Behind the Scenes Magazine | Spring/Summer 2024

Behind the Scenes

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Making a legacy gift is personal. The philanthropic services team at Greater Worcester Community Foundation is here to help bring your unique vision for leaving a lasting impact to life. There are numerous ways to make a planned gift and become a member of our legacy Acorn Society. Joining is easy – simply inform us of your estate plan inclusion and know that your generosity will last in perpetuity.

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Behind the Scenes MAGAZINE

Spring/Summer 2024

Our Mission

To ignite and nurture a passion for the performing arts in audiences and artists of today and tomorrow.

Our Vision

To be a dynamic downtown destination where all people can experience the transformative power of the performing arts.

Territory Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Nipmuc Nation on which we are working and currently performing in Worcester, MA. We recognize and respect Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. This acknowledgement is essential to human rights work across the world. It is essential to our mission to honor stories that explore the human experience. Find more information at native-land.ca.

Please note the following use of abbreviations throughout the magazine:

The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts (THT)

The Hanover Theatre Conservatory (THTC)

The Hanover Theatre Repertory (THT Rep) Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC)

Throughout the magazine, please note that this symbol invites you to learn more about the stories in this issue.

Editorial Team: Lisa K. Condit, Annie Kerins, Sarah Hallowell, Lillian Irwin

Design Team: Monica Elefterion, Ashleigh Prince

Advertising Opportunities: Contact Diane Pieciak at 508.930.2424 or diane@thehanovertheatre.org.

Cover image: The cast of TINA - The Tina Turner Musical, photo by Matt Crockett.

“

It was an easy decision to include THT in my estate plan because The Hanover Theatre is a huge part of my life. I’m joyful to know that my donation, when combined with other gifts, will fund endeavors to support the vision and goals of the organization while ensuring continued opportunities for learning and entertaining experiences for future participants.

“

Box Office Hours

Open Monday-Saturday from 10 am-6 pm or until 30 minutes past curtain time on performance days. On Sunday performance days, the box office opens either at noon or two hours prior to curtain time, whichever is earlier.

Summer Hours

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the box office is open Monday-Friday from 10 am-6 pm or until 30 minutes past curtain time on performance days. On performance weekends, the box office opens either at noon or two hours prior to curtain time, whichever is earlier.

Where We Are

We have two main venues where we present shows and events, plus the Conservatory & Event Center and the Bank of America Stage on Francis R. Carroll Plaza in front of THT. Inspect your order confirmation and read your show reminder email carefully so you know where to go.

• The Hanover Theatre | 2 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA 01608

• BrickBox Theater at the JMAC | 20 Franklin Street, Worcester, MA 01608

• Conservatory & Event Center | 551 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608

• Francis R. Carroll Plaza | 2 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA 01608

Buying Tickets

We work hard to ensure all visitors have a great experience from start to finish, and how you get your tickets plays a major role in that. Visit TheHanoverTheatre.org and, while browsing events on our site, narrow your search with the venue and/or genre filters, or the search bar at the top of the listing.

When it comes to spotting unauthorized resellers, the ticket price is one of the biggest red flags. Broadway at THT starts at $39 in the orchestra with top dollar tickets up to $129. Third-party websites have been known to try and resell these same seats for up to $700 a piece! Ensure you get seats at the best price and from us. Come to our box office, visit TheHanoverTheatre.org or call us at 877.571.7469. Stay up to date and sign up for our emails!

Group Tickets

Discover unbeatable savings when you gather your group of 10 or more for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Worcester! Enjoy at least 10% off per ticket and create lasting memories with friends, family and loved ones. Visit TheHanoverTheatre.org/groupsales, call 877.571.7469 or email groupsales@thehanovertheatre.org to book your group early and save.

Careers at THT

The excellence and dedication of Team THT truly makes The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory shine. Explore exciting career opportunities by visiting TheHanoverTheatre.org/careers. Whether you’re seeking full-time or part-time positions, or looking to gain valuable experience through internships during the spring, summer or fall semesters, there are excellent opportunities for you to grow and thrive! Interested in volunteering? Learn more on page 19.

Reflections on Impossible Dreams

As we close the curtain on our 15th anniversary season at The Hanover Theatre, we are reminded of our incredible founders’ journey. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for our fall screening of filmmaker and producer John Stimpson’s touching documentary “On a Wing and a Prayer: Achieving the Impossible Dream.” This film reminds us of the many years spent planning and building before the doors opened at The Hanover Theatre in 2008.

“Everybody did something based on their size and their ability. It’s not just a handful of people’s project or a handful of entities’ project. This is, in the most noble sense, a community project, a community space that everybody should take pride and ownership in,” said Edward Augustus, former Worcester City Manager.

Stage Festival. Notable during those early days, Siebels began adapting A Christmas Carol, his favorite Charles Dickens classic for the stage, not realizing it would one day be the perfect show to bring to THT’s main stage.

2024 marks President and CEO Troy Siebels’ 20th year as the primary cultural crusader and fearless leader at THT. Prior to his arrival in Worcester, Siebels was the producing director at Greater Boston Stage Company and also served as managing director for the American

The Mighty Wurlitzer is the crown jewel that now accompanies Siebels’ lavish annual production. New England’s largest theatre pipe organ was donated by Donald Phipps who made a cold call to Siebels in the early 2000s that went like this, “You have a theatre, I have a large theatre pipe organ. Maybe we should get together.” They met and the rest is history. The story was preserved in a featured news piece on WCVB Channel 5 Boston “Chronicle” this January, available for review on our website or by scanning the code on the back of the magazine. The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ is available for all to hear throughout the year, thanks to the faith and support of Troy Siebels, the theatre’s founding team, the Worcester community, the entire organ team and of course the vision of Donald Phipps. Don’t miss upcoming Wurlitzer Organ concerts, pre-show performances, silent films and more!

continued on page 21

President and CEO, Troy Siebels celebrates 20 years in the theatre he calls home (above) and is captured (below) during the expansion of the theatre’s footprint to include the conservatory, special event spaces, volunteer quarters and administrative offices.

Spotlight on To Kill a Mockingbird Director, Bartlett Sher

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird holds the record as the highest-grossing American play in Broadway history. Now in its third season, the first national tour of To Kill a Mockingbird stars Emmy Award®-winning actor Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch, with a critically acclaimed adaptation by Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin and direction by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher.

Coincidentally, Sher mounted hugely successful Broadway productions of both My Fair Lady and To Kill a Mockingbird in the same year, 2018.

We had the privilege of interviewing Bartlett Sher in anticipation of To Kill a Mockingbird’s arrival. “It’s really a powerful piece and I think as much as your audiences love My Fair Lady” Sher explained. “We have had incredible responses to To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Set in Alabama in 1934, Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prizewinning story of racial injustice and childhood innocence centers on one of the most venerated characters in American literature, small-town lawyer Atticus Finch. Audiences have been raving about Richard Thomas in the role and Sher did not hesitate to join the chorus. “He’s one of our great actors. For many people that are older like me, we remember him as John-Boy in ‘The Waltons’, but he’s always been an incredible stage actor. I worked with him in Los Angeles with Sir Peter Hall on Measure for

Measure and Midsummer Night’s Dream. He brings such depth, intelligence, clarity and kindness. You need to be able to follow a great actor through a very complex story in which you face some difficult things and Richard is just wonderful for that.”

The value in sharing the story of To Kill a Mockingbird has only increased since opening in 2018. What changed between mounting the Broadway production and remounting the national tour? According to Sher, “I think audiences changed. I think the story became more profound and relevant. I had to be mindful of what was in the hearts of the audience as they were perceiving it. Because I was still depicting a world that had happened in 1934, I was still a bit caught between the two. It was interesting to see that certain things had an even deeper resonance than they had had before. So, I think it’s not so much that I changed, it’s that we all changed.”

In an ever-changing world, it is important to remember where we come from. For Bartlett Sher, Worcester was a special part of his journey. He ended the interview with these parting words for The Hanover Theatre: “As a Holy Cross grad, I’m thrilled to have the show back in Worcester. My experience in Worcester was so wonderful and such an important part of my life. I’m excited to be able to give a little something back to the city and for people to be able to see Mockingbird!”

College of the Holy Cross graduate Bartlett Sher discussing the play with Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch) and Melanie Moore (Scout Finch) as seen in the background. Photo by Julieta Cervantes.

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird sponsored by Bay State Savings Bank runs May 3-5, 2024.

Couldn’t Make the Magic Without You!

Your support has an impact on everything we do, from performances on the mainstage to engagement programs for students and families. Donations provide much needed support to help keep our nonprofit theatre strong and resilient. No gift is too small.

With donations of $100 or more you become a member and gain access to a range of benefits, including early access to tickets and special discounts.

Our vibrant community of members help us bring exceptional performances and cultural experiences to central MA.

We couldn’t make the magic happen without your support! Donations of any size are truly meaningful, and we are honored by the commitment of those who choose to invest in our work and our community.

To make a donation visit TheHanoverTheatre.org/support or contact Veronica Bailey at 508.471.1772 or veronica@thehanovertheatre.org. Click to learn more.

Bank where you matter.

Your goals are unique, and the way you bank should fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re buying your first home, shopping for a new car, accommodating your growing family or business, or just managing your day-to-day finances – we’re here for you each step of the way.

Get started at centralfcu.com or call us at (800) 527-1017 today.

We will rock you! Every night out at THT is a good night. Photo courtesy of Almost Queen.

October 18-20, 2024

November 8-10, 2024

January 10-12, 2025

Give in to the Temptation and subscribe today!

2024-2025 Broadway Series Special Perks

Best Seats at the Best Price: Subscribers are guaranteed to get the BEST deal with savings up to $98 and protection from demand-driven price increases. Student subscribers save up to $236! Plus, with over 40% of seats already sold to loyal subscribers, subscribing is the only way to guarantee seats!

Easily swap tickets for a different showtime to fit your schedule.

Beat the rush and snag extra tickets to the Broadway Series before they go on sale to the public.

Subscribe for as little as $37.35 per month with interest-free payment plans. Plus, defer payments until June 15.

Save 10% and access early ticket sales to other

NEW! Automatic Renewal: Effortlessly secure your subscription for the next season for priority upgrades and additional tickets.

Click to learn more about Broadway at THT.

Defer Payments until June 15

Money-Back Guarantee through August 31

Save up to $98

• • • Students Save up to $236

Interest-Free Payment Plans as little as $37.35 per month

Subscribe and guarantee great seats before the general public!

TheHanoverTheatre.org

• 877.571.7469

February 14-16, 2025

TBA May 6

April 4-6, 2025

April 11-13, 2025

Best Seats. Best Value. Best Benefits. Right here in Worcester.

Celebrate the Queen of Rock N’ Roll when into Worcester to kick off the 2024-2025 Broadway Series. Sponsored by Country Bank, experience simply the best pulse pounding soundtrack and a powerful comeback story about triumphing over life’s obstacles.

Nominated for 12 Tony Awards® and the winner of the 2019 Tony Award Choreography, AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS tells the thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty and betrayal. It’s not just your imagination, this musical is “ELECTRIFYING!” Get ready to celebrate the greatest R&B group of all time!

Witness “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history.”Washington Post. Winner of 6 Tony Awards®, the Grammy® Award and the Olivier Award for Best Musical, DEAR EVAN HANSEN self-discovery in the digital age. #YouWillBeFound

Step into the fabulous world of the legendary Cher with the Tony Award musical, THE CHER SHOW, sponsored by UniBank. Celebrate her chart-topping hits and explore her roles as the kid starting out, the glam pop star and the iconic legend. Do you believe in life after love?

A beloved 1980s film, a timeless classic . . . our fifth show of the season is uproarious fun! Sponsored by Cornerstone Bank, this show suspects you’ll be DYING of laughter and on the edge of your seat until the grand reveal. Look out for the announcement on May 6.

Best Musical winner all across North America! New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Co-sponsored by bankHometown and Worcester State University, this breathtaking musical is acclaimed as a celebration of the best kind of humanity that we need right now.

For pricing and to secure your subscription, fill out the form on page 23.

Come From Away

April 11-13, 2025

Sponsored by bankHometown and Worcester State University

Subscribe for the best seats at the best price.

FREE EVENTS on the Plaza! Lunchtime Concert Series

July 10: The Party Band

July 17: Clatta Bumboo

July 24: The Suitcase Junket

July 31: Girls Just Want To Have Fun

August 7: Scottish Fish

August 14: Hot Honey

August 21: Kotoko Brass

August 28: Stomp N’ Holler

See page 13 for details.

Live in the Moment with the Finest Entertainment!

April 11 - Nov 6 A Musical Revue on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ (see page 18 for complete details)

April 11 - May 5 THT Rep presents Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare at the BrickBox Theater

April 13 THT Rep Opening Day/Open House at the JMAC. Learn more about THT Rep, the new season & more

April 13 - May 3 THT Rep presents Judith at the BrickBox Theater

April 13 Heilung: Farvel For Nu Vinland (SOLD OUT)

April 19 Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue

April 25 Dinosaur World Live, plus arrive early for Dinosaur Day activities on Francis R. Carroll Plaza

April 28 The General: Silent film accompanied by Clark Wilson on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ

April 30 - Nov 5 Historic & Architectural Tours, FREE (see page 18 for complete details)

May 3-5 To Kill a Mockingbird sponsored by Bay State Savings Bank

May 19 The Hanover Theatre Conservatory presents Spring Reflection 2024

May 20 Registration opens for summer classes in the conservatory

June 9 John Cleese Live on Stage After a Screening of Monty Python and The Holy Grail

June 14 Girls Night: The Musical sponsored by Reliant Medical Group

June 15 Rocky Horror Picture Show with Shadowcasting by Teseracte Players*

July 19 Registration opens for fall classes in the conservatory

June 21-23 THTC Youth Acting Company Annual Spring Musical

July 25 Christmas in July FREE EVENT at the theatre (see page 16)

July 26-27 THTC Teen Youth Summer Program presents Legally Blonde The Musical

August 10 THTC Pre-Teen Youth Summer Program presents Legally Blonde The Musical Jr.

August 16-17 THTC Teen Youth Summer Program presents Legally Blonde The Musical

September 8 Youth Auditions for The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol

September 13 The Australian Pink Floyd Show

October 18-20 2024-2025 Broadway Series: TINA - The Tina Turner Musical sponsored by Country Bank**

October 25 Mania: The ABBA Tribute*

November 8-10 2024-2025 Broadway Series: Ain’t Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations**

Nov 29 - Dec 1 The Nutcracker*

December 3 Judy Collins*

December 5 Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson: An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies – Part II

December 6 Boston Pops Holiday Tour 2024 sponsored by Chacharone Properties*

December 17-23 A Christmas Carol*

January 10-12 2024-2025 Broadway Series: Dear Evan Hansen **

February 14-16 2024-2025 Broadway Series: The Cher Show sponsored by UniBank**

Upcoming shows &events

April 4-6 2024-2025 Broadway Series: NoBODY wants to miss this Broadway hit! sponsored by Cornerstone Bank**

April 11-13 2024-2025 Broadway Series: Come From Away co-sponsored by bankHometown and Worcester State University**

March 15 Red Hot Chilli Pipers*

April 25, 2025 The Moth Mainstage*

May 10, 2025 Stayin’ Alive: A Tribute to the Bee Gees*

* This show/event may not be on sale at the time of printing. **2024-2025 Broadway Series shows are only available through full package subscriptions at this time. Subscriptions are available now! Don’t delay. Subscribe today for the best seats at the best price. Please understand that all shows, dates, times and pricing are subject to change. New shows added all the time. Stay updated at TheHanoverTheatre.org.

Photo ©Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.

If Music Be the Food of Love, Play On at THT Rep

From April 11 – May 5, THT Rep plays Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare, in true repertory fashion with Judith, by Katie Bender. Director Brendon Fox helms both gender-bending productions, featuring an incredible line up of actors including THT Rep favorite Meri Stypinski (Julius Caesar, Macbeth, The Glass Menagerie).

Having just directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream for THTC’s Youth Acting Company, Fox sets Twelfth Night in the 1920s. In this iconic romantic comedy, mistaken identities, mischief and music abound, delivering a night out that promises to be the cat’s meow.

In the solo show Judith, Shakespeare’s sister assumes his identity only to discover her true self. THT Rep’s Artistic Director Livy Scanlon returns to play the titular role, having introduced Worcester to the script with a staged reading in 2023. The fully realized production of Judith is presented in partnership with Urbanite Theatre in Sarasota, FL, where Scanlon recently played the world premiere, hailed by critics as “a one-woman tour de force”.

Celebrate both shows with us on April 13 at our Opening Day Open House! Between the 2 pm opening of Judith and the 8 pm opening of Twelfth Night, catch a series of pop-up performances inspired by the shows, a Roaring ‘20s costume party and THT Rep’s 2024-2025 season announcement! Light refreshments served courtesy of Flying Rhino, with limited edition “She’s the Man” beer poured courtesy of Redemption Rock Brewing Company!

In conjunction with Twelfth Night, THT Rep welcomes its third cohort of Worc at Play students, who enjoy tuition-free classical actor training and performance opportunities offered in partnership with THTC.

The program cultivates aspiring actors from greater Worcester, including absolute beginners. Now a second-year student, Matthew Johnson shares, “Shakespeare was very new to me when I came to Worc at Play. And now I’m on a roll. I want to learn more and more. I’m in love!”

The newest initiative of THT, THT Rep entertains, engages and energizes audiences with dynamic theatrical events made in and for Worcester, focusing on classics, modern classics and classics-inspired works. All performances take place at 20 Franklin St in the BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC). Just a three-minute walk from THT, the JMAC is a program of the Worcester Cultural Coalition, which draws on the city’s rich and diverse cultural assets to foster economic revitalization, support active creative engagement for all and promote a strong cultural identity for greater Worcester.

Visit TheHanoverTheatre.org/THTRep or click to learn about THT Rep’s 2024-2025 season!

MarHadoo Effeh** (Olivia), Livy Scanlon* (Viola) and Robert St. Laurence* (Orsino). Photo by UnityMike. *Member AEA **Appearing Courtesy AEA

The 2024 Worc at Play cohort. Photo by UnityMike.

Savor the Summer with Lunchtime Concerts

FREE and Open to the Public on the Plaza

Join us as we bask in the summer sun, indulge in delectable treats from local food trucks and groove to the beats of the talented musicians gracing the Bank of America stage during our summer music series! Mark your calendars* and #TreatYourself to a well-deserved break every Wednesday from July 10 to August 28, between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, on Francis R. Carroll Plaza.

The Party Band

• July 10

The Party Band is an original brass band embodying homegrown, unadulterated, unplugged fun. Their mission is to bring people together, celebrate the gift of being alive and make the world a better place through the joys of quality live music.

Clatta Bumboo • July 17

Clatta Bumboo is influenced by the commanding reggae sound of the Rastafari elders such as The Wailers, Bob Marley, Burning Spear and Culture. Clatta Bumboo has accepted the responsibility to uphold the roots music of his culture, as he records and releases original reggae records.

The Suitcase Junket

• July 24

What instruments Matt Lorenz requires, he builds from scratch and salvage. What parts five players would perform, he performs alone. The spectacle of his one-man set bears constant comparison to legends of showmanship, brilliance, madness and invention.

Girls Just Want To Have Fun • July 31

Get ready to transport yourself back to the totally tubular ‘80s with the Girls Just Want To Have Fun Band, New England’s #1 ‘80s Ladies Tribute Band! This band brings the party wherever they go with a talented and energetic female-fronted lineup!

Scottish Fish • August 7

Scottish Fish, an all-female quintet, present a fresh take on traditional and contemporary Scottish and Cape Breton music. Their lively and unique arrangements are woven together from session music handed down from generations of the tradition’s finest players.

Hot Honey • August 14

Hot Honey is a collective of performers from the Blue Man Group who have come together to explore and expand their musical boundaries. New interpretations of some of their favorite songs interwoven with their original work, Hot Honey hits the spot. Spicy and Sweet. Funk, Pop, Folk and Low Rock.

Kotoko Brass • August 21

Inspired by the traditional drum rhythms of Ghana, Kotoko Brass has created a unique, joyful and improvisational style of West African dance music described by the Boston Globe as “propulsive, infectious party music.”

Stomp N’ Holler • August 28

Voted Best Country Act by the 2023 Worcester Music Awards, Stomp N’ Holler has been performing their “FeelGood Music for the Masses” throughout New England since 2015. With songs by Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and so much more, it’s always one big CountryFest!

Plan your summer lunchtime entertainment! Click to learn more.

Special thanks to

for their crucial support in making this space become a reality!

It is inspiring to see how empowered students feel when they put on a costume and are connected to their character in a completely new way.

“

-Perri Sylvester wardrobe manager

Costumes Make the Role a Reality “

It is hard to believe that the conservatory’s Youth Summer Program (YSP) began 15 years ago. Over the course of that time, our dedicated staff has served hundreds of children and produced dozens of performances for youth. You may not know this, but it was the popularity of YSP that led to the opening of our yearround conservatory for the performing arts. What started as a two-week summer program in 2009 has now become a thriving performing arts school in the heart of the commonwealth with over 90 classes each week, serving over 600 enrolled students each year and producing more than 20 student performances annually.

A conservatory parent (2018-2022) and current member of our board of directors, Abigail Childs, recently reached out and offered to fund a $5,000 match campaign for an important conservatory project. Over the years, we have been fortunate to build and acquire a sizeable inventory of costumes to serve our youth productions. Recently, we inherited an incredible stock from a local community theatre organization that is no longer operational. With inventory currently housed in two different buildings, it is not easily

accessible, properly organized or catalogued. The current costume storage areas are woefully inadequate. A new 2,300 square foot costume storage area is now being planned and outfitted with clothing racks, shelving and storage bins. This will allow for greater use by conservatory students and provide rental opportunities to community groups.

This project will cost $15,000 total. Please consider a donation to help us continue the tradition of providing high quality performance experiences to local youth. Your donation, in any amount, will be matched up to $5,000.

In addition, donations of vintage clothing can be arranged by calling 508.471.1795.

Donate before June 30 and your gift will be matched!

Click to learn more or visit

TheHanoverTheatre.org/costumes.

Perri Sylvester works to catalogue and organize the current wardrobe.

The wide range of costumes from conservatory productions are just some of the many pieces that make our productions so special. Students in the Youth Acting Company can be seen above in Rock of Ages and below, Youth Summer Program actors don period costumes in Beauty and the Beast.

Worcester Youth Speak Honestly

The WYSH project is funded in part by

Now in its fourth year at the conservatory, we are actively recruiting applicants for April-July 2024.

The WYSH project continues to thrive at THT. This unique and free program offers Worcester youth ages 14-19, who are enrolled in Worcester Public Schools, a platform to speak honestly about their experiences, the struggles they face and their visions for creating a better future.

“The WYSH project is for folks who want to work together with their peers to create an original piece of theatre that explores the topics that interest them as well as the challenges they face individually and as young people in Worcester in 2024,” said Sharon Hart, director of conservatory operations and program facilitator.

This collaborative experience co-facilitated by Saharra Dixon and Hart culminates in three free public performances, which provide the community with an important opportunity to listen and support the city’s young voices at the BrickBox Theater July 12-13 at 2 pm and 7 pm. All performances are free and include a talkback with the cast after the show.

To learn more about the WYSH project, click here or visit TheHanoverTheatre.org/WYSH.

OMIGOD YOU GUYS!

Don’t miss these performances presented by our Youth Summer Program

July 26-27 and August 16-17

Saturday, August 10

Interested in our popular Teen & Pre-Teen Musical Theatre Intensives? Don’t delay, registrations accepted on a rolling basis until the program is full.

Teen Musical Theatre Intensive: Session I: July 8-27 | Session II: July 29 – August 17 Pre-Teen Musical Theatre Intensive: July 22 – August 10 earn

The 2023 WYSH cast at the BrickBox Theater. Photo by Unity Mike.

Warm Weather, Warm Hearts at THT

Join our fabulous Fezziwigs, Steve Gagliastro and Annie Kerins, for THT’s third annual Christmas in July, a free event featuring the merry musical stylings of Jim Rice on July 25 The evening promises to be a heartwarming experience that will transport everyone to the enchanting world of the holiday season... in July!

Don’t forget, members get early access to tickets in July. At The Hanover Theatre, it’s never too early to plan for the holidays. Whether that means grabbing great seats to see The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol, getting fantastic discounts when you subscribe, purchasing a Broadway FLEX package or booking a special event with us, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Youth performers are invited to join us at upcoming auditions for The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol on September 8. We hope to see you on our snow-covered stage this winter. Visit TheHanoverTheatre.org/audition-opportunities for all the latest audition announcements.

Keep in mind, we offer great deals and discounts for groups! Gather your whole family together and experience the magic of live theatre and special events during every season!

Put Your Event Center Stage!

Corporate receptions, conferences, holiday parties, film screenings, fundraisers, birthday parties and so much more are all possible here at the theatre! We can’t wait to help you create memories at THT that you’ll cherish for years to come. For more information, contact Jackie Dillman at 508.471.1799 or at jdillman@thehanovertheatre.org.

Music director, Steve Gagliastro and project coordinator Annie Kerins proudly display Holidays at The Hanover Theatre Volume 1, a curated collection of seasonal classics recorded at THT.

Holiday poses from the 2023 Christmas in July event including: Santa’s helpers, THT staff, friends and volunteers of the theatre.

Welcome to Worcester

We are so proud to partner with over 100 businesses throughout the Worcester community that cover an array of industries and offer a variety of services. As we raise our curtains and their doors are wide open, we’d like to ask that you support their continued success. Visit TheHanoverTheatre.org/support/our-community to see a complete listings of our supporting partners.

Dozens of local restaurants participate in our Restaurant Partner Program and provide our theatregoers special discounts and offers. Make time to enjoy a meal, appetizer or beverage before or after a performance or anytime in between! Visit the link above for more details including their special offers.

If you need a place to stay, Worcester hoteliers welcome you! Check out our list of area recommendations. Also, please visit one of our Promotional Partners that include

Fried Pork Belly with Tamarind Sauce

compliments of Basil n’ Spice Thai Cuisine

Fried Pork Belly

2 lbs of pork belly strip (cut 1/2" thick and 1/2" width)

7 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce

1 tsp ground white pepper

1 egg

1 cup of crispy flour (make with 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of rice flour or corn starch)

1/2 cup of cold water

Mix everything together and marinate in the fridge 30 minutes or more. Leave the marinated pork belly at room temperature before frying it in oil or cooking it in an air fryer.

Tamarind Sauce

4 tbsp of tamarind juice

1 tbsp of lime juice

4 tbsp of fish sauce or soy sauce

4 tbsp of coconut/palm sugar

3 tbsp of chopped cilantro

2 tbsp of chopped/thin slices of red onion

2 tbsp of chopped mint leaf (optional)

2 tsp of roasted ground chili (to taste)

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy!

Serving suggestion: Place pork, sauce and rice (jasmine or sticky rice) on green cabbage or lettuce leaf, wrap and serve.

To learn more about our community of supporters, click here.

many retail, lifestyle and service businesses and let them know that you not only appreciate their support of our theatre and the arts, but that you also appreciate them.

And of course, we’d also like to acknowledge our Corporate Partners and Sponsors for all they do to bring the best of Broadway, music, comedy and more to downtown Worcester. A big thank you to all of these amazing businesses!

Enjoy unique and tantalizing foods from a variety of food trucks outside the theatre in conjunction with our popular shows and throughout the summer at our Lunchtime Concert Series, see page 13 for more details.

Plan more downtown and Worcester-centric outings: Discovercentralma.org or Downtownworcester.org.

Make Time to Make Memories Here

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue • April 19 • 8 pm

The Golden Girls are back! Miami’s sassiest seniors have returned for one more hurrah. 2024 finds Sophia out on bail, after being busted by the DEA for running a drug ring for retirees. Blanche and Rose have founded CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together, with help from her much younger, sex-crazed love interest. Relive the heartfelt hilarity of four ladies who never stopped being your friends! This adult-themed comedy is for ages 18+.

Dinosaur World Live • April 25 • 6:30 pm

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for the whole family. Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs.

Join us before the show for Dinosaur Day activities! Starting at 5 pm, enjoy roar-freshments from Polar Beverages, dino-mite treats from food trucks and more!

Special offer! Purchase a family 4-pack and use code DINO4 to save up to $15 per ticket, plus receive vouchers for free popcorn.

The General: Silent Film accompanied by Clark Wilson on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ

• April 28 • 2 pm

Consistently ranked among the greatest films ever made, Buster Keaton’s “The General” is so brilliantly conceived and executed that it continues to inspire awe and laughter with every viewing. Enjoy this unique theatre experience that will remind you of the glory days of the silver screen. $5 discount per ticket for subscribers, students and groups of 10 or more. Free for for Patron Level members and higher.

John Cleese Live on Stage After a Screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail

• June 9 • 7:30 pm

Don’t miss your chance to see the man who has achieved nothing short of comedy royalty in this thrill-of-a lifetime, unforgettable evening culminating in an audience Q&A. Absurd and/or ridiculous questions requested! Cleese will tell stories of his life and career but before he silly walks his way onto the stage, the audience will get to watch “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” in its entirety. A limited VIP post show photo opportunity is available to fans.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show

• September 13 • 8 pm

The world’s biggest and best Pink Floyd tribute show is sure to blow you away! Audiences rave about this incredible show, from the note-for-note perfection all the way to the stunning light and laser show and more. Returning after a wildly popular performance at THT in 2023, and with over 30 years of history, the world’s greatest Pink Floyd tribute show continues to delight its global fan base.

Historic & Architectural Tours

• 12 pm (one-hour walking tour)

April 30

• May 21

• June 25

• September 12

• November 5

Go behind the scenes and learn about The Hanover Theatre’s unique history and design. Experienced volunteer docents provide an in-depth look at the history and architecture of the theatre. A magnificent example of early 20th century theatre architecture, The Hanover Theatre was designed by Thomas Lamb, the foremost theatre and cinema architect of his day. Tickets are $10 for non-members and FREE for subscribers, current conservatory families, members and their guests.

Musical Revue on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ

April 11

• September 11

• November 6

• 12 pm (90 minutes)

Enjoy an entertaining range of tunes by resident organist, Dr. Jonathan Kleefield on the largest and most versatile theatre pipe organ in New England. This special event will include an array of music that will showcase the organ’s many unique capabilities as well as provide interesting background about the instrument’s rich history and behind the scenes’ components. Tickets are $10 for non-members and FREE for subscribers, current conservatory families, members and their guests.

Please understand that all shows, dates, times and pricing are subject to change.

As a nonprofit organization, THT relies on volunteers for many important positions at the theatre. Volunteers assist patrons at all venues of THT, including Francis R. Carroll Plaza, the main stage, the conservatory and the BrickBox Theater at the JMAC.

Volunteers truly embody the spirit of THT. In 2023, David Faneuf was recognized as the H. Carter Hunt Volunteer of the Year for his remarkable dedication and service to THT and its community. Additionally, the outstanding contributions of individuals are celebrated regularly through THT’s Volunteer of the Month program.

Volunteer applications are collected on an ongoing basis and reviewed annually in August, so do not hesitate to apply at any time at TheHanoverTheatre.org/volunteer!

“ I just love The Hanover Theatre, the BrickBox and the volunteers that have become my family. I try my best to do whatever I can for the patrons to make sure they have a good time because that’s what we’re here for!

“

David Faneuf, H. Carter Hunt Volunteer of the Year 2023 Photo by UnityMike.

Making Arts Accessible to All

We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can fully participate in and enjoy the magic of live performances, and we are proud to offer a range of accessibility services designed to accommodate diverse needs. When purchasing tickets, please be sure to mention if any accommodations are required, such as those for low vision, hearing impairment or limited mobility.

Wheelchair Accessibility: Spaces in the theatre are reserved near the front of the orchestra for patrons who use wheelchairs and for their ambulatory companions.

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation: To ensure that performances are accessible to the Deaf community, we offer ASL interpretation at all Broadway shows and other select shows. This service allows Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to fully experience the storytelling on stage.

Audio Description: Available at all Broadway shows and other select shows, this service allows blind and low-vision audience members to experience all the wonders and subtle nuances live theater offers through live description of what is occurring on stage. We offer large print programs, if needed, when picking up the Audio Description devices.

Assistive Listening Devices: These devices are available at the ticketing office and amplify the sounds of the show for patrons. Assisted listening devices operate best in the first 12 rows of the orchestra and in the balcony.

accessiBe: In August 2023, we installed an accessibility widget on our website called accessiBe. This is a useful tool that helps us ensure that our website is accessible to blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities and more by allowing the user to customize their web experience.

Autism Welcoming: In 2023, THT was certified as an Autism Welcoming Business by Autism Alliance of MetroWest! The Hanover Theatre strives to create a welcoming, inclusive community for all attendees of our shows. Accommodations of support are available, including sensory friendly kits and a quiet area for individuals and caretakers that may need a break from the theatre experience. Please talk to our concierge desk for more info. THT also hosts a sensory-friendly performance of A Christmas Carol every year. These performances are intended as a unique theatre experience for patrons who are neurodiverse, have small children, sensory sensitivities, need additional accessibility accommodations or need a more relaxed environment.

In addition to our range of accessibility offerings, we’re committed to providing support and assistance to all patrons. For those who prefer to communicate in Spanish, we encourage you to call our Spanish Hotline at 508.471.1783.

Además de nuestra gama de ofertas de accesibilidad, estamos comprometidos a brindar apoyo y asistencia a todos nos usuarios. Para aquellos que prefieren comunicarse en español, les recomendamos que llamen a nuestra línea directa en español al 508.471.1783.

Reflections on Impossible Dreams

continued from page 5

Today, THT has much to celebrate. We’re thrilled to report the $1.5 million McDonough Family Foundation Matching Grant Challenge was a success! Thanks to the generosity of individuals in the community and the support of numerous local foundations, the grand total of $3,083,823 ensures THT Rep and The Hanover Theatre will continue to make downtown Worcester a more vital, creative place for years to come.

“

Looking forward to our organization’s future, I’m excited about the possibilities. THTC and THT Rep have so much room to grow, and our community engagement could grow to serve more people. We’ve only just begun to explore possibilities for the new Bank of America outdoor stage on Carroll Plaza. Our next chapter will surely be as exciting as the last.

- Troy Siebels

THTC Youth Acting Company cast of James and the Giant Peach perform on the Bank of America outdoor stage on Francis R. Carroll Plaza. Photo by UnityMike.

Elevate Your Experience at THT with a Franklin Square Society Membership

“ We love THT. Being FSS members and subscribers since 2013 are great ways to support an organization that we believe in while making an evening out even more special. Free parking is a huge bonus. It's great to run into friends and familiar faces in the FSS Salon to enjoy a complimentary beverage!

“

- Michael & Brittany Grenon

Donors Make the Difference

Why Join the Franklin Square Society (FSS)?

• Free parking in the lot behind the theatre

• Enjoy complimentary beverages in our historic Franklin Square Salon

• Private restrooms

FSS is a special membership recognizing generous supporters who make annual contributions of $1,500 or more. FSS members provide a vital source of support for the long-term health and well-being of the theatre as a dynamic downtown destination where all people can experience the transformative power of the

performing arts.

Members at every level gain access to a range of benefits, including early access to tickets and special discounts. Make a gift of $100 or more with your subscription to receive member benefits and even more great perks, including:

• A guest pass for two that includes complimentary drinks in the historic Franklin Square Salon (value $50)

• One complimentary parking pass (value $20)

• A chance to win an upgrade to FSS Producer Circle in our end-of-year drawing (value $1,500)

• Entry into an end-of-month raffle for dinner and a show (priceless!)

Join as a Corporate Partner Plus Subscriber and get a Director Level FSS membership, which includes all the benefits PLUS Broadway tickets!

Learn more! Click here or call Betty Blute, donor & corporate relations manager at 508.471.1786 for personalized service today.

0 8 month payment plan available through 6/30/24

0 4 month payment plan

*Payment plans are now available online. Please note that payment plans can only be processed by using a credit card as the form of payment. The credit card used should expire after the last payment date of the payment plan. Your credit card will be charged in equal payments. Subsequent payments will be processed on the 15th of each month for the duration of your payment plan. WOULD

0 Yes! I want to automatically renew my subscription each year, so that I get priority upgrades and access to additional tickets.

0 No, thank you. Maybe next year!