Mac-Haydn Theatre -- "The King and I"

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“SHALL WE DANCE”—Monica M. Wemitt and Andrew Hasegawa play one of the most classic scenes from musical theatre as Anna teaches the King of Siam to dance in “The King and I” at The Mac-Haydn Theatre in nearby Chatham, NY.
CHATHAM, NY — A unique romance, a story that blends the values and traditions of two cultures and music that shows Rodgers and Hammerstein at their most touchingly creative make “The King and I” a rare treat among musical theatre classics. The final show of The Mac-Haydn Theatre 2004 season, “The King and I” plays August 26 through September 5. Monica M. Wemitt stars as Anna Leonowens. She is joined by Andrew Hasegawa as the King of Siam. Ms. Wemitt was a hit earlier this season as Ruth in “Pirates of Penzance”, blending her rich soprano voice and natural comedic talents in the featured operetta role. She sings “Whistle A Happy Tune” to perk up her son’s and her own spirits as they embark on a new life in Siam; “Hello, Young Lovers” in a poignant memory of her late husband; and “Getting To Know You” as she meets her young pupils, the King’s children. Mr. Hasegawa has played award winning performances of the role at theatres on both coasts, and in his native Canada. His natural ebullience and charm led to being voted Best Actor in a Musical at the noted Alameda (CA) Civic Light Opera and at Woodland (CA) Opera House, as well as Director’s Choice Award at Alameda CLO. He joins Ms. Wemitt singing “Shall We Dance”, as Anna teaches the King to waltz in a scene classic to both the stage and movie screen. Katie Kuhlenschmidt plays Tuptim and Chad Heuschober is Lun Tha. They sing of their love that can never be in two glorious numbers “I Have Dreamed” and We Kiss In A Shadow”. Ms. Kuhlenschmidt has shown her diverse talents as a feature dancer in “Swing!”, Jenny Lind, the Swedish Nightengale, in “Barnum”, and Dainty June in “Gypsy”. Mr. Heuschober was a rollicking Pirate King in “Pirates of Penzance” and a love smitten lad, Hero, in “Forum”. Karla Shook plays Lady Thiang, the King’s favorite wife. She gives her wisdom of the King to Anna in “Something Wonderful”. Ms. Shook has held featured roles this summer of Charity Barnum in “Barnum”, Ellie in “Show Boat” and Tessie Tura in “Gypsy”. Douglas A. Jones, whose resonant bass voice thrilled audiences as he sang “Old Man River” as Joe in “Show Boat”, will play The Kralahome. Four area boys playing feature roles will be Darrin French of Philmont and Charles Franklin of Loudonville as Louis Leonowens, and brothers Adam and Tyler Stanton of West Stockbridge as Prince Chululongkorn. Darrin and Charles shared the role of Young PatrickDennis in “Mame” two seasons ago. Darrin also played Colin in “The Secret Garden” last year. Charles was Stanley in Mac-Haydn Children’s Theatre’s “Ransom of Red Chief last summer, and has many shows in the Capital District to his credit. Adam was Bashful in the Children’s Theatre show “Snow White” last summer, and Frederich in “The Sound of Music” two seasons ago. Tyler was a Newsboy in “Gypsy” earlier this Mac-Haydn summer; both brothers have had roles at Williamstown Theatre Festival, and appeared with Albany Berkshire Ballet and NY City Opera Company at Tanglewood. “The King and I” is the final treat on Mac-Haydn’s summer schedule of fantastic fun and glorious music. The show features both of those, and is an ideal way to end your theatre season! Performances are: first week, Thursday at 2 and 8 p.m., Friday at 8, Saturday at 5 and 8:30, Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m.; second week, Wednesday at 2 and 8, Thursday and Friday at 8, Saturday at 5 and 8:30, Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $21.90 and $22.90 for evening performances, $20.90 for all matinee seats, $12.00 for children under 12 with an adult. Discounts are available for senior citizens and groups. Air Conditioned. Master Card and Visa accepted. No cancellations or refunds. Call 518-392-9292 for information and reservations. Visit The Mac-Haydn Theatre website at www.machaydntheatre.org.
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Lanesborough Fifth-Graders Win Snowplow Name Contest

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — One of the snowplows for Highway District 1 has a new name: "The Blizzard Boss."
 
The name comes from teacher Gina Wagner's fifth-grade class at Lanesborough Elementary School. 
 
The state Department of Transportation announced the winners of the fourth annual "Name A Snowplow" contest on Monday. 
 
The department received entries from public elementary and middle school classrooms across the commonwealth to name the 12 MassDOT snowplows that will be in service during the 2025/2026 winter season. 
 
The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the snow and ice season and to recognize the hard work and dedication shown by public works employees and contractors during winter operations. 
 
"Thank you to all of the students who participated. Your creativity allows us to highlight to all, the importance of the work performed by our workforce," said  interim MassDOT Secretary Phil Eng.  
 
"Our workforce takes pride as they clear snow and ice, keeping our roads safe during adverse weather events for all that need to travel. ?To our contest winners and participants, know that you have added some fun to the serious take of operating plows. ?I'm proud of the skill and dedication from our crews and thank the public of the shared responsibility to slow down, give plows space and put safety first every time there is a winter weather event."
 
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