodaly- “She Loves Me”, Lewis- “Pippin”, George Wickham- “Pride & Prejudice”, Don Pedro- “Much Ado About Nothing”, Ensemble- “Legally Blonde”, Mr. McQueen- “Urinetown” (The Hartt School), Victor- “Cabaret”, Garvin- “Footloose”, Lumiere U.S- “Beauty and the Beast”. (The Woodstock Playhouse). Ofer is very exited to join the Mac-Haydn Theatre family and take part in its summer season. When he is not working, however, Ofer can be found cooking and planning his next trip to the beach.
Special thanks to Kristin Huffman, my family, and Asaf.

Roles this Season

Ensemble in 42nd Street
Garvin in Footloose
Rolf in The Sound of Music
Neal Bechman

Mac-Haydn Theatre Debut

Neal Bechman is incredibly proud and excited to be joining the Mac-Haydn Theatre cast in this incredible season. Making his Mac-Haydn Theatre debut! Neal couldn’t think of a better way to spend his summer, especially in the ensemble of such stellar shows. Neal is a NYC based performer, but a Pittsburgh native, and a graduate of Point Park University Conservatory of Performing Arts. His favorite credits include 42nd Street, The Who’s Tommy, Glory Days, and every cat in Cats in front of his Gramma’s TV. Neal would like to thank everyone at Mac-Haydn Theatre, the cast, and crew; this season is a blast! Shout out to his friends and family whose constant support and love keep him going, love you lots. Socials: @nealbechman

Roles this Season

Ensemble in 42nd Street
Travis in Footloose
Soldier/Party Guest in The Sound of Music
Arthur Beutel

Mac-Haydn Theatre Debut

Arthur Beutel is a classically trained singer based in New York City. His dynamic, high-energy approach to performing in both musical theater and classical styles brings his unique brand of humor to the stage for all to enjoy. He received his Bachelor of Music in Opera from Colorado State University and a Graduate Certificate in Vocal Performance from the University of Connecticut. Arthur is studying classical voice with baritone, Brian Montgomery and musical theater with Chris Citera of the Mike Ruckles Voice Studio. Arthur recently made his off-broadway debut playing Mr.Pinkerton in PINKALICIOUS: THE MUSICAL with Vital Theatre Company at the Soho Playhouse. He spent last summer in Lincoln, NH with NCCA Jean’s Playhouse performing The Sound of Music (Max Detweiler), Cabaret (Ernst Ludwig) and Mamma Mia! (Bill Anderson). Arthur joined The Metropolitan Opera for their final production of Verdi’s AIDA (2022-2023) and in Poulenc’s Dialogue of the Carmelites (2023).

Roles this Season

Pat Denning in 42nd Street
Principal Clark in Footloose
Max in The Sound of Music
Hank Majewski & Others in Jersey Boys
Rachel Revellese

Mac-Haydn Theatre Debut

Rachel is so excited to be spending the summer at Mac-Haydn Theatre! She is a New Hampshire born singer, actor, and (tap)dancer who studies musical theater at Syracuse University. She fell in love with theater through tap dance and has won numerous regional and national titles in the style. She is currently an ambassador for the global dance brand SoDanca and can be found dancing on their social media. Rachel has previously been seen in Syracuse Stage’s The Little Mermaid (Swing, Scuttle u/s) and Matilda (Swing) and Interlakes Theatre’s Cats (Jennyanydots) and Grease (Patty, Sandy u/s). She cannot thank her family enough for believing in her endlessly. There’s always a rainbow on the other side of everything, if you reach for it. ig/tk @rachel.rev

Roles this Season

Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street
Lulu Warnicker in Footloose
Liesl in The Sound of Music
Trevor Squiers

Trevor is excited to be back for this second summer at Mac-Haydn! Originally from Crystal Lake, Illinois, Trevor graduated with his Degree in Musical Theatre and Dance from The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He is currently based in New York City. Current roles include Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (Arizona Broadway Theatre), Mike/Mark US in A Chorus Line, Tiny Tim in Urinetown, and Ralph in Kiss Me, Kate! here at the mac. Trevor would like to thank his amazing friends, family, directors, and everyone else backstage who works day and night to make the mac run as smoothly as it does, and hopes you enjoy the show. You can follow him on instagram @trevorsquiers.

Roles this Season

Andy Lee in 42nd Street
Jeter/Cowboy Bob in Footloose
Eberfeld/Soldier in The Sound of Music
Ricky Dobbs

Ricky Dobbs is so ecstatic to be back at the Mac-Haydn for another summer. He was seen last summer at the Mac as Mike Costa in “A Chorus Line”, Thalia in “Xanadu”, most famously your intermission 50/50 host, and in other shows across the summer. Some of his other favorite roles include Musidorus in “Head Over Heels” and Buddy the Elf in “Elf the Musical”. Ricky cannot be more excited to be spending another summer in Chatham, NY and is stoked to see so many friendly faces and so many new ones this season. He wants to thank his parents for supporting every journey he goes on and all his friends who constantly push him to be the best he can be. Insta: @Ricky.Hugh

Roles this Season

Ensemble in 42nd Street
Bickle in Footloose
Soldier/Party Guest in The Sound of Music

Creative Roles this Season

Dance Captain for The Sound of Music
Bella DePaola

Bella DePaola is so excited to return to The Mac Haydn Theatre! Past credits include Val (A Chorus Line), Anytime Annie/Dance Captain (42nd Street), Turn Back O’Man/Dance Captain (Godspell), Becky Two Shoes/u/s Penelope Pennywise (Urinetown), Lorriane/Lead Angel/Dance Captain (Jersey Boys), Betty Blast/u/s Ariel/Dance Captain (Footloose), Susan Hershy/u/s Georgie Bukatinski (The Full Monty), and Ensemble (Kiss Me Kate). She is a recent graduate of Pace University’s Musical Theatre and Commercial Dance Programs and was seen in productions like Into the Woods as Jack’s Mom u/s Baker’s Wife, and Pippin as Player u/s Fastrada. Bella would love to thank her family and friends, especially her two parents, for supporting her along her journey. Keep up with her instagram for future adventures: @belladepaola

Roles this Season

Graziella in West Side Story
Dance Captain for West Side Story
Ensemble in Something Rotten

Creative Roles this Season

Choreographer The Fantasticks
Eric Shorey

Eric is thrilled to return to MHT for his 3rd season. He is delighted for audiences to experience the incredible talents of the entire company. His music direction at MHT include Urinetown, Next To Normal, Footloose, Godspell, and last season’s smash hit Jersey Boys. He also proudly music directed the Berkshire Theatre Award Winning A Call To Places starring Gabe Belyeu. Elsewhere, Eric has music directed productions of My Way, Scrooge, A Man of No Importance, and numerous concerts and cabarets. As an actor, Eric has been seen across the country and internationally in productions of Cats, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Disney On Classic in Japan, to name a few. Eric would like to thank John, James, and the entire MHT family for their constant support. For Eric and Henry.

Creative Roles this Season

Music Supervisor
Music Director - West Side Story
Music Supervisor - Sister Act
Music Director - Rent
Music Supervisor - All Shook Up
Music Director - Something Rotten
Music Director - The Fantasticks
Clementine Kline

Clementine Kline is thrilled to be back at the Mac this year! Previous Mac-Haydn credits include Gladys in 42ND STREET, a denizen in URINETOWN, Thea in PIPPIN, and Little Girl in RAGTIME. Other credits include A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL (National Tour), RADIO GALAXY (Industry Readings), SESAME STREET 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL (HBO/PBS), Tess in CRAZY FOR YOU (French Woods Festival), and Timon in THE LION KING (CCYT). Clementine has also danced her own choreography at New York Live Arts and sung at Feinstein’s/54 Below. In April, she made her operatic debut in THE LIVES AND DREAMS OF NIKOLA TESLA (Works & Process at The Guggenheim.) Countless thanks to John Saunders, the entire Mac family, mom, dad, Minnie, and Mo. @clementinekline

Roles this Season

Ensemble in Something Rotten
Jonah Hale

Jonah is an NYC-based performer and is thrilled to be returning to Chatham and the Mac-Haydn stage this summer. Originally from Minnesota, Jonah moved to New York City in the fall of 2015 to attend Wagner College where he later graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Performance and a Minor in Dance. Jonah was last seen on the Mac-Haydn stage in 2022 as a gangster brushing up his Shakespeare in Kiss Me Kate. Other favorite Mac-Haydn credits include Kenickie in Grease, Sammy in The Wedding Singer, Smokey in Damn Yankees, and Santa Clause in Annie. Jonah would like to thank his friends and his family for all of their love and support. Special shout out to fellow Mac-Haydn alumni Jayke Workman.

Roles this Season

Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street
Chuck Cranston in Footloose
Fiona Phelps

Fiona is thrilled to be back performing on the Mac-Haydn stage, now as full company! Some of her recent productions include Something Rotten! (Ensemble, Assist. Dance Captain), Oklahoma! (Young Laurey), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Urinetown (Little Sally), and The Addams Family (Alice). As a dancer, Fiona has trained and competed in numerous different styles, her favorite always being tap. She trained with the Joffrey Ballet, doing their tap summer intensive and most recently performed in Manhattanville College’s Fall Dance Concert. Fiona is working to receive her BFA in Musical Theater from Manhattanville College where she will be performing in A Chorus Line as Sheila this upcoming fall! She would like to thank all of her family, friends and teachers for their support always!

 

Roles this Season

On-Stage Swing in West Side Story
Ensemble in Something Rotten
Bethany Marx

Bethany Marx is an Associate Professor of Theatre specializing in Costume Design at SUNY Oneonta in Upstate New York. She has been designing costumes for select Mac-Haydn productions since 2017, including Hello, Dolly!, Oklahoma, Mamma Mia, The Wedding Singer, She Loves Me, Urinetown, Next to Normal, 42nd Street and Footloose. Bethany has also designed for Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany, the Virginia Shakespeare Festival, the Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre, and others. She also owns and performs with a children’s party entertainment company serving central New York. She enjoys spending time with her husband and step-daughter, and their four cats. She holds a BFA from the University of Evansville in Evansville, IN and an MFA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Creative Roles this Season

Costume Designer - Rent
Costume Designer - Something Rotten
Madison Stratton

Madison is thrilled to be back home at the Mac! Previous credits at the MacHaydn theater include Guinevere (Camelot), Lady of the Lake (Spamalot), Dorothy Brock (42nd Street), Tonya (Mamma Mia) and Christine Colgate (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels). Other Credits include
Off Broadway: Chick Flick:The Musical (swing), Baby (Pam). New York City Center Encores!: Brigadoon (Jane Ashton), Mack and Mabel, High Button Shoes. Madison can be heard on the Brigadoon NYCC Encores! cast recording (Ghostlight Records) and contributed vocals on Intermission (Farewell) a classically influenced jazz album by Colin Cannon. Graduate of the University of Central Florida BFA Musical Theater program. Madison is endlessly grateful to her family for their constant love and support. www.madisonstratton.com @Mstratt

Roles this Season

Beatrice "Bea" Bottom in Something Rotten
Brian D. Wagner

Brian D. Wagner is happy to be back for his 7th season at the Mac! He was most recently seen in 42ND STREET (Abner Dillon) and FOOTLOOSE (Uncle Wes.) Other select Mac credits include HELLO DOLLY (Horace Vandergelder), URINETOWN (Senator Fipp), 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.

Roles this Season

Monsignor O'Hara in Sister Act
Gabe Belyeu

Gabe Belyeu is happy as always to be returning for his 14th season at the Mac! Last year you saw him as Julian Marsh in 42nd Street and Bob Crewe in Jersey Boys, as well as in our Sondheim review. This year you will see him reprise roles in All Shook Up and The Fantasticks, as well as another feature review! Other favorite roles at the Mac include Zaza in La Cage aux Folles, Javert in Les Miserables, and Tateh in Ragtime. Most recently, Gabe appeared as Sebastian in R&H’s Cinderella at Cape Fear Regional Theatre in North Carolina. This season’s performances at the Mac are dedicated to his late father Mike Belyeu; Miss you, dad.

Roles this Season

Jim Haller in All Shook Up
Soloist in Gifts of Love: The Music of Stephen Schwartz