MACON, Ga. — A new season of performances is coming to Macon Little Theatre (MLT). For some shows, this new season will be the first time they are performed in Central Georgia.
Macon Little Theatre is celebrating its 91st season.
Starting in the fall, theatergoers can see all new musicals and plays as well as an expanded family-friendly season. Visitors can also enjoy new mainstage shows and the return of MLT After Dark, for more adult-themed shows.
Artistic Director JP Haynie says 4 of their upcoming shows have never been performed by a community theatre in Central Georgia.
Those include "Anastasia the Musical", "Mean Girls the Musical", "Finding Nemo Jr." and "RENT".
Other shows in the season include "A Chorus Line", "Cabaret", "California Suite", "Seussical", "Frozen Jr.," "Jekyll and Hyde" and "The Crucible".
Currently, Macon Little Theatre is wrapping up its 90th season and has four shows left. Haynie says he is proud of the long legacy of Macon Little Theatre.
"This has been our most ambitious season that we've ever attempted. Our patrons have really shown us that it's important for us to take on some of these new challenges, especially with the addition of our family season which focuses on theatre for young audiences and theatre for young actors to participate in," Haynie said.
He says there is "a hunger" in the community for opportunities for young actors to get on stage and participate in challenging works. He says they are grateful to be able to offer the chance for young people to shine.
Haynie has worked in professional theatre for many years. He says the quality of shows at MLT matches the high standards of a professional theater.
However, he says the big difference between professional and community theatre is that when audiences at MLT see actors on stage, they know everyone on stage is there simply for the love of it.
"It's not just a job, it's not just their paycheck or what they're doing to get by for that day. They're here because they love that show, they want to work on that show, they want to work in this theatre," Haynie said. "And that creates really exciting environments where you get to come in and see your neighbors, your friends...take on these other characters, take on these emotions and tell these wonderful stories with incredible talent that only comes from heartfelt passion, a place of really wanting to succeed for the love of it."
Haynie says Macon is home to a disproportionally large talent pool in comparison to the size of the city. As a result, they can bring amazing performers together on stage for their 11-show season.
With a combination of MLT After Dark, MLT Family and their mainstage shows, Haynie says the goal is to always provide quality community theatre to fit everyone's taste.
"Making sure that our classic, traditional audiences are still catered to with these amazing big musicals and plays but also it's been really important for us to try and find new audiences, reach new people, tell new stories," he said.
Tickets for the 2024-2025 season will go on sale soon. For updates, check back on their Facebook page. In March, the theatre's next show is "Spring Awakening."