Dan Marois

The Players' Ring in Portsmouth, in its latest offering, invites audiences into the unassuming yet profoundly resonant world of “A Man of No Importance.” This 2002 musical, with its tender book by Terrence McNally and the soaring melodies of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, (They wrote the musical, “Ragtime.”) gently peels back the layers of common day life into a universe of heartfelt human connection and quiet courage.

'Come From Away,' a contemporary musical by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, is currently playing at the Ogunquit Playhouse, and it's truly a testament to the power of human kindness. This show isn't just entertainment; it's a genuine, life-affirming experience that reminds us of the best in people, especially when facing the unthinkable.

There is simply no denying this updated and witty adaptation from Douglas Carter Beane (Xanadu and Sister Act), who has taken a few liberties with the classic story that takes it from its sugar-frosted traditional tale to a modern story with a satirical edge. His script combines sweetness, freshness, and a slew of comic moments, even throwing in a nod to “Les Misérables,” with a political revolution subplot.

With neon lighting, big hair, shoulder pads, and swagger, the Seacoast Repertory Theatre is journeying back to 1985, a time of change when the first mobile phones are big, bulky, and carried proudly by the upward moving yuppies of the time.

It is strangely magical that audiences love shows that take playful jabs at nuns. Remember “Late Night Catechism,” a nostalgic visit with a substitute teacher in a parish catechism class that’s highly interactive. And Christoper Durang wrote a scathing satire “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You” where a nun explains the basic tenets of Catholicism to the audience only to be interrupted by her former students who have clearly not led a holy life.

The Seacoast Repertory Theatre's production of 'The Nutcracker' is a delightful reimagining of the classic ballet that creates a very different holiday magic.

Disney's “Frozen,” the beloved animated film, has successfully made its way to the stage at The Music Hall in Portsmouth with an enchanting production, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.

What did our critic think of PAULA POUNDSTONE at Jonathan's?

I was never fond of Cats. But after seeing it performed at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre, my viewpoint has changed forever. This production is spectacular!

What Seacoast Repertory Theatre's production of “Lizzie” is a mind blowing, electrifying journey into the heart of an historical New England mystery that took place in Fall River, Massachusetts. The show is based on the infamous Lizzie Borden case of 1892 (Remember “Lizzie Borden had an ax and gave her mother 40 whacks”), delves into the complexities of societal expectations and the power of female rage.

You can always count on the Seacoast Repertory Theatre to stage productions that are out of the mainstream, out of the ordinary, and that challenge audiences in new ways. This is very apparent is its current production of Nick Dear's adaptation of Mary Shelley's “Frankenstein.” It is a dark and foreboding telling of the Frankenstein legend through the eyes of the creature, rather than from the creator, Victor Frankenstein. What did our critic think of FRANKENSTEIN at Seacoast Repertory Theatre?

I have reviewed many a show at the Ogunquit Playhouse and they have been consistently great with an occasionally critiqued item or two. As for their current production of the world premiere of My Best Friend's Wedding, the production can only be described as Ogunquit Playhouse at its best.

This is one of those offbeat musicals that entertains you with its unusual charm, catchy tunes, and cartoon-like characters. With the plot line featuring a talking plant that feeds only on human blood, this is not your grandmother’s kind of musical. (Unless your grandmother regularly attends the wide variety of shows performed at the Ogunquit Playhouse.)

The Peterborough Players ends a record breaking season with a production of “Man of La Mancha,” starring Scott Bakula (From television in, “Quantum Leap,” “Star Trek Enterprise,” and “NCIS:New Orleans”) and his wife, Chelsea Field (best known Rita Devereaux  in “NCIS:New Orleans”), in the lead roles of Cervantes and Aldonza.

Agatha Christie's “Go Back for Murder” is more than just a whodunit. It's a psychological exploration of memory, guilt, and the blurred lines between truth and perception currently playing at the Barnstormers Theatre in its historic venue in Tamworth.

Sherrie arrives in Hollywood with dreams of becoming an actor. She meets Drew, a busser at the popular rock club, The Bourbon Room, looking to become the next big rock star. They instantly connect, sharing a love for rock music and big dreams. Their relationship blossoms amidst the energetic and wild atmosphere of the Sunset Strip.

Scott Bakula and Chelsea Field are set to grace the stage in the upcoming production of the musical, “Man of La Mancha” playing at the Peterborough Players from August 14 to 25.

The Ogunquit Playhouse is filling its summer nights with a little night music- literally. A Little Night Music is a sophisticated musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler set in early 20th century Sweden. The story revolves around a complex web of relationships and romantic entanglements among the privileged upper class.

A fabulous production of a well loved classic.