West Springfield, MA (4/1/26) – The Majestic Theater was the scene of a large gathering of theater professionals, associates, family and friends on March 30 who came to witness the naming of its stage for Founder/Producing Director Danny Eaton.
The event began with guests mingling in the Majestic Café before taking their seats in the packed 225-seat theater. A number of people took the newly-named Danny Eaton Stage to share reflections on Eaton’s vision, determination and passion that led him to work with a dedicated team of volunteers to refurbish and re-open the Majestic, a long-abandoned venue, in 1997. Eaton literally built the stage himself.
Emcee Dave Madsen introduced speakers including Eaton’s partner in operating the theater, Todd Kadis, director James Warwick, musician Mitch Chakour, actor Ben Ashley, current producing director Sue Dziura, supporter Ted Hebert, board member Marie Susen, former stage manager Liz Zieminski, and Eaton’s daughter Emily, who acted in Eaton’s production of To Kill a Mockingbird as a child.
Congressman Richard Neal took the podium to offer his congratulations, recognizing the Majestic’s lasting cultural influence and Danny’s role in shaping it. West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt was among those in attendance in the audience.
Finally, Eaton stepped to the microphone to greet those in attendance. With gratitude and humility, he thanked the countless supporters – past and present – who helped bring his dream to life. He repeatedly reflected on the extraordinary community that had developed in the 29 years since taking the reins of the Majestic Theater; a family of actors, musicians, crew, supporters, and audiences united by the shared magic of live performance.
Eaton stated, “First, be it known, this was not an official retirement. Naming the stage after me is an absolute honor as well as a legacy sort of thing. But for me, the true legacy – if there is one – is the many, many thousands of people who’ve attended shows, performed, or worked on productions and all of the friendships and human connections that have grown out of that.”
