Erik Rodenhiser to Emcee Marblehead Little Theatre Gala-Sept 22

Long-standing Marblehead Little Theatre performer Erik Rodenhiser will be the master of ceremonies at Marblehead Little Theatre’s one-night-only gala concert, “MLT to Broadway: A Night With the Stars” at historic Abbot Hall on Saturday night, September 22.

This gala concert fundraiser will feature some of Broadway’s greatest showstoppers performed by Leigh Barrett, Betty Lautner, Christy Morton and a cast of MLT singing talents accompanied by a full orchestra plus the first-ever presentation of MLT’s “Ginny Awards.”

Rodenhiser is very familiar to local audiences. He has been with MLT since 1987, performing his first role as the old man Erroneous in A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to the Forum. Since then he’s been in many more MLT shows including Cabaret (Herr Ludwig), Twelve Angry Men (Juror # 7), Diary of Anne Frank (Mr. Van Dann), Spamalot! (Lancelot), Noises Off! (Lloyd ), The Odd Couple (Felix), A Christmas Carol (Scrooge ), Legally Blonde (Kyle/Dewey), Oliver! (Fagin), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (McMurphy), Willy Wonka (Grandpa Joe), The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), and, most recently, Mary Poppins (Mr. Banks).

Rodenhiser is the owner of Gallows Hill Museum Theatre in Salem, Massachusetts, and has appeared in several local and regional television commercials including Iparty, Cambridge Honda, Newport Fed, Country Bank, and Topsfield Fair. He also enjoys hosting MLT events and performing improvisation and stand-up comedy in and around Salem.

He is on Facebook and his commercials and short films can be seen on his YouTube channel. He is the proud husband of Ursina Amsler (another MLT groupie and performer!) and father of two sons.

Started in 1955 by members of the Marblehead Woman’s Club, the award-winning Marblehead Little Theatre is one of the oldest community theatre groups in New England, having consistently presented live-theater productions for over six decades.

Gala tickets are now on sale at MLTLive.org. Table seats are $65; balcony seats are $35. Balcony tickets are also available at Arnould Gallery, 111 Washington Street in Marblehead.

The evening will include a sparkling wine reception beginning at 7 p.m., the concert at 8 p.m., and a silent auction.

In addition, prior to the concert, Leigh Barrett will conduct a Master Class at the MLT Firehouse, 12 School Street, Saturday, Sept. 22, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. with a Meet-and-Greet Reception from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Master Class information and ticketing is available at mltlive.org.

Proceeds from the Gala will be used to sustain MLT’s live theater performances and educational programs.

For more information about Marblehead Little Theatre, visit mltlive.org. For more information about the Gala, contact EmilyBlack@mltlive.org.