With coronavirus restrictions finally eased, the lights will be back up and the curtains will be raised on Nov. 12 at Kelsey Theatre on the Mercer County Community College campus in West Windsor.
“It is our 49th season here at Kelsey and I couldn’t be any happier right now,” said Kitty Getlik, artistic director of the community theatre.
“The hustle and bustle of the cast and crew members and the phone contact with our patrons is all so wonderful. It is hard to put into words just how emotional this reopening of our beloved theater is for all of us.
“The theater has been virtually dark since March 12, 2020 and I was only able to move a few special events indoors at the last minute this summer, but a full season of live indoor theater opens on Nov. 12 and it can’t come fast enough,” she said.
Even though the theater was dark, Getlik made the most of the situation and decided to do some upgrades over the past year, according to a press release.
“I said, well, if we can’t have any shows right now we may as well make some improvements while the space is not in use,” Getlik said.
One of the first projects on the list was to get new seats for the Kelsey.
“The seats we had were from 1972,” said Getlik. “The college agreed it was definitely time for an upgrade so we removed all the old broken seating and installed plush, new seats for our patrons, keeping the familiar red color – a Kelsey tradition.”
Next on the list were new bathroom facilities.
“Hands-free is an absolute must, so new bathroom faucets, toilets, soap dispensers and paper towel holders were also installed during our down time,” Getlik said.
Outside, the theater has new paint and electric signs, the lobby was brightened up and the interior of the theater has been refreshed with a new coat of paint and new exit signs, according to the press release.
“All we need to do now is add the actors, crew and patrons and we are all set,” said Getlik.
Kelsey will open the 2021-22 season as a benefit for the Pennington Players with the live musical review “All Together Now – A Global Event” from Musical Theatre International.
This performance will showcase some of Kelsey’s favorite performers along with new talent performing 15 all-time favorite Broadway tunes, including songs from “Jekyll and Hyde,” “Les Miserables,” “Waitress,” “Newsies,” “Mamma Mia,” “Disney’s Frozen,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Rent” and other shows.
Tickets are $25 for this special event. Performances are Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. (with a special live-streaming option opening night) and Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the Kelsey stage.
Pierrot Productions’ Moises Kaufman’s “33 Variations” will be performed starting Nov. 19.
“We welcome back all of our Kelsey friends and family to our musical review and the other shows this season,” said Getlik. “It will be a grand reunion.”
For tickets, visit kelseytheatre.org, call the box office at 609-570-3333 or order directly at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35232
Kelsey Theatre is on the Mercer County Community College campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. The theater is wheelchair accessible and free parking is available next to the building. Assisted listening devices are available upon request.
For a complete listing of events, visit www.KelseyTheatre.org. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 48 hours is required at door, and a mask is required to be worn inside the theater, according to the press release.