CHATHAM, NY — The Mac-Haydn Theatre is thrilled to announce seven exciting musicals to celebrate its upcoming 50th season. Four are proven audience favorites and three are new to the professional theatre-in-the-round, including one that has been at the top of the request list for several years and one that offers the first chance in this area to see a classic story set to beautiful music.
The devilishly clever classic Damn Yankees, opens the season. This romantic comedy knocks it out of the park when Joe Hardy sells his soul to the devil to help his favorite team, the Washington Senators, win the World Series. Damn Yankees starts the summer off with nine innings worth of hit songs like “You Gotta Have Heart” and “Whatever Lola Wants”, May 24 to June 3
Next, meet “The Greatest Star” in Funny Girl, the story of Fanny Brice’s rise from “Henry Street” on New York’s lower East Side to vaudeville mega-star. One of the most incredible scores in musical theatre includes “Don’t Rain On My Parade” and “People”. Playing June 7 to 17, Funny Girl is romantic, touching and downright hysterical – everything a musical should be!
A provocative and omniscient Emcee guides us through twists and turns of 1930’s Berlin in Cabaret, June 21 through July 1. Writer Cliff Bradshaw enters the decadent and hypnotic Kit Kat Club and meets vivacious star Sally Bowles; romance ensues as the world around them changes dramatically. Cabaret has one of the most famous scores in musical theatre history with “Wilkommen, Don’t Tell Mama” and more.
You’ve been asking and asking for it, and we finally got it! Yes, it’s Mamma Mia, running for three weeks, July 5 to 22. This most requested show in Mac-Haydn’s 50 years is a mega-hit with glitz, comedy and romance that will leave you feeling out of this world with joy! Packed with ABBA hits like “Honey, Honey”, “Dancing Queen”, “Knowing Me, Knowing You”, “Thank You For The Music” and “I Have A Dream” it leads to a rousing finale featuring “Mamma Mia”. Order tickets early – you’ll want to see this one more than once!
A new instant classic, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a stunning retelling of the Victor Hugo (“Les Miserables”) story. One of the most sweeping scores ever heard at Mac-Haydn features songs from the Disney film such as “The Bells of Notre Dame, God Help The Outcasts, Heaven’s Light, Hellfire” and “Someday”. The Hunchback of Notre Dame will stir your emotions with an unforgettable story of love, acceptance and what it is to be a true hero,
July 26 to August 5.
Get ready for big laughs, big dancing and big hair in The Wedding Singer, August 9 through 19. Based on the happy, song-filled hit film, this show leaves you believing in true love as down and out wedding singer Robbie struggles to overcome being left at the altar. Luckily, the girl of his dreams is out there and he’ll fight for her to the happy ending. “It’s Your Wedding Day, Casualty of Love” and “Grow Old With You” will take you back to 1985 as The Wedding Singer shows that love will find a way!
Closing the 50th season of musicals, and just when we need her the most, Mac-Haydn brings back that eternal optimist, Annie, to teach you to believe in a better “Tomorrow”! Annie is the ultimate rags to riches tale, filled with delicious laughs, outrageous villains and of course the ever lovable Sandy. All your favorite hit songs from this beloved classic are waiting to delight you: “Hard Knock Life, Maybe, Easy Street” and “Little Girls”. Annie performs August 23 through September 2 and is sure to send the whole family into the next season full of hope and wonder!
Matinee and evening performances are first week Thursday through Sunday, second and third weeks Wednesday through Sunday; times vary. Tickets are $39.50 and $38.50 for evenings, $36.50 for all matinee seats. Group rates are available, discounts for children under 12 and seniors. Call 518-392-9292 for tickets and information; visit www.machaydntheatre.org for Mac-Haydn news and to order tickets online. Join The Mac-Haydn Theatre for their 50th Anniversary Season!