Casting Begins

Principal Casting

The Mac-Haydn Theatre, Chatham, NY is seeking both partial and full-season Non-Equity Principal Submissions for its upcoming 2025 summer season. Located 2 hours north of NYC the Mac-Haydn produces 6 mainstage musicals and two special events. Full Season Dates: May 23–September 1, 2025. Competitive salary, housing, and travel stipend provided.

Submission Deadline: March 2, 2025 5:00 ESTCallbacks will be held virtually and in person in NYC March 18 and 19.

SEEKING:
A Grand Night For Singing (May 23–June 15):All Roles Open; Guys And Dolls (June 5–July 6):Nathan Detroit, Adelaide, Sky Masterson, Sarah Brown; Bronx Tale (June 19–July 20):Sonny, Calogero, Lorenzo, Jane, Rosina; Jesus Christ Superstar (July 10–August 3):Jesus, Judas, Mary, Caiaphas, Pilate; Escape to Margaritaville (August 7–August 31):Tully (Must play guitar, please include in audition video), Rachel, Tammy, Marley, Brick, JD

NO CALLS PLEASE.Additional audition information, including local audition dates, will be posted in the coming weeks. Please note that our box office is not staffed during our off-season and we are unable to answer calls regarding auditions and employment.

Broadway at Bimi’s

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Bimi’s Canteen for a fundraiser!
Featuring an evening of fine food and live performances.

30% of each ticket sold will directly support the Mac-Haydn, ensuring another year of extraordinary musical productions. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate local theatre, enjoy a spectacular evening of entertainment, and contribute to the continued success of our cherished institution.

Savor a delectable menu inspired by classic Old New York cuisine, thoughtfully curated by Chef Isabella Waldorf. This unique benefit event offers the immediacy and magic of Broadway paired with a culinary experience that transports you to a golden age of New York fine dining.

Featuring: Emily Allen, Gabe Belyeu, Conor Fallon, Mikel Hunter, Xander James, Kylan Ross, Lydia Stinson, Madison Stratton, and Anthony Michael Velez

ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Sunday, March 2
Seatings at 4:00pm or 7:00pm

2025 Season Announced!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAC-HAYDN THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2025 SEASON OF MUSICALS

CHATHAM, NY (February 10, 2025)—The Mac-Haydn Theatre is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2025 lineup. The 56th summer season will include six main stage musicals as well as two limited performance shows. This season promises to deliver unforgettable theatrical experiences, from Broadway classics to bold new works, ensuring that the Mac-Haydn remains a beloved destination for theatergoers in the Capital Region and beyond. Tickets are now on sale at www.machaydntheatre.org.

“This season we are offering four new titles, many of them regional premieres. It is an honor to be able to present such an array of hits on the Mac-Haydn stage and to bring these titles to life,” says Producing Artistic Director, John Saunders. “Variety is what this summer season is all about. We are celebrating musical theatre in all its forms, from the big classics to the compelling dramas. And what better way to finish off the lineup than with a cheeseburger in paradise!”

Main Stage Performance Details:

June 5–15
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s A Grand Night For Singing (MHT debut)
Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Music Arrangements by Fred Wells, Conceived by Walter Bobbie
This first-rate revue offers a fresh and innovative take on the songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein.

June 19–July 6
Guys and Dolls Book by Abe Burrows & Jo Swerling, Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser, Based on The Idyll of Sarah Brown and characters by Damon Runyon
Hailed as the perfect musical comedy, this award-winning classic gambles with luck and love under the bright lights of Broadway.

July 10–20
A Bronx Tale (MHT debut)
Music by Alan Menken, Book by Chazz Palminteri, Lyrics by Glenn Slater
This streetwise musical will take you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s—where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be.

July 24–August 3
Jesus Christ Superstar
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
A thrilling rock opera based on the last week of Jesus’ life, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for more than 50 years.

August 7–17
Annie
Book by Thomas Meehan, Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin
Based on Little Orphan Annie by permission of The Media Tribune Services, Inc.
Leapin’ Lizards! The irrepressible comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals.

August 21–31
Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville (MHT debut)
Music and Lyrics by Jimmy Buffett
Book by Greg Garcia & Mike O’Malley
Kick off your flip flops and set your clock to island time in this tropical paradise where love and laughter are the keys to growing older but not up.

Limited Performances:

The Last Five Years (MHT debut)
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Wednesday, July 30, 7:30pm
Friday, August 1, 3:00pm
From Jason Robert Brown, this modern musical ingeniously chronicles the five-year life of a marriage, from meeting to break-up and from break-up to meeting.

Showstoppers
Wednesday, August 27, 7:30pmFriday, August 29, 3:00pm
An experience you won’t want to miss—a celebration of the magic, the passion, and the sheer joy of musical theater.

Single ticket sales and 7 and 4-show subscriptions are now open. For more information on the 2025 season, showtimes, and tickets, visit our website.

About the Mac-Haydn TheatreFounded 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.

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The Fantastick Reviews!

“I would be hard-pressed to think of a better sign of the turning of the seasons than when the proverbial curtain comes down on September 15th and we theater lovers have to wait many a long month for the Mac-Haydn to return” says Lodro Rinzler for Trixie’s List

“The two fathers, who are the comedic heart of the show, provide much of the production’s levity. I would argue that Columbia County could support a show just about two men singing about how much they love their gardens, if those two men were portrayed by Gabe Belyeu and Jeffrey Konowitch.”

“A special treat for long-time patrons of the Mac-Haydn was the on-stage musical accompaniment by Eric Shorey on piano and Kathryn Sloat on harp, providing an immersive and whimsical air to every moment on stage. Both are truly exceptional talents.”

Early Bird Subscriptions Are Available

2025 Is On The Way!

It’s time to look ahead to next season and capitalize on our “Early Bird” offer. Available to current Subscribers and Founder’s Circle members, grab the opportunity to renew your subscription and retain your seats from 2024 as well as lock in your price for 2025.

With Our 2025 7 Show Subscription You Get: One ticket to each of the 6 Mainstage Musicals; One ticket to 1 of our Limited Performance Offerings and THE SAME PRICEas 2024, avoiding our planned subscription and ticket price increases in 2025.

Something Not So Rotten… Read the EGGtraordinary Reviews!

“The Mac-Haydn Theatre cooks up a perfect theatrical experience with Something Rotten!” says Bill Kellert Nippertown

“John Saunders’ direction plays his performers like a fine tuned instrument.”

“Emma Cummings has designed a set that replicates a Renaissance stage which choreographer Mandy Modic makes the most of, with performers leaping up and down, several full company tap sequences that Busby Berkeley would be envious of.”

“Bethany Marx has assembled one of the finest costume designs seen at The Mac all season.”

“I would gladly see it again. Especially this edition. It is just plain wonderful.” says Peter Bergman for Berkshire Edge

“Nick’s wife Beatrice is played with style, grace, and hilarious intent by Madison Stratton, who makes the most of her two songs and her wonderful comic scenes as she proves herself worthy of her marriage”

“This is a show I intend to see again before it completes its three-week run.”

“Milords and ladies: get thyself over to Chatham. N.Y. for an undeniably riotous, rollicking evening of song, dance, and hilarity” says Jeannie Woods for Berkshire on Stage

“This entertaining Elizabethan pastiche could easily sink under its own weight, the jokes and parodies come so fast and furious. But Director Saunders has done a fabulous job of casting and staging a big, big show in the intimate theatre space.”

“Andrew Burton Kelly is amiable and passionate as the older brother, Nick Bottom. He’s an extremely fine singer and terrific actor who is indefatigably entertaining.”

“Stratton is a spectacular performer—her powerful and beautiful voice and charismatic rendition of the wife who disguises herself as a man to keep the household afloat is truly memorable.”

“SOMETHING ROTTEN is dazzlingly entertaining. No need to wait for the big song and dance showstopper at the end—this show is chock full of huge dance numbers from the get-go.”

“A tremendous shout out goes to costume designer Bethany Marx. SOMETHING ROTTEN must have over 100 costumes and the valiant 22-member cast donned one after another with remarkable aplomb.”

Something Costumes

BRINGING THE RENAISSANCE TO THE MAC

Something Rotten costume designer Bethany Marx gives us a behind the scenes look as she pulls from the extenssive fabric collection at our local costume annex to transport us right into the 1600’s and bring this Rotten spectacle to life!

Every show takes on its own life when it comes to costumes. Some shows are pulled mainly from our stock, and other shows, like Something Rotten become a puzzle of stock items we own, rental items we get from other theatres, and new builds, meaning we build the costumes from scratch ourselves. Bethany works with her team to find the best solutions for each character and each moment in the show. Just by seeing how long it takes to work through our fabrics, you can imagine how much work it is to put together an entire production!

All Shook Up by the Reviews!

Bill Kellert states “it is the music, 24 Presley hits and dancing that makes this show so very worthwhile. It’s fun, engaging and nostalgic without ever feeling dated or passe. Not an easy feat to accomplish, and this cast and crew do it without ever breaking a sweat.” Nippertown

“Spencer Stanley is superb as Chad the roustabout, putting his own spin on the Presley classics including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Roustabout,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and the iconic “Burning Love.” Stanley never tries to imitate The King, though he does have Presley’s swiveling hip movements down to an art form.”

“The most spectacular parts of the show are the chorus numbers, magnificently re-imagined vocals of classic hits. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” sends chills down your spine with the combination of choreography, lighting and vocals.”

“If I am so glad I saw the show. I suspect you will feel the same when you see it, and I urge you to hasten to The Mac-Haydn in Chatham, New York.” says Peter Bergman for Berkshire Edge

“The songs from the Presley can work wonderfully in this peculiar play, literally shaking up the story and rattling the characters. It is all obvious under the fine direction of David Alpert and the expert choreography of Andrew Turteltaub.”

“The outstanding cast of the Mac-Haydn Theatre shakes their hips, sings their hearts out and absolutely dazzles in All Shook Up” says Paula Kaplan Reiss for Berkshire on Stage

“Kelley, as Sylvia, a role she has played before, often steals the stage whenever she appears. She is strong, wise, funny and has a voice that fills the theater. We all fall in love with her. She is the heart of the show.”

“Choreography by Andrew Turteltaub is top-notch on a relatively small thrust stage. A special shout-out to ensemble member, Tanner Kirol. A trained ballet dancer, his dancing draws attention in every group number.”

“I didn’t need to see Elvis to fall in love with this production of All Shook Up. I just couldn’t help it. Thank you very much.”

Over The Moon Reviews for RENT!

“It’s the best show I’ve seen in years. So much so that I recommend seeing it twice.” says Lodro Rinzler for Trixie’s List

“Andrew Burton Kelley (who was incredible in Xanadu) plays Mark, our point-of-view character who hides behind his camera, documenting the lives of his found family. Good lord this man is talented. It’s worth going just to see him move through the emotional arcs of the show.”

“Our Mimi is new to the MacHaydn and boy, what a find. Anna Viveros brought an incredible balance of wild, sexy and dangerous to the role of Mimi, offering a truly electric performance. She made some big acting choices and I was delighted that every single one of them hit.”

“Marcus Jordan brings unbridled joy to the role of Tom Collins in the first act and beautiful sentimentality in the second; it’s a marvel to behold”

“Amber Mawande-Spytek plays Joanne and just f-ing nails it. Mawande-Spytek is an incredible actor who balances the multiple aspects of Joanne simultaneously with grace and ease.”

“Josh Walker plays Benny, our villain turned hero and they are so fun to watch over the course of the show; it’s hard to take your eyes off them.”

“Everyone around me had a good time and that’s an excellent sign that the Mac has another hit on its hands.” says Peter Bergman for Berkshire Bright Focus

“The show is really held together by fledgling film-maker Mark Cohen, perfectly played by Andrew Burton Kelley. This character both acts within the show’s action and narrates the show for his documentary film in the works as it develops, never an easy task for an actor. Kelley does it all with style and grace and makes it work easily.”

“Joanne is played by Amber Mawande-Spytek in her best role since playing the daughter in Next to Normal.”

Bill Kellert states the Mac-Haydn Theatre “continues to crank out top notch professional productions at the little theatre in the country.” Nippertown

“Backed by the support of the Mac’s music director Eric Shorey, who once again does a masterful job leading the cast through the challenging and demanding roles as well as the flawless choreography as imagined by Elizabeth McGuire that has the cast oftentimes appear to float across the stage.”

“The outstanding performances of the show belong to Velez, the drag queen with the heart of gold and eternal optimism who steals the light whenever he is on the stage.”

“Alivia Cross creates an incredible set for the actors to play on. She constructs a warehouse space that is the apartment for Mark and Ross and also becomes the streets , tent city and parks of New York. Almost miraculously, Cross’s set makes the stage appear larger than the actual stage on which it is built.”