MSMT and Curtis Memorial Library Host Last Panel Discussion of the Season on NEWSIES
by BWW News Desk - August 03, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) will hold a panel discussion "Peek Behind the Curtain - Newsies" on Wednesday, August 16, 12 pm - 1 pm in the Morrell Meeting Room at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick.
by BWW News Desk - August 03, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) will hold a panel discussion "Peek Behind the Curtain - Newsies" on Wednesday, August 16, 12 pm - 1 pm in the Morrell Meeting Room at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick.
Two Of Maine's Cultural Institutions Collaborate on THE ALL NIGHT STRUT!
by BWW News Desk - August 02, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) in Brunswick and Portland Stage (PS) in Portland, Maine announce a second partnership and artistic collaboration that will continue to broaden the connection between the two communities and deepen the program offerings for both theatres' audiences.
by BWW News Desk - August 02, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) in Brunswick and Portland Stage (PS) in Portland, Maine announce a second partnership and artistic collaboration that will continue to broaden the connection between the two communities and deepen the program offerings for both theatres' audiences.
Remember the Songs of the 50s with MSMT's TAFFETAS on 8/14
by BWW News Desk - August 01, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre presents The Taffetas for one day only on Monday, August 14 with shows at 2 PM and 7:30 PM.
by BWW News Desk - August 01, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre presents The Taffetas for one day only on Monday, August 14 with shows at 2 PM and 7:30 PM.
Photo Coverage: MSMT's The Who's TOMMY
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - August 01, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre presented two sold-out performances of The Who's Tommy, the rock musical by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff, on July 31, 2017, at Brunswick's Pickard Theater.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - August 01, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre presented two sold-out performances of The Who's Tommy, the rock musical by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff, on July 31, 2017, at Brunswick's Pickard Theater.
BWW Review: An Amazing Journey: MSMT's Riveting and Revelatory TOMMY
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - August 01, 2017
Midway through the first act of The Who's Tommy, the young protagonist invites his mates and listeners to ride together on his amazing journey. And truly, Maine State Music Theatre's production of the Pete Townshend/DesMcAnuff musical, seen for two performances only at the Pickard Theater July 31 offers its audience just that - a riveting, often raw, perennially relevant, piercingly beautiful account of a boy's painful but ultimately uplifting journey through the darker side of human experience and into the light. The rarely staged 1992 musical version based on the 1969 concept album and rock opera with its sung-through score, narrative told largely in dance, and its sometimes disturbing material poses significant challenges to any company, but MSMT once again proves its artistic mettle. Under the inspired direction of Curt Dale Clark, with the complex choreography of Raymond Marc Dumont and the rousing musical direction of Patrick Fanning, this company of young artists marshals its considerable talents to tackle the ambitious project with energy, passion, and complete professionalism.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - August 01, 2017
Midway through the first act of The Who's Tommy, the young protagonist invites his mates and listeners to ride together on his amazing journey. And truly, Maine State Music Theatre's production of the Pete Townshend/DesMcAnuff musical, seen for two performances only at the Pickard Theater July 31 offers its audience just that - a riveting, often raw, perennially relevant, piercingly beautiful account of a boy's painful but ultimately uplifting journey through the darker side of human experience and into the light. The rarely staged 1992 musical version based on the 1969 concept album and rock opera with its sung-through score, narrative told largely in dance, and its sometimes disturbing material poses significant challenges to any company, but MSMT once again proves its artistic mettle. Under the inspired direction of Curt Dale Clark, with the complex choreography of Raymond Marc Dumont and the rousing musical direction of Patrick Fanning, this company of young artists marshals its considerable talents to tackle the ambitious project with energy, passion, and complete professionalism.
Penobscot Theatre Company to Offer Free Sneak Peek At New Season
by BWW News Desk - August 01, 2017
Penobscot Theatre Company invites the community to enjoy a complimentary sampling of the 2017-2018 season at Scenes & Songs, August 24 at 7:00 pm, at the Bangor Opera House.
by BWW News Desk - August 01, 2017
Penobscot Theatre Company invites the community to enjoy a complimentary sampling of the 2017-2018 season at Scenes & Songs, August 24 at 7:00 pm, at the Bangor Opera House.
Disney's NEWSIES to Take Over Maine State Music Theatre Stage This August
by BWW News Desk - July 31, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre closes out its 2017 season with the New England Regional Premier of the all-singing, all-dancing, high-energy show, Disney's Newsies. Featuring a score by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, Newsies runs from August 9 - 26. A matinee performance has been added on August 19 at 2 PM.
by BWW News Desk - July 31, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre closes out its 2017 season with the New England Regional Premier of the all-singing, all-dancing, high-energy show, Disney's Newsies. Featuring a score by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, Newsies runs from August 9 - 26. A matinee performance has been added on August 19 at 2 PM.
Cast Aside to Bring HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH to Portland
by BWW News Desk - July 31, 2017
'Internationally ignored song stylist' Hedwig Robinson brings her fourth-wall-smashing rock'n'roll saga to Maine to set the record straight about her life, her loves, and that botched operation.
by BWW News Desk - July 31, 2017
'Internationally ignored song stylist' Hedwig Robinson brings her fourth-wall-smashing rock'n'roll saga to Maine to set the record straight about her life, her loves, and that botched operation.
BWW Review: Tension-Filled, Tempestuous OTHELLO at TAM
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 31, 2017
In a spare, tautly sculpted performance of Shakespeare's classic tragedy of deceit and jealousy, The Theater at Monmouth's offers a gripping, tension-filled and tempestuous account of Shakespeare's Othello. Staged in simple contemporary dress with a strong cast, the production bears witness to the timelessness of the tale.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 31, 2017
In a spare, tautly sculpted performance of Shakespeare's classic tragedy of deceit and jealousy, The Theater at Monmouth's offers a gripping, tension-filled and tempestuous account of Shakespeare's Othello. Staged in simple contemporary dress with a strong cast, the production bears witness to the timelessness of the tale.
Disney's NEWSIES to Open August 8 the Barn Theatre School
by BWW News Desk - July 29, 2017
Leaping onto the Barn Theatre stage with soul stirring music, amazing heart, and stunning choreography is Disney's NEWSIES, August 8 - 20. The Tony Award-winning Broadway phenomenon. The show is based on the historical newsboy strike of 1899 that shook the ivory towers of William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer.
by BWW News Desk - July 29, 2017
Leaping onto the Barn Theatre stage with soul stirring music, amazing heart, and stunning choreography is Disney's NEWSIES, August 8 - 20. The Tony Award-winning Broadway phenomenon. The show is based on the historical newsboy strike of 1899 that shook the ivory towers of William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer.
Free Performance of HOW TO ACT LIKE A CHILD at the Public Theatre Tonight
by BWW News Desk - July 28, 2017
The Public Theatre's professional theatre training program for teens will perform How to Act like a Child: Lessons in NOT Being a Grown-up, a compilation of hip and entertaining stories inspired by children's book author Shel Silverstein and others on Friday, July 28th at 6pm.
by BWW News Desk - July 28, 2017
The Public Theatre's professional theatre training program for teens will perform How to Act like a Child: Lessons in NOT Being a Grown-up, a compilation of hip and entertaining stories inspired by children's book author Shel Silverstein and others on Friday, July 28th at 6pm.
We Go Together: GREASE Ensemble Discusses Challenges and Camaraderie
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 28, 2017
'We are all there for each other,' Kevin Nietzel asserts, affirming the bond that is making Maine State Music Theatre's Grease so electric. 'It is very rewarding,' adds Neil Starkenberg, MSMT's Danny Zuko. Co-star Chelsea Williams, who plays Sandy to Starkenberg's Danny, continues the thought: 'Neil and I have had conversations about how we could do this show for a really long time. It is so much fun, and I think that must be obvious to the audience. The energy is so palpable that it is a special joy to work that hard every night. Everyone is having the time of his life!' These three actors together with principals Gerrianne Perez (Rizzo), Charis Leos (Miss Lynch), Costume Designer Travis M. Grant, and MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark all joined BWW's Maine editor Carla Maria Verdino-Sullwold for the third panel discussion in the theatre's Peek Behind the Curtain series held each summer at Curtis Memorial Library. In an especially lively and far-ranging conversation that highlighted not only the challenges but also the camaraderie of this ensemble, the panel and capacity audience explored the history, characters, and production process for MSMT's summer mega hit.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 28, 2017
'We are all there for each other,' Kevin Nietzel asserts, affirming the bond that is making Maine State Music Theatre's Grease so electric. 'It is very rewarding,' adds Neil Starkenberg, MSMT's Danny Zuko. Co-star Chelsea Williams, who plays Sandy to Starkenberg's Danny, continues the thought: 'Neil and I have had conversations about how we could do this show for a really long time. It is so much fun, and I think that must be obvious to the audience. The energy is so palpable that it is a special joy to work that hard every night. Everyone is having the time of his life!' These three actors together with principals Gerrianne Perez (Rizzo), Charis Leos (Miss Lynch), Costume Designer Travis M. Grant, and MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark all joined BWW's Maine editor Carla Maria Verdino-Sullwold for the third panel discussion in the theatre's Peek Behind the Curtain series held each summer at Curtis Memorial Library. In an especially lively and far-ranging conversation that highlighted not only the challenges but also the camaraderie of this ensemble, the panel and capacity audience explored the history, characters, and production process for MSMT's summer mega hit.
Maine State Ballet presents DON QUIXOTE, Opening 8/10
by BWW News Desk - July 27, 2017
Maine State Ballet brings some Spanish spice to summer with a two-week run of Don Quixote, the classic comedic ballet based on the novel by Miguel de Cervantes, August 10 through August 19, at Maine State Ballet's Lopez Theater.
by BWW News Desk - July 27, 2017
Maine State Ballet brings some Spanish spice to summer with a two-week run of Don Quixote, the classic comedic ballet based on the novel by Miguel de Cervantes, August 10 through August 19, at Maine State Ballet's Lopez Theater.
THE BOYS NEXT DOOR at Some Theatre Company
by Elaine Bard - July 25, 2017
Penned with extraordinary humor and compassion, The Boys Next Door, by Tom Griffin, is a delightful and touching glimpse of life and friendship from the view point of 4 men who face incredible challenges. These four 'boys' always 'tell it like it is,' and don't need anyone to tell them how or when to express their feelings. In this time of cynicism, there is an honesty and sincerity about this play that will stay with you long after it ends.
by Elaine Bard - July 25, 2017
Penned with extraordinary humor and compassion, The Boys Next Door, by Tom Griffin, is a delightful and touching glimpse of life and friendship from the view point of 4 men who face incredible challenges. These four 'boys' always 'tell it like it is,' and don't need anyone to tell them how or when to express their feelings. In this time of cynicism, there is an honesty and sincerity about this play that will stay with you long after it ends.
Huge 'Hackmatack' Sign in Berwick Celebrates 45 Years of Theater
by BWW News Desk - July 25, 2017
When you see the big wooden "H" and the nine letters that follow sitting high on the hill, you might think you made a wrong turn somewhere along the continental divide.
by BWW News Desk - July 25, 2017
When you see the big wooden "H" and the nine letters that follow sitting high on the hill, you might think you made a wrong turn somewhere along the continental divide.
Lawrence Schulman To Speak On Judy Garland in Cape Elizabeth
by BWW News Desk - July 25, 2017
Award-winning music producer, critic and translator Lawrence Schulman will give a talk on Judy Garland, entitled "Moments of Magic," at the Thomas Memorial Library in Cape Elizabeth, Maine on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 6:30 P.M.
by BWW News Desk - July 25, 2017
Award-winning music producer, critic and translator Lawrence Schulman will give a talk on Judy Garland, entitled "Moments of Magic," at the Thomas Memorial Library in Cape Elizabeth, Maine on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 6:30 P.M.
City Theater Presents THE WIZARD OF OZ
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2017
Travel over the rainbow at City Theater to a magical kingdom filled with munchkins, flying monkeys, witches, and wizards. Join four unlikely friends as they set out to discover wisdom, compassion, courage, and the way home. The Wizard of Oz runs for three weekends, July 21st-August 6th.
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2017
Travel over the rainbow at City Theater to a magical kingdom filled with munchkins, flying monkeys, witches, and wizards. Join four unlikely friends as they set out to discover wisdom, compassion, courage, and the way home. The Wizard of Oz runs for three weekends, July 21st-August 6th.
BWW Review: Electrifying Joy Ride, GREASE Rocks MSMT Stage
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 21, 2017
Rock'n roll, teen rebellion, a collection of quirky, lovable characters, and a musical score seared into the American cultural fabric - all these come together in a breathless and breathtaking joy ride that pulsates with electrifying energy in Maine State Music Theatre's third main stage show, Grease. The Jim Jacobs/Warren Casey musical, which reminisces nostalgically about the joyful, naughty, unforgettable days of senior year in mythical Rydell High in 1959, has seen numerous permutations since its original production as an edgy, raunchy musical play called Vaseline in 1971, to its Broadway debut in 1972 and through various film versions including the iconic 1978 movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Here in its Broadway version, amplified with a number of the favorite songs from the movie, MSMT has created a high-flying confection that is a valentine to a simpler era with just the right sparks of sass and sweetness that combine for an irresistibly engaging evening that is sure to prove the summer theatre scene's mega hit.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 21, 2017
Rock'n roll, teen rebellion, a collection of quirky, lovable characters, and a musical score seared into the American cultural fabric - all these come together in a breathless and breathtaking joy ride that pulsates with electrifying energy in Maine State Music Theatre's third main stage show, Grease. The Jim Jacobs/Warren Casey musical, which reminisces nostalgically about the joyful, naughty, unforgettable days of senior year in mythical Rydell High in 1959, has seen numerous permutations since its original production as an edgy, raunchy musical play called Vaseline in 1971, to its Broadway debut in 1972 and through various film versions including the iconic 1978 movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Here in its Broadway version, amplified with a number of the favorite songs from the movie, MSMT has created a high-flying confection that is a valentine to a simpler era with just the right sparks of sass and sweetness that combine for an irresistibly engaging evening that is sure to prove the summer theatre scene's mega hit.
Hackmatack Playhouse Opens STEEL MAGNOLIAS Next Week
by BWW News Desk - July 19, 2017
Six women, three generations. This is the foundation of "Steel Magnolias," the show opening next week at Hackmatack Playhouse in Berwick. It is also the story of the six actors who were cast in this story of a group of gossipy southern ladies who meet at a small town beauty parlor.
by BWW News Desk - July 19, 2017
Six women, three generations. This is the foundation of "Steel Magnolias," the show opening next week at Hackmatack Playhouse in Berwick. It is also the story of the six actors who were cast in this story of a group of gossipy southern ladies who meet at a small town beauty parlor.
John Cariani's CUL-DE-SAC Comes to Studio Series
by BWW News Desk - July 18, 2017
???????Portland Stage Affiliate Artists present a 'Studio Series Workshop Staged Reading' of John Cariani's cul-de-sac, Monday, July 31st at 7:30 pm, followed by an open discussion between the playwright, director and audience, Portland Stage Studio Theater, 25A Forest Avenue in Portland. Tickets are a $10 in advance, or $15 at the door.
by BWW News Desk - July 18, 2017
???????Portland Stage Affiliate Artists present a 'Studio Series Workshop Staged Reading' of John Cariani's cul-de-sac, Monday, July 31st at 7:30 pm, followed by an open discussion between the playwright, director and audience, Portland Stage Studio Theater, 25A Forest Avenue in Portland. Tickets are a $10 in advance, or $15 at the door.
'I Feel Most Myself When I Am Acting': A Conversation with GREASE's Chelsea Williams
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 18, 2017
'I think other people first recognized that I was geared to being a performer. I didn't necessarily recognize that myself, but when I performed in my first musical in high school, I suddenly said to myself 'Nothing else makes me feel like this. I felt these amazing vibrations between me and the audience and me and the rest of the people on stage; I felt connected to the world - more like my true self myself that I had ever felt before, and that's how I knew.' Chelsea Williams is talking about discovering her vocation as an actress and the creative journey which has taken her to the nation's leading theatres. This July and August the Windham, Maine, native returns to her home state to play Sandy in Maine State Music Theatre's production of Grease, which begins its run at the Pickard Theater on July 19. Williams made her MSMT debut last summer as Sophie in MSMT's blockbuster hit, Mamma Mia!, reprising the role that constituted her big career breakthrough. Like Mamma Mia!, Grease is blessed with an unforgettable score and a story that is both endearing and totally joyous, and the new MSMT production in which Williams stars promises to be the mega hit of the company's summer season.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 18, 2017
'I think other people first recognized that I was geared to being a performer. I didn't necessarily recognize that myself, but when I performed in my first musical in high school, I suddenly said to myself 'Nothing else makes me feel like this. I felt these amazing vibrations between me and the audience and me and the rest of the people on stage; I felt connected to the world - more like my true self myself that I had ever felt before, and that's how I knew.' Chelsea Williams is talking about discovering her vocation as an actress and the creative journey which has taken her to the nation's leading theatres. This July and August the Windham, Maine, native returns to her home state to play Sandy in Maine State Music Theatre's production of Grease, which begins its run at the Pickard Theater on July 19. Williams made her MSMT debut last summer as Sophie in MSMT's blockbuster hit, Mamma Mia!, reprising the role that constituted her big career breakthrough. Like Mamma Mia!, Grease is blessed with an unforgettable score and a story that is both endearing and totally joyous, and the new MSMT production in which Williams stars promises to be the mega hit of the company's summer season.
A Reputation to Protect: Neil Starkenberg Stars as MSMT's Danny Zuko
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 16, 2017
'I imagine that Danny is the youngest in a family of boys, and he feels he has to live up to the name Zuko at Rydell High. In the movie he says 'I've got a reputation to protect,' and I think that goes a long way to explaining his behavior.' Neil Starkenberg is commenting on his role debut in Maine State Music Theatre's upcoming production of Grease, which begins a run at the Pickard Theater on July 19. For the twenty-eight year-old actor, the iconic part of the fifties greaser, Danny Zuko, is a dream come true, and Starkenberg has spent a great deal of time preparing for the part.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 16, 2017
'I imagine that Danny is the youngest in a family of boys, and he feels he has to live up to the name Zuko at Rydell High. In the movie he says 'I've got a reputation to protect,' and I think that goes a long way to explaining his behavior.' Neil Starkenberg is commenting on his role debut in Maine State Music Theatre's upcoming production of Grease, which begins a run at the Pickard Theater on July 19. For the twenty-eight year-old actor, the iconic part of the fifties greaser, Danny Zuko, is a dream come true, and Starkenberg has spent a great deal of time preparing for the part.
Theatre Strips Secrecy From Surprise 7th Show to Reveal THE FULL MONTY
by BWW News Desk - July 15, 2017
Penobscot Theatre Company is taking it all off this summer with a show that leaves no laughs barred: Terrance McNally's The Full Monty will cap the company's 43rd season, running June 15 through July 9. Tickets go on sale for subscribers only,January 30, at the discounted price of $33 each. All performances will be at the historic Bangor Opera House in Downtown Bangor.
by BWW News Desk - July 15, 2017
Penobscot Theatre Company is taking it all off this summer with a show that leaves no laughs barred: Terrance McNally's The Full Monty will cap the company's 43rd season, running June 15 through July 9. Tickets go on sale for subscribers only,January 30, at the discounted price of $33 each. All performances will be at the historic Bangor Opera House in Downtown Bangor.
BWW Review: BLUEBERRIES, BROADWAY, AND BRIAN: Storytelling at Its Best
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 14, 2017
Director, producer, actor Brian P. Allen is a born raconteur with a wicked sense of humor and his latest version of his hilarious one-man show, Blueberries, Broadway, and Brian, which he performed at the Strand Theater in Rockland and will reprise in Springvale, ME, speaks to Allen's wit, turn of phrase, and deliciously outrageous sense of humor.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - July 14, 2017
Director, producer, actor Brian P. Allen is a born raconteur with a wicked sense of humor and his latest version of his hilarious one-man show, Blueberries, Broadway, and Brian, which he performed at the Strand Theater in Rockland and will reprise in Springvale, ME, speaks to Allen's wit, turn of phrase, and deliciously outrageous sense of humor.
Cast Set for New England Premiere of DIASTER! THE MUSICAL
by BWW News Desk - July 14, 2017
Full casting has been announced for the New England premiere of DISASTER! THE MUSICAL; the 1970's disaster-movie musical written by Sirius/XM On Broadway host, Seth Rudetsky and Jack Plotnick (Glee, Ellen, Buffy the Vampire Slayer). One of the first mountings of this production since the show's 2016 Broadway run, Cast Aside Productions will be bringing DISASTER! to the Mainstage at Portland Stage Company, July 13-16.
by BWW News Desk - July 14, 2017
Full casting has been announced for the New England premiere of DISASTER! THE MUSICAL; the 1970's disaster-movie musical written by Sirius/XM On Broadway host, Seth Rudetsky and Jack Plotnick (Glee, Ellen, Buffy the Vampire Slayer). One of the first mountings of this production since the show's 2016 Broadway run, Cast Aside Productions will be bringing DISASTER! to the Mainstage at Portland Stage Company, July 13-16.
Videos
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SOMETHING WONDERFUL
Good Theater (1/15 - 2/1) | |
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Almost Maine
Community Little Theatre Corp (2/20 - 3/1) | |
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Good Theater at Stevens Square Theater (3/12 - 3/15) | |
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Cats: Young Actors Edition, a Unified Production
Lyric Music Thearer (1/29 - 1/31) | |
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The Great Cross-Country Race, or The Hare and The Tortoise
Royal River Community Players (3/6 - 3/15) | |
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An Evening at Dave's Sauna
Steven's Square Theater (5/1 - 5/10) | |
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The Laugh Track
Portland Stage Company (5/6 - 5/31) | |
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