The Forum
Theatre Harrisburg and the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra will share the stage this spring at one of the city’s most historic venues.
On May 30 and 31, the pillar Harrisburg arts organizations will present a concert version of “Follies” by Stephen Sondheim at the Forum Auditorium on the State Capitol Complex.
“This has been a few years in the making,” said Theatre Harrisburg executive director Lorien Reese Mahay of the collaboration.
The special, two-day only production was designed to celebrate Theatre Harrisburg’s 100th season and highlight both legacy institutions from the 1920s.
Reese Mahay said the group is looking forward to bringing the musical to life with Maestro Stuart Malina, conducting a world-class orchestra.
“This is a huge thing for us,” said Reese Mahay. “Ever since I first heard the symphony, I was like, ‘Wouldn’t it be incredible if we could get artists of this caliber to collaborate with us on one of our musical performances?’”
The musical tells the story of a group of showgirls reuniting on the stage of their old theatre one last time—a tribute to the past. “Follies” also serves as a tribute to Theatre Harrisburg’s own legacy in the Capital region.
“This was a musical that we used to open at the Whitaker Center back in 1999 when we were coming in as their resident theater company,” said Reese Mahay.
Some of the performers from that production will return to play older characters in this year’s encore, she added, alongside others.
“All of the singers that we’ve cast are all incredible members from our community,” said Reese Mahay. “We have professional performers as well as volunteers.”
After the concert wraps, Theatre Harrisburg’s 100-year festivities will continue on May 31 with Theatre Harrisburg’s 100th Anniversary Gala at the Willows at Ashcombe Mansion.
The gala, which starts at 4:30 p.m., is Theatre Harrisburg’s annual fundraiser. It also serves as an excuse to bring people together to celebrate the theatre production’s legacy, said Reese Mahay.
“What I love the most—when I ask people about what they think Theatre Harrisburg means in the community—is that I consistently hear that it’s a home for people,” she said. “That they feel like they’re coming home.”
For more information on Theatre Harrisburg, including their 100th anniversary season and events, visit www.theatreharrisburg.com. For tickets to “Follies,” visit theatreharrisburg.com/follies-and-festivities.
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