Since joining the Five Towns skyline in 1929, Hessel Hall has been the site of many hundreds of musicals, dramas, ceremonies and special events. Its recent full renovation included all new lighting and sound and central air conditioning. The auditorium is also available for private rental. LWA Headmaster Alan Bernstein said of the new partnership, “We are so excited to be presenting this series with Kevin and Phyllis and their amazing team. LWA has always maintained a strong commitment to our local community, and offering these wonderful productions that all local children will enjoy strongly furthers our overall mission.”
Plaza’s co-founder and producer of the new series, Kevin Harrington, has been producing and directing theatrical productions throughout the tri-state area since 1983. His work has been featured at such venues as the world renowned Lincoln Center Out-Of-Door Festival in Manhattan Most recently, he produced the world premiere of Nelson DeMille’s children’s play, Rumpelstiltskin and produced the equity showcase Go Go Beach for the New York Musical Theatre Festival. As a director he has staged over two hundred productions including Cabaret, Evita, Fiddler on the Roof, Goin’ Hollywood, Gypsy, Hello Dolly, Into the Woods, Irene, Joseph, La Cage Aux Folles, Little Shop of Horrors, My Fair Lady, Nunsense, Oliver, Pippin, Side by Side by Sondheim, State Fair, Sweeney Todd, The Sound of Music and Zorba.
Harrington said of the partnership, “We have staged productions at dozens of locations throughout Long Island. Very few are as beautiful and historic as Hessel Hall, and our ability to develop a ‘home base’ here at Lawrence Woodmere Academy is extremely meaningful for our not-for-profit troupe as we also team up with the LWA Drama Department to assist with their student performances. We hope children from all over the area will join us for these wonderful shows and enjoy the magic of a live performance for less than the cost of a movie ticket.”
