Millbrook sees leadership transition; Seeks community’s help to house actors, actresses
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Even though many theaters across the country are struggling, Millbrook Playhouse perseveres, but the struggle is real.
Last year saw a shift in leadership as Shannon Agnew, beloved for her acting and directing talents, as well as for her unstinting commitment to the local theater, came on board as artistic director to steer the beloved institution through a stellar 60th anniversary year.
Recently, the playhouse was sorry to learn that Shannon is having to step aside as artistic director for this coming season due to unexpected family issues that will keep her in Philadelphia.
Although Shannon is unable to participate, Millbrook remains optimistic that she will be involved somehow in the future, said Board President Erla Mae Fredric.
"We are hopeful that there is a future where Shannon can return to the Playhouse in some capacity, either to direct, write, act or consult; we will welcome her with open arms, and we are hopeful that our relationship with Shannon will continue to evolve. She is a special person, and we never want to be without her talents," Fredric said.
In the meantime, the community will be glad to know that the show will go on.
David Leidholdt has agreed to return to the Playhouse as interim artistic director for the 2024 season, bringing his extensive experience and intimate knowledge of the theater's inner workings to bear during this changing time.
Over his nine-year tenure as artistic director at Millbrook, David was responsible for many significant improvements. He launched over 100 productions, including large-cast, main-stage musicals such as "Beauty and the Beast" and "Mamma Mia," as well as more intimate Cabaret productions such as the thriller "Gaslight" and the regional premiere of "My Vaudeville Man," securing Millbrook's reputation as the leading non-profit professional theater company in our area.
A large challenge facing the playhouse this year is housing.
Because Millbrook's previous contract with Lock Haven University to house summer theater workers in their dormitories has now expired, these workers will need to find alternate housing in the community. This shortage will have a direct impact on the number of shows that the theater is able to produce, unfortunately limiting summer productions.
"Things are hard everywhere for arts organizations in the post-COVID world," David said recently in an interview, "but the board, David Gritzner, our managing director, and I are confident that we will be able to maneuver the ever-changing landscape. We are working in partnership to determine the next phase of Millbrook's incarnation."
He said it may take a while to work our way back into bigger productions, but we are hopeful and determined and will persevere.
David also stressed the need for community partnership.
"We're looking for members of the community to step up to house folks for a couple of weeks over the summer, to donate to the Playhouse and even to work as skilled or semi-skilled hands, building sets and props, especially at the beginning of the season," David said.
Millbrook is experiencing a transition, and our community can help.
Though the future is uncertain, the community can step up to determine its shape, Fredric said.
She asked that the community not only support the theater's 61st season, but that residents "step outside their comfort zones and do whatever you can to ensure the survival of this beloved local institution. We have something valuable here, and it's vitally important that we keep it alive."
Any residents who are interested in helping out in any capacity are asked to call the Millbrook Playhouse at 570-748-8083, or join the Millbrook Volunteer Team at www.facebook.com/groups/MPHVolunteer Team. Or send an email to info@millbrookplayhouse.org.
(This story was compiled by freelance writer Karen Elias for The Express.)