A Conversation With Stars of MSMT's 9 to 5 THE MUSICAL
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 14, 2023
“This is going to be a summer of fun with substance,” smiles Jaden Dominque as she describes her new project, Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 THE MUSICAL, which opens at Maine State Music Theatre on July 19.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 14, 2023
“This is going to be a summer of fun with substance,” smiles Jaden Dominque as she describes her new project, Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 THE MUSICAL, which opens at Maine State Music Theatre on July 19.
Oscar Wilde's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST to Bring High Societal Hijinks to Theater at Monmouth
by BWW News Desk - July 12, 2023
Get ready to laugh with Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest at Theater at Monmouth.
by BWW News Desk - July 12, 2023
Get ready to laugh with Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest at Theater at Monmouth.
Benefit Performance of New Musical UPTA CAMP to be Presented at Maine's Winthrop PAC This Month
by BWW News Desk - July 10, 2023
UPTA CAMP will be presented at Winthrop PAC this month.
by BWW News Desk - July 10, 2023
UPTA CAMP will be presented at Winthrop PAC this month.
KEEP SINGING! Showcase of Short, Original Musicals to Play in Yarmouth Maine in August
by BWW News Desk - July 10, 2023
A comedy, a dramedy, and a drama: that's the offering of 'Keep Singing!', a showcase of short, original musicals by creative team Linda Hildonen and Colby Michaud.
by BWW News Desk - July 10, 2023
A comedy, a dramedy, and a drama: that's the offering of 'Keep Singing!', a showcase of short, original musicals by creative team Linda Hildonen and Colby Michaud.
BWW REVIEW: IMAGINE: The Beatles Music Comes to Brunswick
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 10, 2023
“You may say I’m a dreamer,” John Lennon writes in his iconic anthem, “Imagine,” and, indeed, in 1969 when the Beatles disbanded and embarked on solo careers, each of the four would create songs that did explore new realms. Musician Joe Boucher and his band, allow themselves to re-imagine new possibilities for the Beatles music from their solo careers in a concert bearing the title of Lennon’s song, which the group performed to a soldout house as a part of Maine State Music Theatre’s Concert Series July 9-10. IMAGINE presents compositions by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr from 1969-1980, played as they might have, had the foursome still been performing together as The Beatles and still under the watchful, creative eye of producer George Martin.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 10, 2023
“You may say I’m a dreamer,” John Lennon writes in his iconic anthem, “Imagine,” and, indeed, in 1969 when the Beatles disbanded and embarked on solo careers, each of the four would create songs that did explore new realms. Musician Joe Boucher and his band, allow themselves to re-imagine new possibilities for the Beatles music from their solo careers in a concert bearing the title of Lennon’s song, which the group performed to a soldout house as a part of Maine State Music Theatre’s Concert Series July 9-10. IMAGINE presents compositions by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr from 1969-1980, played as they might have, had the foursome still been performing together as The Beatles and still under the watchful, creative eye of producer George Martin.
Interview: Stewards of the Music: A Conversation with BUDDY HOLLY Cast
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 07, 2023
We are the stewards of the music. We are here to keep it alive and share it with as many people as possible,” says actor Jayson Elliott, who plays the Big Bopper in Maine State Music Theatre’s current production of THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY. Elliott joins Diego Guevara, who portrays Ritchie Valens, Angela C. Howell, director/choreographer/music director who also plays Vi Petty, and MSMT Artistic Director, Curt Dale Clark for a conversation about the musical with Broadway World’s Maine Editor, Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold at the second Peek Behind the Curtain series of the season. The record-breaking crowd attending the panel discussion mirrors the sold-out houses THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY has been drawing each night at the Pickard Theatre. They have come to celebrate the rock n’ roll legends and to explore what made Buddy Holly and his early colleagues such phenomena of music history.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 07, 2023
We are the stewards of the music. We are here to keep it alive and share it with as many people as possible,” says actor Jayson Elliott, who plays the Big Bopper in Maine State Music Theatre’s current production of THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY. Elliott joins Diego Guevara, who portrays Ritchie Valens, Angela C. Howell, director/choreographer/music director who also plays Vi Petty, and MSMT Artistic Director, Curt Dale Clark for a conversation about the musical with Broadway World’s Maine Editor, Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold at the second Peek Behind the Curtain series of the season. The record-breaking crowd attending the panel discussion mirrors the sold-out houses THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY has been drawing each night at the Pickard Theatre. They have come to celebrate the rock n’ roll legends and to explore what made Buddy Holly and his early colleagues such phenomena of music history.
Shakespeare's RICHARD II to be Presented at Theater At Monmouth in August
by BWW News Desk - July 06, 2023
Theater at Monmouth's Brave New Worlds season will continue with William Shakespeare's Richard II. See performance dates and learn how to purchase tickets!
by BWW News Desk - July 06, 2023
Theater at Monmouth's Brave New Worlds season will continue with William Shakespeare's Richard II. See performance dates and learn how to purchase tickets!
Deertrees Theatre to Launch 87th 'Mainest' Theatrical Summer With ALMOST MAINE & More
by BWW News Desk - July 05, 2023
Historic Deertrees Theatre, Maine’s most enchanting playhouse, is launching its 87th theatrical summer with the 'Mainest' of plays, 'John Cariani's 'Almost, Maine,' this weekend, kicking off a season of spectacular entertainment ahead.
by BWW News Desk - July 05, 2023
Historic Deertrees Theatre, Maine’s most enchanting playhouse, is launching its 87th theatrical summer with the 'Mainest' of plays, 'John Cariani's 'Almost, Maine,' this weekend, kicking off a season of spectacular entertainment ahead.
Review: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY: The Legend and the Legacy Live in MSMT's New Production
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 30, 2023
There are certain moments of history that become emblazoned in our collective human psyches. Fans of American popular music all remember with a searing certainty the day when Charles Hardin Holley was killed in a plane crash at age twenty-two, his pioneering meteoric rock ‘n’ roll career brought to a tragic end. But if Feb 3,1959, was “the day the music died “ - as Don McLean wrote - MSMT’s Buddy Holly STORY turns that trope on its head. The new production, staged by Angela C. Howell makes clear that the legacy of Buddy Holly lives, and if MSMT’s production of the jukebox musical about Holly’s legend and his legacy rocks the Pickard Theater to the rafters with its visceral musical energy, it also speaks volumes about the warmth and heart of the Holly story.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 30, 2023
There are certain moments of history that become emblazoned in our collective human psyches. Fans of American popular music all remember with a searing certainty the day when Charles Hardin Holley was killed in a plane crash at age twenty-two, his pioneering meteoric rock ‘n’ roll career brought to a tragic end. But if Feb 3,1959, was “the day the music died “ - as Don McLean wrote - MSMT’s Buddy Holly STORY turns that trope on its head. The new production, staged by Angela C. Howell makes clear that the legacy of Buddy Holly lives, and if MSMT’s production of the jukebox musical about Holly’s legend and his legacy rocks the Pickard Theater to the rafters with its visceral musical energy, it also speaks volumes about the warmth and heart of the Holly story.
ENCHANTED ISLANDS Coming To DownEast Maine In July
by BWW News Desk - June 28, 2023
Something magical is happening for families of all ages in the Deer Isle woods this summer from July 23-31, 2023.
by BWW News Desk - June 28, 2023
Something magical is happening for families of all ages in the Deer Isle woods this summer from July 23-31, 2023.
AN ILIAD Comes to Theater At Monmouth
by BWW News Desk - June 28, 2023
Theater at Monmouth's Brave New Worlds Season continues with An Iliad adapted by Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare, based on Homer's The Iliad translated by Robert Fagles.
by BWW News Desk - June 28, 2023
Theater at Monmouth's Brave New Worlds Season continues with An Iliad adapted by Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare, based on Homer's The Iliad translated by Robert Fagles.
SQUEEZE ME! Premieres At The Theater Project
by BWW News Desk - June 28, 2023
The Theater Project is thrilled to present the world premiere of SQUEEZE ME!, a brand new musical comedy from Maine-based writer and songwriter Brian Daly, creator of COME OUT SWINGIN'! and LAUGHING ALL THE WAY. He also wrote CAULDRON BUBBLE, which premiered at The Theater Project, and BIG AND HAIRY, a Showtime Family Original cable feature starring Richard Thomas.
by BWW News Desk - June 28, 2023
The Theater Project is thrilled to present the world premiere of SQUEEZE ME!, a brand new musical comedy from Maine-based writer and songwriter Brian Daly, creator of COME OUT SWINGIN'! and LAUGHING ALL THE WAY. He also wrote CAULDRON BUBBLE, which premiered at The Theater Project, and BIG AND HAIRY, a Showtime Family Original cable feature starring Richard Thomas.
Searsmont Composer Robert Sirota's Muzzy Ridge Concerts Returns For Third Season
by BWW News Desk - June 27, 2023
Composer Robert Sirota's third annual Muzzy Ridge Concerts series brings the highly acclaimed Fischer Duo and GRAMMY-nominated Neave Trio to Maine for performances presented over two weekends in August.
by BWW News Desk - June 27, 2023
Composer Robert Sirota's third annual Muzzy Ridge Concerts series brings the highly acclaimed Fischer Duo and GRAMMY-nominated Neave Trio to Maine for performances presented over two weekends in August.
Interview: Tony Award Winning TITANIC Creator Lauds MSMT Production as 'Groundbreaking'
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 26, 2023
On one of its most gala evenings in recent memory, Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark and Maine State Music Theatre celebrated Maury Yeston,Tony/Drama Desk/Olivier Award winning composer and lyricist of TITANIC, with two standing room only performances of the company’s recent revival, directed and choreographed by Marc Robin. And Yeston, who had journeyed to Maine to see his work performed at the Pickard Theater on June 22 and 23, in turn celebrated the work of the company, calling the new co-production, conceived and created by MSMT and the Fulton Theatre, “the most innovative, exciting presentation of anything I have seen in years. It is not even a matter of whether it was my work or any work, what they did here was so original and brilliant in its simplicity that it was magic.”
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 26, 2023
On one of its most gala evenings in recent memory, Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark and Maine State Music Theatre celebrated Maury Yeston,Tony/Drama Desk/Olivier Award winning composer and lyricist of TITANIC, with two standing room only performances of the company’s recent revival, directed and choreographed by Marc Robin. And Yeston, who had journeyed to Maine to see his work performed at the Pickard Theater on June 22 and 23, in turn celebrated the work of the company, calling the new co-production, conceived and created by MSMT and the Fulton Theatre, “the most innovative, exciting presentation of anything I have seen in years. It is not even a matter of whether it was my work or any work, what they did here was so original and brilliant in its simplicity that it was magic.”
Preview: END DAYS at Some Theatre Company
by Elaine Bard - June 23, 2023
End Days by Deborah Zoe Laufer is an intriguing play that explores the life of sixteen-year-old Rachel Stein, who is going through a difficult time. Her father has been deeply affected by the events of 9/11 and hasn't been able to move forward, while her mother has found solace in a newfound religious devotion. To add to the chaos, Rachel's new neighbor happens to be a sixteen-year-old Elvis impersonator who has fallen head over heels for her.
by Elaine Bard - June 23, 2023
End Days by Deborah Zoe Laufer is an intriguing play that explores the life of sixteen-year-old Rachel Stein, who is going through a difficult time. Her father has been deeply affected by the events of 9/11 and hasn't been able to move forward, while her mother has found solace in a newfound religious devotion. To add to the chaos, Rachel's new neighbor happens to be a sixteen-year-old Elvis impersonator who has fallen head over heels for her.
Interview: A Conversation with BUDDY HOLLY's Andrew Harvey and Jayson Elliott
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 23, 2023
“To do this show, you’ve got to have a bag of tricks. Everybody in the cast has to be multi-instrumentalists, as well as actors and singers.” Actor Jayson Elliott is talking about the complexities of performing THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY, which MSMT will present on its main stage beginning June 28. Elliot is reprising his role of J.P. Richardson, known as “The Big Bopper,” and he and MSMT newcomer, Andrew Harvey, who essays the title role, are discussing the intricacies and appeal of this juke box musical and its inspiration, rock and roll legend, Buddy Holly. Harvey and Elliott have worked together before on this show with director Angela C. Howell at Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Utah, and both actors have considerable experience with their roles. Elliott says he has played The Big Bopper some twenty times; Harvey has four productions under his belt, and they both note that the MSMT cast of eighteen can cumulatively claim to have performed in some one hundred productions. Harvey says, “ I have worked with quite a few of these people before, and I am enjoying being together again. They are all insanely talented musicians – which you have to be in this kind of juke box musical.”
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 23, 2023
“To do this show, you’ve got to have a bag of tricks. Everybody in the cast has to be multi-instrumentalists, as well as actors and singers.” Actor Jayson Elliott is talking about the complexities of performing THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY, which MSMT will present on its main stage beginning June 28. Elliot is reprising his role of J.P. Richardson, known as “The Big Bopper,” and he and MSMT newcomer, Andrew Harvey, who essays the title role, are discussing the intricacies and appeal of this juke box musical and its inspiration, rock and roll legend, Buddy Holly. Harvey and Elliott have worked together before on this show with director Angela C. Howell at Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Utah, and both actors have considerable experience with their roles. Elliott says he has played The Big Bopper some twenty times; Harvey has four productions under his belt, and they both note that the MSMT cast of eighteen can cumulatively claim to have performed in some one hundred productions. Harvey says, “ I have worked with quite a few of these people before, and I am enjoying being together again. They are all insanely talented musicians – which you have to be in this kind of juke box musical.”
Review: MARY POPPINS Soars to New Heights at The Bangor Opera House
by Elaine Bard - June 22, 2023
What did our critic think of “MARY POPPINS,” SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS AT THE BANGOR OPERA HOUSE at Penobscot Theatre Company?
by Elaine Bard - June 22, 2023
What did our critic think of “MARY POPPINS,” SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS AT THE BANGOR OPERA HOUSE at Penobscot Theatre Company?
Bartram & Hill's THE STORY OF MY LIFE to be Presented at Theater At Monmouth This Summer
by BWW News Desk - June 22, 2023
Theater at Monmouth will open their 2023 Brave New Worlds Summer Repertory Season with Neil Bartram and Brian Hill's The Story of My Life.
by BWW News Desk - June 22, 2023
Theater at Monmouth will open their 2023 Brave New Worlds Summer Repertory Season with Neil Bartram and Brian Hill's The Story of My Life.
Review: SINGING IN THE RAIN at Ogunquit Playhouse
by Dan Marois - June 20, 2023
What did our critic think of SINGING IN THE RAIN at Ogunquit Playhouse?
by Dan Marois - June 20, 2023
What did our critic think of SINGING IN THE RAIN at Ogunquit Playhouse?
Over 2,500 Students Attends POLKADOTS: THE COOL KIDS MUSICAL
by BWW News Desk - June 19, 2023
Over 2,500 students from 21 schools throughout Maine recently attended nine sold-out Student Matinee performances of The Public Theatre's production of 'Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical.' The Public Theatre's student matinee program enables schools to attend a performance at the Lewiston theatre for the reduced rate of only $5.00 a ticket, offering the majority of students the chance to experience live professional theatre for the very first time.
by BWW News Desk - June 19, 2023
Over 2,500 students from 21 schools throughout Maine recently attended nine sold-out Student Matinee performances of The Public Theatre's production of 'Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical.' The Public Theatre's student matinee program enables schools to attend a performance at the Lewiston theatre for the reduced rate of only $5.00 a ticket, offering the majority of students the chance to experience live professional theatre for the very first time.
A Beautiful Melancholy: TITANIC Stars Explore the Appeal of Yeston's Work
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 17, 2023
“TITANIC is ultimately uplifting, but a large part of the show sits in a melancholy place. It is a beautiful melancholy and it gives the audience a moment of hope and joy.” Maine State Music Theatre Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark is commenting on the company’s 2023 season opener, Maury Yeston and Peter Stone’s majestic musical, TITANIC, now playing its final week at the Pickard Theater. Clark is part of the first PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN panel discussion that includes some of TITANIC’s stars, Linda Balgord, Michael Nigro, and Carolyn Anne Miller in conversation with BWW Regional Maine Editor, Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold, who have assembled at Brunswick’s Curtis Memorial Library on June 14 to explore the appeal of Yeston’s work and to share insights about performing and producing this epic show.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 17, 2023
“TITANIC is ultimately uplifting, but a large part of the show sits in a melancholy place. It is a beautiful melancholy and it gives the audience a moment of hope and joy.” Maine State Music Theatre Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark is commenting on the company’s 2023 season opener, Maury Yeston and Peter Stone’s majestic musical, TITANIC, now playing its final week at the Pickard Theater. Clark is part of the first PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN panel discussion that includes some of TITANIC’s stars, Linda Balgord, Michael Nigro, and Carolyn Anne Miller in conversation with BWW Regional Maine Editor, Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold, who have assembled at Brunswick’s Curtis Memorial Library on June 14 to explore the appeal of Yeston’s work and to share insights about performing and producing this epic show.
Jupiter String Quartet Presented In Three Concerts As Part Of BOWDOIN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
by BWW News Desk - June 13, 2023
The internationally esteemed Jupiter String Quartet –– winner of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and the Banff International String Quartet Competition –– will be presented by the Bowdoin International Music Festival at Studzinski Recital Hall (12 Campus Road S.) in two performances on Monday, July 17 and Monday, July 24, 2023, in addition to the final concert on Friday August 4 at Crooker Theater (116 Maquoit Rd.). Each of the three performances, as well as the other concerts presented during the season, will be livestreamed at no charge.
by BWW News Desk - June 13, 2023
The internationally esteemed Jupiter String Quartet –– winner of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and the Banff International String Quartet Competition –– will be presented by the Bowdoin International Music Festival at Studzinski Recital Hall (12 Campus Road S.) in two performances on Monday, July 17 and Monday, July 24, 2023, in addition to the final concert on Friday August 4 at Crooker Theater (116 Maquoit Rd.). Each of the three performances, as well as the other concerts presented during the season, will be livestreamed at no charge.
Review: No Damsel in Distress: A Bold New RAPUNZEL Opens TYA Series at MSMT
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 13, 2023
Maine State Music Theatre opened its Theatre for Young Audiences series yesterday with the East Coast premiere of Robin & Clark’s latest children’s musical, RAPUNZEL. This unconventional and upbeat retelling of the traditional fairytale replaces the quintessential damsel in distress with a modern, sexist-defying heroine whose journey to embrace her destiny is a courageous adventure of self-discovery, reversal of stereotypes, and unabashed female empowerment.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 13, 2023
Maine State Music Theatre opened its Theatre for Young Audiences series yesterday with the East Coast premiere of Robin & Clark’s latest children’s musical, RAPUNZEL. This unconventional and upbeat retelling of the traditional fairytale replaces the quintessential damsel in distress with a modern, sexist-defying heroine whose journey to embrace her destiny is a courageous adventure of self-discovery, reversal of stereotypes, and unabashed female empowerment.
Opera Maine Will Stage Comic Opera CINDERELLA
by BWW News Desk - June 12, 2023
Opera Maine invites you to spectacular live singing and theater for its 29th season mainstage production of Cinderella (La Cenerentola) by Gioachino Rossini at Merrill Auditorium on Thursday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 30 at 2:30 p.m.
by BWW News Desk - June 12, 2023
Opera Maine invites you to spectacular live singing and theater for its 29th season mainstage production of Cinderella (La Cenerentola) by Gioachino Rossini at Merrill Auditorium on Thursday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 30 at 2:30 p.m.
Epic & Astonishingly Beautiful: MSMT's TITANIC
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 09, 2023
The legend of the Titanic is a haunting, yet uplifting tale of dreams and hubris, unfinished stories and transcendent moments. It is a story that has been told from so many perspectives for more than a century since the unsinkable ship did, tragically, go down on her maiden voyage in 1912. But perhaps no retelling of the events captures both the scale of the drama and its intimacy as perfectly as the Maury Yeston/Peter Stone musical, TITANIC, with its majestic score and tightly woven book. Now in an epic and astonishingly beautiful new co-production created by MSMT with the Fulton Theatre, this masterpiece comes to life with a sensational cast in a dazzling visual production that focuses on the profoundly touching humanity of the saga – of the lives lived and lost, the lessons learned and remembered.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 09, 2023
The legend of the Titanic is a haunting, yet uplifting tale of dreams and hubris, unfinished stories and transcendent moments. It is a story that has been told from so many perspectives for more than a century since the unsinkable ship did, tragically, go down on her maiden voyage in 1912. But perhaps no retelling of the events captures both the scale of the drama and its intimacy as perfectly as the Maury Yeston/Peter Stone musical, TITANIC, with its majestic score and tightly woven book. Now in an epic and astonishingly beautiful new co-production created by MSMT with the Fulton Theatre, this masterpiece comes to life with a sensational cast in a dazzling visual production that focuses on the profoundly touching humanity of the saga – of the lives lived and lost, the lessons learned and remembered.
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