Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center

The Men Behind the Official Blues Brothers Revue

2012-02-15T15:27:00.005-06:00

Kieron and Wayne with Dan Aykroyd

Wondering about the men behind the music of The Official Blues Brothers Revue? Read on to learn more about the stars, Kieron Lafferty and Wayne Catania! Plus, another fun fact - the new musical director of the show is none other than Paul Shaffer, David Letterman's sidekick!

Wayne Catania (Jake Blues) began his entertainment career in the mid 1970s as a drummer and vocalist touring rock and R&B bands including the international sensation, The Stampeders. Touring throughout Canada, Wayne gradually established the compelling stage persona that is now his trademark. Writing and recording for movie soundtracks — most notably for Jim Carrey’s first movie All in Good Taste — established Wayne as a popular writer, drummer and vocalist. Besides establishing a successful music career, Wayne became a member of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) and has been cast in numerous acting roles including Tia Carera’s Relic Hunter, Billie Ray Cyrus’ Doc and a principal role in 15 Minute Death which won a Canadian Golden Sheaf Award. After being hand-picked to play Jake Blues by Dan Aykroyd and the John Belushi Estate, Wayne found a natural fit. He is now on the writing team with Judy Belushi Pisano, Anne Beatts (Saturday Night Live) and stage partner Kieron Lafferty writing a TV show based on the continuing adventures of Jake and Elwood.

Kieron Lafferty (Elwood Blues) was influenced by sneaking into his father's nightclub, The Electric Circus, where he witnessed great acts like Sam & Dave, Credence Clearwater Revival and The Doors. He spent his youth playing the blues, R&B and jazz circuits and doing session work. In the ’90s, Kieron released his own CDs, including the critically praised “Sensible Religion” and “Seven Sisters.” He performed in several independent art films including the sci-fi musical Synchronicity for which he and brother Sean contributed the songs and musical score. Kieron made his debut as Elwood Blues in 1998 in the award winning Las Vegas show Legends in Concert. Film producer Paul Jay (Hitman Hart, Return to Kandahar) cast Kieron as himself in the A&E docudrama “Lost in Las Vegas” for which he and Eric Schenkman (Spin Doctors) wrote the musical score. Besides his stage work, Kieron puts his versatile vocal abilities to work in commercials, narration and animation and he is now co-writing the pilot for an action/comedy/musical TV show based on continuing adventures of Jake & Elwood with Judy Belushi Pisano, Anne Beatts (SNL) and Wayne Catania.

Tune Up Your Soul with Some Blues

2012-02-14T14:48:00.000-06:00

Although this rainy, cold weather can trigger some winter time blues, Merrimack Hall has a cure for that gloomy doom. Kick off those galoshes, and relive the Blues Brothers adventure this week with Jake and Elwood in The Official Blues Brothers Revue!

In the hit movie, The Blues Brothers, John Belushi, who plays Jake, and Dan Aykroyd, who plays Elwood, find a redeeming story through rockin' rhythm and paying off their debts. This revue that will be at Merrimack Hall this weekend is actually sanctioned by Aykroyd and the Belushi Estate. You can't get much closer to the sweet and soulful bromance than this performance.

Tickets are $37 Seniors | $40 Adults | $35 Groups

Get your tickets at http://www.merrimackhall.com/ or

call 256.534.6455.

Coming this weekend, February 17-19, 2012.

Friday Performance: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Performances: 5 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Sunday Performance: 2 p.m.

Jello Shot Recipes from Dixie Longate!

2012-02-07T13:55:00.006-06:00

Hey Hookers! In honor of our favorite Tupperware lady's appearances this week, Dixie Longate is passing along her favorite Jello shot recipes to our patrons!

All of these, of course, can be transported in your handy Tupperware Jello shot caddy! Also known as the cake caddy, this is just one of the many "alternate" uses for Tupperware Dixie has introducted us to!

And don't forget - we know a lot of people get confused, but YES, this is a REAL, live Tupperware party onstage at Merrimack Hall!

(Psst ... don't forget to purchase your tickets. Some of the performances are already close to selling out!)

Dixie's Jello Shot Recipes!

The Jolly Rancher

1 package of watermelon Jello

1 cup of boiling water

1/2 cup of sour apple schnapps

1/2 cup of Watermelon Vodka (can substitute apple)

Ahoy Matey!

1 package of orange Jello

1 cup boiling water

1 cup of Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum

The Merrimack Mommy Chronicles: The Melting Pot

2012-02-07T09:20:00.003-06:00

In honor of Black History month, I would be remiss if I didn’t share this hilarious story that is a “staple” in our family.

I was in the 3^rd grade, right here in Huntsville at Jones Valley Elementary. I even remember my teacher’s name: Mrs. Smith. She was doing such a phenomenal job with explaining Black History month to us during the month of February. She showed compelling videos about slavery and about phenomenal African American men and women who paved the way for so many African Americans today.

Mrs. Smith would go on and on, not just about the bravery and triumph of people such as Harriet Tubman or Frederick Douglass, but about other African Americans who did some pretty awesome things! Sidney Poitier was the first African American to win an Oscar, Marian Anderson was the first African American to become a part of the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and George Washington Carver invented the peanut!

I was in utter amazement. Being the only African American student in the class, my eyes lit up with all kinds of stamps of self-identification and self-esteem boosters. Mrs. Smith ended the discussion one day by saying, “Kristen, if you have anything that you would like to share, or any history that would be valuable to the classroom, please feel free to share it or even bring it in.” I thought to myself for a moment. And then, I had the best idea ever (or so I thought). I raised my hand, waving it back in forth in the air until I caught the eye of Mrs. Smith. “Yes, Kristen”, Mrs. Smith said. “My grandmother was a slave! I will ask her if she will come in and talk to the class!” I yelled, with confidence. Mrs. Smith replied, “Well, Kristen, that is outstanding. We would love to have her!”

My mom came to pick me up from school that day. I got in the car, excitement bubbling over, to the point where she can see it. She said (as she always did), “Hey baby, how was your day?” “Awesome!” I said, “I’m going to ask grandmommy to come and speak to our class for Black History. With her being a slave, and all ... I mean I’m the only one in the whole entire class with a grandmother who was a slave!”

My mother exploded into uncontrollable laughter. She was laughing so hard that she had to pull over the car. I didn’t understand. I’m trying to get her attention: “Mommy … mommy … mommy, why are you laughing?” She doesn’t stop for one breath. Tears are streaming down her face as we are parked on the side of the road.

I guess it didn’t dawn on me that since my grandmother was born in 1922 and slavery ended in 1860, that there would be no possible way for my grandmother to be a slave. My mother would later inform me, (after she stopped laughing) that my grandmother’s mother was half Portugese, one quarter Indian, and one quarter African. Her husband was half Indian and half black. Because back in those days if you had what they considered a “drop” of black blood in you, you would be considered black, even if you were primarily another race. So while some of our history experienced slavery, some didn’t. Who would’ve thought?

Huge shout out to all of the “melting pot” Americans whose heritage is rich in many different cultures. And a huge shout out to all of the African Americans that continue to make history each and every day!

P.S. Get your Motherhood tickets today! Visit www.merrimackhall.com for more information or call me at 256.534.6455.

~Kristen

Give it up for A.G.D.!

2012-02-01T15:24:00.006-06:00

If you are reading this blog, you probably foster the knowledge that Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). A nonprofit is a charitable organization that is tax-exempt and exists to serve the public through a variety of different ways. In this decade, and even past millenium, nonprofits have popped up around Huntsville as well as around the Heart of Dixie - Alabama. Several nonprofits have made their impact for over a few centuries! The Alabama Association of Nonprofits is responsible for bringing many of these nonprofits together for one day in support of these organizations, ALABAMA GIVES DAY.

Starting at midnight tonight, February 2, 2012, the 24-hour online marathon of giving will begin! Viewers, loyal supporters, nonprofit newcomers, passionate philanthropists, curious on-lookers, and worldwide websurfers will be able to browse through the profiles of all the participating Alabama nonprofits. Think of it as a catalog of statewide charities with an easy "Donate Here" button conveniently located next to each organization's information.

Check out our profile here, and get ready to GIVE IT UP for Alabama Gives Day!

Not sure if donating is for you, check out these 10 tips for donating your money.

Who is Brownie Wise?

2012-02-01T11:29:00.007-06:00

In honor of our favorite Tupperware lady, Dixie Longate, appearing here next week, here's a history of Tupperware Parties and their inventor, Brownie Wise! Don't forget to reserve your tickets - tickets are selling fast!

Who started Tupperware Parties?

Tupperware pioneered the direct marketing strategy made famous by the Tupperware party. Brownie Wise (1913-1992), a former sales representative of Stanley Home Products, developed the strategy. During the early 1950s, Tupperware's sales and popularity exploded, thanks in large part to Wise's influence among women who sold Tupperware, and some of the famous "jubilees" celebrating the success of Tupperware ladies at lavish and outlandishly themed parties.

Brownie Wise (May 25, 1913 – September 24, 1992) was a pioneering American saleswoman largely responsible for the success of Tupperware through her development of the "party plan" system of marketing.

A former sales representative for Stanley Home Products, Wise found Tupperware to be a product with broad appeal and soon began selling it at home parties. In 1950 she moved to Florida and created a social networking marketing system through dealers and sellers that quickly outsold Tupperware's store sales. This caught the attention of E

arl Tupper, Tupperware inventor, who invited her to be vice president of Tupperware Home Parties in 1951. She insisted that he market his products exclusively through party plans, where women invited friends and neighbors to a combination social event/sales presentation.

Wise ran the sales division, Tupperware Home Parties, Inc, from Kissimmee, Florida and had the freedom to implement her marketing strategies. Her methods were extremely successful. Her ability to tap into popular culture, the desire for happiness helped recruit thousands of women into a career at a time when a woman's role was conventionally tied to the home. Her noted TV appearances, magazine

and newspaper articles made her a household name. In 1954 she became the first woman to appear on the cover of Business Week.

Wise invented much of the corporate culture of Tupperware and, by extension, other party-plan marketing organizations. She was especially keen on incentives, one of the chief ones being trips to Florida to the annual 'Jubilee' at company's sales headquarters for motivational meetings and socializing with other successful representatives. Top sellers would be presented with exotic gifts such as speedboats, trips and appliances carefully planned in the company of their husbands. She created idioms and rituals such as pilgrimage to a specially designed well in the Tupperware grounds for sellers to cast their wishes, "Brownie Wings" and costumed graduation ceremonies. Dealers would go on treasure hunts where prizes would be buried in the ground. Extravagant shows, parties and motivational talks comprised the four day convention.

Wise was presented to the company's representatives as something of an idealized 1950s woman. Her marketing skill in leveraging the social networking model and motivating thousands of women to come together in their homes to sell Tupperware was unrivaled. The essential liberation of many women through earning their own salary in the context of male-driven post-World War II, pre-feminist culture of the 1950s created many challenges. Her own relationship with Earl Tupper was in constant flux. Soon the private face of Tupper and the public one eventually headed towards irreconcilable differences as Wise's success turned her into a celebrity. In 1958 Tupper forced Wise out. Soon after every reference to her was removed from company literature; it was as if she had never existed. She owned no stock and left with one year's salary.

Wise attempted to form her own party-plan cosmetics company, Cinderella, but was unsuccessful; after this she largely faded from view and died in relative obscurity in 1992.Soon after he parted ways with Wise, Tupper sold the Tupperware organization to Dart Industries for US$16 million.

The Creator of Motherhood (The Musical, that is!)

2012-01-31T16:47:00.003-06:00

Who is Sue Fabisch?! She didn't invent motherhood, but she certainly experienced every detail of it. Her hilarious perils are accounted for throughout the musical as she wrote about mothers protesting vaccuming and being royal Costco Warehouse queens! Sue is the creator of Motherhood the Musical, and she will be visiting Huntsville, AL this Friday, February 3 for a full day of media appearances! You are invited to submit questions for Sue to answer. Post them on our Facebook page or on our blog! We'll video blog her answers next week! Let us know what you're curious to discover about Sue Fabisch.

Get your tickets for Motherhood the Musical today! Call the Merrimack Hall Box Office at 256.534.6455.

The Merrimack Mommy Chronicles: "Between the Sheets"

2012-01-31T13:24:00.000-06:00

For those of us who are blessed to be parents, we understand that parenting comes with some tremendous perks, which are accompanied by some tremendous inconveniences. Your whole entire schedule changes, and for some parents, it can be really difficult trying to find a balance between finding moments of intimacy with one another, or spending time doing things you enjoy doing: especially in the early years.

Well, my husband and I were really trying to adjust to finding times of intimate moments after we had our first baby. I was breastfeeding for the first time, and to be quite honest, you don’t even think about being intimate – it’s the furthest from your mind! You’re tired, sleepy, hungry, irritable, and you don’t feel pretty by any stretch of the term, and here comes your beloved husband, wanting to spend intimate time with you.

Well, I don’t know about you, but it took my husband and I quite some time to get back into a rhythm of intimacy. For months we would tip-toe around, waiting for my daughter to go to sleep. It became a “game” of sorts in our house, that the moment she would go down for a nap, my husband and I would scramble up, each get in separate showers, and ready ourselves for one another. It was quite the event.

Well, this particular time, my husband didn’t quite feel like waiting for our daughter, now 11 months, to go to sleep. “She’s a baby. She’s only a year old. She has no idea what’s going on”, he said so assuredly. “Let’s just put her in her playpen at the end of our bed, and put some toys in there, and she will be fine. She will have no idea what’s going on.” “Okay,” I say hesitantly.

So, here we go! We attempt to seize the moment. We put her in her playpen, with toys everywhere. She’s sitting playing so nicely, and I feel less hesitant, and more confident that we can truly enjoy one another. We begin our intimate adventure, when all of a sudden, I scream: “Ahhhh!!!” My husband jumps up and screams back at me: “What? What is it?” I point to my daughter who has moved from playing with her toys, to standing straight up watching us.

Word to the wise: Never, ever, ever, ever, ever (get my drift?) seize an intimate moment, while your children are awake; no matter how “distracted” you think they are. You will always get caught between the sheets! But nevertheless, you will naturally get a great laugh!

P.S. Get your Motherhood the Musical tickets today by visiting www.merrimackhall.com or calling (256) 534-6455 and tell them Kristen sent you from the Merrimack Mommy Chronicles.

~Kristen

Hang Loose with The Surfer Boys

2012-01-26T15:30:00.000-06:00

The Beach Boys

Remember these handsome fellows from the days of surfin' U.S.A. in the 1950s? Take a cruise with Barbara Ann back in time in your '30 Ford Wagon also called a "Woody" as The Unexpected Surfer Boys sing out some good vibrations!

This weekend at Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center, the boys from The Unexpected Boys Does Broadway and Forever Plaid will have some fun, fun, fun on-stage as they perform the favorite hits of the Beach Boys.

The Unexpected Surfer Boys

If you have ever visited Merrimack Hall before, you know that our bartender will assist with your selection of beer and wine for the show. Just say, "Help Me, Rhonda!" Our marketing director and California girl, Ashley Dinges, will be in the Cotton Club hanging out with some of our member patrons while Claire Lindsay, the program coordinator, will be getting around the theatre as she assists our volunteers. Wouldn't it be nice if our managing director, Kim Simari, would be able to take a vacation down to Kokomo after this the 3-day production of four shows?

Whether you're a hero, villian or even Sloop John B, the staff at Merrimack Hall along with The Unexpected Surfer Boys hope to see you Friday, Saturday or Sunday for evening and matinee performances!

Adults: $40

Seniors: $37

Groups (10+): $35

Purchase your tickets at http://www.merrimackhall.com/ or call in, 256.534.6455.

The Merrimack Mommy Chronicles: "Baby Roses," or Kids Say The Darndest Things!

2012-01-23T23:11:00.003-06:00

Remember the show "Kids Say the Darndest Things?" Bill Cosby hosted the second version of the show which portrayed all of the funny and sometimes embarrassing moments where kids say what their little imaginations perceive. It was absolutely hilarious!

As a kid, I remember me and my grandmother watching it together. She would just laugh and laugh as she remembered when I was younger and all of the funny things I would say. She said one time my dad was putting one of our toys together that we got as a Christmas gift. My grandmother, laughing as she remembered the story, said that my mom would kindly go over to my dad and encourage him to read the directions. And he, of course never picked them up.

After a few times of mom doing this, my grandmother said I picked up the directions, walked over to my dad confidently and yelled, "Daddy, read the constructions paper!" Everyone exploded into laughter! She said I couldn't have been more than three.

Well our daughter has had her share of funny moments, and in following in Mommy's footsteps, here's one of many. My husband and I were thrilled to enroll her in a Christian pre-K program where she would learn her shapes, numbers and letters, but also Bible verses and Books from the Bible. Every day when we picked her up from school, we would ask her what she learned that day. This particular day we asked her what she learned.

She replied very assured of herself: "We learned about a mommy who pushed her baby down the river." My husband and I looked at each other very confused, and I said, "No, really what did youn learn at school today?" She said again, more deliberate, wondering why she was repeating herself: "We learned about a mommy who pushed her baby down the river!" "Ok, ok. Well, what was the baby's name?"

My daughter says: "Baby Roses". My husband asking chuckling, "Do you mean Baby Moses?" My daughter said, "Yeah that's him!" We all laughed all the way home about the baby named Roses who got pushed down the river by his mommy!Kids definitely still say the darndest things!

And you can share your funny mommy story by emailing motherhood@merrimackhall.com.

P.S. Get your Motherhood the Musical tickets today by visiting www.merrimackhall.com or calling (256) 534-6455 and tell them Kristen sent you from the Merrimack Mommy Chronicles!

Annual Patron Survey

2012-01-19T16:56:00.001-06:00

Each year, as we begin booking for our next season, we ask our patrons to tell us what matters most to them. What was your favorite Merrimack Hall show? How about your least favorite? What would you like to see in next year's season?

Go here to participate in the survey: http://svy.mk/merrimackhall

We'll select one winner from all survey participants, who will win a 2012-13 Patron-level membership and $50 gift certificate!

Help us make 2012-13 our FIFTH and BEST season so far!

The Fifth and BEST Evening of Dance

2012-01-18T10:30:00.000-06:00

Merrimack Hall proudly put on its Fifth Annual Evening of Dance this year! It was a huge success full of dancers from around the Huntsville community and North Alabama. The production featured two nights of performances from studios, solo choreographers, dancers, and collaborations of dancers. There was even a toetouch competition between two local dancers and Andre Fuentes, one of our guest choreographers from Los Angeles. This year's Evening of Dance was more than just an evening, it was an event!

Tony Selznick, Nick Gonzales and Andre Fuentes were three of our guests who attended the Evening of Dance as well as the audition, Q&A session and masterclasses. Tony Selznick, the founder of McDonald Selznick Associate(http://www.msaagency.com/staff/tselznick/), is a monumental figure in the dance and talent community worldwide. He was one of the most kind and genuine individuals that Merrimack has ever hosted.

Celebrity choreographers, Nick Gonzales and Andre Fuentes, shared their incomparable inspiration with dancers in the masterclasses on Saturday and Sunday. They not only challenged each dancer through eccentric and expert choreography, but they also tapped into the dancers' first love of dance. They encouraged everyone that dancing starts from within which then flows out from the soul.

With toe taps, feathers, stage make-up, flashing light shows, back flips and pirouettes, the 2012 Fifth Evening of Dance was a beautiful weekend of classic and contemporary choreography. Merrimack Hall is honored to have had the dance community from North Alabama as well as from Los Angeles here in our dance studio and on our stage.

Thank you to everyone who attended, participated and supported this year's performances. Merrimack Hall looks forward to next season's Sixth Annual Evening of Dance 2013!

The Merrimack Mommy Chronicles - "Poop Escapades"

2012-01-17T16:29:00.001-06:00

So, if I were to poll 100 mothers, I’m almost certain that 90 of them would have a classic “poop” (excuse my forward use of the word) story for at least one if not all of their children. I mean, who knew that “poop” would become such a normal part of our daily rituals as a beloved mother? What used to make us gag now has established normalcy in our lives.

Let me give you an example. Before I had kids, if I were to spill the slightest thing on my shirt, I would soak it in water for 24 hours, have it dry cleaned and pressed so that it could look “like new” again. After I had kids, if I get the slightest thing on my shirt (i.e. food, spit up, and yes, even poop), I put some Shout on it and throw it in the washer with all of the rest of the clothes, cloaking the stains as “marks of mommyhood”. Because who really has time to soak one single shirt for 24 hours until the stain is perfectly lifted? Exactly my point. Now, that we are all on the same page, here’s one of my dreaded poop escapades.

One morning, I woke up, as usual to the sounds of my daughter pleasantly playing by herself through the baby monitor. She was no more than 12 or 13 months old and she was singing away and laughing all by herself. As this is one of every mommy’s greatest things to hear (their children being self-entertained), I smiled to myself, and then thought how nice it was going to be to take a shower by myself without having to have baby songs playing in the bathroom to entertain her. So, I take a long, deliberate shower, thankful for a moment to myself and to get refreshed. I rush out of the shower, throw some clothes on, chuckling to myself as I still hear my wonderful child playing, cooing, singing, and laughing on the baby monitor. I’m preparing myself to go in and play with her, excited about our day together.

I open my door to our bedroom, and start walking down the hallway, when I get my first whiff of “poop”. I think to myself how strong it smells for me to be so far away from the door, but keep walking. The smell of “poop” is getting greater and greater, the closer I approach the door, and I’m contemplating what she ate last night that would make her “poop” smell that strong. I then place my hand gently on the door to her room, hesitating as I turn the knob to open the door. As I open the door, to my surprise, my happy daughter has taken off her diaper and spread “poop” everywhere!

Everywhere is not an exaggeration. She spread it on the crib, which formally was white and was now brown and white speckled. She spread it on the walls, which previously white were now brown. She spread it on her legs, her arms, her face, and yes even her mouth. She threw the poop across the room, even, adorning her pretend playmates and stuffed animals. Yes, the whole entire room was “pooped”. So now, what once gagged me is indeed gagging me again. I reluctantly and with only two fingers, pull her out of her crib, toss her in the tub, dousing her with water and soap – more water, then more soap, and repeating this process again and again, trying to figure out how this happened? I went to her room, cleaning again wondering how this happened and most importantly how this happened without my husband being home.

I finally got everything cleaned up, I’m frustrated, I’ve taken my third shower of the day, trying to rid myself of the stench of “poop” everywhere when I get a call from my husband. “Hey sweetness (he affectionately calls me), what are you doing?” I respond even toned, yet very sarcastic, “I’m potty-training our daughter, what do you think I’m doing?” He responds, “Potty training? Don’t you think that’s a bit early?” I reply, calmly yelling, “I just cleaned up poop everywhere! It was in her mouth…in her mouth! On me! It was on her crib! It was on me! You just don’t understand!” He replies, “Oh (long pause)…Glad I wasn’t there, I probably would have thrown up everywhere!” We both laugh hysterically. Could you imagine this story if it was daddy cleaning up poop and not mommy? You do the math.

Happy “poop” trails!

Kristen

P.S. Don't forget to reserve your tickets to Motherhood the Musical to hear more mommy tales! Visit http://www.merrimackhall.com/motherhood.html for more info.

The Merrimack Mommy Chronicles

2012-01-17T16:10:00.003-06:00

Greetings, Merrimack Hall patrons!

In honor of our upcoming month-long run of the smash-hit Motherhood the Musical (from the producers of the legendary Menopause the Musical), we're launching a new blog series every Tuesday called "The Merrimack Mommy Chronicles."

You'll hear from the mothers on our staff. They'll tell you their favorite, most embarassing, hilarious and frustrating stories about motherhood.

Love what you read? Share your stories with us too! E-mail motherhood@merrimackhall.com to share your favorite photos and memories.

And don't forget to reserve your tickets to Motherhood the Musical at www.merrimackhall.com. The show is perfect for mothers of all ages - pregnant moms, new moms, grandmothers. Don't forget to bring your husbands too!

Enjoy!

Alabama Gives Day

2012-01-10T15:53:00.001-06:00

Minnesota, Colorado, Pittsburg, Seattle and now Alabama are all a part of it, and no, it has nothing to do with football or the election polls. On February 2, 2012, the state of Alabama will dedicate an entire day to a 24-hour online fundraiser called Alabama Gives Day (AGD). However, it is a bit bigger than your average fundraising event, and the day is catching on throughout the nation.

The Alabama Association of Nonprofits is orchestrating the statewide fundraiser for all nonprofits across Alabama, and Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center is one of the participants. AGD will be an online website that will allow anyone to browse all the listed nonprofits and donate any amount they feel compelled to give. Nonprofits will all have their own profiles that display photos, videos, links, and details about their organizations.

Check out our site, and don't forget to participate in the largest fundraising event for nonprofits 2.2.2012!http://www.razoo.com/story/Merrimackhall?referral_code=share

The Year of the Events

2012-01-03T14:46:00.000-06:00

The holidays have passed and the clock has turned. The weather has changed and the doors have opened again. The patrons are stopping in to purchase their tickets for our Spring shows and our Johnny Stallings Arts Program students are swarming the dance studio. After closing for two weeks, Merrimack Hall is excited to welcome in the 2012 year.

The second-half of our season is garnering momentum as the staff plans and prepares for the first production of the new year this January, Fifth Annual Evening of Dance. This month is also packed with laughs with comedian Jon Reep and cherished 50s tunes from The Unexpected Surfer Boys. February and March will feature the one-of-a-kind performances of Dixie's Tupperware Party, The Blues Brothers Revue, and Motherhood the Musical. April is showered with the voice of musician Abigal Washburn and the beloved locals of Huntsville, Greg Screws and Ron Harris.

May will welcome our Dream Big! Recital that our students perform every year.

As the days pass and Merrimack accomplishes its fifth season since it opened in 2007, this year of 2012 could be the best the hall has ever seen. Merrimack Hall looks to the future of more shows, students, grants and even patrons!

Happy New Year and thank you for supporting Merrimack Hall!

For more information, please visit our website, www.merrimackhall.com

Celebrity Scoopers at Maggie Moo's

2011-12-22T09:30:00.002-06:00

It's a known fact that milk is a great source of calcium for strong bones. Some folks choose a tall glass of whole milk while others sip on a skinny skim milk latte. However, we all know the most delicious way to feed your bones is with three scoops of ice cream, any flavor of your choice! Merrimack Hall's students of Project UP agree and will be the celebrity scoopers tonight at Maggie Moo's Ice Cream and Treatery at Bridgestreet from 5-8 p.m.

Merrimack Hall is always looking for creative ways to fundraise and raise awareness of our Johnny Stallings Arts Program, an outreach that offers dance and arts education for individuals with special needs. Maggie Moo's is opening up its doors to let us help them "do a dollop" and receive a portion of the proceeds. Whether you take gum drops, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or just plain vanilla, our students will be ready with scooper in hand!

Join Maggie the cow along with Project UP tonight at Maggie Moo's for a sweet treat this holiday season!

Donate to Dance

2011-12-13T11:09:00.000-06:00

Plies and tippy toes. Tutus and tiny leotards. Giggles and poses in the mirror. A dance studio and art house to call their own. Our Johnny Stallings Arts Program encompasses these pastimes along with community performances, strong bonds of friendship and lasting memories. Merrimack Hall has journeyed down a long road since 2007 when the outreach first started with only nine students. As we wrap up 2011, the program now provides art, dance and musical theatre classes for 165 children and adults with developmental disabilities. For Merrimack Hall, the only way to venture is forward as we continue to grow in numbers and resources.

If you have ever made a purchase with Merrimack Hall, you probably received our holiday donation card in the mail. This year’s card features photos of some of our students and volunteers performing at last year’s holiday show. It also provides the opportunity to sponsor a student in the Johnny Stallings Arts Program.

You can give $25 to provide one child’s leotard, or you can even give up to $500 to sponsor a child for an entire year. There are several different options as well as your own personal choice of how you prefer to support our students.

This 2011 year has been a radiant one for Merrimack Hall. The organization’s founders, Alan and Debra Jenkins, have received recognition as the “Philanthropists of the Year.” Merrimack also received donations and grants from Toyota, Kiwanis and other major organizations in order to support our outreach. The staff at Merrimack Hall is truly coming together as one accord as it works together to collaborate amongst one another as well as in the community. As the news spreads of Merrimack Hall’s success, our financial and volunteer support is necessary to continue to move forward. More students will expand our program to have more classes. More classes mean more teachers, time and support needed. From costumes and productions to tuitions and facility use, it takes a lot of man and money power to make this nonprofit live out its dream of making our students’ dreams come true.

The end result of all the support, donations, grants, volunteer efforts, community awareness, dance and art classes, expansion of the building, and so many more aspects of this performance hall – the backbone is to exist as a place to belong for those who have special needs. Merrimack Hall wants to be the niche place for Darby who has Down syndrome and fights cancer, for Elianna who has cerebral palsy and goes through painful surgeries, for Katie who has Down syndrome and diabetes, for the kids who are barely teenagers who have already experienced chemotherapy, strokes and surgeries. Merrimack is becoming a place where they can forget about everything and just dance and be creative.

If you would like to be a part of a child’s life in our Johnny Stallings Arts Program, please visit www.merrimackhall.com or call to receive a card in the mail - 256.534.6455.

Just BELIEVE.

2011-12-13T11:00:00.000-06:00

Hermione, a 4-year-old student in Dance Your Dreams!

When Debra and Alan Jenkins took their first steps through the threshold of the dilapidating,
hand-me-down building that Merrimack Hall once was, they never could have fathomed the sincere amount of teardrops that would trickle down the faces of the families who watched their children perform onstage during Believe this December. Whether it be Down syndrome, cerebral palsey or autism, each child and young adult performer has some type of special need; however what truly makes them special is their pure perserverance and innocent determination that outshines what society and even doctors have limited them to be in life.

Project UP singing "Deck the Rooftop"

This past December 1st, Merrimack Hall was proud to present Believe, the Johnny Stallings Arts Program holiday production. Almost 75 children took to the stage throughout the night as they performed to holiday classics. With reindeer, Santa costumes and snow at the finale, the show was the highlight of the season. These children attend weekly dance and musical theatre classes at Merrimack Hall. Each of them face some type of disability which is why the staff and volunteers at Merrimack are dedicated to not just assisting these students, but helping improve their quality of life physically, emotionally and socially.

Little girls from Dance Your Dreams! listening for reindeer

It's more than just being a philanthropic advocate for children with special needs. Everyday one can see advertisments, telelvision commericals and printed materials that promote helping children around the world. The vision behind Merrimack Hall's Johnny Stallings Arts Program is to provide a place to belong for people who are born with disablities. For those who are born in perfect health, with all of your chromosomes, beautifully functioning legs and arms, or even a nervous system that sends all the right signals to your brain, you have been given a pleuthra of opportunities to become a writer, dancer, singer, athlete, scientist and even an artist.

Darby, who wants to be a writer, performing her solo

For the individuals who show up to our classes,
their options are scarce, especially in North

Alabama. Merrimack Hall is seen as their place to dream of what they want to be because here, in our dance studio, on our theatre stage, or even in the art house, those dreams come to life as their own.

This holiday season, Merrimack Hall, a nonprofit 501(c)3, is accepting donations to help fund our growing outreach program. Visit our website to find out more about sponsoring a child in our program.

http://www.merrimackhall.com/.

Plaid Tidings to You!

2011-12-07T14:53:00.003-06:00

The Plaids posing for a quick portrait shot

One gold and red-striped hula hoop, a Helga the Viking horned helmet, a jar of Heinz mustard, and a vintage suitcase are just a few of the props to go along with those smiling doll-faced boys who are back at Merrimack Hall this week performing as “The Plaids” in Forever Plaid. The singing, dancing, tapping quartet is taking center stage and maybe even right and left aisle, next to your seat, as they engage the entire audience throughout the show.

Merrimack Hall is "Plaiding the City"

Forever Plaid, brought to Huntsville through Bella Note Solutions which also put on The Unexpected Boys in October and will be back in January for The Unexpected Surfer Boys, is a hilarious schmorgesborg of 50s pop hits along with some Christmas tunes that are all “plaided and pleated” with a story line of four perfectly choreographed, Broadway performers who die and come back to life to perform one last time. Not to mention, these fabulous four, who are also ferocious fellows, are pleasantly talented in playing the quirky instruments such as the melodica and the accordion.

The quartet rehearsing for the Thursday premiere

The crisscross crew from up North arrived Monday to begin rehearsing for their four performances this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. along with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. As the Merrimack staff watched them run through the acts on Tuesday and Wednesday, we would all agree that this show will be quite the Christmas collaboration of classic comedy and chorus line collectables from an era many years ago!

For tickets call 256.534.6455 or visit www.merrimackhall.com.

Victoria Shaw TONIGHT!

2011-12-02T08:30:00.000-06:00

What is it that we find so intriguing about famous rockstar, celebrities who perform at 5,000 seat venues worldwide and are completely untouchable as they also seem to lose touch with reality? It's a strange affinity that the normal folks like to call a "distraction from life." However, one genre of musicians that is never questioned or even bothered is the songwriters who stay under the radar and far from the lens of the paparazzi. Victoria Shaw, two-time Emmy award winning singer/songwriter, has found the key, not to Lady Gaga stardom, but to the hearts of those singing along to her lyrics sung by artists such as Garth Brooks, Lady Antebellum and even Olivia Newton-John.

Under the Covers with Victoria Shaw with Special Guests Gary Burr, award-winning songwriter, and Mark Hudson, of the Hudson Brothers, will be at Merrimack Hall tonight at the only 302 seat theatre in town, performing their favorite ballads and melodies accompanied with personal stories. Shaw started the Under the Covers series to bring some of her close friends and talented musicians out from behind the glass windows of the recording studios and onto the intimate stage at Merrimack Hall. "It feels like you're dropping in an a jam session with the Royles Royce of the singer/songwriter world," one patron said after attending the Under the Covers performance in August which featured Shaw, Robin Meade and Billy Dean. It's a bit off the beaten path that has its own strum about it.

Check out her website for more about her at www.victoriashaw.com

Tickets are on sale at www.merrimackhall.com or call 256.534.6455

Believe 2011 to Deck Merrimack Hall

2011-11-28T10:39:00.001-06:00

Carolyn dancing at Believe 2010

It’s coming this Thursday and entirely sold out! Believe, the Johnny Stallings Arts Program (JSAP) Christmas recital, highlights our students’ captivating smiles and spirits from Dance Your Dreams! and Project UP. These boys and girls are some of the most special and unforgettable individuals you will find on stage this holiday season. As Santa's wish list fills up with requests for toys and presents, our waiting list for open seats to the show builds as well!

Haley Henderson, our artistic director, has packed the hall with gold and silver tutus, red and green bows as well as shimmering buttons and props of presents and trinkets of holly jolly! The students of JSAP can be heard all throughout the dance studio as they practice their songs, routines and lines. The lobby is garnished with garland and spruce greenery while the theatre is decked with a snowflakes and poinsettias! Our Believe stars and audience will have the best time of the year with a guaranteed white Christmas!

Sara and Olivia giggling on stage during Believe 2010.

The show will also feature Greg Screws, a Merrimack Hall favorite and news anchor at WHNT 19 News, as he sings and acts along with the kids. Our newest staff member, Kristen Wilson, will sing “The Prayer” with her father, and our volunteers will be alongside each student to assist them in every way. Although there are plenty of wonderful, classic Christmas plays, concerts and musicals to see around town, Believe is a jingle of its own.

The Johnny Stallings Arts Program has received a tremendous amount of support this year from the community, state and even nation! Grants, donations and box office proceeds make Believe possible. As we say goodbye to our Thanksgiving holiday and welcome our season of giving and good tidings, Merrimack Hall is thankful to celebrate the reason for the season as we merrily deck our hall with the sweetest and brightest kids of the community!

Toyota Makes it Better at Merrimack Hall

2011-10-24T10:34:00.003-05:00

You may have seen the articles in The Huntsville Times or even on the Internet. Perhaps you had the opportunity to attend Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. for the ceremonial launch of the new four-cylinder engine this past September 29, 2011. Atsushi Niimi, the executive vice president of Toyota Motor Corp., traveled from Japan for this grand celebration that included a $50,000 check made out to Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center. An audience of over 800 people and Merrimack Hall's very own Project UP students performing, our community honored the newest fuel-efficient Toyota engine to be produced in the Tennessee Valley.

Johnny Stallings Arts Program - Project UP students with Governor Robert Bentley

The Senior Company of Merrimack Hall's Project UP stole the stage in their vibrant cerulean blue costumes as they danced to the song, "Rainbow Connection," made famous by Kermit the Frog himself. Meeting Governor Bentley was a highlight for many of our students. In particular, Emily, a teen with Down syndrome, walked up to the governor, wrapped her arms around him and said, "I love you Governor Bentley!" Her mother later told the Merrimack staff that she had no idea her daughter was such a fan.

Emily hugging her hero, Governor Bentley

Before the ceremony, our staff invited the students to come to Merrimack Hall for a chance to play beauty parlor and eat breakfast together. Each of the girls was seated at her own make-up and hair station while the staff curled hair and applied their pink lipstick. The boys buttoned up their brand new collared shirts and avoided the powder booths!

Katie is ready for her photo shoot

Susie and Rachel posing for a picture!

Klaudia and Kinsey playing in the make-up.

We are so thankful to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama for supporting our outreach program, and for putting their faith in our good stewardship of their funding. This recognition is an important honor for Merrimack Hall and the performance opportunity was a dream come true for our students.

As we continue to grow our roots deep into the Rocket City, cultivating the arts is gaining momentum. Merrimack Hall is deeping its impact in the lives of North Alabama while also bringing awareness to the needs of Merrimack Mill Village, the arts and culture community, and individuals with special needs and disabilities.

Dancers and Artists, Take Your Place!

2011-09-21T15:01:00.001-05:00

You know it's that fall season as the summer heat waves dwindle admist the brisk autumn nights. Here at Merrimack Hall, it's a much anticipated time because it marks the beginning of our Johnny Stallings Arts Program! With our dance classes tapping and twirling away in the dance studio and theatre, and the art students painting and creating in the house out back, the rustle of the leaves is merely white noise compared to the hustle and bustle here!

Our Johnny Stallings Arts Program provides a place for over 85 children, teenagers and adults with special needs to create, dream and perform to their loving hearts' content! Our outreach includes Dance Your Dreams for ages 3-12, Project UP for ages 13-up, Inspired HeARTS for all ages. We are thrilled to have our first adult art class this year from; these students are from a local group home and visit us once week.

This 2011 Performance Season, Merrimack Hall will clear the stage on December 1 for Believe, the dance students' Christmas performance. We've all seen our favorite Christmas movies, ballets and musicals, but make room for this unforgettable, tear-jerking, dancing and singing show! These kids practice for months, and their spirit is contagious to everyone around them.

Check out last year's performance and visit merrimackhall.com for tickets!

http://merrimackhall.com/believe11.html

2011/12 Season Show Sponsorship

2011-05-20T11:39:00.002-05:00

Have you or your corporation ever wanted to support Merrimack Hall in a big way? For our 2011-12 season, we are offering Presenting Sponsorships for every production in the season. What exactly does that mean? It means that your company, or even you personally, would be listed as "This show is presented in partnership with ...". Our sponsors enjoy a large variety of perks, each tailored to their own specific needs. Presenting Sponsorships begin at $2,500.

Perks for Presenting Sponsors include:

Title of Presenting Sponsor of one show in the 2011-12 Merrimack Hall Season.
Automatic membership in the Merrimack Hall membership program, which includes admission to our new Cotton Club, a members-only private lounge featuring complimentary adult beverages.
Logo/name inclusion on all marketing materials associated with your show of choice.
Logo/name inclusion on all e-blasts associated with your show of choice, which are sent out twice weekly to over 10,000 patrons locally.
Recognition on our donor wall.
Complimentary tickets to your show of choice.

Because Merrimack Hall is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all donations & sponsorships are 100% tax deductible. All donations go directly to our outreach programs, which provide performing arts education to children and teens with special needs.

Consider becoming a Merrimack Hall sponsor today. The possibilities are endless - we tailor each sponsorship to your company's needs.

For information, contact Ashley Dinges, marketing & development director, by phone at (256) 534-6455 or e-mail.

2011-12 Membership Program

2011-05-19T16:15:00.005-05:00

At Merrimack Hall, we appreciate the continued support of our loyal patrons and donors. To better serve you, we're launching an annual membership program beginning this summer!

Our membership program will serve as an upgrade to our previous season subscriber program. Instead of purchasing your entire season at once to receive 10% off, members will be entitled to their discount year-round, no matter the date or amount of tickets purchased.

All members at any level receive a special 10% off discount code. As membership levels increase, extra benefits are added, including invitations to special events with artists and Executive Director receptions, personal Box Office concierge, and access to the Cotton Club.

Visit our website to read all the perks of becoming a member! Or, feel free to call us at (256) 534-6455 for more information.

To join, simply make a tax-deductible donation to Merrimack Hall at the level of your choice. Donations may be made online, over the phone at (256) 534-6455 or in person during Box Office hours.

Panoply 2011: Dance Your Dreams & Project UP

2011-04-25T13:31:00.001-05:00

For the third year in a row, Dance Your Dreams! will participate in Huntsville's Panoply Arts Festival! This year, we're excited to add Project UP to the performance roster. All four Dance Your Dreams! classes, plus Project UP, will perform selections from their upcoming Spring Recital.

Want to come watch them perform? Head over to the Valley Jubilee Stage (near the Embassy Suites), this Friday, April 29 at 7 p.m.!

(And watch the above video to see their performance last year at Panoply 2010!)

Inspired HeARTs - Special Needs Art Class

2011-04-18T13:00:00.003-05:00

You may know a little bit about The Johnny Stallings Arts Program here at Merrimack Hall. All classes within this program provide performing arts education for children and teens with special needs.

You've probably heard about Dance Your Dreams!, Project UP, and Camp Merrimack. What you may not have heard about yet is our newest class - Inspired HeARTs.

When Dance Your Dreams launched in 2008, the class was intended to provide dance education to children who cannot participate in mainstream classes due to their special needs (both physical and developmental).

Once the first year came to a close, we realized they had very few options for summer camps. We launched Camp Merrimack in 2009 as an option for families with special-needs children.

As the children began to age, we found that they also grow! Our volunteers, many of whom are teens themselves, could not necessarily lift the teens and assist them with movements. Debra Jenkins and Hayley Henderson then conceived and launched Project UP - a performing company for teens with developmental disabilities. We intended for the students in Dance Your Dreams! to graduate up to the Junior Company of Project UP, and eventually a Senior Company (which will also include adults).

You can see - we have created all of our programs out of needs, as we observe them through the families and students who participate in our classes. This past year, we decided to launch Inspired HeARTs, a visual art program for children and teens ages 10-17 with special needs.

Like Dance Your Dreams!, Inspired HeARTs pairs students one-on-one with volunteers who provide help, support and guidance.

Inspired HeARTs was developed in conjunction with two senior thesis students in the art program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. These student teachers develop projects each week for the students, and teach them art history as well. We are so grateful to them for the patience and love they show to our students every week!

For more information on any of our programs (including enrollment, volunteering or donations), visit our website at www.merrimackhall.com/johnnystallings!

Merrimack Hall on Cookie Logic

2011-04-18T11:25:00.003-05:00

Last week, the Cookie Logic television show came to Merrimack Hall and spent the whole day filming their 59th episode in our building!

You can watch the episode in its entirety above. Thanks to Cookie Logic for featuring us!

Melora Hardin comes to Huntsville

2011-04-11T14:37:00.004-05:00

We're so excited to announce that TV, film, music & stage star Melora Hardin is coming to Merrimack Hall! You probably recognize Melora from her continuing appearances on NBC's hit sitcom "The Office" (she plays Michael Scott's ex-girlfriend Jan Levinson).

In addition to her acting chops, Melora boasts a long list of music credits. She'll be performing two concerts here in Huntsville.

So what's the backstory? How did we get in touch with Melora to bring her here to North Alabama? Well, you might remember that Billy Bob Thornton has twice appeared at Merrimack Hall with his band, The Boxmasters. Billy Bob's manager for his music career also represents Melora. They reached out to Debra & Alan Jenkins here at Merrimack Hall, inquiring about Melora performing here. We couldn't be more thrilled to present this exciting showcase to you.

Melora's weekend of events includes two concerts, a master class, and a special meet-and-greet with Melora at Amendment XXI. All proceeds from her meet-and-greet with benefit Merrimack Hall's Johnny Stallings Arts Program for children and teens with special needs.

Behind the Scenes of RENT

2011-03-09T13:54:00.002-06:00

Watch the video above to see the cast of RENT perform "Seasons of Love" at Merrimack Hall. The production will run March 11-19 and is presented by Independent Musical Productions.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit our website at www.merrimackhall.com, or call the Box Office at 256-534-6455.

My Holiday Wish - Dec. 2 at 7 pm

2010-11-22T11:15:00.003-06:00

Our Dance Your Dreams! and Project Up students have been busy all fall preparing for their big performance next week! We're so proud to present our first original holiday performance, written and directed by our Outreach Coordinator Hayley Henderson.

The plot revolves around Darby, who has a holiday wish. Will it come true? How will Santa ever know what her wish is, if her letter doesn't make it to the North Pole? With a little help from Santa's envoy, the cast of this delightful production will surely bring a smile to your face.

Help us fill the house next week for this very special production. We only have 40 seats left, so get your tickets soon!

2010-11-09T13:25:00.002-06:00

Investigating Merrimack Hall

Check out the Huntsville Times video above to see a report from our overnight investigation with the Alabama Paranormal Society.

Henry Cho comes back to Huntsville

2010-11-09T12:10:00.005-06:00

Henry Cho on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

Did you see Henry Cho here last year? You may have missed him, since his last show sold out so quickly! He's back for two more live performances next week, November 18-19, each at 8 p.m. If you're planning to come, get your tickets soon - both shows are close to selling out!

Reserve your tickets soon!

P.S. - Watch the clip above to hear Craig give Merrimack Hall a shout-out!

What's new at Merrimack Hall?

2010-09-29T13:13:00.007-05:00

It's been a busy summer for us here at the 'Mack! So what have we been up to? It's already almost October, yikes! Read on for a summer roundup of our activities.

Camp Merrimack 2010
This year, we rolled out two weeks of twice-a-day sessions of Camp Merrimack. In total, we had 60 students attend the workshops, double the attendance from 2009! We are so proud of each and every student. Camp Merrimack is open to children with special needs both physical and emotional, including Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, autism, ADHD and more. Many of these students participate in our Dance Your Dreams! program as well.

Project UP
This summer marked a major milestone for us: the launch of our newest piece of the Johnny Stallings Arts Program, Project UP. Project UP is a performing company for teens with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome. Our initial company of 8 students began the program at a July summer intensive, where they learned performance numbers from Wicked, The Wiz and The Wizard of Oz. Project UP will continue during the 2010-11 school year. We'll keep you posted when our wonderful students have their next performance!

The Mixer 2010
We held our first-ever fundraiser on Friday, August 21 -- a groovy party to celebrate the Johnny Stallings Arts Program for children with special needs. Thanks to all you partygoers and donors, we raised over $32,000 for the program! The event was an incredible success, and we couldn't have done it without you. Missed The Mixer? Don't worry, it will be an annual event! Plus, you can check out event photos on our Facebook page.

Paul Canaan at Merrimack Hall!

2010-05-19T09:56:00.004-05:00

We were so lucky to have the amazing Paul Canaan here at Merrimack Hall on Monday. Paul came over for the day to help us promote his Take It From The Top workshop that will be here this summer, which he co-founded with Laura Bell Bundy.

Paul visited WLRH radio station, WAAY, and Huntsville High School for three periods. While at HHS, some very lucky students got to learn a routine from Legally Blonde!

Check out the video above to see Paul teaching the students. Click here for more information on the Take It From The Top program in June!

Rave On! The Buddy Holly Tribute

2010-03-30T13:52:00.003-05:00

Photo: Leah Huebner

We were thrilled to have the fabulous production Rave On: The Buddy Holly Tribute here in Huntsville last weekend!

This season has been packed full of throwback, classic shows like It's a Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theatre and Route 66. From the feedback we've received from our audiences this weekend, it seems you all DO still believe in rock 'n' roll!

Many thanks again to the fabulous cast and crew of Rave On. They're one of the nicest, most professional and courteous productions we've ever had grace our stage.

Click here to check out photos from the sold-out shows!

Traditional Home honors Debra Jenkins

2009-12-05T19:02:00.005-06:00

Classic Woman Awards 2009
Debra Jenkins of Merrimack Hall receives national honor

We are so proud that Debra Jenkins, our co-founder and executive director, was chosen as one of six women to receive Traditional Home magazine's 2009 Classic Woman Award. Traditional Home Editor in Chief Ann Maine honored Debra at the magazine’s Classic Woman Awards luncheon in New York City on November 24. All six recipients of the magazine’s fifth-annual Classic Woman Awards were present, a signature program that celebrates the spirit of volunteerism by recognizing standout charitable women from across the country.

In previous issues and on its Web site, Traditional Home invited its 4.7 million readers to nominate a woman who is making a positive difference in her community. The magazine’s editorial staff and the judges pored over the nominations to choose six women who truly are changing the world one day, one person at a time.

In addition, each honoree’s chosen cause received a contribution from Traditional Home. The women and their causes were also featured in the magazine’s November 2009 issue.

Please join us in congratulating Debra on her volunteer achievements!

Letters Home

2009-11-10T12:53:00.003-06:00

A play that brings to life letters from real soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan

Well, we're already into November and it's been a while since we updated our blog! We kicked off our 2009-10 season last month with Upon Their Shoulders: The Merrimack Story, an original play about the lives of real people who lived in Merrimack Mill Village. Every single show ended up selling out completely!

Coming up next week is Letters Home, a play based off real letters from soldiers serving in the Middle East. We're excited for our first-ever corporate buy-out of a performance! The Huntsville Times, along with SAIC, S3, the U.S. Army MWR, and Avion have bought out the Friday night performance and will donate 150 seats to soldiers from Redstone Arsenal. We'll be having a special reception after the performance in honor of the soliders, where they'll be able to meet the cast of the play.

Another exciting aspect of Letters Home is that we'll have a local actor, Kevin Kingston, in town for the performance! Letters Home is produced and performed by Griffin Theatre Co., based out of Chicago. A native of Arab, Alabama, Kevin will appear with Griffin Theatre Co. here in Huntsville.

Read this article published in The Arab Tribune on Monday, Nov. 9 about Kevin!

Click here to read more about Letters Home and reserve your seats for the Saturday, November 21 productions!

America's Next Top Model -- Casting Call!

2009-06-22T11:27:00.002-05:00

Attention all lovely ladies! If you think you've got the chops to compete on Cycle 14 of America's Next Top Model, head on down to Merrimack Hall on Wednesday, July 8 to audition in front of casting agents from the CW series!

You can find all audition/eligibility information on The CW official website. We're so excited to host this event, and look forward to seeing you strut your stuff here next Wednesday!

Sneak Peek of Sunday's Recital

2009-06-11T13:56:00.003-05:00

Check out this sneak peek video of last night's Dance Your Dreams! Spring Recital dress rehearsal onstage here at Merrimack Hall.

Don't forget ... their recital is Sunday at 4:00 and tickets are only $15. All proceeds will benefit the Dance Your Dreams! program. There will also be performances from other local arts groups like the Alabama Youth Ballet, Heidi Knight School of Dance, Huntsville High School Show Choir, plus a special guest to present the DYD children with trophies!

Summer fun!

2009-06-10T13:30:00.005-05:00

There is so much happening this summer at Merrimack Hall! We have our D.Y.D. Spring Recital this weekend D.Y.D. Spring Recital 2009 and master classes with Chris Tyler and Jenny Belsito, along with an OPEN CALL audition with DDO Talent Agency Master Classes and Audition!!, not to mention the exciting new dance classes we are offering! Zumba, a fast-paced latin-infused dance workout that is actually fun! Come join the fun for only $10 a class! It's every Wednesday at 6pm. On Thursdays, Hayley Smith is offering a Jazz Technique class for those advanced dancers who want to keep moving over the summer. Jazz Technique is every Thursday at 6pm for $10 a class! Both Zumba and Jazz Technique are offered through June 30th. In July, we are welcoming our first annual Camp Merrimack, a week long day camp for the arts! Camp Merrimack is open to children with special needs across the Tennessee Valley.Camp Merrimack! Stay tuned for two very exciting programming announcements this summer!!

Bake Sale for Dance Your Dreams!

2009-06-08T17:05:00.005-05:00

We need your help! Merrimack Hall is having its first-ever Bake Sale on Sunday, June 14 after the Dance Your Dreams! Recital to raise money for the program. We need volunteers to bake items for the sale! All items must be baked and returned to us the morning of the June 14.

If you are interested in baking an item for the sale, please e-mail Austin Jenkins at aajenkins@merrimackhall.com. We will provide you with the necessary supplies and mix to make your delicious treats!

Dance Your Dreams! Spring Recital

2009-05-25T16:50:00.007-05:00

Dance Your Dreams! Spring Recital: Sunday, June 14 at 4 p.m.
Tickets: $15, all proceeds benefit the program

We are so very proud to present our Dance Your Dreams! Spring Recital and honor these special children who continue to amaze us every week.

As many of you know, this program is the cornerstone of Merrimack Hall's outreach, and to date we have given back more than $40,000 to the community through Dance Your Dreams! alone. Each week, children with a range of special needs from Cerebral Palsy and autism to cancer and Down Syndrome come to our dance studio and participate in a dance class suited to their needs. All dancers are paired with their own volunteer who helps them execute the movements they would otherwise be unable to perform. All classes, costuming and dance attire are provided to these families at no cost to them.

This recital will showcase these beautiful dancers, and also feature performances from other local arts organizations like the Alabama Youth Ballet, Heidi Knight School of Dance, and Susan's School of Dance. Both Dance Your Dreams! classes will perform two numbers each: "Rockin' Robin," "A Whole New World," "Under the Sea," and "Going to the Chapel."

Please come show your support for these amazing children and their yearlong achievements. All tickets are $15 and proceeds will directly benefit the Dance Your Dreams! program.

Tickets may be purchased on our website at www.merrimackhall.com

Master classes & OPEN AUDITION with Chris Tyler

2009-05-25T16:42:00.003-05:00

We are proud to welcome back Nashville-based choreographer Chris Tyler for a weekend of master classes at Merrimack Hall! Chris will also be holding an open audition for his talent agency, DDO Artists Agency.

He was trained by and has worked extensively with acclaimed choreographer Shane Sparks, of the FOX smash hit “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he was chosen to teach with Shane at "The Pulse On Tour."

Chris and Jenny Belsito will teach both Hip Hop and Contemporary classes during the weekend of June 13-14, 2009. Spaces are $35 per dance for two classes. In addition to the master classes, Chris will select local dancers from the master classes to be part of a special lecture/demonstration at the Dance Your Dreams! Spring Recital on Sunday.

Chris and Jenny will hold an open audition Sunday after the Dance Your Dreams! recital. There is no fee to audition, and the audition is open to dancers, singers, and actors.

For more details and a full schedule of classes, visit our website.

Camp Merrimack

2009-05-07T12:11:00.005-05:00

Merrimack Hall is proud to present Camp Merrimack, a summer arts camp for children with special needs. Our camp is open to children ages 3 through 12 with special needs including Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, autism and others.

With the success of our Dance Your Dreams! program, we are excited to offer more artistic opportunities for students. Classes will include music, theatre, dance and visual art. With our positive approach, engaging philosophy and 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio, our overall experience is different from any other. Camp Merrimack provides our students with opportunities to build social skills and creates an environment where they are sure to succeed!

Join us for Camp Merrimack July 27-31, 2009. Classes are limited to 15 children per age group and spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Children ages 3-7 will attend camp from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and children ages 8-12 will attend from 1-4 p.m. Enrollment for the week-long camp is $40 per child.

Please contact Hayley Smith for questions about the Camp Merrimack program at hsmith@merrimackhall.com.

To inquire about financial scholarships, please contact Debra Jenkins at djenkins@merrimackhall.com.

Dance Your Dreams on WHNT!

2009-02-26T09:45:00.005-06:00

We are SO excited to share this link to a wonderful piece by Robert Reeves at WHNT Channel 19 here in Huntsville! They came to our "Dance Your Dreams!" ballet class last week and filmed this great segment!

"Dance Your Dreams!" is our weekly class for children who have gross motor developmental delays, who cannot participate in mainstream dance classes. They come to class every week, taught by our Director of Dance Education Hayley Smith, and learn choreography with their friends. Each child receives one dance outfit, and is able to attend the class free of charge.

As we are a nonprofit organization, major funding for this program is provided by the Jane K. Lowe Charitable Foundation. If you are interested in volunteering, donating, or enrolling your child, please contact Hayley at hsmith@merrimackhall.com.

More information:
http://merrimackhall.com/danceyourdreams.html

Open Auditions with Xcel Talent Agency

2009-02-25T14:02:00.005-06:00

We're happy to announce our first-ever open audition at Merrimack Hall, with the wonderful Xcel Talent Agency based out of Atlanta!

Xcel will be here this weekend (Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1) looking for dancers to add to their impressive roster of talent. Anyone over the age of 17 can audition for free, just bring a headshot!

Two of Xcel's amazing choreographers, Lauri Stallings and CiCi Kelley, will also be teaching master classes both days. Come on by to pick up new moves, or get a little extra face time before your audition!

A full schedule is over on our website at www.merrimackhall.com/xcel.html

Master class prices: $25 each for one or two classes, $20 each for three or more

Wonderful Wednesdays!

2009-02-11T14:15:00.000-06:00

It's Wednesday at Merrimack Hall, and we all know what that means....Dance Your Dreams! is this afternoon and I cannot wait to get my dance on with our students! They are so much fun!!!If you would like more information on this awesome program, check out our website at http://www.merrimackhall.com/outreach.html and be sure to read the wonderful article that the Huntsville Times wrote on our little ballerinas: http://...com/clwjam

Dance Your Dreams! Students to Perform

2009-01-03T12:02:00.004-06:00

We are getting ready for our Second Annual Evening of Dance, which will be held January 9 and 10, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. I am excited about all of the wonderful dance pieces we will present at these shows, but I have to say I am most excited about the debut of our Dance Your Dreams! students. They will be performing to "Singing in the Rain," wearing adorable rain slickers and galoshes - umbrellas too! I can only imagine how inspirational and moving their performance will be.

Our 10 students have a wide range of special needs, from Down's Syndrome to Cerebral Palsy. Two of our students have diagnoses that are so rare, they are research patients at world renowned medical centers; two wear hearing aids, one has cochlear implants; one has leukemia; one is wheelchair bound all the time, several rely on walkers and leg braces to allow them any mobility at all. But when they come to Merrimack Hall, they are all dancers - and I believe their progress at this point is no different that the progress you would find in any pre-school creative movement class. They can chasse, plie, tendu and even pirouette - they do barre work, center work, across the floor work and play all sorts of creative movement games. They wear tutus and tights, ballet shoes and leotards, and their faces light up when they enter the dance studio.

Our students are paired with volunteers - teenagers who enjoy dancing themselves and have agreed to devote Wednesdays to attending our classes and providing assistance to our students. They lift them, hold them - help them execute the movements that they might not be able to do on their own. These special teenagers have thrown themselves into the class 110% and have developed a special bond with each of our students.

When Wednesdays roll around, I can't wait for 5:00 - the children usually arrive between 5 and 5:15 and the look of excitement on their faces is just thrilling. Sometimes they come to dance straight from a treatment at Children's Hospital - many times they arrive with hospital bands on their tiny wrists. Sometimes it is obvious that one child may not feel totally great that day, or seems abnormally tired. But once they take their place at the barre, with their helper standing behind them, they grin from ear to ear....and then they dance!

This weekend, we will have a theatre full of proud parents who will be watching their kids dance. But I'm sure there will none prouder that the parents of our Dance Your Dreams! students. I hope I can keep my emotions under control, but I doubt I'll be able to!

Debra Jenkins
Founder

Merrimack Reunion A Great Event

2008-08-20T16:52:00.002-05:00

This summer, Merrimack Hall hosted the Merrimack Reunion. The event drew 300 people who either worked in Merrimack Mills, lived in Merrimack Village or attended Joe Bradley School. It was great to hear feedback from people who have such feelings of pride and nostalgia in this neighborhood and in Merrimack Hall. There was lots of reminiscing going on that day and lots of great compliments on how well our renovations turned out.

Some of the folks attending the reunion put together a picture board that had amazing images of the neighborhood, the mills, the school and Merrimack Hall. One thing that was truly staggering was a photocopy of a paycheck. The check was dated 1910 and was for $.12. Can you imagine, bringing home $.12?

Former Merrimack resident Jim Yell came to visit us shortly after the reunion. He told me that he was impressed with what we've done in renovating and restoring a place that he held dear to his heart. Jim has become a major benefactor to Merrimack Hall, making a staggering donation to us. More than that, he's become a part of our Merrimack family now and is providing valuable assistance to the entire staff.

He's also working with Ron Harris on an original play that Merrimack Hall has commissioned Ron Harris to write. The working title is "Upon the Shoulders: The Merrimack Story" and is a historic fictionalization of events and people from Merrimack's past. We expect to present this production next August, so stay tuned for further developments!

Debra Jenkins
Founder

Merrimack Hall Receives Funding

2008-08-20T16:48:00.002-05:00

We were so honored and humbled to receive a First Tier Grant from the Jane K. Lowe Charitable Foundation! This foundation, established by the late Jane Lowe, accepts grants from Madison County-based non-profit organizations. This year, they received more than 80 requests for funding and selected only 3 organizations to receive a First Tier Grant. Several other organizations received Second and Third Tier Grants, but we were one of only 3 to get $100,000.00 from the Foundation.

The money has been allocated for the purchase of a grand piano and a video projection system for the theatre. We will also be using these funds to start a ballet class for children with physical disabilities. We are working with United Cerebral Palsy to train our teachers and volunteers for this program. We believe that every little girl should be able to wear a tutu and be a ballerina if she wants to!

Many thanks to the Jane K. Lowe Charitable Foundation for believing in us!

It Was A Great Summer at Merrimack Hall

2008-08-20T16:26:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that school has started and things are getting back to the normal old routine! We had quite a summer at Merrimack Hall - from dance workshops with stars from "So You Think You Can Dance," to "One on One with Billy Bob Thornton!" New folks joined our staff, we developed our first Season Brochure and we managed to have a great time doing it all.

Sabra Johnson, the Season 3 winner of "So You Think You Can Dance" taught a workshop here and brought Kameron Bink, Season 3 Top 10, with her. The dancers who took these classes loved Sabra and Kameron both and we are hoping to have them back with us for our "Evening of Dance" in January.

We were proud to be a part of the Huntsville City School's summer enrichment program and enjoyed having 120 middle school students with us each day in June for hip hop classes. Ann's Studio of Dance was here for their company rehearsal, and what a great group they are! The parents were so nice and helpful, the kids were well-mannered and polite...and boy can they ever dance!

Lisa Loeb's concert was great - she sang songs from new new children's album and there were quite a few kids in the audience! LeAnn Siefferman, new Programming Director, commented of Ruthie Foster, "if everyone in the world would listen to that music, it could end the war!" She was one of the finest artists we've had the pleasure of presenting.

And then there was Billy Bob! What a guy - we just love him and his entire crew and band! Lynn Hoffman of the A&E Channel moderated our "One on One" event and it was just like "Inside the Actor's Studio." Billy revealed so much about himself as an actor, and as a man, and we got tremendous feedback from everyone who attended. One of my favorite things about the weekend was meeting Tom Mayhue, Billy's tour manager, and Antony, his crew chief. Tom is developing a new reality series for A&E called "King of the Roadies" that is absolutely hilarious! He showed us footage and promotional videos on the program, that follows him around on the road, showing all of the situations that are part of the routine of his job. He and Antony have a hilarious banter that goes on all the time, and we see them doing things like breaking into cars that are blocking loading docks of theatres, that are side-splitting! Watch A&E for the start of this new reality show!

Scot Bruce's tribute to Elvis was a great show - Merrimack Hall sure can shake, rattle and roll! The best moment of the evening was when Scot got on one knee and sang "Love Me Tender" to a lady in the audience!

New staff members Hayley Smith (Director of Dance) and LeAnn Siefferman (Box Office and Programming Director) have been welcomed additions to our team and we've had a blast getting to know them this summer. Both are smart, funny, gorgeous, hard-working and just all around delightful women!

We have one more show before our season kicks off - Robert Post Comedy Theatre is a family-friendly comedy show. Our season has 12 productions and there's something for everyone - music, theatre and dance are all available. Individual tickets to our shows go on sale August 21, but there are great benefits to being a season ticket holder. Season ticket holders are the first to know when we schedule new events, and we have one looming on the calendar that many people will be excited about! Menopause the Musical wants to return to Merrimack Hall and if you are a season ticket holder, you'll know before everyone else does! Season ticket holders get first dibs on Menopause the Musical tickets, which we know will sell fast!

Hope to see you at a show soon!

Debra Jenkins
Founder

So You Think You Can Dance Pair at Merrimack Hall

2008-05-20T15:22:00.004-05:00

Fans of the Fox television series "So You Think You Can Dance" will recognize the name Sabra - she was the Season 3 winner of the dance competition show. She is the incredible contemporary dancer who wowed the judges week after week last year and was Wade Robson's favorite to win from the beginning. We are so excited that she is coming to Merrimack Hall to teach master classes and is bringing with her Kameron Bink, another of last season's Top 10 finalists.

We will be holding classes for dancers age 6 and up. Each age group will have a choice of two classes with Sabra and two with Kameron. They will teach an additional advanced class together, offering a total of 9 classes. They are also attending a meet and greet that will include your own personal photo with them. After pictures and autographs, Kameron and Sabra will take questions from the audience about what it's like to be on "So You Think You Can Dance," what it's like to be a professional dancer, and anything else that the audience would like to know about them! Registration is open at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21 at www.merrimackhall.com.

After having Wade Robson with us twice this year, we knew we wanted someone else from the TV show. Wade wants us to bring Mandy Moore, which we are working on - her schedule is totally full for the summer, but we are looking at alternative dates. But Wade was rooting for Sabra all season, so of course, we were too! We can't wait to meet Sabra and Kameron and are so excited that area dancers will have the chance to learn from the two of them!

Debra Jenkins
Founder

Karla Bonoff and Kenny Edwards Concert Was HOT!!!

2008-05-20T14:45:00.002-05:00

Another remarkable artist presented yet another remarkable performance at Merrimack Hall last Thursday, May 15, 2008. Karla Bonoff and Kenny Edwards garnered three standing ovations from a crowd of devoted fans. But it wasn't only the great music that made the evening memorable. Merrimack Hall's fire alarm malfunctioned, sending the entire house into a hot flash not seen since we had "Menopause the Musical" here!

Apparently something went wrong inside an air duct, causing the fire alarms to go off, so with strobe lights flashing and the computerized voice saying "please evacuate the building," the audience remained calmly in their seats! Alan rushed to the control panel to try to diable the alarm, but couldn't get it to shut off. In a panic, he called Scott and Reisa Schrimscher, the general contractors on the building (and very good friends) who dropped what they were doing and rushed over here, arriving simultaneous with 2 fire trucks. While Alan kept trying to turn off the alram, Scott and Reisa were frantically trying to find a phone number to call to disable the system. They finally located a 1-800 number and Alan wrote it on his hand. He dialed the number.....and reached some adult phone sex line!!! What a wrong number that was!

Karla and Kenny said that in 30 years of touring, they had never had a fire alarm go off - lots of power failures but no fires! They waited patiently, as did the audience, and finally after 20 loud and long minutes, the system was re-set, the fire department left and the show resumed! We're hoping the house doesn't get that hot for a while!

Debra Jenkins
Founder

"The Great American Trailer Park Musical" Sure to be Fun!

2008-05-03T13:03:00.003-05:00

We can't wait for Wednesday night's opening performance of "The Great American Trailer Park Musical," coming to Merrimack Hall from New York. This professional touring show features a cast of eccentric characters that live in Armadilla Acres - "where the livin' is easy, and so are the people!" I've been listening to the soundtrack for the past few days and find myself laughing and singing along to songs like "I'm Gonna Make Like A Nail and Press On."

We are going to have lots of fun events going on in our lobby - give-aways from different businesses, drawings for prizes - we're even going to have a Flamigo Toss at intermission! This will not be your ordinary "night at the theatre." We haven't gone as far as some other theatres who have had "Trailer Park" - some have had mullet contests (the haircut, not the fish) or encouraged their audiences to dress in their favorite "trailer trash" outfits. But we do have their merchandise on sale - who doesn't need a cigarette lighter that includes a bottle opener on the end? Or a camo drink coozie that says the easy living slogan?

We hope we'll see you next week!

Debra Jenkins, Founder

One-On-One With Billy Bob Thornton

2008-05-03T12:04:00.003-05:00

We are so excited about Billy Bob Thornton's return to Merrimack Hall this summer, and are especially thrilled about the question and answer session he has agreed to hold for area actors and fans! Billy will sit down with a moderator, in front of an audience, on Saturday, August 2 at 4:00 p.m. for a 90 minute interview that will be structured like our version of "Inside the Actor's Studio." Billy will talk about his music, his movies and his life and will also take questions from the audience. This will be such a unique and cool way to get to know one of the most prolific artists of our generation!

When he was here last summer, we found Billy to be one of the most down-to-earth guys we've ever met - he's just a good ole' southern boy from Arkansas! There was absolutely no "Hollywood" about Billy Bob! He was genuinely excited to be in Huntsville and to entertain his fans with his band, The Box Masters. It was great enough that he agreed to return with The Box Masters, but when we learned that he would agree to sit down and talk one-on-one with an audience we were thrilled! We might even see Billy bring Carl Childers to life again, as he did on our stage last summer.

Billy's manager has told me that Merrimack Hall is the only sit-down venue that Billy is willing to play this year, as he prefers to play in a bar or arena setting as opposed to our theatre setting. But he wanted to come back here because he had such a great time with us last summer - lots of his friends and family came down from Arkansas for his shows, as well as several of his friends from Muscle Shoals and Nashville. Billy seemed truly impressed with our venue and congratulated Alan and me for setting up our non-profit organization and providing the venue to Huntsville as our gift. Needless to say, we were pretty proud to hear words of endorsement from an artist of Billy's stature.

Tickets for One-On-One with Billy Bob Thornton are on sale now. More details on the format of this event and the moderator will be available soon!

Debra Jenkins, Founder

Merrimack Hall Choreographers Win at Panoply

2008-05-03T11:45:00.003-05:00

Merrimack Hall is so proud of two choreographers, Leigh Caruso and Cynthia Quintela, for the excellent work they presented at Panoply's Choreography Competition April 25 and 26.

Panoply's prestigious Choreography Competition recognizes the work of choreographers with cash awards and attracts choreographers from across the southeast. This year's competition, which was held in the Von Braun Center's concert hall, brought 56 different pieces that were judged by a panel of esteemed dance professionals. The dance pieces were entered into 5 categories - ballet, modern, jazz, tap and hip-hop. An elimination round was held first and pieces were selected as "Honorable Mention"and performed on stage in Big Spring Park on Friday night of the festival, with other pieces selected as finalists to compete in the concert hall on Saturday night. This year, 8 pieces were selected as Honorable Mentions and 15 pieces were selected for the final round of competition.

Leigh, Merrimack Hall's Director of Dance Education, set a work entitled "Free My Soul" on a group of 8 dancers, including Leigh. The dancers came to Merrimack Hall from two different dance organizations - Alabama Youth Ballet and Huntsville Community Ballet - and worked at Merrimack Hall for several weeks in preparation for their participation in Panoply's Choreography Competition. "Free My Soul" was entered in the ballet category, which had the largest number of entries of all the categories, so the competition was tight! For Leigh, who graduated from Vanderbilt University in May 2007, this was the first time her work has been seen in her hometown since she was in high school. She was thrilled, and I was extremely proud, when her piece was selected to perform as an Honorable Mention!

Cynthia is on the staff of Alabama Youth Ballet and teaches visual art at Huntsville High School, where she also directs the school's dance team. Cynthia's piece, "Because," was originally created for Merrimack Hall's "Evening of Dance" held in January. Dancers from Alabama Youth Ballet were featured in this jazz piece, which was selected for the final round of competition and went on to win the jazz category. Cynthia received a $500.00 cash award, along with the honor of being chosed as the finest jazz piece entered in the competition. Cynthia has a long history of winning awards in the Panoply Choreography Competition, having won the "Best of Show" award numerous times in the past.

These choreographers and their work represent exactly what Merrimack Hall has set as our mission - to provide performance opportunities for local performers along with the educational opportunities we are providing. I am so proud that Merrimack Hall has been a part of fostering the development of these two new works and has been able to provide assistance to two of Huntsville's finest choreographers. We are so thrilled for Leigh and Cynthia and for the well-deserved recognition that their work and their dancers received!

Carter's Chord

2008-03-12T09:00:00.002-05:00

Carter’s Chord is the “just-uncovered gem” of the cross-over country music scene, and is rapidly garnering a loyal fan base. When we heard their music (southern rock, blues, and Outlaw country) and had a solid sense of their credibility—as evidenced through Toby Keith’s backing—we knew this was a real opportunity. We booked them immediately, with every belief that they’ll be huge by this time next year. They’re touring with Toby this summer, so their exposure will go through the roof.

Their sound is really interesting, in that while it’s definitely country, it reflects influences by the Counting Crows, Emmylou Harris, Marc Cohn, and the Black Crows. You can actually hear the added edge. I mean, these are three sisters in their early twenties, ready to set the world on fire, and their energy really comes through in their music. Even our marketing director, a self-admittedly lukewarm country fan, is excited about this act—she says it isn’t “too twangy.” Regardless, we believe they have a very bright future; we hope we can say “We knew them when…”
—Alan Jenkins, Founder

Step Afrika!

2008-03-11T18:25:00.001-05:00

I don't know when I've been as excited about an event as I am about Step Afrika! This professional step dancing company from Washington, D.C., will present 2 concerts and 2 master classes at Merrimack Hall April 4 and 5.

My first exerience with seeing a performance of African dance was back in 1995 at Panoply and I found it to be one of the most moving experiences I've ever had. The African drums, the beautiful tribal costumes, the ritual dances are all so compelling and inspriational to me. It is fascinating to hear the dancers explain the meaning behind their movements and the occassions when a particular dance or drum cadence was used - to signal that the enemy is coming; to ask the gods for rain; to celebrate the harvest; to rejoice in a birth or mourn a death.

When I think about these ancient rituals and traditions, it makes me realize that from the moment humans came into existence, they have had a primal urge to express themselves through music, dance and art. What makes Step Afrika! so unique as a dance company is that they combine the ancient tribal dances with newer forms of African dance, like stepping. When they perform their step numbers wearing the gumshoe boots, which were worn by the workers in the diamond mines of South Africa during apartheid, and explain what the percussions of their feet mean, you realize that when people are oppressed and not even allowed the right to speak, they will still find a way to communicate. For those mine workers, communication was through stomping, clapping and dancing.

I know that I will leave the Step Afrika! performances with a renewed awe at the power of music and dance!

Chris Tyler and Shane Sparks

2008-02-27T11:02:00.003-06:00

MTV'a newest dance reality show, "America's Best Dance Crew" features dance troups in amazing hip hop performances. Shane Sparks is the head judge for this show - and is one of the choreographers on Merrimack Hall's wish list of artists we hope to bring to Huntsville for master classes!

Shane is often assisted by Chris Tyler, the Nashville-based hip hop artist and choreographer who is returning to Merrimack Hall on March 29 for a day of master classes. On last week's episode of "American's Best Dance Crew," Shane Sparks told a dancer who was dancing with an injury, "my best friend and favorite assistant is a guy named Chris Tyler. Chris has terrible knees but dances through the pain and kills it every time." Shane continued to praise Chris for his professionalism, his talent and for not letting his injuries affect his performance as a dancer.

My daughter, Emma, and I were watching the show and were so excited to hear Shane speak of Chris on national television! We just loved Chris when he was here in January and can't wait to see him again next month. He is a tremendous teacher, a brilliant dancer and an all around great guy! I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about offering a hip hop dance class to six-year-olds, but what Shane taught these babies was so age appropriate and adorable - he had them hip hop dancing to a rap version of "Pop Goes the Weasel!" From beginner to advanced, Chris' classes were action packed, fun, unique and all the dancers who came enjoyed themselves so much! We can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve for us next!

Wade Robson and His Original Work, "Change"

2008-02-24T08:55:00.002-06:00

When Wade Robson left Huntsville last July, after a week of master classes, auditions and a three-day intensive, my husband and co-founder of Merrimack Hall, Alan, and I said to each other that if Merrimack Hall never did another thing, that week was worth the money we have donated to start this organization. We knew that the opportunity we had been able to provide to 285 area dancers was truly unique and that the three-day intensive was absolutely life-changing for the 13 dancers Wade selected. After seeing the performance of his original work, "Change," at Merrimack Hall's Evening of Dance featuring Wade Robson last month, we have a new perspective on how truly amazing our experience with him has been.

When I first contacted Wade's agent, in August of 2006, it was a pipe dream that I might be able to convince him to come to Merrimack Hall to help us inaugurate our dance programs. But after my dear friend April Cook, Director of Marketing for Broadway Dance Center in New York, spoke to Wade on my behalf, we were able to schedule the week with him.

In 2007, there were five organizations that received original work from Wade Robson; the hit TV shows "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing with the Stars," The San Francisco Ballet, Cirque de Soliel and.......Merrimack Hall! When "Change" was performed on January 27 at Merrimack Hall, it received a five-minute standing ovation and brought much of the audience to tears. This intense, moving and inspirational piece is Wade's personal statement on peace, and on young people becoming empowered to make a change in the world. I know that each of the young dancers who were a part of this performance were shown the power of dance to express emotion and convey a message - this one of hope and change.

We feel a "semi-connection" to the work Wade did with the San Francisco Ballet, as they called him to commission him while he was in Huntsville in July! He had recently had a piece on "So You Think You Can Dance" entitled "Hummingbird and Flower" that caught the attention of the Artistic Director of the San Francisco Ballet, the nation's oldest professional ballet company. Wade was in our Green Room having his lunch when the call came asking him to meet with the ballet company to discuss the commission. He was so excited after the call and told me he was blown away by the response to "Hummingbird and Flower." He worked with the dancers in San Francisco for several weeks in the fall and again in January, and his piece was the focal point of the ballet company's 75th anniversary celebration in January. Wade said, "I haven't spent one hour doing what those ballet dancers do, and they haven't spent one hour doing what I do, so we were all challenged to work together. But we did it, I loved every minute of it, and I think they did as well." The performance received rave reviews from the San Francisco press, and I'm sure that this work will lead Wade in many new directions!

While he was in Huntsville in July, he was also in the middle of his negotiations with Cirque du Soliel to be the choreographer for a new production they are mounting at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas in August. He has temporarily relocated to Montreal for rehearsals for this new Cirque show, which features the magic of Chris Angell, a cast of 12 dancers and other Cirque characters. Wade is working to set choreography around aerial tricks, acrobatics, and the amazing magic and illusions of Chris Angell. The show is set to open in August, and we are planning our trip to attend one of the first performances! Wade's wife, and creative partner, Amanda, said she is anxious to see what Chris Angell's "tricks" are, but said she is frankly afraid there aren't any tricks - she said after meeting Angell, it is highly possible that he can actually do those unbelievable illusions!

Wade has promised to schedule a return to Merrimack Hall in late 2008 or early 2009, once his work with Cirque is finished. We'll keep you informed as these plans develop!

Debra Jenkins, Founder

Chris Tyler Returns to Merrimack Hall

2008-02-24T08:40:00.002-06:00

Nashville-based hip hop choreographer Chris Tyler is set to return to Merrimack Hall on Saturday, March 29, 2008, for another day of master classes for dancers age 6 and up! Our website, www.merrimackhall.com, has complete workshop details.

Chris is celebrity choreographer Shane Sparks' favorite teaching assistant,and was mentioned by Shane this week on MTV's new dance show "Dance Crew." Shane referred to Chris as "my best friend and best assistant in the business!" Chris is working with Merrimack Hall to secure a workshop with Shane Sparks in Huntsville, so stay tuned to this blog and our website for more details!

Chris is also the southeast representative for the L.A. talent agency, D.D.O. This agency provides exclusive representation for dancers and places them in music videos, television commercials, stage shows, award shows and more. On January 5, after a day of master classes, Chris conducted an open audition for the D.D.O. Agency. Forty-three local dancers auditioned for Chris. Chris told Leigh Caruso, Merrimack Hall's Director of Dance Education, that he expected to find one or two dancers that he might be interested in signing. Two weeks later, 13 dancers from Huntsville, Decatur and Moulton had been signed to his agency! These dancers are already receiving audition calls from Chris, for everything from rap artists' tours to Pepsi commercials, and a group of dancers just went to Atlanta to audition for a music video. Chris told Leigh he was "blown away" by the talent that he saw at Merrimack Hall!

Providing opportunities like this one to Huntsville's performers is a key component of Merrimack Hall's mission. We are so proud to be able to give area performers the chance to reach their personal dreams and will continue to bring working professionals to Merrimack Hall to work with Huntsville's talented artists!

Debra Jenkins, Founder

Merrimack Hall Nominates Ron Harris for Virginia Hammil Simms Award

2008-02-23T21:55:00.003-06:00

Merrimack Hall is proud to announce that Ron Harris is our nominee for the prestigious Virginia Hammil Simms Award. Given annually to the individual who has done the most to advance the arts in Huntsville through volunteer service, this award is named for one of the early pioneers of Huntsville's vibrant arts community. Mrs. Simms was actively involved in the formation of some of Huntsville's most important art institutions, such as Community Ballet Association and the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, and was one of our community's most prominent philanthropists. I was speechless, thrilled, humbled and grateful to have received this award in 2007, and feel so honored to be able to nominate an artist of Ron Harris' caliber for this year's award.

Ron has been a driving force in Huntsville's theatre community for more than 30 years. He retired in 2005 from a teaching career that included 10 years at Johnson High School and 20 years as the director of the Lee High School Magnet Drama Department. His students have received regional, national and international recognition over the years and have won countless awards for their productions. Ron has also received numerous awards for his work as an educator, director, designer, writer and actor.

There is not a theatre organization in North Alabama that hasn't used Ron's expertise, as either a costume designer, set dresser, set designer, actor or director, and for every job he has taken as a professional, there are multiple ones he has taken on as a volunteer. His eye for detail and love of art motivates him to be sure that every production he is involved with is as professional as possible. While he is officially retired, he can still be found working at Lee High School's productions, coaching and mentoring individual students, and hosting impromptu performances in the backyard theatre he built right after his retirement.

When Ron became involved with us in the planning of Merrimack Hall, he put his creative talents to work for us. Every Friday night for a year, he met with us to review our architectural drawings, help select things like seat and curtain colors, help us define our mission and identify our programming goals. He told me that he had three dreams for himself after his retirement - to have a movie produced, to build a theatre in his backyard, and to have someone build a new theatre in Huntsville. Those three dreams all came true for him the summer after he retired, so he is working on a new set of dreams for himself! His play, "Like Moles, Like Rats" was produced last summer, has been accepted into four prestigious independent film festivals and is set for theatrical release later this year. Visit www.likemoleslikerats.com for more information.

The Virginia Hammil Simms Award will be presented in April.

Debra Jenkins, Founder

Chantal Robson

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L.A. based choreographer Chantal Robson left Merrimack Hall on Wednesday, headed to Denver to work with up-and-coming pop star Ashton Grant, and we miss her so much already! Chantal spent a week with us in January another week in February, and has promised to return to Merrimack Hall in August or September and we can't wait! Chantal, and her brother Wade Robson, have become like family to us and we are so grateful to them both for what they've done for Merrimack Hall and for Huntsville's dance community.

Chantal worked with dancers of all ages when she was here in January, and through an open audition, selected 10 who were part of Ashton Grant's performance at Merrimack Hall's Evening of Dance. These young dancers were in their first music video, live on our stage, complete with scaffolding and fog! Chantal told the dancers how proud she was of them; they had approximately 15 hours to learn her choreography, rehearse and perfect it, and perform it with Ashton's live performance of her song "Misery Loves Company," which is about the amount of time spent on an average music video shoot. What a cool experience for these young performers!

This past week, she conducted a "How To Audition" workshop and walked dancers through the paces of what to expect when going on a dance audition. Chantal was so impressed with the talent of the dancers she met in Huntsville and felt that they are all prepared now to go on their first real dance audition!

Chantal and Wade both took a special interest in one young Huntsville dancer and they are both working on some incredible opportunities for her.....stay tuned for some exciting announcements about this young girl!

Chantal will all be announcing this week the winners of the five week-long scholarships that she will be awarding to Huntsville dancers. These scholarships are for classes at the famed Millenium Dance Complex in L.A., where the top choreographers, dancers and pop stars in the industry go for their dance training.

Merrimack Hall's goal is to put Huntsville's performers up close and personal with top working professionals like Chantal and Wade Robson. We know that Chantal and Wade will be returning later this year and are working on several other celebrity choreographers who will be teaching at Merrimack Hall this summer. Stay tuned for details!

Debra Jenkins, Founder

Welcome to our blog!

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Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center is eager to create a dialogue with the public and with our patrons. We hope that you will give us feedback and suggestions, as well as ask any questions you may have about our venue and programming. Let's get started!

We opened our doors in July of 2007, and have been amazed by the talent that has walked through them in the interim: Wade Robson, Billy Bob Thornton, Simon Kirke, Dionne Warwick, Menopause the Musical...and the list goes on. Every time we spotlight another guest artist we are inspired and energized to provide the best venue possible. And we're grateful and humbled every time we see a very young talent soaking up every word, note, or move taught in a master class by the best in the industry.

Our beginning is so much more meaningful when it can be shared with those we respect and value. We must say a heartfelt thank you to our patrons and to the wonderful performers that have shared their talent and knowledge with us.