Easthampton Theater Company’s ‘Applause’ to caputre classic American theater feel

A photo from a recent Easthampton Theater Company rehearsal for the upcoming production of “Applause,” coming to the Williston Theater on June 7.
Photo credit: Easthampton Theater Company

EASTHAMPTON — Building on its 2026 momentum, the Easthampton Theater Company is gearing up for its second production of the year in “Applause,” a tale of ambition, success, and perspective that will open Sunday, June 7, at Williston Theater.

Based on the 1950 film, “All About Eve,” and the short story on which the movie is based, Mary Orr’s “The Wisdom of Eve,” the story centers on aging star Margo Channing, who innocently takes a fledgling actress under her wing, unaware that the ruthless Eve is plotting to steal her career and possibly her man.

The 1970 musical was written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, is scored by Charles Strouse, the composer of “Bye, Bye Birdie” and “Annie,” and in its original 1970 Broadway run was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning four, including Best Musical.

The upcoming production will be directed Manuel Morales, in what is his first opportunity directing a production for Easthampton Theater Company. Morales said his desire to take on the challenge of this production stemmed from his introduction to theater as a 12-year-old Easthampton Public School student, when he saw his older sister participate in the high school’s 2005 production of “Applause.”

“I had no idea what musical theater was, what Broadway meant; I’d never interacted with anything in this venue or genre before. When I sat down in that audience and saw my sister in this show, something just clicked in my brain, and it was like discovering music for the first time, discovering this new art form for the first time. I’ve had it stuck in the back of my brain for 20 years now,” said Morales.

The experience planted the drama seed in Morales, whose passion for the art form has been fostered since. Working various roles over the years, whether through production or as an actor, Morales thought, what better way to throw himself into directing on this scale than with a personal favorite of his?

“The stars just aligned because not only did I love the show, but Easthampton Theater Company is in Easthampton, the same town I saw the show initially, so it really felt like we need to bring this back to Easthampton for their own shared history and to let people know that, especially now with the way that our government is going with taking funds away from the arts, these things matter,” Morales said. “Even if it’s just watching your little niece and nephew in their show at school, it matters because it can turn into this.”

Performances will take place on June 7 and 14 at 2 p.m., with shows on June 11, 12 and 13 taking place at 7:30 p.m. inside Williston Theater.

The show’s producer, Eva Husson-Stockhamer, told Reminder Publishing that Morales was up for the challenge way before the pitch of the play itself.

“ETC really likes the idea of a director being very passionate about whatever show it is, play, musical, whatever. So when you find a director like Manny that says, ‘Hey, I want to direct for you guys, I want to do this, and this is why’ … they’re going to be invested the whole way through, and that’s what you want from the director and what you want for your cast as well,” said Husson-Stockhamer. “That’s why, often in community theater, we will say, come and pitch a show. Not, we choose the show and let’s find a director. The opposite approach is often more fruitful.”

Morales said the show is a tribute to classic American theater, and the packed performance features musical numbers, humor, stand-out costumes and design, and a story local audiences can resonate with.

“One major selling point that I went to the board with was there’s not enough theater that showcases a mature cast or one that showcases the talent of someone who’s had it all, and that’s where we find Margo, the lead character in the show. She’s had an amazing career and is at the top of the game, and now comes a fresh face that’s kind of taking over all of her roles. And for someone who’s so career-driven, that’s their entire life,” said Morales. “So, I think we can all relate when we get to that age of starting to feel like what happens when I’m already on the top, what’s next? And that’s what our main character goes through while our other main character is now rising to the top, discovering what the industry really is.”

Morales added, “There’s so much joy and life in this show that it’s just going to burst in energy, and it has this 1970s disco feel to it. It just sparks so much joy, and I really think we need that right now.”

Since its inception in 2023, the Easthampton Theater Company has noticed positive returns from its productions as word and popularity have spread. Husson-Stockhamer added it’s been great to increase the theater’s awareness among audiences in the local community.

“I think for me personally, I love when people come back and audition for us. That means they want to work with you. And sometimes, it doesn’t matter what the show is, they want to work with you, and that I really appreciate,” she added.

Morales said that the company’s growth represents a stamp of approval from the community that local theater is wanted and appreciated.

“It’s confirmation that what you do has meaning and it has power on community. It’s just a testament to what you’re doing and that it has a direct correlation of impacting your community, and I find that fascinating, and I find it life fulfilling,” he said.

Morales added that he hopes to see everyone’s passion shine through during the upcoming production. He also wants the show to yield worthwhile entertainment for local audiences.

“I want people to really enjoy the experience of being an audience member and experiencing this show, because I want them to know a 12-year-old kid had this in his brain for 20 years, and now he’s sharing it with you,” said Morales. “I want people to feel that, but also, I really want to connect that this originated from a public school local production that has now expanded into this wonderful version. It’s not a revival, but it’s definitely a continuum of time and space. To me, it’s magic.”

For tickets or more information on Easthampton Theater Company and its upcoming show, visit www.easthamptontheater.com.