Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Play It Again, Ray, At the Mac-Haydn

The Shook sisters have been onstage since Kelly was 3 and Karla, 4. That’s when their mother took them to an audition for “Carousel” at the Mac-Haydn Theatre in Chatham, NY. In the 20 or so years since, they have totally abandoned the idea of making their livelihoods in any other way and have spent so much time performing that neither one can look at a camera without flashing the bright eyes and the big smile. “Musical comedy is a good fit for me,” Karla says, which is probably why she is playing Sadie in Ray Roderick and Michael Berkeley’s (TriArts founders both) “I Love a Piano” at the Mac-Haydn this summer. This Irving Berlin, six-person revue has history. It debuted in 1992 (in a frenetic and entertaining production at the Sharon Playhouse) back when the youthful Shooks were probably still annoying their parents by wearing grungy denims and green sneakers. It ran at regional theaters in Minneapolis and Denver. And by the time it was touring coast to coast (with a stop in Pittsfield in 2002 some may remember), Karla was playing Sadie. Last year the two, Kelly as understudy, toured with “I Love a Piano” in Japan. “You get paid to see the country,” Kelly said. “You get paid to see the world.” And they will get paid to open Mac-Haydn’s season with “I Love a Piano,” Karla as Sadie and Kelly codirecting with her sister, running May 29 through June 6. Berkeley plans to be in the audience one night. For tickets, call 518-392-9292. The Mac-Haydn Theatre is at 1925 New York Route 203, in Chatham.

Latest News

Pet photo contest

Pet photo contest

Georgie, the resident office dog at The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News.

Natalia Zuckerman

Few things bring as much joy to a household as a pet. Whether they're our loyal companions, our biggest personalities or the ones who somehow manage to run the household, they have a way of making life a little more fun.

From dogs who greet us like we've been gone for years to cats who remind us who's really in charge, our pets bring plenty of character, comfort and a whole lot of love into our homes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Harding concedes State Senate District 30 to Zimmer

Just as polls close, Former District 30 State Senator Stephen Harding greets supporters at his election watch party at The Abby Restaurant & Bar in New Milford, CT, Nov. 3.

Patrick Stachniak

In an unprecedented midterm election the evening of Nov. 3, Democrats across the country flipped battleground races for federal and local representatives in what has been described as a blue tsunami. The results in Connecticut were no different.

Keep ReadingShow less

Small trout, big lasagna and bad movies

Small trout, big lasagna and bad movies

The Men of CACA. From left, the author, Steve DeSimone, and Tom Gallucio.

Gary Dodson

I recently convened the fall meeting of CACA, which stands for Cinema, Angling and Culinary Appreciation.

This takes place in Phoenicia, New York. We fish all day, make a bountiful dinner, and watch the world’s worst movies.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Sharon ambulance captain carries on family tradition of service

Thalia MacMillan

Ruth Epstein

SHARON ­— Whether it’s in her professional work or her community volunteerism, Thalia MacMillan strives to advocate for others. She developed that instinct from her many family members who also have the same calling.

Many in the region know her dad, Stanley MacMillan, who served for decades as a building inspector and fire marshal. Her mother, Grace Kandefer, was a longtime nurse at Sharon Hospital. Both were active volunteer first responders. Her brother Stanley MacMillan, Jr., is a member of the Sharon Fire Department.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sharon plans replacement of West Cornwall Road bridge

SHARON — The Board of Selectmen and Planning & Zoning Commission have approved new plans to replace the West Cornwall Road bridge over Pine Swamp Brook, just south of the historic covered bridge over the Housatonic River in West Cornwall.

The project has been in the works for three years after a survey determined that the structure was nearing the end of its intended life-span. After passing the P&Z commission, the project now only needs approval from four property owners near the site to begin the bidding process.

Keep ReadingShow less
Salisbury Forum links science, religion and Earth’s future

From left, Sam King, Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim discuss how religion and science can be used to address environmental challenges on Oct. 30.

Patrick L. Sullivan

LAKEVILLE — Religious scholars Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim and environmentalist, writer and former Hotchkiss teacher Sam King delivered a presentation at The Hotchkiss School Friday, Oct. 30.

Sponsored by the Salisbury Forum, “Change the Story, Change the World: A New Vision for an Ecological Era” explored how religious tradition and modern science can be used together to address environmental and spiritual challenges.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.