The curtains are rising for a significant milestone. The public is invited to attend Marblehead Little Theatre’s 70 year anniversary gala on Saturday, Sept. 19.
It all began in 1955, when Terry Hale, the chairperson of the Drama Committee of the Marblehead Women’s Club, staged a one-act play with her group. After a positive response, Hale planned another show, this time inviting men, for MLT’s first production of Moss Hart’s “Light Up the Sky” in January 1956.
The rest is history.
MLT originally started as a summer stock theater from the 1930s to 1950s, according to Andy Barnett, MLT’s executive director. When Marblehead Summer Theatre ended after disagreements over improvements to the school auditorium where productions were staged, Barnett said that’s when a new chapter began.
“There was a desire for theatre in Marblehead and that same year MLT was formed,” Bartlett said.
During its first decade, Barnett said that MLT mainly focused on plays, producing 47 plays in various locations.
Then came the company’s first musical: “The Fantastics.” Barnett said the show was presented as a benefit for the Sisters of Notre Dame, followed by larger productions, including “The Pajama Game.”
He said big names performed in Marblehead, including Billie Burke, Sarah Churchill, Ethel Waters, Basil Rathbone and Lucille Ball. Barnett said the biggest star to perform at MLT is Alex Newell, who won a Tony for their performance in “Shucked.”
Dayle Persons, an active MLT member for several years, said that MLT reaching 70 years is a wonderful milestone. Barnett and Persons combed through decades of MLT archives to find photos and important dates.
“We have produced so many wonderful shows over these 70 years,” Persons said. She recalls starring in “The Pajama Game” when she was 16.
“Rehearsals were held on the third floor of the old hardware/paint store on Lafayette Street in Salem,” Persons said.
For decades, MLT moved between performance spaces as its productions evolved. Musicals were staged at Marblehead High School, Salem Stage College, Abbott Hall and Lynn Auditorium. Smaller plays were performed in churches and other local venues.
Then in 1999, Barnett said they purchased the old firehouse on School Street, where the theater currently stages all its shows.
Its first production in the space was “The Phantom Tollbooth,” which was presented by Ginny Morton’s new children’s theatre program. In that same year, Barnett said the theater performed “Our Town,” directed by John Fogle.
Today, MLT produces an extensive array of shows, including musicals, plays, children’s theater, cabaret performances, dance concerts and readings.
“We’ve come a long way,” said Betty Lautner, who joined MLT in 1979 after moving to Marblehead from New York City. Her first show was “Brigadoon” as Meg.
The celebration will take place at Abbot Hall, honoring not only MLT’s history, but also the people who have helped build the organization over the last seven decades.
“The gala is MLT’s opportunity to publicly thank people who have contributed so much to the success to the theatre,” said Barnett.
Lisa Fama, a board member, past manager and current producer, decided to call the gala “A Homecoming Through the Years.”
For celebrations that evening, Fama said there will be music, silent auctions, a raffle and awards.
Steve Black, a producer and director, has set up a concert with music director Liana Bunting, with songs representing multiple eras of MLT. A 20-piece orchestra will accompany singers performing songs dating back to the 1960s, with original singers reprising their songs.
“We wanted to make sure there was a variety of genres and styles to showcase the wonderful talent that has made the theater successful over the years,” Black said.
Among the singers, Elloree Jennings, from Marblehead, will be performing “Caint Say No” from “Oklahoma.” She said she treasures the friendships most from MLT.
“I think this is one of the best things about MLT — is that anyone can come and audition and be in a show,” Jennings said.
The gala will include the presentation of nine Ginny Awards, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to MLT.
The awards are named after Virginia “Ginny” Morton, an actress, musician, director and producer, who helped MLT acquire the Firehouse.
Among this year’s recipients is John Fogle. He said he credits Morton for getting him involved in directing.
“(Ginny) allowed me to direct a show. Now I have done over 100 shows. She’s a huge influence on my life,” Fogle said.
Marblehead resident and playwright Anna Marilyn Lucas, who will also perform a song, will be honored, too.
“I was a good friend of Ginny Morton’s and to be honored by a Ginny award is wonderful,” she said.
As MLT celebrates 70 years, Fama recognizes this event as an immersive experience for all generations of artists.
“We hope the community recognizes the joy and congeniality that MLT has provided over the decades,” Fama said. “This is our town and our neighbors.”
The gala is at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., on Saturday, Sept. 19. Cocktail attire is recommended, but guests are to wear what they choose. Tickets are $40 for general admission and $70 for reserved table seating. Visit mltlive.com.
