July 2025 | Volume 76
THE HAT GAZETTE
THIS ISSUE: Under the HAT wITH MACKENZIE SECHI|HAIRSPRAY SMASH|BIRTHDAY OFFERS ARE HERE
UNDER THE HAT: MACKENZIE SECHI RETURNS!
Tom: Welcome back friend! For those who may not be familiar with your work, can you kick us off with a brief rundown of your relationship to the arts?
MacKenzie: Thank you so much, Tom! I’m thrilled to be back. I started doing musicals when I was a young teen, but my first show at the HAT was Herstory in 2016! Since then I’ve been a part of many different productions in Cape Breton, Montreal, and Ontario. I am mainly a musical theatre and opera artist, but occasionally I dive into things like teaching, direction and stage management as well!
Tom: Patrons, you may also remember MacKenzie from productions like The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee, Heart of Steel, Dream, See Jane Run, ‘Samqwan, and literally SO MANY MORE. Maybe we could give us a snap shot of your adventures since last Summer. Seems like you’ve had a lot of exciting opportunities on the go!
MacKenzie: Yes, I’ve been quite busy! I recently graduated from McGill with a Masters of Music in Voice/Opera, which was a wonderful whirlwind! I started off the school year learning a contemporary opera
with them, Blond Eckbert, and then in January I played Margaret in their production of Light in the Piazza, which was an incredible journey! Right before I came home, I was in Toronto doing an internship with Opera 5, a phenomenal company, where we performed William Finn’s Elegies and learned skills in the production side of theatre/opera. And then coming back meant diving into Hairspray rehearsals and prep work for Dare to Dream!
Tom: Readers, we are actually catching MacKenzie on the opening of HAIRSPRAY, and simultaneously the first week of rehearsals for Disney’s Dare To Dream which she is Directing and Stage Managing. Can you tell us a bit about the dance boot camp you all went through for Hairspray?
MacKenzie: Yes! Learning the choreography for this show was so much fun! Nicole and Aaron (our Co-Choreographers) are such beautiful people, and they made each rehearsal engaging and exciting. Rehearsals have been jam packed with lots of wonderful material. From learning tight harmonies to practicing funky dance steps to building relationships between characters, there hasn’t been a dull moment! Everyone is so excited to be telling this beautiful story.
Tom: From the outside, Hairspray feels like potentially our most ambitious production to date. Is there anything you feel sets this production apart from other mega musicals that have been produced on the island?
“We’ve just started our rehearsals” (for Disney’s Dare to Dream) “and I am so impressed with this wonderful group of kids and teens. After only two days, the passion for theatre is so apparent with this group, and I can’t wait for more with them.”
MacKenzie: I wouldn’t say that this sets it apart necessarily, because there has always been so much love and support between cast members at the HAT, but you can really feel the connection and respect between all of the actors, and that’s a really special thing, especially with this show. I think that paired with the high energy music and dance, the vibrant costumes, the beautiful work done on lights and sets (and more!), makes this an eye-catching and toe-tapping show that you won’t want to miss!
Tom: I’m going to fast forward for a moment. In August we’ve got Disney’s Dare To Dream JR taking over the HAT stage, with a stunning group of young performers, directed and music directed by YOU! Can you tell us a bit about that process and why you’re excited about this show?
MacKenzie: That’s right! It feels a bit surreal, to be honest, but I am beyond excited. It’s my first time as the sole director on a show, and getting to do that and the music together is thrilling!
We’ve just started our rehearsals and I am so impressed with this wonderful group of kids and teens. Over the next two weeks, we will continue to teach music, dance, and staging to them, after which they’ll have a 5 show run! After only two days, the passion for theatre is so apparent with this group, and I can’t wait for more with them. This show is about dreaming big and believing in yourself, and these kids are delivering! Plus, it’s got a lot of Disney’s biggest hits, which is a really fun bonus!
MacKenzie Sechi as “The Witch” in 2022’s Into The Woods. Photo by Corey Katz.
Tom: I remember working on See Jane Run with you way back in 2019, and after rehearsals we’d help Wes and Ken set lights for the Academy’s first big musical Seussical, which you were Assistant Director on I believe. 7 years later, what do you feel has changed at the Academy and what do you feel has maintained the same?
MacKenzie: Yes, I remember that too! Although I sort of can’t believe it was 2019 and that 2019 was six years ago…wow, time flies! This is maybe cheesy to say, but while the kids at the Academy have changed over the years, the passion and the heart that they have remains the same. It’s been exciting for me to come back each summer, always recognizing some but not all of the participants, and realizing that the theatre community is growing and finding new members each day. It reminds me of being a kid who was finding theatre for the first time and totally falling in love with it. The Academy has remained a place for youth to find a bold passion or even just a good hobby in theatre, and the impact that has on the community is immense. I think this is a really special part of the culture here.
Tom: I couldn’t agree more. LASTLY! Can you give us a last minute pitch for each of these incredible musical offerings?
MacKenzie: Please come!
Haha, no but really - both Hairspray and Dare to Dream are stories that involve dreamers trying to understand themselves and the world (although Hairspray has deeper layers). These productions are filled with incredible casts and delightful crew, and it’s an honour to be a part of them both. Audience members will easily be able to find moments to laugh, cry, and cheer in each production, and neither one is a show that you want to miss!
Tom: Thanks so much for doing this MacKenzie!! Break all the legs and can’t wait to see what you’ve been cooking up.
MacKenzie: Thank you so much for having me!! It’s been a blast!
Hairspray is NOW OPEN! Extremely limited tickets remain so act fast! Radical Access Donors of $25+/monthly receive $10.00 off each of their first 4 tickets.
What PATRONS Are Saying about:
“The talent of both the vocalists and the choreography was brilliant. The meal was warm and delicious and served quickly. The most impressive thing about the show is the energy that was evident in every number from the opening till the finale. Well done everyone.”
RD
“Vegas quality.”
GM
“Smiles everywhere! From the entertainers, to the staff/servers to the guests. I haven’t seen so many genuinely happy people enjoying each other’s talents and company!!“
NCF
TWO NEW DATES ADDED FOR THIS AUGUST
LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN
THE JULY RADICAL ACCESS
TICKET LOTTERY
Each month we hold a draw exclusive to RA donors, to remind them how amazing we know they are. The draws are completely random and all donation levels are included.
This month’s prize?
2 tickets to CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH THE BARRA MACNEIL’S
WINNERS
Nicole Bisson
Denise MacKenzie
Erin Phillips
NEXT UP: HAIRSPRAY
Directed by Wesley J. Colford
Music Directed by Chris Tsujiuchi
Choreographed by Aaron Aquino-Annobil & Nicole Rosove
You can't stop the beat!
It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire - to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network... all without denting her 'do!
This beloved Broadway sensation comes to Cape Breton for the first time in a stunning local production of incredible talent. Join us in Summer 2025 for.. HAIRSPRAY!
Select Seats available for Free every performance while supplies last thanks to Radical Access. There will also be a Pay-What-You-Choose Preview performance that will be launched and go on sale in Spring 2025.
Radical Access donors of $25+/monthly or $300+/annually save $10.00 PER ADULT TICKET as a thanks for your incredible support. Upgrade or start a donation today to instantly get access to this perk.
TRAILERS
FALL 2025 LINE UP
Catch these incredible events in a few months, including exciting new productions, and more than one beloved tradition. Watch the announcement video below, or click the button underneath to view all upcoming events!
All on sale NOW!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM THE HAT!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM THE HAT!
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Follow the simple steps below (shown for both desktop and mobile) so we can add to the celebration of YOU on your next birthday!
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Send an email to boxoffice@highlandartstheatre.com with your birth date and we'll take care of the rest!
With August knocking on our door we’ve got HAIRSPRAY finally open on the Mainstage! This team has been pouring everything into making one heck of a show and we hope you’ve got your tickets!
Last night there were literally 7 seats left empty in the entire building and the other performances are not far behind. With no chance of extension, we HIGHLY recommend getting your tickets while you still can to avoid disappointment!
And if you can’t swing the cost, no worries! Our Radical Access donors have your back with limited free tickets remaining for each performance.
Looking down the road we’ve still got plenty of fun packed into August with our Back To Broadway Encore performances at Sacred Heart, Disney’s Dare to Dream in full rehearsal mode, and more than a few great rentals stepping onstage.
If that’s not enough, our 2025 Fall Line Up is officially on sale! We hope to see you before the end of Summer, maybe even this weekend, but if you’re not available or interested we’ll have more ready for you when you’re ready.
(Plus the air conditioning doesn’t hurt anything.)
RA DONORS of $25+/Monthly!
Don’t forget to book your 2 COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS to Beetlejuice The Musical JR and Pricked: A Sleepingly Beautiful Pantomime, PLUS make use of your $10.00 off discount on your first 4 tickets for A Christmas Carol!
** CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY TO START A MONTHLY DONATION **
SHOWING IN AUGUST
