Hackmatack Playhouse Opened With OUR TOWN & Fresh Strawberry Shortcake 6/24

The Hackmatack Playhouse in Berwick officially opened Wednesday night with Our Town. The audience was apparently delighted with the show, and also enjoyed the fresh strawberry shortcake during intermission as one of New England's most charming and quaint summer theatres began their 37th season.

Long-time WTSN radio personality Paul LeBlanc was there for opening night, enjoying his retirement. LeBlanc said he thought the show was great. He said, "this play teaches a lesson that every town is like Our Town. It reminds us that we should appreciate the ordinary things in life."

Thornton Wilder's Our Town takes place in a small town in New Hampshire. Wilder takes the audience through the cycle of life with experiences with which they can relate. In the play, Wilder has the Stage Manager speak directly to the audience making the audience feel like they are a part of the story. Jim Murphy plays the Stage Manager. Jim is an accomplished New England actor and director, returning to the Hackmatack stage after a 10 year absence. The play also stars local favorites Brian Peters, Tim Robinson, Debra Wiley and Carol Seeley. It is directed by Mary Tarochione whose work at Hackmatack includes The Pirates of Penzance and The Secret Garden. Tarochione is a founding member of NativeAliens Theatre Collective in New York.

Tickets for Our Town at Hackmatack Playhouse, 538 School Street, Berwick, Maine, range from $10 to $22. Visit www.Hackmatack.org or call (207) 698-1807.

Our Town continues through July 4th with Wednesday through Saturday shows at 8 pm, and Matinee Thursday at 2:00. The entertainment continues at Hackmatack Playhouse this season with Anything Goes, July 8 - 25; The Mystery of Edwin Drood running July 29 through August 8; and August 12 through 29 will feature Mel Brooks' madcap musical, The Producers.

Pictured are actors Jay Rodger and Sara Packin

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