When was the last time you went to the theatre, whether it was a play or a musical? Have you ever seen a show on Broadway? I get it, not everyone is interested in live theatre. But even if you have the slightest urge to do so, it’s so rewarding to immerse yourself in that world.
I’ve shared with you that I am a theatre geek. I fell in love with it when I was in high school. I was a little shy then (which is very hard to believe now, if you know me at all) and I wasn’t confident enough to go for the performing arts, whether it was the chorus, the band or the theatre. During senior year, I had made friends with kids who urged me to try out for the talent show as well as the school play. I was in both and it opened my eyes to what I had been missing.
Then came college, which sealed the deal for me. This was an environment in which I thrived. If you’ve had any experience with them, then you know that there is nothing like theatre people. They are so warm, welcoming and accepting that every time I am involved in a show, I feel like I’ve come home.
When my niece Megan entered high school, she was also shy and had not yet found her place in the hierarchy (she would never be a mean girl, she’s far too nice). It wasn’t until she tried out for the school play in sophomore year that her mother knew she had found her people. It was a source of great reassurance for her, and her confidence soared.
About a year and a half ago, I discovered there are community theatres all around us. So many, that I was truly stunned I had not known this. And even more wonderful is that in Marblehead, we have our very own community non-profit one – Marblehead Little Theatre (MLT). I am blessed to have joined the board of directors a few months ago and that I can contribute to their overall success. If you haven’t been to a production there, I highly urge you to go!
In October, MLT showed “The Crucible,” which broke records for attendance. Certainly, it was the right time of year for it, and as we are right next door to the Halloween capital of the world (also where the play is set), we offered a prime location in which to see it. Our next production is “A Little Night Music,” which I am co-producing with Andrew Barnett, who has been MLT’s facility manager and technical director for 25 years and who was just awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatres. In March, we will premiere “A Few Good Men,” the Aaron Sorkin play about military lawyers at a court-martial who uncover a high-level conspiracy. Then comes “Harvey” and “Jagged Little Pill” to round out the 2025/2026 season.
There is nothing like live theatre; it is an in-the-moment, shared experience that provides emotional intensity and a feeling of being part of something bigger. Nowadays, given that we have so much stimulation in entertainment, like television, movies, and gaming, live theatre can be seen as old-fashioned. But think about the fact that no two performances are exactly the same, since audience reaction is going to frame the actors’ choices in real time. And in a world of distractions, theatre lets us suspend our addiction to our screens and forces us to be completely engaged in, and focused on, events unfolding in front of us.
Of course, the actors provide us with the entertainment, but think for a moment about the tremendous amount of work from the production team that went into the show. From the costume designer to the lighting and set designers, props manager, sound technicians and finally (but certainly not least) the director whose vision came to life and who shaped everything you see. (And since I’ve been a stage manager many times, I’m going to give a special shout out to them, because stage managers are in charge of the show once performances start.)
I hope you will support MLT and avail yourselves of the amazing entertainment we provide. We will soon be seeking directors and producers for the 2026/2027 season and are accepting submissions at the end of this year! If you’re passionate about a play or a musical, we want to hear from you. Go to mltlive.com for more information. And of course, you may want to sponsor a show. Your (or your business’s) contribution will be featured in the program for the show you sponsor. (It’s tax deductible, too.) Reach out to us at info@mltlive.org or (781) 631-9697. And if you are an aspiring actor, consider auditioning for a show! You may discover your inner thespian. All the world is, indeed, a stage.
