Mandy Barnett in Concert

"Wanted to let all involved at our show at the Merrimack Hall know that it was the greatest. The people involved, Ashley, Alan, Kim, the sound tech Bobby, etc. were absolutely the best. Best venue we have have ever played. We still have not quit talking about it. The Green Room was awesome,and also the food. No one has ever been that caring and took the time to get everything so great. Hope to do it again soon. Thanks to all for the awesome and great time we had."

Gene Chrismas, legedary drummer who has recorded with Elvis, Willie Nelson & more

"Merrimack Hall is one of the finest small venues I've ever played. The building is beautiful and historic, the sound and lights were impeccable, the staff and crew couldn't have been anymore accommodating. They pay close attention to all details that maximize the experience for the performers and the audience. I had incredible shows there and am looking forward to coming back."

Mandy Barnett

"We wish all of our gigs went as well as our trip to Huntsville. You folks sure know how to make a body feel welcome! Looking forward to the next time."

Brad Albin, Tour Manager

Dixie's Tupperware Party

"Coming back to Merrimack Hall is like coming back to family. It is that down home loving feeling that I get from the wonderful people that run this theater along with the warm and gracious audiences that reminds me that I’m truly back home! Now if the rest of the country could be more like Merrimack, the world would sure have a bigger smile!"

Dixie Longate, America's Favorite Tupperware Lady

The Kinsey Sicks

"When we were first asked to perform in at Merrimack Hall, we were thrilled -- but somewhat nervous. A drag a capella quartet in HUNSTVILLE, we thought? What will be the reaction?!

It turned out that the audiences were sophisticated, boisterous and loving; the staff was top-notch and welcoming; and the whole experience was a delight (at least for us!) We would come back in a heartbeat!"

Ben Schatz, Rachel, The Kinsey Sicks

Say Goodnight Gracie

"Merrimack Hall is a great place to perform. Beautiful and cozy venue, enthusiastic and responsive audiences, and a staff that couldn't be friendlier, more professional or more accommodating. I hope that I'll be fortunate enough to come back to Huntsville and play Merrimack again and again."

Alan Safier, George Burns, Say Goodnight Gracie National Tour

"I can't begin to thank you enough for the wonderful experience we had in bringing Say Goodnight Gracie to Merrimack Hall. Your facility seemed tailor-made for our show, and the intimacy of the house added a special warmth to the performance."

But what truly set the experience apart for us were your people. From the moment I got on the phone to begin advancing the production, every single person associated with your theatre treated us like we were family. Your staff of AMAZING technicians really went the extra mile to make certain that everything was perfect. And the extra TLC you personally extended to us made our stay so comfortable and enjoyable. The only problem was our stay wasn't long enough!

Your theatre is a special gem, made all the better by the wonderful audience that embraced us and our show. If every stop along the road were as wonderful as yours, touring would have an entirely different reputation. Here's wishing you and everyone at Merrimack Hall continued success and happiness. You certainly made this old road warrior happy in my all-too-brief sojourn in Huntsville. Here's looking forward to the next time our paths cross."

Michael White, Director, Say Goodnight Gracie National Tour

Camp Merrimack

"Wow, what a wonderful and blessing filled week I had. Yes, I was exhaused at the end of each day.....took naps, and went to bed early, but my heart and soul were filled with joyous smiles and memories from each day that totally outweighed any "side effects!"

You guys are so well equipped mentally and physically. You are well organized and provide not only that wonderful program preparation but loving care to all the precious children you worked with. In doing so you give comfort to the over stressed and worn out parents and allow God's love to shine through each of you. It truly was a joyous and blessing filled week for me personally and I look forward to more opportunities to join you is providing such a wonderful ministry."

Joan Rankin, Camp Merrimack 2009 Volunteer

Dance Your Dreams

"Dear Huntsville Times Editor,

Thank you so much for your support and the wonderful article in Monday’s paper regarding the Dance Your Dreams program held on Sunday, June 14th. As a parent of one of these children that this program served, I can not express my appreciation enough. Dance Your Dreams serves the community by allowing children with gross motor difficulties to have one-on-one, fun instruction time in dance.

Over the course of this program, I had the great honor of watching my child and all the children blossom under the loving instruction of their ‘helpers’ and their teacher Hayley Henderson. You see, gross motor difficulties come in a variety of forms. While some children might have cerebral palsy, others might fall under the autism spectrum or even other disorders but no matter how they were ‘uniquely enabled’, this environment allowed then to shine and be dancers.

If any person or organization was looking for a more worthy cause to invest their time or their monies, they would need to look no further than the Dance Your Dreams program at Merrimack Hall. There was nothing more thrilling as a parent of one of these children, then to see the physical and emotional benefits of this program. My desire for this program is to see support grow in the community through sponsorship that it can support even more children to “Dance THEIR Dreams”.

Thank you so much for the Jenkins family and all the staff at Merrimack Hall for dreaming this dream and making this program a reality in Huntsville. "

Eileen Sterling, parent of a Dance Your Dreams student. Published June 20, 2009 in The Huntsville Times.

The Claire Lynch Band

"My experience at Merrimack was one of being drawn in and embraced. It takes passion to perpetuate art, whether the artist or the presenter. Merrimack Hall and its staff display that passion from the tiniest detail in decor to their meticulous attention to staging. Huntsville with all of its heart for things creative deserves a Hall like the Merrimack!"

Claire Lynch, Grammy-nominated Singer-Songwriter

Michael and Amy

"Amy and I cannot begin to tell you what a wonderful experience it was for us to perform at Merrimack Hall in Huntsville, AL this past weekend. We completely fell in love with you, your staff, and your extraordinary theatre during our brief visit. Your entire staff welcomed us as honored guests, as family, making us feel right at home. Everyone went the extra mile to ensure a great performance, which made our job as artists and entertainers so easy and so very effective. You’re all “Pros” in the very best sense of the word!
And your theatre is absolutely fabulous! The performance space is warm, intimate, creative, and inspirational. It was pure joy for us on stage during our show. There’s nothing better for a performer than to have a space conducive to transforming several hundred spectators into what feels like a group of best friends gathered for fun in the living room at home. It becomes personal, meaningful, and artful. Even though we’re based out of the city that never sleeps, Amy and I are a little jealous of the Huntsville community for having such an exceptional performing arts facility! We’ll be back!!
God bless you and all the wonder you’re bringing to Huntsville."

Michael and Amy Music and Comedy Dueling Pianos Show

Defending the Caveman

"Merrimack Hall is exactly what a theater is supposed to be. The Jenkins founded this theater out of their love and passion for all forms of art. It is by far the best theater I have had the pleasure to work at, in the five years I have been on tour. I have never felt more at home."

Christopher "Sully" Sullivan, Comedian and "Caveman"

Wade Robson

“This facility could be anywhere, at the end of the day. What makes it different and unique are the people and their intentions. They are what make this facility special.”

Wade Robson, Emmy-Winning Choreographer/Dancer

Hormonal Imbalance

"To our new friends at Merrimack Hall!

What an astounding night we had! From load in to load out, it was like being put on a pink cloud and floating from sound check, to show, to autographing CDs in your beautiful lobby.

We Babes want to thank you Debra, Alan, and of course your brilliant programming director Lindsey, for hosting us at this remarkable venue. Advancing pre-show was a breeze, as Lindsey was up to the minute quick on making sure every detail was tended to. Of course Charlie was "da man" making sure our every word was heard, and that our harmonies were balanced and pristine.

At the end of the night, as we were out in the lobby doing our signing, so many audience members went on and on about "what a comfortable concert hall the Merrimack was, and how lovely the sound was, and how much they appreciated having a place like this in their community for live performances." That's what we love to hear, that for their special night out to the theatre, we were part of a great team.

On a personal note, the Babes loved hanging out in the back stage area, and the dedication you Jenkins showed in appreciating talent and art. It's obvious that this theatre honors performers, respects the hard work of touring, and enjoys the company of artists. We know that should we return (Please, Please, Please!!!) we'd find ourselves in one of those situations where the theatre, it's management staff and technical crew, it's marketing department, and finally, it's delightful audiences are all in sync to make a great show happen.

Thanks again for having The Four Bitchin' Babes, and letting "Hormonal Imbalance...A Mood Swinging Musical Revue"...swing through Huntsville Alabama and the fabulous Merrimack Hall. Hugs and knishes."

Sally Fingerett, Biz Babe and Head Hormone

 

The Interview

Watch this exclusive interview with Emmy-winning choreographer Wade Robson as he reflects upon his experience at Merrimack Hall in July, 2007.
Watch Now

 

 

"My friends and I can't thank you enough for bringing Menopause the Musical© to Huntsville. We all agreed that every woman over 40 should see this musical. You leave feeling good about being a woman at this point in your life. Many thanks!"

Elaine Steigerwalt, Patron

 

Debra and the staff at MHPAC was helpful and more than skilled in their areas. From production to merchandise, box office to hospitality, our expectations were exceeded. Our sincere gratitude goes out to Alan and Debra for bringing such an awesome facility and experience to Huntsville. We wish you the best!

Carlos Jimenez, Talent/Production Manager, TOC Productions Menopause the Musical