Just Ask Mike: A Look Back at Season Openers

As we open our 23-24 Season, let’s take a look back at the history of our “Season Openers.”

In the early days of Elmwood, our “Season Opener” shows were in October, November, and even December. The first year we had a September opening was in 1965 for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, directed by Albert “Tally” Messer. Tally directed 30 shows for Elmwood, by far the most, and 14 of them were in the “Season Opener” slot. Second for most openers goes to Kitty Levin/Kate Farren, with 5 of her 11 directed shows in that position.

Since the 1965 start of that tradition, 48 out of 54 seasons (almost 90%) have opened in September. Last year, Night and Day, directed by Alan Demovsky, was our 15th musical that launched a season. Michael Edan, is currently directing his second season opener, Dracula, his first being Waverly Gallery in 2001.