Technically, it was supposed to happen five years ago. That was Linda MacGillivray’s original plan. But it was 2020 and, well, that changed a lot of things. Not one to give up, MacGillivray decided to wait another five years.
The wait is now over, meaning the community finally has a chance to see what MacGillivray envisioned when the Holland Theatre presents Windmill Productions: 15 Years of Shows this Saturday, Aug. 16, at 7:30 p.m.
“I wanted to do a 10-year anniversary show,” MacGillivray, producer, said. “And then … covid. We considered doing it the next year, but that seemed odd.” So, 2025 seemed the next best option.
Windmill Productions, a community theatre organization, staged its first show, “Have a Very Jazzy Christmas,” in 2010. Since then, they’ve presented 64 more plays and musicals with the help of community actors, singers and musicians of all ages.
Originally, MacGillivray hoped to pull something from each year, but not everyone she contacted could make it happen. Still, she ended up with a good variety from those who agreed to participate.
Featuring solos, duets and group numbers, Saturday’s performance will showcase a wide range of talent. From one of their first big musicals, Oklahoma (“Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” Garrett Criner) in 2012 to a song from this summer’s production of Camelot (“C’est Moi,” Michael Mallory), they had a lot to choose from.
Several of Windmill’s youth presentations will also take the stage. Cast members from Elf Jr. [“Never Fall In Love (With an Elf),” 2021], 101 Dalmatians (“Cruella’s Scheme,” 2023), The Wizard of Oz (“We’re Off to See the Wizard,” 2025) and Annie Jr. (“Little Girls,” 2023) are all part of the program.
The evening will have two monologues as well, with Larry Novak acting out a scene from last year’s Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and Mark Amidon giving the “closing argument” from To Kill a Mockingbird, which the Holland presented in 2016.
Saturday’s show has a strong production team joining MacGillivray with Suzanne Dennis, choreography; Thomas Boone and Carol Burton, piano; Quinten James, technical engineer; Laura Atwood, stage manager; and Rebecca Browning, costumes.
Featuring songs and dialog from 20 performers and 16 shows, the scenes will be limited. Besides only using pianists or soundtracks, the cost, makeup and costumes will be light.
Still, it promises to show what Windmill Productions has accomplished over the years.
“I hope people come to remember,” MacGillivray concluded, “but also to celebrate that we’re going strong.”
Before the closing numbers, Kris Swisher, Holland board president, will announce what they have in store for the theatre’s upcoming season.
Tickets for Saturday or any Holland Theatre show can be purchased online at theholland.org or by calling (937) 592-9002.
