It’s Good to be King! Hudson shop owner in musical Pippin!

Hudson and Chatham, NY

Maybe you’ve seen the sign in the window of Mikel Hunter’s Fashion and Art store at 533 Warren Street – the store is closed and he’s taken some time off to star in a musical – PIPPIN at the Mac-Haydn Theatre in nearby Chatham, NY. This weekend is the performance’s last shows. Next week, the production of She Loves Me starts.

Hudson shop owner, Mikel Hunter, as King Charlemagne, in Pippin

Pippin, is the first play at the newly-reopened and remodeled Mac-Haydn Theatre. (Proof of vaccination is required for entry and you must wear masks during the performance.) Their stage – a theater in the round – was enlarged during the pandemic.

If you’ve never seen the show, it’s the story of King Charlemagne’s son, Pippin, who rebelled against his father. Pippin tries to find his purpose and some happiness in life through battles, women, and song. The original show on Broadway, in 1972, featured Ben Vereen as Pippin with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse.

The Mac-Haydn production had amazing modern costumes and makeup, invoking medieval times (such as the King’s crown pictured above and below). The cast was mixed and diverse – racially and sexually – pushing any remaining cultural boundaries – boundaries that could use a little push.

The talented cast pulled together an excellent performance! While performing Pippin in the evenings, the cast is busy rehearsing the next show, She Loves Me during the day. By far, the best produced musicals in Columbia County, and just a short drive from Hudson.

If you have not been to Mac-Haydn, you have to check it out!

You never know which Hudson shop owner is going to be in the next musical!

Check out their website and line-up of shows here.