Roger Bean to Visit MSMT; WONDERETTES Runs 6/8-25

Maine State Music Theatre is excited to welcome Roger Bean, the writer and creator of the smash hit musical THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES. MSMT brings Bean to Brunswick from his home in Los Angeles to act as creative consultant during early rehearsals of the show in late May. THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES opens MSMT's 53rd season on June 8th and runs through June 25th. The musical highlights four young women at their high school prom in 1958 and again at their ten-year reunion in 1968 as they discuss their lives and loves by singing pop hits from the 50s and 60s.

Roger Bean is an award-winning creator and director of musicals that incorporate music from a particular era into endearing stories that bring both well and lesser-known hits from the days of the phonograph and the jukebox back to life. His popular hit, THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, is an Off-Broadway sensation receiving great acclaim, including a 2009 Drama League Award for Best Musical. Other musicals by Bean include THE ANDREWS BROTHERS, ROUTE 66, WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE?, HONKY TONK LAUNDRY, DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL!, WINTER WONDERETTES, and LIFE COULD BE A DREAM. Many of Bean's works have been originated at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre where Bean often directs his new musicals. Many of Bean's works have become popular at regional and community-based theatres across the country.

"It's such an opportunity for us to touch base with a creative resource who is responsible for the inception of this show. We can only imagine that his familiarity with the show will enhance our production," states MSMT's Executive Director, Steven Peterson.

MSMT's production of THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES is directed by Chan Harris. Harris gained notoriety during MSMT's 2010 season because of his striking use of multi-media stage techniques in MSMT's production of ALWAYS PATSY CLINE. Jacob Toth, choreographer for THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, states "I've always been intrigued by the dance history of this era. The 1950s and 1960s were America's Golden Age, filled with hope and optimism, which was reflected in the music and dance trends of the time." Both Harris and Toth are expected to consult with Bean during his visit to Brunswick.

In honor of Roger Bean's visit, Maine State Music Theatre is hosting a private reception for major donors at the home of MSMT board member, Elena Vandervoort. The event gives supporters of the theatre a chance to meet Bean and hear about the process of creating new musical theatre.

Tickets to see THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES are on sale now. Interested parties can contact the MSMT box office at (207) 725-8769, visit the box office window in person at 22 Elm Street in Brunswick, Maine or purchase online at HYPERLINK "http://www.msmt.org" www.msmt.org. The show previews on June 8th and runs until June 25th. Matinees are at 2 p.m. and evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. For specific dates and availability, please contact the box office or visit the website. All performances are at Pickard Theater located at 1 Bath Road in Brunswick, on the campus of Bowdoin College.

MSMT's full 2011 summer season also includes the classic musical ANNIE, a hilarious roller-disco, musical comedy send-up of the 1980 Olivia Newton John film, XANADU, and the rock, soul and gospel journey through the famous Land of OZ, THE WIZ. Children's programming and special concert events including a presentation of the music from the Tony Award-winning musical (for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Orchestrations) SPRING AWAKENING are also planned.

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