Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship
SHELBURNE – Around 6 p.m. in the castle-esque Trinity Episcopal Church, the cast of “Hatchford Hotel” waited eagerly in front of a newly stocked props and costume table as rehearsal began.
They looked over a red, glittery feather boa and an array of chicken costumes. More specifically werechicken costumes, for characters who would portray unique creatures – chickens crossed with werewolves. The actors slipped on the feather-clad chicken suits, flapped their wings and practiced a dance number or two. The stage manager, Jane Lindsley, then called for places. It was go-time.
Heartfelt, hair-brained, and bonkers are all words the cast used to describe the original musical, “Hatchford Hotel,” which opens Oct. 2 at the Shelburne Town Center. Set in the fictional rural town of Hatchford, Vermont, residents are faced with a bizarre kind of danger: the werechickens. In the face of the threat, hotel owners Warren and Sonny band together with a doctor/lumberjill, city-born food influencers and a determined game warden to save their beloved town.
The project started as a sold-out workshop at the Vermont Comedy Club back in 2022, written by Adam Rabin and Greg Skillman. The duo put on several more renditions of the musical, including a radio play-style production in 2024. This time, however, will be different.
“This [production] is the real thing,” music director and co-creator Rabin said. “This is sets, costumes, effects, crazy lighting and everyone is just singing from the bottom of their hearts.”
Rabin and his wife are members of the 251 Club, an organization that challenges participants to visit all Vermont’s cities and towns. During their mission to become part of the Club, Rabin took stock of all the kooky inns and hotels they stayed in. He then thought of a simple concept: a hotel in rural Vermont experiencing unexplainable supernatural activity. When Skillman mentioned werechickens, they knew they had hatched a plan and the creative spirit took off.
“Once the spark happens, it just flies. Unlike a chicken,” Rabin joked.
Since the show’s last iteration, Rabin and Skillman have been rewriting “Hatchford Hotel” to make it tighter, funnier and even wackier.
The show steers the audience through unexpected twists and turns, said director Jonah Hagans. “Once they think they know what the story is about, we change directions again.”
Audiences can anticipate a project built around a passion and love for Vermont.
“We’re in a time of kitchy, campy musicals being what everybody needs right now,” said Wiley Delisa, who plays Charlotte the werehen. “I think this is a great one.”
“Hatchford Hotel” will be performed by the Shelburne Players at the Shelburne Town Center Oct. 2 through 4, followed by performances Oct. 9 and 10. Tickets are available on the website hatchfordhotel.com