On June 10th, we are coming back to the United States from Ireland for the summer. Each year, one trip across the ocean is the majestic and wonderful trip on the Queen Mary 2 from Southampton to New York City. Folks are not used to seeing me in a tuxedo, yet on the Queen Mary there are 2 nights when the passengers dress up. The fun of 8 days on the ocean includes relaxing time, great music and even a library with thousands of books to borrow.

And, sailing into New York Harbor will remind me of my father's escape from Nazi Germany in 1938 that culminated with landing in New York.

I will remember an America that honored the people who came as immigrants for freedom and democracy.

MASIE Productions is proud to have presented Dan Lauria's play Just Another Day to Ireland in May 2026 for the "Aging with Empathy" tour.. Starring Dan and Patty McCormack, the play was performed for free in Dublin at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, in Cork at the MTU School of Music and at the University of Galway and an interview was featured on Ireland AM TV.

Combining Baseball & Theater: WoW Production

Savannah Bananas and Actor Derek Klena

As a learning and theater producer, I am always yearning for new models and inspirations for engaging the audience!

Last Friday, we took a last minute trip to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to see our friend and actor, Derek Klena, perform with the Savannah Bananas in a non-stop experience for 50,000 fans. Derek has been on Broadway in shows including Wicked, Anastasia, Dogfight and more. And, he had played baseball in college.

On Friday, he came on to the field twice, to sing Phantom of the Opera and also strike out a batter. Then, he returned with the cast of Aladdin to perform a medley of Broadway tunes with the Genie. Watch this short clip:

I was blown away by the strategic production of the game, blending real baseball with music, dance and lovable chaos. Yankee Stadium was filled with kid and families who were enjoying the blend of sports, engagement and the arts. The production was non-stop, from a welcome field loaded with music, baseball, merchandise and a stage with the players performing sing along music. It took the Harlem Globetrotters model to a new level and it was Wow!

We met colleagues from Broadway who came out to see Derek’s first Yankee Stadium experience. Many brought their children who were fascinated and moved by the whole experience.

It changed my view, as a producer of learning and theatrical events, to bring the pizzaz to the audience/learners from minute one and to break barriers in designing gatherings.

Thanks to the Savannah Bananas and Derek Klena for rocking my instincts as a producer.

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Yours in Learning,

Elliott Masie

MASIE Learning Foundation

Dublin, Ireland & New York