Agnew named new Millbrook artistic director

MILL HALL, PA – Millbrook Playhouse recently announced its first new artistic director in the last decade. She is a Millbrook acting veteran, Shannon Agnew. Recently retired artistic director David Leidholdt posted word of the change:

Dear Millbrook Playhouse fans, patrons, board, and friends,
David here (the tall one); first off, I wanted to wish you all a happy holiday season and a blessed, prosperous, safe, and happiest of New Years! I hope 2023 will be filled with lots of joy, friends, and LIVE THEATRE!

Thank you for all the kind messages. I am humbled and touched. It has been one of my biggest joys serving the Millbrook Playhouse these past nine years. I am so thankful for the opportunities to meet all of you fantastic and dedicated patrons and work with many talented artists who have made me look good. No one does it alone, and I can’t thank you enough!
I want to give a special shout-out to all the parents of the young actors, the numerous volunteers (Rose Ann, I am looking at you), Board Members, and a big, BIG shout out to David Gritzner (aka G$) for the many, many hours of fellowship; and talking through problems, sharing our goals and dreams for the organization; Thank you, friend!

And if, over the years, I have asked one too many favors or been a big nuisance, I hope you understand and forgive. Running an organization like Millbrook is as challenging as it is wonderful. But I hope you agree that the performing arts are essential to any community, especially one as unique as Clinton County. I know that there are bright things for the future of Millbrook Playhouse.

…Speaking of bright things for Millbrook Playhouse, My last “official” act as AD is to welcome the incomparable, talented, brilliant, and kind, my dear friend, Shannon Agnew, as your NEW Producing Artistic Director!

I don’t have to remind you of her outstanding contributions to the Playhouse already. Still, just in case….you may have seen her on stage in “Church Basement Ladies,” “The Marvelous Wonderettes” (1 and 2), “My Vaudeville Man,” “Kitchen Witches,” “The Little Mermaid,” also her tour de force solo performances in “Sidekicked,” and “Every Brilliant Thing,” to name a few. As well as her numerous directing credits including; “Camelot,” “Mamma Mia,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Barefoot in the Park;” AND Let us not forget all her classes and original scripts; “Yours Sincerely,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Robin Hood,” “Millbrook Musical Murder Mystery.”
I am so excited for her and the Playhouse. She will do amazing things for this organization and the community.
OK, it’s time to step aside and watch all the brilliant things from Millbrook Playhouse and Shannon!
Peace and Love to you all!
David Leidholdt