The Mac-Haydn Theatre to Reopen its Doors for Live Performances July 29
The theatre's season will run July 29 through October 3 and include five musicals, as well as several limited performances.
By: Chloe Rabinowitz Jun. 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."
Performance Details:
Main Stage
Pippin (Thursday, July 29, 2021-Sunday, August 8, 2021)
She Loves Me (Thursday, August 12, 2021-Sunday, August 22, 2021)
Man of La Mancha (Thursday, August 26, 2021-Sunday, September 5, 2021)
Beehive: The '60s Musical (Saturday, September 11, 2021-Saturday, October 2, 2021)
The World Goes 'Round (Friday, September 10, 2021-Sunday, October 3, 2021)
All Tickets $42
Children's Theatre
The Most Incredible Thing (Friday, August 20, 2021-Saturday, 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 (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
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