Summer Stages: BWW's Top Summer Theatre Picks in Maine

Co-written with Scott Moreau

With the start of Memorial Day, hordes of summer visitors flock to Maine for an idyllic summer of sailing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, and reveling in the beauty of the rocky coast, serene lakes and mountains, and pine-scented air. But exploring the outdoors is not the only reason to visit the state whose moniker is "Vacationland." For theatre lovers there are some excellent opportunities to experience exciting professional and community theatre productions.

Here are a few recommendations for theatre and repertoire in Southern, Midcoast, and Downeast Maine.

MAINE STATE MUSIC THEATRE

If you take the scenic drive on Maine's Route 1 through the majestic Mid-coast, you will find a jewel of New England theatre. On the campus of Bowdoin College at the Pickard Theatre, Maine State has been a music theatre institution since its opening in 1959 as Victoria Crandall's Brunswick Music Theatre. Each summer offers ground breaking performances, and a slew of Broadway veterans, newcomers and mainstays. This summer, Maine State offers Dreamgirls (June 5 - 22), Les Miserables (June 26 - July 13) back by popular demand before its return to the Great White Way in the spring of 2014, the show oft called the "perfect musical": Gypsy (July 17 - August 3) and the East Coast regional premiere of the Walt Disney classic, Mary Poppins (August 7 - 24). They also have a series of special events and theatre for young audiences, including Charlotte's Web on June 12th, Cinderella on August 19th, Hair in Concert on June 17th, Suzanne Nance and Friends on June 29th and their Footlight Follies (a cabaret featuring members of the MSMT company and special guests) on August 12th! Please visit www.msmt.org for more information, directions, and to book your tickets now! ?

OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE

One of the oldest and most venerable Maine summer stages, the Ogunquit Playhouse has seen the likes of Ethel Barrymore, Maude Adams, and Laurette Hart tread its boards. Dubbed "Broadway at the Beach," The Playhouse celebrates its 81st season this year with productions of The Rat Pack, (May 22-June 8), Thoroughly Modern Millie (June 12-July 6), Young Frankenstein (July 10-July 27, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (July 31-August 25), Ballroom with a Twist (August 27-31), West Side Story (September 4-September 28), and The Buddy Holly Story (October 2-13). Tickets may be purchased online at boxoffice@ogunquitplayhouse.org or by calling 207-646-5511. Located on Route 1 in the picturesque resort of Ogunquit, ME, theatre -goers can also avail themselves of the village's many other attractions including the sweeping white sand beaches, the spectacular cliff walk, and the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. Trolley Service runs throughout the town and to The Playhouse from the many hotels as well.

THEATRE AT MONMOUTH

With its focus primarily on Shakespeare and the classics, the Theatre at Monmouth, founded in 1970, is a year-round repertory company of professional theatre artists from across Maine and the United States. The 2013 season features productions of Francis Beaumont's The Knight of the Burning Pestle (July 6-August16), William Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew (July 12-August 18), Thornton Wilder's Our Town (July 19-August 17), Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking (July 26-August 18), children's classic The Velveteen Rabbit (June 21-August 16), and Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience (September 10-30). Performances are held in the historic Cumston Hall on Main Street in Monmouth, ME. Tickets may be purchased online at boxoffice@theatreatmonmouth.org or by calling 207-933-9999.

ACADIA REPERTORY

Now in its 40th season the Acadia repertory in Somesville on Mount Desert Island offers four productions to visitors to this sublime setting in Downeast Maine. Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine runs July 1-14, followed by Malachy and Frank's A Couple of Blackguards (July 16-28), Paul Slade Smith's Unnecessary Farce (July 30-August 11), and Agatha Christie's A Murder Is Announced (August 13-September 1). The box office begins to take reservations from the first week of June. Call 207-244-7260. Visitors to the theatre should, of course, plan to take in the splendors of Acadia National Park during their stay!

ARUNDEL BARN PLAYHOUSE

Take a break from your day at the beach, or trying to get a glimpse of the Bush compound at Walker Point, and venture a bit off the beaten path north on Route 1 to discover some wonderful theatre at the Arundel Barn Playhouse. The theatre may be housed in a century-old barn, but don't let that fool you; once you step in those doors you will be transported back to the golden days of Maine summer stock theatre, and the days of the Straw Hat Circuit. This summer, the Barn boasts a great lineup of shows including The Andrews Brothers (June 18-29), Chicago (July 2-13), The New England premiere of the hilarious Shrek The Musical (July 16-August 3), The Elvis Presley meets Shakespeare musical All Shook Up (August 6-17) and rounding out the summer with a fan favorite, Always, Patsy Cline (August 20-31). Visit www.arundelbarnplayhouse.com for tickets and more information. You'll be glad you did!

HACKMATACK PLAYHOUSE

Venture to the Seacoast region in Southern Maine, and you'll find another rustic, yet amazing theatre, The Hackmatack Playhouse. They have been offering a variety of performances to the region for 31 years, and their well-rounded 2013 season is one to mark on your calendar. Starting things off is a title you know, with a refreshing 39 Steps-esque take, The Hound of The Baskervilles (June 21-July 2) followed by the beloved Sound Of Music (July 10-27), a personal favorite, Les Miserables (July 31-August 17) and the classic, hilarious and poignant Driving Miss Daisy (August 21-30). Got a younger member of the family that has the acting bug? Well, you are in luck, because Hackmatack offers a summer camp for children ages 7-13, and lasts from June 24th-August 10th! Visit www.hackmatack.org for tickets, or to enroll your child in summer camp!

There are numerous other opportunities to enjoy summer theatre in Maine. The following is a short list of options.

Mad Horse Theatre, a professional repertory company located at 24 Mosher St., South Portland, ME. Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus (June 6-23), Box Office: (207) 730-2389.

Boothbay Playhouse, a summer stock company featuring fully staged productions of Broadway shows at 275 Wiscasset Rd. (Route 27), Boothbay, ME Monty Python's Spamalot (June 27-July 13), Once on This Island, an adaptation of The Little Mermaid (July 25-August 10). Box Office: 207-633-3379

Studio Theatre of Bath, a community company performing at the Chocolate Church Arts Center, ?800 Washington St., Bath, ME. Ken Ludwig's Moon Over Buffalo.( May 17-26), Box Office: 207-422-8455.

Freeport Players, a community theatre company performing at the Freeport Performing Arts Center, 30 Holbrook Street, Freeport, ME. Hitchcock's The 39 Steps (July 18-August 4). Kenny Finkle's Indoor/Outdoor (September 13-29). Tickets $10 online at www.fcponline.org or $15 at door. (No credits cards accepted at the door).

Photo Credits: Courtesy Ogunquit Playhouse, Arundel Barn Playhouse, Hacmatack Playhouse