March 3, 2026 • 30 mins
“As velvet curtains rise, magic follows closely. It’s the 93rd anniversary of the fabulous Hershey Theatre - a masterpiece of artistry, history, and unforgettable performances.” www.hersheyentertainment.com/hershey-theatre/
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi, I'm Sylvia Moss.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
This is inside a presentation of iHeartMedia, where we really
do care about our local communities and all our listeners.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
Who live here.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
With all that craziness that's going on in the world,
wouldn't it be awesome to escape to a place that
would make you forget all that for a while, A
place that's got the most magnificent architecture that you've never seen,
Somewhere where you can enjoy touring companies from Broadway concerts,
dance companies, nationally known comedians, and oh my gosh, so
much more. After being closed for a major year long
(00:31):
renovation project, this magical place, that, by the way, is
right in your own backyard, is ready to shine once again.
The truly incredible Hershey Theater closed for a year, but
it's now open for its ninety third season, all restored, refreshed,
and more breathtaking than ever. Joining us today with all
the details are Marty, Marty. I'm calling your Marty already.
(00:52):
Matty Martinez, Entertainment communications specialists with Hersy Entertainment and Resource
Amy Zickler, Senior director with the Hershey Story Museum and
Hershey Community Archives, and Anthony Howard communications and public relations
manager with the Milton S. Hershey Foundation. I gotta tell you, guys,
I told Anthony this the other day on the phone.
I've been to the Hershey Theater several times, in honest
(01:13):
to goodness, I will never forget this. Of all the things,
all the performances, concerts I've ever been into my in
my life. Several years ago somebody bought me tickets to
go see Richard Harris and Kamelot. Oh my god, Camelot.
I mean that's still my favorite. Gwenevere, Queen Arthur or
King Arthur. Do want to make him Queen Arthur, King Arthur.
(01:35):
The Nights of the Roundtable. It was wonderful, fuss, I'll
never forget for one brief, shining moment it was awesome
Amy that that was just a small glimpse of the
Hershey theaters history. I know it was all part of
Milton Hershey's dream for it was. I guess it would
consider Derry Township not yet keep talking so Derry Township
(01:59):
to have a place like this. Talk to us a
little bit about that, the impact that Milton Hershey had
on the Hershey Theater.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Sure, so, Milton Hershey, in addition to building a chocolate
factory in Dairy Township always wanted to have a community
filled with educational and cultural opportunities for people, sports. You know,
there was just so much to do, and in nineteen
fifteen he worked with a man named c emlyin Urban
who had already designed a lot of buildings in town,
(02:25):
to create the community building which housed the Hershey Theater. Unfortunately,
it was in the newspaper. There was a rendering of
it in nineteen fifteen, and then the US entered World
War One and Kitty Hershey died, Milton's wife, and so
it was postponed and nothing really happened with it until
nineteen twenty nine when ground was broken for the building
(02:47):
and it opened in nineteen thirty three.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
Well, I understand they didn't have it wasn't difficult for
them to get like top of the line performance as
soon as they opened, Is that true?
Speaker 1 (02:58):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
When they opened in the thirties, they had very famous
vaudeville acts coming to town. In the nineteen forties they
started to show first run movies, and then in the
nineteen fifties they started to get touring Broadway shows. We
had people like Catherine Hepburn and Joel Brenner. Yeah, so
some very big names.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
Wow, and tell me why it was.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
When I first saw it thought, even though I haven't
been there, I've seen pictures. This reminds me of all
those coursest places in Italy.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Yes. Well, it's interesting because even though it was built
at a time when most theaters were built in the
Art Deco style, it was designed in nineteen fifteen, and
at that time it was very common for landmarks to
be built to resemble famous places, and so Venice, Italy
is the place that the theater was designed after. When
you walk into the main lobby, there's there are a
(03:47):
lot of nods to the Greek god Apollo on the ceiling,
there are four different kinds of marble on the walls,
there's Italian lava rock on the floor. It's just stunning.
Then you walk into an inner lobby that is designed
to look like Saint Mark's in Venice, Italy, and it's
a mosaic ceiling that took two German artisans two years
(04:09):
to complete, and that's one of my favorite parts of
the theater. And then when you walk into the main auditorium,
it has nineteen hundred and four seats and when it
was built it could see almost the entire town of Hershey,
so he was really plowing ahead.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
So what did it cost to build that place? You know?
Speaker 3 (04:26):
I believe the entire community building was about three million dollars,
but we don't have figures.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Just for the FUNA that would be nowadays hotly a lot. Wow,
oh god.
Speaker 3 (04:35):
But when you go into the auditorium, it's designed to
look like you're outside in a plazzo. Even the ceiling
has twinkling lights and clouds that kind of can glide
across the ceiling. The arch over the stage looks like
a bridge over a canal in Venice. It's just a
really gorgeous place.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Let me ask you this too. When he didn't spare
any expense, someone had told me that he he got
stuck from Kiffany's.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Tiffany Design Studio actually designed a lot of the interior
nineteen fifteen, but they didn't use them when they actually
constructed it. The design studio actually, I think went out
of business in the early thirties, which probably had something
to do pay that.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Well, it's a lot bigger building than we think it is.
It's not just you're walking in.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
There's a stage, because it's as about that.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
Yes, the outer lobby is very large. Initially when it opened,
they had a nineteen foot by thirty five foot rug
that took up maybe not less than half of the lobby,
and that was one of the largest rugs woven on
one you know, it is woven in one piece, so
it was just gigantic, and even something like that was
kind of dwarfed by the size of the of the
(05:44):
space that it was in.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
Tell me about you're in charge of the archives and
the store.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
What can people people come?
Speaker 2 (05:52):
First of all, where's the store and what can people
find as far as archiving in the Hershey area, Well.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
The Hershey Story Museum is located on Chocolate Avenue and
it's almost right across the street from the Community building
in the theater, and our collections and exhibits focus on
Milton Hershey, the development of the community, his businesses, and
his philanthropies. So we have a great kind of survey
collection covering all aspects of life in Hershey. And then
(06:18):
we have Hershey Community Archives. So the museum collects mainly
three dimensional artifacts and Hershey Community Archives is the corporate
repository for the Hershey Company. Hershey Entertainment Resorts Company, Hershey
Trust Company and the Ms. Hershey Foundation, and they collect
it is and they collect mostly paper based are things
(06:38):
flat packaging from the chocolate company, photographs and digital records.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
Well as two girls sitting there. Let's give it to
mister Hershey's for chocolate how bad more than anything else.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
I love that. But he didn't start out with Chocolate City.
Speaker 3 (06:53):
No, he started well, he started actually in Philadelphia, making
lots of different kinds of candies, hardcare, rock candies, taffy
and things like that. Then he traveled around. Eventually he
landed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he opened the Leancaster Carmel
Company in the eighteen eighties, and that's really when he
(07:14):
started to become successful.
Speaker 1 (07:15):
He was crazy about his wife, wasn't he? He was.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
They had a really nice three partnership.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
I love that story.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Well, let me ask a dire can switch gears a
little over here to uncle Anthony and ask him. He's
pretty much the person to go to as far as
this big getting it all organized and revamping over the
last year you closed it down.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Tell us about that.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Why did they decide to do this and when did
they decide and what did they expect to come out of.
Speaker 4 (07:40):
This, Well, the whole building in general was is under construction,
so it only made sense that it only made sense
that we, you know, look at the theater and see
what needs to be revamped, and you know, there are
some things there that you know, we're just the building was,
(08:02):
you know, almost ninety or almost one hundred years old, so.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
Oh, look at me, I'm close to them. I get it.
You have to do.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
So it was time to do some major infrastructure renovations,
mostly such things as all the electrical and mechanical systems
have been replaced, which was a huge oh my gosh, oh,
and then a whole refurbished I should say HVAC system.
(08:32):
So now when guests come in this summer, you know
it's going to be nice and cool. So those are
the things that people will experience, they'll feel, they won't see,
but they'll fill them. Visually, the theater looks identical to
what it always has. You know, we've maintained the historic
(08:53):
legacy and the historic aspects of the theater, so it
looks the same. But we did put in all one
thy nine hundred and four new seats, so that's exciting.
We also replace the stage. We've modernized the orchestra pits
(09:14):
so that it now is easier to move up and down.
And one of the biggest improvements, although it might not
seem as glamorous to most people, is we built a
two story loading dock, which makes the loading of shows
so much easier. You know, before they parked in an alley,
(09:38):
they had to walk down steps to load in sets
and things like that. None of that anymore.
Speaker 2 (09:43):
Does that make a difference for people who would have come,
performers who would have come, I mean, I think it
would be now you know, I'll be there. I won't
be there because of this, but I mean, my goodness,
ones make it so easier for these performers.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
It's awesome, isn't it It is? It is?
Speaker 4 (09:57):
It is awesome. And speaking of performer, we've remodeled all
the dressing rooms, so all the dressing rooms are you know, modernized,
which were I wouldn't say they were original, but they
were pretty outdated. So I think one of the things
that people will also appreciate is the parking lot. It's
(10:18):
been repaved. We have now we have some green space
in the parking lot. We have these beautiful street lamps
that kind of mimic old time street lamps. There's a
new plaza, a walkway plaza. And one of the things
that I think is the neatest is they took the
marquee and replaced it, but it honors the original marquee
(10:39):
to Hershey Theater, so people will see that too. What's
also I think really neat is And I was just
mentioning this today because I was over there. You know
a lot of the doors and the ornate structures around
the doors were made of brass, and that has all
been polished. It just literally shines. It's beautiful.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
Oh wow, that's I can hardly wait to get over there.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
Well, there was their open Mattie, it's your turn, so
let's talk about this one thing I was a little
bit concerned about. We recently heard that Martin short star
pest away. What do you do in a situation? Do you?
Speaker 1 (11:16):
At this point you don't know what's going to happen waiting?
Speaker 5 (11:19):
So the show is so honest scheduled. Any updates would
be shared to our channels, whether that be our website
or social media. Still not sure in the event that
that's the case with all of our events in any situation,
we would share that out to the public well so
that they're aware ahead of time.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
Let's talk to you of this. I wonder if I was here,
what's the date?
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Today's okay, let's talk about the Broadway shows that are coming,
which I think are awesome when we don't have to
do it in any particular order, because our listeners need
to go to your website to find out what's going on.
When that's going, okay, talk to me about like the
one that I think for me would be a beautiful
noise because everybody likes me.
Speaker 5 (12:00):
Yes, everyone loves the Old Diamond, myself included. I'm a
penn stator, so I'm used to listening to the Old Diamond.
Sweet Caroline has always played a oh yeah yeah. So
we have three Broadway tours coming this year. We kick
things off this month actually with Tina the Tina Turner Music.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
Well wow, that's Feir at the end.
Speaker 5 (12:20):
Of March, March twenty fourth through the twenty ninth, and
then we have another run in April with Ajuliette that's
more of a jukebox. It's a twist on Romeo and
Juliet so it's kind of a newer age, I would
say more gen z Ish musical. I'd love to see that. Yes,
that sounds like fun. Yes, it's a great show. It's
(12:40):
a lot of fun. There's a lot of new music
from the two thousands, early two thousands into the twenty tens.
It's a really great show. So that one will be
there in April, and then, like you said, a beautiful
Noise that'll be here over the summer from June thirtieth
through July fifth. So if you're in town for the
fourth of July and are looking for something to.
Speaker 1 (12:58):
Do, get your tickets now.
Speaker 5 (13:00):
Enjoy Neil Diamond and Neil Diamond Musical at the theater.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
That sounds wonderful, no, it says I had mentioned Martin
Short and Steve Martin. Who doesn't like those guys? They're nuts,
You love them, They're awesome, they're good people. You have
a lot of comedians coming.
Speaker 5 (13:13):
We do, yeah again, starting off this month. Jim Jefferies,
he's an Australian comedian. He'll be there the second weekend
in March. We have Steve Martin and Martin Short, Like
you said, trying to think of who else. We have
so so many comedians coming. Joe Coyle will be here
in April. We have a ton of shows in April,
not just comedians. There's concerts, like I said, Broadway the
(13:34):
last week in April. If you look at our calendar,
there's a show almost every single day. So Brad Williams
will be here in September. That's just a number of comedians.
We'll have so many more who's live Anyway. They have
a live show whose line is anyway. It's a comedy
show that I'll be here in October.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
Yeah, okay.
Speaker 2 (13:51):
I have a lot to look forward to well, concerts
and I'm looking through the list of them and I
don't see bon Jovi on there. A lot of this
stuff that I'm familiar with would be like Frankie Valley.
Oh yeah, I saw Frankie Valley. I bet I was
twenty years old, and the four scenes that it was wonderful.
Also have John Legend, because you're you're going to a
(14:12):
couples for everybody.
Speaker 5 (14:13):
Yes, all the different genres, so somebody like John Legend,
but we also have someone like Jason Moraz who I
grew up listening to Jason, So I'm very excited about
that one. Chicago, we tend to have Chicago a lot
and their shows always do well. Everyone loves Chicago, so
very excited to have them back. And Wilson and Crowder
that's more of the Christian demographic. We'll have those two
(14:37):
in April as well. So just kind of trying to
think of our audience here in Central PA.
Speaker 1 (14:42):
Everybody.
Speaker 5 (14:43):
We always try to get something that caters to everyone exactly.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
Well, how do you decide, I mean ahead of time,
who is the one I'm not going to? No? No,
do you have a committee or so.
Speaker 5 (14:55):
We have a great team on our entertainment team that
books the shows. We were with several promoters at the
theater actually to help us and kind of planning when
that show is going to route in our area, when
we can put it on sale, aligning with all of
the other venues that are also having the show. So
it's a full team effort, not only from our team
(15:15):
at EH and R, but also all of the different
promoters that we work with, trying to get all of
the stars who align so that we can get just
one show in our venue and see where it makes
sense if it's routing somewhere in our area, if it's
hitting another market. It's a large team effort.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
Let me ask you guys this, each one of you,
what's the best part of your job? What do you
like the most about it?
Speaker 4 (15:37):
Oh my gosh, I always tell everybody how much I
love it.
Speaker 1 (15:41):
It's just high energy.
Speaker 4 (15:43):
It's high energy. And as the foundation, we know we
not only operate the theater, but we have Hershey Gardens
and the Hershey Storing Museum, and it's they're all such
dynamic places and it's just fun to promote it. I
don't know how else to explain it. It's just it's
(16:05):
good news. It's a feel good type of job. And
you know, especially with the theater and with the gardens
and even the museum, you know, you have new things
coming out and people just really seem to, you know,
they want to come to Hershey. You know, I was again,
I was at the theater this morning and I was saying,
(16:29):
you know, it's this is not a hard sell.
Speaker 1 (16:32):
You know, it's especially these days people want to break
from all the nonsense.
Speaker 4 (16:35):
It's one of the easiest PR jobs ever because Hershey,
Milton Hershey himself was the PR master. He was the
one who created all this stuff that people just love
to go to and experience. So you know, we're just
kind of, you know, following that pattern.
Speaker 5 (16:52):
Man, I would say for me, I know, i'd talk
to you a little bit about this. But I've always
been an entertainment fan growing up, and I grew up
here in Central PA. I grew up in Gettysburg. So
I've always wanted to work in entertainment, and I always
thought or perceived that I had to go far away
to do it. I had to live in Philly or
in New York City. But I don't think that a
(17:15):
lot of people are very educated in the outer markets
to know that we have three entertainment venues in Hershey
that are all very rich. Like you said in Milton's Legacy,
the Hershey Park Stadium was built in the same time
that the Theater opened in nineteen thirty three. That's been
there since that time. The Giant Center opened up in
(17:35):
two thousand and two. It's getting ready to turn twenty
five next year. So we have three full entertainment venues
that cater to so many different audiences. The Theater it's smaller,
nineteen oh four seats. The Giant Center, we have sporting
events there, but there's also major concerts that tour there,
and then the stadium. Of course, we get huge acts
every year over year, so getting to promote three different
(17:57):
venues in size, I think is something that I wouldn't
have gotten anywhere else. And I love being able to
tell people about all of the incredible entertainment that we
bring to Hershey because it's not something that you always
think of when you think of concerts and shows. I know,
I didn't even just going to school at Penn State.
I always thought I would be working in New York City.
(18:18):
But to recognize and know that there's three venues that
are so rich in history bringing such huge acts to
our small sector in central PEA, Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 1 (18:32):
That's right.
Speaker 2 (18:33):
My dear Amy, you had said about history and learning
from history.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
Tell me about you.
Speaker 2 (18:39):
I know you love what you do because you're so
wrapped up in history, But what exactly explained to me
is it about learning from history?
Speaker 3 (18:49):
Well, one of the things I love about my job
is that I get to talk to so many people
who have great stories to tell everything from. We had
a man come visit us when we first opened it
our new location who grew up in Hershey, Cuba, and
a lot a lot of people know about Milton Hershey
having a whole town in Cuba. But it was a
very inspiring visit, and he was an incredible human and
(19:12):
had just amazing things to say about Milton Hershey, and
he was so happy to be in Hershey, Pennsylvania around
people who knew as much about Milton Hershey as he did.
And it was just a beautiful experience I never would
have gotten to have. And you know, recently, curling was
a big thing in the Olympics, and so I got
to talk to someone who was an expert in curling
and learn all about that, and they showed me all
(19:34):
of their kind of artifacts that they had saved over
the years. So I just always get to learn something
new every day, and I love interacting with people. And
I think that we can all learn from the past
and it's important and we need to remember that those
stories are important. We should be listening to that.
Speaker 1 (19:50):
Milton Hershey was so generous. Yes, well, how do you
think he would feel?
Speaker 2 (19:54):
First of all, what do you think you'd think about
the way things are run at HERSHEYT today? I mean,
my God, And maybe I should ask Anthony this first
U two PR and outreach for the foundation.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
Tell us what the Foundation.
Speaker 4 (20:06):
Does Foundation is a nonprofit organization that Milton Hershey founded
in nineteen thirty five for the cultural and educational enrichment
of Dairy Township residents and also visitors. So under that
umbrella organization is Hershey Gardens, Hershey Theater, Hershey Community Archives,
(20:29):
and the Hershey what is now the Hershey Story Museum.
So that's what the foundation is.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
It's He was heck of a visionary, wasn't he.
Speaker 4 (20:39):
I'll tell you what. You know, it's so interesting, Yes,
the answer is yes. But he was just so ahead
of his time in so many ways. I think one
of the things that is very interesting. You know, he
passed away in nineteen forty five, and I think still
(20:59):
to this day, everyone who is in leadership in among
the entities, and it sounds silly, what would Milton Hershey?
Speaker 3 (21:09):
Do?
Speaker 1 (21:10):
They know it doesn't.
Speaker 4 (21:11):
They honor his legacy daily and and it always ties
back to our great founder.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
That's right, That's exactly right.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
Maybe there should be a class how to be like
Milton Hershey, how about it? But you can teach integrity,
how about it? And that's what he was all about.
You know, everybody that listens to this program knows that
I'm so. My number one issue is take care of
the kids. Take care of the kids. And you have
you have something called the Apollo Awards. Who wants to
talk about that? I think that's a great thing.
Speaker 4 (21:42):
I can talk about the I'm sure of course. So
actually it's called the Hershey Theater Apollo Awards. We don't
want to confuse it with the Apollo Theater. So Hershey
Theater Apollo Awards. We are in our oh gosh, eighteenth year.
(22:02):
Uh it's it was a program that was founded to
recognize high school theater and students performing in high school theater,
in plays and in musicals. So it starts in the
fall with fall play season and the schools they have
(22:23):
to register with us, and then we send out evaluators
to each show and they're evaluated not only in specific
categories such as featured performer, lead actor.
Speaker 2 (22:35):
Leader in production, in dance and you have a word
for everything, how about it?
Speaker 4 (22:38):
Yeah, when musical season arrives, then it's you know, outstanding
studo an orchestra, an outstanding dance number in a musical,
and you know, after the scores are comeing from the evaluators,
then we announced nominees and then in May, we have
a huge ceremony that is kind of like the awards
(23:00):
that's cool in New York City. And that's when we
announced the recipients of all these categories. It's really cool.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
And then get scholarships a lot of these, Yes they do.
It's the whole point, isn't I think it's wonderful.
Speaker 4 (23:11):
A scholarship base or reward based and also education based.
Speaker 1 (23:17):
That's great.
Speaker 2 (23:18):
What do you guys think, and please anybody jump in
at any point, what do you think the economic impact
of the Hershey Theater itself has on Central Pennsylvania.
Speaker 1 (23:26):
You're on a dairy township.
Speaker 2 (23:27):
I would imagine humong us well Hershey, of course, but
the theater itself.
Speaker 1 (23:34):
Take kids.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
I don't have specific numbers, but I think it has
a huge impact because we have so many shows. You know,
years ago, I've been with the foundation for twenty eight
years and oh for a you old I know, and
so we had a lot more dark days than we
had show days. And over the last twenty eight years,
(23:56):
the increase in the number and variety of shows we
have at the theater, it is just astounding. Oh, it's
really incredible kind of journey to watch so I think
that we're doing the best we could possibly be doing.
You know, when we just did this major renovation, which
at the economy we have, you know, I know all
of our employees and volunteers are thrilled to get back,
(24:18):
So I think it's a it's really a great contributor.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
Let me ask you, well, you're you've all been there
for a different number of years. What's your favorite thing
you've ever seen at Thirsty Theater perform?
Speaker 1 (24:32):
Oh, my gosh, just pick one the top of your head.
There's got to be one that nice stuff.
Speaker 5 (24:36):
Mine is really random, but I would say Bush, that's
all right. Gavin Rossdale went into the crowd like halfway
through the show, and part of my job is to
escort photographers and so he was there with some of
the photographers. They let them shoot the whole show and
it was it was really cool to see them in
that environment. It just goes to show how many, how
(24:59):
many different things that we book at the theater To
say that one of my favorite shows there was Bush,
But yeah, it was. It was a really cool show.
It was nice to see them interact with the crowd
and in that that space. It was interesting.
Speaker 1 (25:11):
Well, she's in there twenty eight years. I'm giving her time.
Speaker 3 (25:13):
To a lot.
Speaker 1 (25:15):
Anthony, what about you, buddy.
Speaker 4 (25:16):
I'm afraid I'm gonna take Amy's right because Amy and
I went to see Leanne Morgan community Lene Morgan back
last year and she's an up and coming well she's
kind of made it now, but she's an up and
coming comedian who really got her start at like fifty
eight years old. Wow, which is very close to my age.
(25:39):
And it was just it was really neat to see her.
She was funny and she really related her comedy to
the area because she had visited Lancaster that day and
she was talking about these plain Mennonite ladies who meet
her a HOGI for three dollars and mix mixed. She
(26:00):
was like, I got extra suitcases for all this soup
mix and she was very funny. I gotta add another one, though,
you know, with all the touring shows that come through,
I do like to see a musical theater and I
don't know, I don't know why, but maybe special effects
(26:21):
and just because it's such an old fashioned musical with
Cinderella Rogers. It was a really good show.
Speaker 1 (26:29):
So there you go again. Kids would love that. I
would love that, and I'm certainly no kid. You know.
Speaker 4 (26:33):
It was funny because I remember seeing kids dressed up
they come to the theater to see the musical dressed
in costume.
Speaker 5 (26:41):
I was gonna say, I thought another of another one too.
We had come from Away the Broadway Musical a couple
of years ago. That's a really a really nice story.
I encourage anyone. It's on Apple TV too. If you
have Apple TV and have a subscription, then I want
to watch it. They recorded the original Broadway show. But
that's a really great run that we had.
Speaker 1 (27:00):
Amy, how about you.
Speaker 3 (27:02):
I love to go see musicians there. I saw Chris Body,
who's an incredible trumpet player, and I will give a
shout out. I saw air Supply last year because I
am gen X and a huge eighties you know, our
ballad fan. My whole my brothers and sister and friends
went so it was a really fun, fun night.
Speaker 1 (27:22):
People do not know what they're missing.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
You get so excited when you're going, and when you're
when it's over, it's like, oh my gosh, that's over already.
Speaker 1 (27:32):
You want to go back. It's it's so wonderful.
Speaker 2 (27:34):
The hersheyt the and it's for everybody, Maddy tell us,
how do you get any information for the theater such
as who's coming, seats that are available, things like that.
Speaker 5 (27:45):
Yeah, so you can head to our website on hersheettheater
dot com. We're also on x, Facebook and Instagram at
hersheet Theater as well. If you want to sign up
for our emails, there's a link on our website as
well to get all of that in firsthand.
Speaker 1 (28:01):
How about an address? Got to know how where it is?
It's really easy to find, fifteen East Crocus. It's been
wonderful having you guys. I had a blast.
Speaker 2 (28:11):
Mattie Martinez Entertainment Communications, specially Hershey Entertainment Resource. Amy Ziggler,
Senior Director. I learned a lot from you, kid. We're
going to have to talk with the Hershey Story Museine
in Hershey Community Archives in Anthony Howbard. He's the big
shot here, communications and public relations manager. He's my touch
point with the Miltons Hershey Foundation. This has been a blast, guys,
(28:32):
Thank you so much. That sure or of course, the Hershey.
Speaker 1 (28:34):
Theater is not just the venue, is it.
Speaker 2 (28:37):
It's a heartfelt expression of Milton Hershey's belief that a
community's soul is nourished by beauty culture and the moments
that we experience together.
Speaker 1 (28:44):
Don't ever forget it. Check it out. I'm Sylvia Moss.
Speaker 2 (28:47):
Remind you and catch Inside each week on our ten
iHeart stations or on your favorite podcastest. Thanks so much
for listening, See you next week. Hi, this is iHeart,
(29:31):
Public affairs director and host of Insights, Sylvia Moss. Each
week on Insight, we address and try to provide the
best local resources for issues that you tell me are
the most important to you, the ones that have the
biggest impact on your everyday lives. Insights also a place
where we can let you know about exciting community events
and introduce you to many of the incredible people who
work hard every single day just to make all of
(29:53):
our lives better. If you're not able to listen to
Insight when it airs on this station each week, then
catch it on your favorite podcast staff.
Speaker 1 (30:00):
Thank you for listening.
Speaker 2 (30:03):
M
Hi, I'm Sylvia Moss.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
This is inside a presentation of iHeartMedia, where we really
do care about our local communities and all our listeners.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
Who live here.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
With all that craziness that's going on in the world,
wouldn't it be awesome to escape to a place that
would make you forget all that for a while, A
place that's got the most magnificent architecture that you've never seen,
Somewhere where you can enjoy touring companies from Broadway concerts,
dance companies, nationally known comedians, and oh my gosh, so
much more. After being closed for a major year long
(00:31):
renovation project, this magical place, that, by the way, is
right in your own backyard, is ready to shine once again.
The truly incredible Hershey Theater closed for a year, but
it's now open for its ninety third season, all restored, refreshed,
and more breathtaking than ever. Joining us today with all
the details are Marty, Marty. I'm calling your Marty already.
(00:52):
Matty Martinez, Entertainment communications specialists with Hersy Entertainment and Resource
Amy Zickler, Senior director with the Hershey Story Museum and
Hershey Community Archives, and Anthony Howard communications and public relations
manager with the Milton S. Hershey Foundation. I gotta tell you, guys,
I told Anthony this the other day on the phone.
I've been to the Hershey Theater several times, in honest
(01:13):
to goodness, I will never forget this. Of all the things,
all the performances, concerts I've ever been into my in
my life. Several years ago somebody bought me tickets to
go see Richard Harris and Kamelot. Oh my god, Camelot.
I mean that's still my favorite. Gwenevere, Queen Arthur or
King Arthur. Do want to make him Queen Arthur, King Arthur.
(01:35):
The Nights of the Roundtable. It was wonderful, fuss, I'll
never forget for one brief, shining moment it was awesome
Amy that that was just a small glimpse of the
Hershey theaters history. I know it was all part of
Milton Hershey's dream for it was. I guess it would
consider Derry Township not yet keep talking so Derry Township
(01:59):
to have a place like this. Talk to us a
little bit about that, the impact that Milton Hershey had
on the Hershey Theater.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Sure, so, Milton Hershey, in addition to building a chocolate
factory in Dairy Township always wanted to have a community
filled with educational and cultural opportunities for people, sports. You know,
there was just so much to do, and in nineteen
fifteen he worked with a man named c emlyin Urban
who had already designed a lot of buildings in town,
(02:25):
to create the community building which housed the Hershey Theater. Unfortunately,
it was in the newspaper. There was a rendering of
it in nineteen fifteen, and then the US entered World
War One and Kitty Hershey died, Milton's wife, and so
it was postponed and nothing really happened with it until
nineteen twenty nine when ground was broken for the building
(02:47):
and it opened in nineteen thirty three.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
Well, I understand they didn't have it wasn't difficult for
them to get like top of the line performance as
soon as they opened, Is that true?
Speaker 1 (02:58):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
When they opened in the thirties, they had very famous
vaudeville acts coming to town. In the nineteen forties they
started to show first run movies, and then in the
nineteen fifties they started to get touring Broadway shows. We
had people like Catherine Hepburn and Joel Brenner. Yeah, so
some very big names.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
Wow, and tell me why it was.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
When I first saw it thought, even though I haven't
been there, I've seen pictures. This reminds me of all
those coursest places in Italy.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Yes. Well, it's interesting because even though it was built
at a time when most theaters were built in the
Art Deco style, it was designed in nineteen fifteen, and
at that time it was very common for landmarks to
be built to resemble famous places, and so Venice, Italy
is the place that the theater was designed after. When
you walk into the main lobby, there's there are a
(03:47):
lot of nods to the Greek god Apollo on the ceiling,
there are four different kinds of marble on the walls,
there's Italian lava rock on the floor. It's just stunning.
Then you walk into an inner lobby that is designed
to look like Saint Mark's in Venice, Italy, and it's
a mosaic ceiling that took two German artisans two years
(04:09):
to complete, and that's one of my favorite parts of
the theater. And then when you walk into the main auditorium,
it has nineteen hundred and four seats and when it
was built it could see almost the entire town of Hershey,
so he was really plowing ahead.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
So what did it cost to build that place? You know?
Speaker 3 (04:26):
I believe the entire community building was about three million dollars,
but we don't have figures.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Just for the FUNA that would be nowadays hotly a lot. Wow,
oh god.
Speaker 3 (04:35):
But when you go into the auditorium, it's designed to
look like you're outside in a plazzo. Even the ceiling
has twinkling lights and clouds that kind of can glide
across the ceiling. The arch over the stage looks like
a bridge over a canal in Venice. It's just a
really gorgeous place.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Let me ask you this too. When he didn't spare
any expense, someone had told me that he he got
stuck from Kiffany's.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Tiffany Design Studio actually designed a lot of the interior
nineteen fifteen, but they didn't use them when they actually
constructed it. The design studio actually, I think went out
of business in the early thirties, which probably had something
to do pay that.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Well, it's a lot bigger building than we think it is.
It's not just you're walking in.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
There's a stage, because it's as about that.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
Yes, the outer lobby is very large. Initially when it opened,
they had a nineteen foot by thirty five foot rug
that took up maybe not less than half of the lobby,
and that was one of the largest rugs woven on
one you know, it is woven in one piece, so
it was just gigantic, and even something like that was
kind of dwarfed by the size of the of the
(05:44):
space that it was in.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
Tell me about you're in charge of the archives and
the store.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
What can people people come?
Speaker 2 (05:52):
First of all, where's the store and what can people
find as far as archiving in the Hershey area, Well.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
The Hershey Story Museum is located on Chocolate Avenue and
it's almost right across the street from the Community building
in the theater, and our collections and exhibits focus on
Milton Hershey, the development of the community, his businesses, and
his philanthropies. So we have a great kind of survey
collection covering all aspects of life in Hershey. And then
(06:18):
we have Hershey Community Archives. So the museum collects mainly
three dimensional artifacts and Hershey Community Archives is the corporate
repository for the Hershey Company. Hershey Entertainment Resorts Company, Hershey
Trust Company and the Ms. Hershey Foundation, and they collect
it is and they collect mostly paper based are things
(06:38):
flat packaging from the chocolate company, photographs and digital records.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
Well as two girls sitting there. Let's give it to
mister Hershey's for chocolate how bad more than anything else.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
I love that. But he didn't start out with Chocolate City.
Speaker 3 (06:53):
No, he started well, he started actually in Philadelphia, making
lots of different kinds of candies, hardcare, rock candies, taffy
and things like that. Then he traveled around. Eventually he
landed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he opened the Leancaster Carmel
Company in the eighteen eighties, and that's really when he
(07:14):
started to become successful.
Speaker 1 (07:15):
He was crazy about his wife, wasn't he? He was.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
They had a really nice three partnership.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
I love that story.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Well, let me ask a dire can switch gears a
little over here to uncle Anthony and ask him. He's
pretty much the person to go to as far as
this big getting it all organized and revamping over the
last year you closed it down.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Tell us about that.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Why did they decide to do this and when did
they decide and what did they expect to come out of.
Speaker 4 (07:40):
This, Well, the whole building in general was is under construction,
so it only made sense that it only made sense
that we, you know, look at the theater and see
what needs to be revamped, and you know, there are
some things there that you know, we're just the building was,
(08:02):
you know, almost ninety or almost one hundred years old, so.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
Oh, look at me, I'm close to them. I get it.
You have to do.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
So it was time to do some major infrastructure renovations,
mostly such things as all the electrical and mechanical systems
have been replaced, which was a huge oh my gosh, oh,
and then a whole refurbished I should say HVAC system.
(08:32):
So now when guests come in this summer, you know
it's going to be nice and cool. So those are
the things that people will experience, they'll feel, they won't see,
but they'll fill them. Visually, the theater looks identical to
what it always has. You know, we've maintained the historic
(08:53):
legacy and the historic aspects of the theater, so it
looks the same. But we did put in all one
thy nine hundred and four new seats, so that's exciting.
We also replace the stage. We've modernized the orchestra pits
(09:14):
so that it now is easier to move up and down.
And one of the biggest improvements, although it might not
seem as glamorous to most people, is we built a
two story loading dock, which makes the loading of shows
so much easier. You know, before they parked in an alley,
(09:38):
they had to walk down steps to load in sets
and things like that. None of that anymore.
Speaker 2 (09:43):
Does that make a difference for people who would have come,
performers who would have come, I mean, I think it
would be now you know, I'll be there. I won't
be there because of this, but I mean, my goodness,
ones make it so easier for these performers.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
It's awesome, isn't it It is? It is?
Speaker 4 (09:57):
It is awesome. And speaking of performer, we've remodeled all
the dressing rooms, so all the dressing rooms are you know, modernized,
which were I wouldn't say they were original, but they
were pretty outdated. So I think one of the things
that people will also appreciate is the parking lot. It's
(10:18):
been repaved. We have now we have some green space
in the parking lot. We have these beautiful street lamps
that kind of mimic old time street lamps. There's a
new plaza, a walkway plaza. And one of the things
that I think is the neatest is they took the
marquee and replaced it, but it honors the original marquee
(10:39):
to Hershey Theater, so people will see that too. What's
also I think really neat is And I was just
mentioning this today because I was over there. You know
a lot of the doors and the ornate structures around
the doors were made of brass, and that has all
been polished. It just literally shines. It's beautiful.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
Oh wow, that's I can hardly wait to get over there.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
Well, there was their open Mattie, it's your turn, so
let's talk about this one thing I was a little
bit concerned about. We recently heard that Martin short star
pest away. What do you do in a situation? Do you?
Speaker 1 (11:16):
At this point you don't know what's going to happen waiting?
Speaker 5 (11:19):
So the show is so honest scheduled. Any updates would
be shared to our channels, whether that be our website
or social media. Still not sure in the event that
that's the case with all of our events in any situation,
we would share that out to the public well so
that they're aware ahead of time.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
Let's talk to you of this. I wonder if I was here,
what's the date?
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Today's okay, let's talk about the Broadway shows that are coming,
which I think are awesome when we don't have to
do it in any particular order, because our listeners need
to go to your website to find out what's going on.
When that's going, okay, talk to me about like the
one that I think for me would be a beautiful
noise because everybody likes me.
Speaker 5 (12:00):
Yes, everyone loves the Old Diamond, myself included. I'm a
penn stator, so I'm used to listening to the Old Diamond.
Sweet Caroline has always played a oh yeah yeah. So
we have three Broadway tours coming this year. We kick
things off this month actually with Tina the Tina Turner Music.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
Well wow, that's Feir at the end.
Speaker 5 (12:20):
Of March, March twenty fourth through the twenty ninth, and
then we have another run in April with Ajuliette that's
more of a jukebox. It's a twist on Romeo and
Juliet so it's kind of a newer age, I would
say more gen z Ish musical. I'd love to see that. Yes,
that sounds like fun. Yes, it's a great show. It's
(12:40):
a lot of fun. There's a lot of new music
from the two thousands, early two thousands into the twenty tens.
It's a really great show. So that one will be
there in April, and then, like you said, a beautiful
Noise that'll be here over the summer from June thirtieth
through July fifth. So if you're in town for the
fourth of July and are looking for something to.
Speaker 1 (12:58):
Do, get your tickets now.
Speaker 5 (13:00):
Enjoy Neil Diamond and Neil Diamond Musical at the theater.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
That sounds wonderful, no, it says I had mentioned Martin
Short and Steve Martin. Who doesn't like those guys? They're nuts,
You love them, They're awesome, they're good people. You have
a lot of comedians coming.
Speaker 5 (13:13):
We do, yeah again, starting off this month. Jim Jefferies,
he's an Australian comedian. He'll be there the second weekend
in March. We have Steve Martin and Martin Short, Like
you said, trying to think of who else. We have
so so many comedians coming. Joe Coyle will be here
in April. We have a ton of shows in April,
not just comedians. There's concerts, like I said, Broadway the
(13:34):
last week in April. If you look at our calendar,
there's a show almost every single day. So Brad Williams
will be here in September. That's just a number of comedians.
We'll have so many more who's live Anyway. They have
a live show whose line is anyway. It's a comedy
show that I'll be here in October.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
Yeah, okay.
Speaker 2 (13:51):
I have a lot to look forward to well, concerts
and I'm looking through the list of them and I
don't see bon Jovi on there. A lot of this
stuff that I'm familiar with would be like Frankie Valley.
Oh yeah, I saw Frankie Valley. I bet I was
twenty years old, and the four scenes that it was wonderful.
Also have John Legend, because you're you're going to a
(14:12):
couples for everybody.
Speaker 5 (14:13):
Yes, all the different genres, so somebody like John Legend,
but we also have someone like Jason Moraz who I
grew up listening to Jason, So I'm very excited about
that one. Chicago, we tend to have Chicago a lot
and their shows always do well. Everyone loves Chicago, so
very excited to have them back. And Wilson and Crowder
that's more of the Christian demographic. We'll have those two
(14:37):
in April as well. So just kind of trying to
think of our audience here in Central PA.
Speaker 1 (14:42):
Everybody.
Speaker 5 (14:43):
We always try to get something that caters to everyone exactly.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
Well, how do you decide, I mean ahead of time,
who is the one I'm not going to? No? No,
do you have a committee or so.
Speaker 5 (14:55):
We have a great team on our entertainment team that
books the shows. We were with several promoters at the
theater actually to help us and kind of planning when
that show is going to route in our area, when
we can put it on sale, aligning with all of
the other venues that are also having the show. So
it's a full team effort, not only from our team
(15:15):
at EH and R, but also all of the different
promoters that we work with, trying to get all of
the stars who align so that we can get just
one show in our venue and see where it makes
sense if it's routing somewhere in our area, if it's
hitting another market. It's a large team effort.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
Let me ask you guys this, each one of you,
what's the best part of your job? What do you
like the most about it?
Speaker 4 (15:37):
Oh my gosh, I always tell everybody how much I
love it.
Speaker 1 (15:41):
It's just high energy.
Speaker 4 (15:43):
It's high energy. And as the foundation, we know we
not only operate the theater, but we have Hershey Gardens
and the Hershey Storing Museum, and it's they're all such
dynamic places and it's just fun to promote it. I
don't know how else to explain it. It's just it's
(16:05):
good news. It's a feel good type of job. And
you know, especially with the theater and with the gardens
and even the museum, you know, you have new things
coming out and people just really seem to, you know,
they want to come to Hershey. You know, I was again,
I was at the theater this morning and I was saying,
(16:29):
you know, it's this is not a hard sell.
Speaker 1 (16:32):
You know, it's especially these days people want to break
from all the nonsense.
Speaker 4 (16:35):
It's one of the easiest PR jobs ever because Hershey,
Milton Hershey himself was the PR master. He was the
one who created all this stuff that people just love
to go to and experience. So you know, we're just
kind of, you know, following that pattern.
Speaker 5 (16:52):
Man, I would say for me, I know, i'd talk
to you a little bit about this. But I've always
been an entertainment fan growing up, and I grew up
here in Central PA. I grew up in Gettysburg. So
I've always wanted to work in entertainment, and I always
thought or perceived that I had to go far away
to do it. I had to live in Philly or
in New York City. But I don't think that a
(17:15):
lot of people are very educated in the outer markets
to know that we have three entertainment venues in Hershey
that are all very rich. Like you said in Milton's Legacy,
the Hershey Park Stadium was built in the same time
that the Theater opened in nineteen thirty three. That's been
there since that time. The Giant Center opened up in
(17:35):
two thousand and two. It's getting ready to turn twenty
five next year. So we have three full entertainment venues
that cater to so many different audiences. The Theater it's smaller,
nineteen oh four seats. The Giant Center, we have sporting
events there, but there's also major concerts that tour there,
and then the stadium. Of course, we get huge acts
every year over year, so getting to promote three different
(17:57):
venues in size, I think is something that I wouldn't
have gotten anywhere else. And I love being able to
tell people about all of the incredible entertainment that we
bring to Hershey because it's not something that you always
think of when you think of concerts and shows. I know,
I didn't even just going to school at Penn State.
I always thought I would be working in New York City.
(18:18):
But to recognize and know that there's three venues that
are so rich in history bringing such huge acts to
our small sector in central PEA, Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 1 (18:32):
That's right.
Speaker 2 (18:33):
My dear Amy, you had said about history and learning
from history.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
Tell me about you.
Speaker 2 (18:39):
I know you love what you do because you're so
wrapped up in history, But what exactly explained to me
is it about learning from history?
Speaker 3 (18:49):
Well, one of the things I love about my job
is that I get to talk to so many people
who have great stories to tell everything from. We had
a man come visit us when we first opened it
our new location who grew up in Hershey, Cuba, and
a lot a lot of people know about Milton Hershey
having a whole town in Cuba. But it was a
very inspiring visit, and he was an incredible human and
(19:12):
had just amazing things to say about Milton Hershey, and
he was so happy to be in Hershey, Pennsylvania around
people who knew as much about Milton Hershey as he did.
And it was just a beautiful experience I never would
have gotten to have. And you know, recently, curling was
a big thing in the Olympics, and so I got
to talk to someone who was an expert in curling
and learn all about that, and they showed me all
(19:34):
of their kind of artifacts that they had saved over
the years. So I just always get to learn something
new every day, and I love interacting with people. And
I think that we can all learn from the past
and it's important and we need to remember that those
stories are important. We should be listening to that.
Speaker 1 (19:50):
Milton Hershey was so generous. Yes, well, how do you
think he would feel?
Speaker 2 (19:54):
First of all, what do you think you'd think about
the way things are run at HERSHEYT today? I mean,
my God, And maybe I should ask Anthony this first
U two PR and outreach for the foundation.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
Tell us what the Foundation.
Speaker 4 (20:06):
Does Foundation is a nonprofit organization that Milton Hershey founded
in nineteen thirty five for the cultural and educational enrichment
of Dairy Township residents and also visitors. So under that
umbrella organization is Hershey Gardens, Hershey Theater, Hershey Community Archives,
(20:29):
and the Hershey what is now the Hershey Story Museum.
So that's what the foundation is.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
It's He was heck of a visionary, wasn't he.
Speaker 4 (20:39):
I'll tell you what. You know, it's so interesting, Yes,
the answer is yes. But he was just so ahead
of his time in so many ways. I think one
of the things that is very interesting. You know, he
passed away in nineteen forty five, and I think still
(20:59):
to this day, everyone who is in leadership in among
the entities, and it sounds silly, what would Milton Hershey?
Speaker 3 (21:09):
Do?
Speaker 1 (21:10):
They know it doesn't.
Speaker 4 (21:11):
They honor his legacy daily and and it always ties
back to our great founder.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
That's right, That's exactly right.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
Maybe there should be a class how to be like
Milton Hershey, how about it? But you can teach integrity,
how about it? And that's what he was all about.
You know, everybody that listens to this program knows that
I'm so. My number one issue is take care of
the kids. Take care of the kids. And you have
you have something called the Apollo Awards. Who wants to
talk about that? I think that's a great thing.
Speaker 4 (21:42):
I can talk about the I'm sure of course. So
actually it's called the Hershey Theater Apollo Awards. We don't
want to confuse it with the Apollo Theater. So Hershey
Theater Apollo Awards. We are in our oh gosh, eighteenth year.
(22:02):
Uh it's it was a program that was founded to
recognize high school theater and students performing in high school theater,
in plays and in musicals. So it starts in the
fall with fall play season and the schools they have
(22:23):
to register with us, and then we send out evaluators
to each show and they're evaluated not only in specific
categories such as featured performer, lead actor.
Speaker 2 (22:35):
Leader in production, in dance and you have a word
for everything, how about it?
Speaker 4 (22:38):
Yeah, when musical season arrives, then it's you know, outstanding
studo an orchestra, an outstanding dance number in a musical,
and you know, after the scores are comeing from the evaluators,
then we announced nominees and then in May, we have
a huge ceremony that is kind of like the awards
(23:00):
that's cool in New York City. And that's when we
announced the recipients of all these categories. It's really cool.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
And then get scholarships a lot of these, Yes they do.
It's the whole point, isn't I think it's wonderful.
Speaker 4 (23:11):
A scholarship base or reward based and also education based.
Speaker 1 (23:17):
That's great.
Speaker 2 (23:18):
What do you guys think, and please anybody jump in
at any point, what do you think the economic impact
of the Hershey Theater itself has on Central Pennsylvania.
Speaker 1 (23:26):
You're on a dairy township.
Speaker 2 (23:27):
I would imagine humong us well Hershey, of course, but
the theater itself.
Speaker 1 (23:34):
Take kids.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
I don't have specific numbers, but I think it has
a huge impact because we have so many shows. You know,
years ago, I've been with the foundation for twenty eight
years and oh for a you old I know, and
so we had a lot more dark days than we
had show days. And over the last twenty eight years,
(23:56):
the increase in the number and variety of shows we
have at the theater, it is just astounding. Oh, it's
really incredible kind of journey to watch so I think
that we're doing the best we could possibly be doing.
You know, when we just did this major renovation, which
at the economy we have, you know, I know all
of our employees and volunteers are thrilled to get back,
(24:18):
So I think it's a it's really a great contributor.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
Let me ask you, well, you're you've all been there
for a different number of years. What's your favorite thing
you've ever seen at Thirsty Theater perform?
Speaker 1 (24:32):
Oh, my gosh, just pick one the top of your head.
There's got to be one that nice stuff.
Speaker 5 (24:36):
Mine is really random, but I would say Bush, that's
all right. Gavin Rossdale went into the crowd like halfway
through the show, and part of my job is to
escort photographers and so he was there with some of
the photographers. They let them shoot the whole show and
it was it was really cool to see them in
that environment. It just goes to show how many, how
(24:59):
many different things that we book at the theater To
say that one of my favorite shows there was Bush,
But yeah, it was. It was a really cool show.
It was nice to see them interact with the crowd
and in that that space. It was interesting.
Speaker 1 (25:11):
Well, she's in there twenty eight years. I'm giving her time.
Speaker 3 (25:13):
To a lot.
Speaker 1 (25:15):
Anthony, what about you, buddy.
Speaker 4 (25:16):
I'm afraid I'm gonna take Amy's right because Amy and
I went to see Leanne Morgan community Lene Morgan back
last year and she's an up and coming well she's
kind of made it now, but she's an up and
coming comedian who really got her start at like fifty
eight years old. Wow, which is very close to my age.
(25:39):
And it was just it was really neat to see her.
She was funny and she really related her comedy to
the area because she had visited Lancaster that day and
she was talking about these plain Mennonite ladies who meet
her a HOGI for three dollars and mix mixed. She
(26:00):
was like, I got extra suitcases for all this soup
mix and she was very funny. I gotta add another one, though,
you know, with all the touring shows that come through,
I do like to see a musical theater and I
don't know, I don't know why, but maybe special effects
(26:21):
and just because it's such an old fashioned musical with
Cinderella Rogers. It was a really good show.
Speaker 1 (26:29):
So there you go again. Kids would love that. I
would love that, and I'm certainly no kid. You know.
Speaker 4 (26:33):
It was funny because I remember seeing kids dressed up
they come to the theater to see the musical dressed
in costume.
Speaker 5 (26:41):
I was gonna say, I thought another of another one too.
We had come from Away the Broadway Musical a couple
of years ago. That's a really a really nice story.
I encourage anyone. It's on Apple TV too. If you
have Apple TV and have a subscription, then I want
to watch it. They recorded the original Broadway show. But
that's a really great run that we had.
Speaker 1 (27:00):
Amy, how about you.
Speaker 3 (27:02):
I love to go see musicians there. I saw Chris Body,
who's an incredible trumpet player, and I will give a
shout out. I saw air Supply last year because I
am gen X and a huge eighties you know, our
ballad fan. My whole my brothers and sister and friends
went so it was a really fun, fun night.
Speaker 1 (27:22):
People do not know what they're missing.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
You get so excited when you're going, and when you're
when it's over, it's like, oh my gosh, that's over already.
Speaker 1 (27:32):
You want to go back. It's it's so wonderful.
Speaker 2 (27:34):
The hersheyt the and it's for everybody, Maddy tell us,
how do you get any information for the theater such
as who's coming, seats that are available, things like that.
Speaker 5 (27:45):
Yeah, so you can head to our website on hersheettheater
dot com. We're also on x, Facebook and Instagram at
hersheet Theater as well. If you want to sign up
for our emails, there's a link on our website as
well to get all of that in firsthand.
Speaker 1 (28:01):
How about an address? Got to know how where it is?
It's really easy to find, fifteen East Crocus. It's been
wonderful having you guys. I had a blast.
Speaker 2 (28:11):
Mattie Martinez Entertainment Communications, specially Hershey Entertainment Resource. Amy Ziggler,
Senior Director. I learned a lot from you, kid. We're
going to have to talk with the Hershey Story Museine
in Hershey Community Archives in Anthony Howbard. He's the big
shot here, communications and public relations manager. He's my touch
point with the Miltons Hershey Foundation. This has been a blast, guys,
(28:32):
Thank you so much. That sure or of course, the Hershey.
Speaker 1 (28:34):
Theater is not just the venue, is it.
Speaker 2 (28:37):
It's a heartfelt expression of Milton Hershey's belief that a
community's soul is nourished by beauty culture and the moments
that we experience together.
Speaker 1 (28:44):
Don't ever forget it. Check it out. I'm Sylvia Moss.
Speaker 2 (28:47):
Remind you and catch Inside each week on our ten
iHeart stations or on your favorite podcastest. Thanks so much
for listening, See you next week. Hi, this is iHeart,
(29:31):
Public affairs director and host of Insights, Sylvia Moss. Each
week on Insight, we address and try to provide the
best local resources for issues that you tell me are
the most important to you, the ones that have the
biggest impact on your everyday lives. Insights also a place
where we can let you know about exciting community events
and introduce you to many of the incredible people who
work hard every single day just to make all of
(29:53):
our lives better. If you're not able to listen to
Insight when it airs on this station each week, then
catch it on your favorite podcast staff.
Speaker 1 (30:00):
Thank you for listening.
Speaker 2 (30:03):
M
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