Rensselaerville, NY – R’ville Stage Creations is opening its 2026 season with Yankee Hearth Tales, an original vaudeville-style cabaret that will transform historic Conkling Hall into a colonial tavern for three performances, March 13-15.
Conceived and directed by RSC’s Artistic Director Taradwyn McCormick-Hostash as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the production looks beyond famous battles and political speeches to explore everyday life in the Hudson, Mohawk, and Schoharie Valleys in 1776. McCormick-Hostash says that the production “blends music, storytelling, humor, and historical inspiration to bring to life the voices of farmers, families, soldiers, and tavern regulars navigating an era that would change everything.”
Producer Rachel de Long explains, “in 18th century upstate New York, people didn’t often attend formal theatrical performances – entertainment took place in taverns and people’s living rooms, created by regular people for themselves and their community.” In that spirit, the audience will sit at tables, explore show information in short printed ‘almanacs’, and experience comedic sketches, authentic colonial-era music, and storytelling created and performed by community members. Period-inspired snacks, beer, cider, and themed cocktails will be available at concessions under the creative hand of House Manager Kate Martin, while Stage Manager
Christopher Thorne will juggle an eclectic mix of found and cobbled props and simple set pieces on stage.
Yankee Hearth Tales marks the company’s fourth original cabaret since its founding in 2011 and follows a successful 2025 season of three sold-out productions. It is the first of three mainstage productions planned for 2026. Patrons can purchase tickets for each show or Season Tickets to see all three performances at a discount. Tickets and additional information are available at www.rvillestage.org.
IF YOU GO:
● Location: Conkling Hall, 8 Methodist Hill Rd, Rensselaerville, NY
● Dates: March 13-15, 2026
● Times: Friday and Saturday at 7:00 PM; Sunday at 2:00 PM. Lobby opens 1 hour
before each show; doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
● Seating: General admission
● Tickets: Available online at rvillestage.org, by phone at 518-248-3261, and at the door subject to availability
