Good Theater Opens 13th Season with THE RAINMAKER Tonight

Good Theater, the professional theater company in residence at the St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress Street, Portland, has announced the start of its 13th season. Opening tonight, October 1 and running through October 19 will be N. Richard Nash's acclaimed classic, THE RAINMAKER.

THE RAINMAKER directed by Brian P. Allen, Good Theater's Artistic Director, stars Laurel Casillo as Lizzie. Ms. Casillo recently made her Broadway debut in the Tony Award nominated Best Play Act One. She is joined on stage by Max Waszak as Bill Starbuck, the conman who helps Lizzie to believe she is beautiful, and Christopher Holt as Deputy Sheriff File, a man unable to share his true feelings. Also in the cast is Good Theater veteran, Michael Kimball as H.C. Curry, Lizzie's father along with newcomers to Good Theater, Graham Emmons as Lizzie's practical brother, Noah, and Conor Riordan Martin as Lizzie's younger brother, Jim. Rounding out the cast is another Good Theater veteran, Glenn Anderson, as the Sheriff.

THE RAINMAKER is set in Oklahoma during the mid-1930 while a draught is ravaging the country. With cattle dying and no rain insight, the appearance of a rainmaker gives some members of the household hope while others resist the conman's claims that within 24-hours he can bring rain. Lizzie's family is desperate for her to find a husband. When the Deputy proves to be reluctant, attention turns to this stranger who has just arrived.

Good Theater's co-founder and technical director, Stephen Underwood has collaborated with assistant technical director Craig Robinson on the set design. Justin Cote is the costume designer and the production stage manager. Iain Odlin is the lighting designer. Cheryl Dolan is the scenic artist and props coordinator. Cynthia Hodak of Al Dube Quarter Horses in Biddeford is providing all of the horse and ranch items.

THE RAINMAKER opened in Broadway in 1954 starring Geraldine Page and Darren McGavin, playing for 125 performances. A Broadway revival starring Jayne Atkinson and Woody Harrelson opened in 1999 running for 99 performances (including previews) and garnered a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play for Ms. Atkinson. A 1956 movie version starred Burt Lancaster, Katharine Hepburn and Lloyd Bridges. The movie received two Academy Award nominations including one for Katharine Hepburn as Best Actress. The Rainmaker was nominated for four Golden Globes including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor and it won for Best Supporting Actor, Earl Holliman.

Director Brian P. Allen has this to say, "I love The Rainmaker and have wanted to do it at Good Theater for a number of years. This season seemed like the perfect time, and I am excited to bring a fresh new take on this timeless classic. We have assembled a terrific cast to tell this sweet, funny, and sexy story of love and hope."

Good Theater's production of THE RAINMAKER plays Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 ($20), Fridays at 7:30 ($25), Saturdays at 3:00 ($25) and 7:30 ($28) and Sundays at 2:00 ($28). Tickets may be purchased on line by going to the Good Theater website, www.goodtheater.com or by calling the box office at 207-885-5883.

Season tickets are also available, starting at $75 for five productions. Other shows in the Good Theater season include the Maine premiere of MRS. MANNERLY by Jeffrey Hatcher, the Maine premiere of REGRETS ONLY by Paul Rudnick, the Maine premiere of THE OTHER PLACE by Sharr White and the world premiere of LEGENDS: THE MUSIC OF BARBRA STREISAND starring Kelly Caufield, written by Brian P. Allen with musical arrangements by Victoria Stubbs.

Good Theater will also offer two special events during the season: the annual fundraiser, BROADWAY AT GOOD THEATER December 3-7, and UNDERWATERGUY 2.0 for select dates in April. Information about all of these productions can be found on the Good Theater website www.goodtheater.com.

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