Martin Hall celebrates 10th anniversary season

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Felix E. Martin Jr. Hall, and there are plans for a full season of new acts, fan favorites, and student productions to celebrate. The 782-seat theater, on campus at Muhlenberg County High School in Greenville, has been a hub for theatrical productions for the past decade.

The Martin Hall fulfills two roles in the community, providing top-notch professional entertainment at affordable prices, and giving a home to youth productions and Mustangs Drama. Both provide area residents with quality entertainment and opportunities to perform on stage.

“In the past 10 years, we’ve brought in Grammy winners, Emmy winners, and performers who’ve sold millions of records, and we’ve always done it at a $15 to $20 ticket price,” said Martin Hall executive director Sean Mooningham.

The hall was dedicated with a grand opening ceremony on March 4, 2012. On March 13, 2012 the first production was held there, featuring Huffman Prairie Wind Ensemble. The first student production was just weeks later, when Mustang Drama performed “Footloose” on March 23-25.

Mooningham has a packed schedule for the Main Stage Season, which begins on Aug. 28 with magician and illusionist Mike Super. Super has appeared on television in various competitions, including “America’s Got Talent”, and combines illusions and comedy for a family-friendly show.

The Badgett Playhouse will return to the Martin Hall on Oct. 20, bringing “Smoke on the Mountain”, a gospel musical performed by the touring company out of Grand Rivers, Kentucky. “We’ve had a great relationship with them over the last 10 years,” Mooningham said.

“It’s been an honor to be a part of Martin Hall for years,” said Bill Minihan, co-producer at Badgett Playhouse. “We have been able to bring several of our favorite shows from the Badgett Playhouse to the wonderfully supportive audiences here in Muhlenberg County.”

The holiday season will kick off with the Nelson’s returning to Martin Hall on Dec. 1. The twin brothers are the sons of Ricky Nelson and the grandsons of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson. The show will feature Christmas music, interactive videos and family traditions.

The season will culminate with a return of the Hunts, a musical family who performed during Martin Hall’s first season in 2012.

Big names aren’t the only folks to grace the stage at Martin Hall. Up and coming performers get to utilize the hall too, as students from elementary to high school take their first steps across the boards at Martin Hall.

The high school drama program will be producing several shows this season. First up will be “Night of the Living Beauty Pageant”, Nov. 11-13, a spoof on teen beauty pageants. Director Melanie Smith has been with the program since 2017. She said the program was able to continue through the pandemic, but are gearing up for a great in-person season this year.

“With each production we have continued to grow and think outside of the box to provide opportunities for these students to perform and are very much looking forward to this next season as we head back to a hopefully more ‘normal’ school year,” Smith said.

Smith also runs the choir program, and has a series of concerts planned for this year, as well as a production of “Newsies” as the spring musical.

With a staff of just two people, Mooningham said the volunteers who help make everything work are invaluable. Brian and Megan Chaney, Ron and Diane Corbin, and Melanie Boggess have worked on productions there for years, just to name a few.

“So many people have contributed behind the scenes, simply because of their love for the arts and for our community,” Mooningham said.

Smith mirrored his sentiment about volunteers. “Thank you,” Smith said, “to all those involved, who make this space a wonderful place for our students to pursue their passions in the arts.”

Investing in the construction of Martin Hall was one of the early grants made by the Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation, and the foundation continues to invest annually in its success.

“And what a success it’s been,” said Martin Foundation president Alyssa Manning. “Since it opened, the Hall has brought professional touring productions to our community making them accessible for so many who had never had access to live performances. Not only that, but the growth of local arts programs since it opened is a testament to how the Hall has helped foster a love of the arts in our community for both students and adults. We love the work of Martin Hall and are thankful for all who continue to bring their passion to making it all that our community dreamed it could be.”

Mooningham said they are always looking for volunteers to fill many needs. For more information on how to volunteer, he can be reached at 615-364-3610. Tickets for all productions are available at the Martin Hall website, or at the box office on the day of the show.