LUDLOW — On March 22, Exit 7 Theater will have its 40th celebration Gala at the Ludlow Country Club from 6-10 p.m. The gala will include a red-carpet event. Guests must be 18 and up to attend. Tickets are $60 per person. There will be a dinner buffet, dancing, photo booth and multiple raffles.
Fundraising Chair and board member Kathy Malmborg said, “We originally had our gala scheduled last year, but it had to be postponed so we rescheduled it for this year.” She went on to say, “The fact that we’ve been here in Ludlow for 40 years serving the community, providing entertainment, family musicals, dramas and stage readings is phenomenal. Many of our volunteers and actors started decades ago and they’re still with us.”
Located at 37 Chestnut St., Exit 7 Theater began in 1984 with its first production of Agatha Christie’s “10 Little Indians.” Its purpose is to entertain, delight and inspire the many generations of theater patrons. Exit 7’s hardworking volunteer board of directors, led by President Adam Malmborg, who is Kathy’s son, continues to bring some of the best entertainment to New England. The season is packed with family musicals, as well as dramas. Exit 7 Theater has summer programs for kids, not only to learn about how a show is put up, but giving them the tools necessary to feel confident in being on stage for the first time. It has a 48-hour play festival, where anyone can submit a short play, work with actors and put on the play all within that 48-hour window. There are also open mic nights, which are popular for those always wanting to show off their talent, whether it be singing, dancing, playing an instrument, Exit 7 provides them a place to entertain.
“We work extremely hard all year long,” said Malmborg. “At times it can be challenging. Our volunteers work very hard, because they know that the final product will be a great show and that the audience will appreciate our efforts. The positivity that goes into each show is amazing. Having been in a show, as well as directing, is rewarding and builds confidence in all of us. That is truly what Exit 7 is all about, providing a place for people of all ages to find the confidence to step onto the stage.”
She continued, “We want to give you a place to come and relax, to laugh, to cry while watching some of the most talented people in the area. We want to continue for another 40 years in providing classical, contemporary and musical works of art.”
To purchase tickets for the Gala, go toexit7players.org. The deadline for tickets is Feb. 22. For questions, call 413-583-4301.
Upcoming shows
“Spongebob the Musical” — A Fantastic show bringing all generations together to venture into Bikini Bottom with Spongebob and friends. Show dates are April 25 through May 11, including matinees.
“A Spare Me” — A futuristic drama about when a young person dies, and their “spare” replaces them. The event makes friends and peers of that person look at their own mortality and coming of age, and what will become of them and their “spares.” Show dates are June 13-22.
“Wizard of Oz” — Youth Production — Frank Baum’s classic story comes to life, with our amazing young cast. Watch how Dorothy navigates the Land of Oz and meets some great friends along the way. Show dates are July 25 through Aug. 3.
Stage readings
“Revolutions we write, revolutions we live” — A female writer who is struggling to write anything worthwhile enlists some of her alma mater to write a “Novel,” she develops new friends, regains old friendships, all in the time frame of World War II. Show dates: May 7-9.
“Sanctuary Much” — A comedy that proves that things happening in live theater, such as drama, romance and more. Show dates are March 14-16.
