Macon Little Theatre (MLT) is back and has re-opened for their 2021-2022 season, with the first performance opening Friday, August 20. During the pandemic, MLT leadership has made a number of major changes to improve the structure and facilities, and season subscriptions and show information are now available on their website. 

The first show that will re-open the theatre is Songs for a New World by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown, directed by JP Haynie. The musical is a form known as a song cycle, with different characters singing entire stories encapsulated in a single song. Each movement is about one moment frozen in time, in a moving collection of powerful songs examines life, love and the choices that we make.

“Songs for a New World is a musical with an eye toward a better tomorrow. It has so much heart and is the perfect way to say welcome back to MLT,” noted Haynie, who is also the producing artistic director of the theatre.

Chair of the MLT board of directors, Sheniqua Freeman, is similarly optimistic: “I believe the theatre can be a place to escape. After so much time off, not being able to visit all the different worlds onstage has taken a toll. It’s refreshing to have the excitement of an opening night approach and reveal a new destination to our audiences.”

The performances run from August 20-29. Prices are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 478-471-7529.

The 2021-2022 production season has been dubbed MLT’s “Scene Change,” reminiscent of the moments between theatrical movements in a play due to the number of changes and improvements for the organization. The board of directors and Haynie have made upgrades to the sound system, theatrical lighting, and curtain in the building. A new online ticketing system is easier to buy tickets at the patron’s convenience all year. Finally, new Producing Artistic Director JP Haynie and board chair Sheniqua Freeman are changing procedures for how future seasons will expand opportunities at MLT for actors of all ages and volunteers from the community.