“We want to choose productions that bring in different types of audiences when we’re programming for the season,” began Michele Gregson, Chair of Friends of The Chappaqua Performing Arts Center (ChappPac for short), during a recent Inside Press interview. They have certainly succeeded as the beautiful 425-seat theater located in the former Reader’s Digest campus boasts a diverse and vibrant lineup of upcoming productions this year. From shorter shows for children like Theater Works’ new musical Dot, Dot, Dot, to an Office TV show trivia night hosted by fan-favorite Office cast-member, David Koechner, ChappPac has something for everyone to get excited about this spring. “And there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house,” said Gregson, who says she always enjoys spending time in the beautiful space.
What’s Coming
“People are already freaking out about ‘Office Trivia Night,’ they’re so excited,” said Gregson. Fans of The Office will be thrilled to see David Koechner, who played the obnoxious Todd Packer on the show. “I like the idea because it’s different. It’s people competing, but there’s still a story to tell,” she said.
Excitement is already building around Dot, Dot, Dot, as well, a colorful and vibrant musical for kids adapted from an award-winning series of picture books that, “celebrates the power of originality, self-expression, and opening our eyes to look beyond the expected.”
“I would love to have the Taylor Swift movie here too,” said Gregson. “It’s all about community,” she said. “I would love to have all those people gathering here instead of just watching it in their homes.” With monthly rotating events planned, she noted, “We want ChappPac to be a true art center.”
“Part of our vision is to have a theater company of our own,” said Gregson. This vision also includes launching a children’s theater company, as well as instructional classes. “Everyone on the board went to theater school and is either an actor or writer by trade. We already have all the pieces we need,” said Gregson. The proof is in the pudding, as one of their original productions, Interactive Elf, an interactive watch-along experience set to the movie Elf, starring Will Ferrel, just celebrated its second year this past holiday season.
Interactive Elf came about when Gregson sought to stage a watchalong event for the cult film, Rocky Horror Picture Show, which has a long history of midnight watchalong screenings. Interactive screenings typically involve a script that each audience member receives that tells them how to react (shouting something out, throwing popcorn at the screen, etc.) when a key moment comes up in the film. Instead of doing another Rocky Horror event for adults, Gregson decided to apply the same concept to a kid’s movie, which proved to be a big hit for kids and adults alike. “We always tell parents to bring your kids who can’t sit still,” said Gregson. “This show is for them!”
ChappPac received a grant last year to bring back Comedy Nights – unique comedy shows in which each comedian is essentially their own show. “When we bring people in, we want them to come back, and we want them to recommend ChappPac to their friends,” said Gregson. “We got a lot of great comedians through referrals!”
A Community Within A Community/Additional Programming
Creating a community with the artists they work with, as well as being a part of their own community in Chappaqua, is a basic goal. “We love partnering with town committees and locals whenever we have the opportunity,” said Gregson. Every year ChappPac spotlights young artists in their 20s who grew up in Chappaqua. “We don’t want anyone to think that unless you’re an investment banker, there’s no hope for you. We want young people to know that you can make money and have a profession in the arts.” In ChappPac, there just might be a treasured venue to perhaps showcase your talent one day.
Additional programming came to our attention, post press time: a Dance Performance Benefit for Skyla Schreter’s Dance Company, and a forum titled “Says Who” with Dr. Anne Curzan.
And a Fond Look Back:
