'Mame' Celebrates Family and Spectacle at Music Mountain Theatre
You’re officially on the guest list as the curtain rises on “Mame” at Music Mountain Theatre (MMT) in Lambertville, NJ. Running from March 27 through April 19, 2026, the musical “Mame” is celebrated for its infectious and upbeat score by legendary composer Jerry Herman and its larger-than-life title character. The production, presented by Steven J. Schimmel, invites you to take up the show’s enduring message of embracing life.
From the moment you step into the lobby, the celebration begins with a piano player performing as guests arrive and take their seats. This isn’t just a musical; it’s an immersive experience directed by Michael Moeller that brings the Roaring Twenties to life. Join the free-spirited, bohemian Mame Dennis (Anna Hentz) and her sharp-witted bestie Vera Charles (Susan Keeth) for a journey through New York City’s most glamorous era.
A Glamorous and Immersive Experience with 'Mame'
Following the Overture, the musical’s big opening scene is a lavish penthouse party set in 1928 Manhattan. Mame leads her eccentric friends in the energetic number “It's Today.” This song sets the tone for the musical production, capturing Mame's philosophy of living life to the fullest, highlighted by the iconic line, “Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!”
Drawing on his extensive history with the show, Moeller adds unique elements to the opening party scene, including choreographed overture sequences featuring dancers on stage and actors interacting with the audience. “Mame” becomes an immersive experience that connects the onlookers to the spirit of the show.
Moeller is leaning into a modern, interactive Broadway trend to ensure the audience feels like they’ve truly arrived at Mame’s luxurious penthouse apartment. He explains that “audience members will receive an invitation in their theater programs, welcoming them to Mame’s big bash.” The exuberant gathering, however, is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Mame’s 10-year-old nephew.
Based on Patrick Dennis's novel “Auntie Mame” and a stage play of the same name by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, the musical tells the story of the ebullient Mame Dennis, who takes in her orphaned nephew, Patrick. When the convivial socialite suddenly becomes responsible for the upbringing of the young boy, she embraces the challenge by introducing him to her wild, glamorous life in 1920s and 1930s New York City, often clashing with the conservative world of his trustee.
Bringing a personal touch to this production, Moeller treats the stage as a canvas, arranging living elements to convey the high-stakes glamour and power dynamics of Mame’s world. “I love this whole style of painting pictures for the actors,” he adds.
Moeller also employs choreographed dance as transitions in between scenes, making these moments more engaging. The musical spans several decades, beginning in the Roaring Twenties, moving through the 1929 stock market crash and the Great Depression of the 1930s, and concluding in 1946 around the aftermath of World War II.
Moeller notes that this progression demands multiple changes in costumes and set pieces, including the transformation of Mame’s apartment six times. The scale and ambition of the production reflect Moeller’s longstanding connection to Music Mountain Theatre, where he has been involved since its founding.
Revisiting Tradition with Inclusive and Thoughtful Storytelling
Building on the success of the 1956 stage play “Auntie Mame,” Lawrence and Lee adapted their script into a musical featuring Herman’s vibrant score. “Mame” premiered on Broadway in 1966, becoming an instant classic and Herman’s second massive hit following the 1964 success of “Hello, Dolly!” Today, “Mame” continues to thrill audiences with its spirited humor and iconic showstoppers like “Open a New Window,” “Bosom Buddies,” “If He Walked into My Life,” “We Need a Little Christmas” and the title song “Mame.”
While the musical “Mame” is famous for its over-the-top grandeur, Music Mountain Theatre’s Artistic Director Louis Palena believes its true power lies in its heart. “We chose 'Mame' for this season because of the spectacle inherent in Jerry Herman shows,” says Palena. Another reason, he adds, “is because its theme of chosen family resonates so deeply with modern audiences.”
Noting his own personal experience, “the story of an unconventional family dynamic rings true for me and my husband Jordan (MMT’s co-founder and co-artistic director), having adopted our daughter through the foster care system,” shares Palena. “Mame didn't choose to raise Patrick in the beginning (he just shows up), but she very much made the decision to raise him as her own.”
Palena believes “Mame” is an exploration of an unconventional family dynamic during a unique period in American history. “The musical is incredibly forward-thinking,” he explains. “It isn’t beating people over the head to look at a situation from a different perspective, but it is opening their minds.”
Palen acknowledges MMT’s thought-out approach to the character of Ito, navigating the cultural stereotypes found in the original 1966 script. Rather than relying on outdated tropes, the production presents Ito as a vital member of Mame’s chosen family. Portrayed as a lively, loyal figure, Ito enthusiastically embraces Mame’s eccentric lifestyle, assisting her in orchestrating famously lavish and chaotic soirees. He also plays a key role in helping her raise young Patrick.
A commitment to inclusive and engaging storytelling is at the heart of Music Mountain Theatre’s broader mission. A typical season features a vibrant mix of Broadway classics, contemporary plays, and holiday favorites. Founded in 2017 by Ginny Brennan alongside her son Jordan Brennan and Palena, MMT has become a year-round cultural staple in Lambertville, offering a prolific schedule of mainstage musicals, children’s theater, and a dedicated performing arts school.
“Mame” has a running time of 2 hours and 40 minutes, including an intermission. Audiences can enjoy performances on Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3:00 p.m. On Saturdays, there are two opportunities to see the show, with performances at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
