Of Country Music Legends, Children's Theatre, and Community: MSMT Opens A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN Series
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 16, 2017
'We wanted to go big and grand. We knew we had Christine [Mild] with her powerhouse performance and Charis [Leos] so we wanted to play it large and create an environment that would support them. The production concept we came up with turned out to be a wonderful envelope to wrap around the show and the entire staging fell into place.' Co-director/choreographer Marc Robin was talking about his and Curt Dale Clark's vision for their new staging of Always, Patsy Cline, which opened Maine State Music Theatre's 2017 season on June 7th. Robin was part of a panel that also featured Patsy star Christine Mild and stand-by Heidi Kettenring, MSMT Charge Scenic Artist Sean Cox, and MSMT Board Vice President Kristine Ganong. The discussion on June 14th, moderated by Broadway World Maine editor Carla Maria Verdino-Sullwold was the first in the now four-year-old summer series of free public forums, A Peek Behind the Curtain, held at the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick. The series, designed to give theatre-goers insight into the creative processes of producing each of the summer main stage shows, featured a lively and far-reaching conversation about Patsy Cline, MSMT's Theatre for Young Audiences program, and the theatre's burgeoning role in the community.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 16, 2017
'We wanted to go big and grand. We knew we had Christine [Mild] with her powerhouse performance and Charis [Leos] so we wanted to play it large and create an environment that would support them. The production concept we came up with turned out to be a wonderful envelope to wrap around the show and the entire staging fell into place.' Co-director/choreographer Marc Robin was talking about his and Curt Dale Clark's vision for their new staging of Always, Patsy Cline, which opened Maine State Music Theatre's 2017 season on June 7th. Robin was part of a panel that also featured Patsy star Christine Mild and stand-by Heidi Kettenring, MSMT Charge Scenic Artist Sean Cox, and MSMT Board Vice President Kristine Ganong. The discussion on June 14th, moderated by Broadway World Maine editor Carla Maria Verdino-Sullwold was the first in the now four-year-old summer series of free public forums, A Peek Behind the Curtain, held at the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick. The series, designed to give theatre-goers insight into the creative processes of producing each of the summer main stage shows, featured a lively and far-reaching conversation about Patsy Cline, MSMT's Theatre for Young Audiences program, and the theatre's burgeoning role in the community.
Connor Donnelly of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at Seaside Pavilion
by Student Blogger: Samuel Laro - June 16, 2017
What's Socrates got to do with it anyway? I sat down with Connor Donnelly (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, FOOTLOOSE) who plays Schroeder and found out some information about the rehearsal process for YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at the Seaside Pavilion.
by Student Blogger: Samuel Laro - June 16, 2017
What's Socrates got to do with it anyway? I sat down with Connor Donnelly (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, FOOTLOOSE) who plays Schroeder and found out some information about the rehearsal process for YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at the Seaside Pavilion.
Maine State Ballet presents DANCER'S CHOICE Showcase & Fundraiser,
by BWW News Desk - June 14, 2017
Maine State Ballet is celebrating its Company dancers with Dancer's Choice, a program selected by the dancers themselves, on June 22nd and 23rd at Maine State Ballet's Lopez Theater. The first half of the program includes a variety of traditional choreography pieces chosen and performed by each Company dancer, highlighting each dancer's unique, individualized style and artistry. The second half of the program is the World Premiere of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, a new ballet choreographed by Principal Dancer Glenn Davis.
by BWW News Desk - June 14, 2017
Maine State Ballet is celebrating its Company dancers with Dancer's Choice, a program selected by the dancers themselves, on June 22nd and 23rd at Maine State Ballet's Lopez Theater. The first half of the program includes a variety of traditional choreography pieces chosen and performed by each Company dancer, highlighting each dancer's unique, individualized style and artistry. The second half of the program is the World Premiere of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, a new ballet choreographed by Principal Dancer Glenn Davis.
Ogunquit Playhouse Announces ASL Performance Date for MAMMA MIA!
by BWW News Desk - June 14, 2017
Mamma Mia!, now on stage at the Ogunquit Playhouse, will be offered to the deaf community with American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters during the Tuesday, June 27, 8PM regularly scheduled performance. This hilarious musical comedy is receiving rave reviews from audiences and critics alike for its spectacular dance numbers, colorful costumes and touching story. Assistive Listening Devices are always available at the Ogunquit Playhouse so patrons in need can enjoy each show.
by BWW News Desk - June 14, 2017
Mamma Mia!, now on stage at the Ogunquit Playhouse, will be offered to the deaf community with American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters during the Tuesday, June 27, 8PM regularly scheduled performance. This hilarious musical comedy is receiving rave reviews from audiences and critics alike for its spectacular dance numbers, colorful costumes and touching story. Assistive Listening Devices are always available at the Ogunquit Playhouse so patrons in need can enjoy each show.
BWW Review: MSMT's Enchanting SLEEPING BEAUTY Offers a Fresh and Relevant Perspective on a Classic Fairytale
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 14, 2017
MSMT opens its Theatre for Young Audiences with three performances of Marc Robin and Curt Dale Clark's musical retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairytale, Sleeping Beauty, in a striking visual production, performed with energy, conviction, and style by a company of young actors. The hour-long musical version puts a contemporary spin on the familiar story and subtly raises issues and values which seem remarkably current, despite the fact that the show was written more than twenty years ago.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 14, 2017
MSMT opens its Theatre for Young Audiences with three performances of Marc Robin and Curt Dale Clark's musical retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairytale, Sleeping Beauty, in a striking visual production, performed with energy, conviction, and style by a company of young actors. The hour-long musical version puts a contemporary spin on the familiar story and subtly raises issues and values which seem remarkably current, despite the fact that the show was written more than twenty years ago.
Mugadi Foundation Announces Michael O. Benefit Concert Event
by BWW News Desk - June 14, 2017
The Mugadi Foundation, in association with Waynflete School, is proud to announce a Michael O. (Michael Odokara-Okigbo) benefit concert event 'ON MY OWN' to take place July 13, 2017 at the beautiful Westbrook Performing Arts Center in Westbrook, Maine.
by BWW News Desk - June 14, 2017
The Mugadi Foundation, in association with Waynflete School, is proud to announce a Michael O. (Michael Odokara-Okigbo) benefit concert event 'ON MY OWN' to take place July 13, 2017 at the beautiful Westbrook Performing Arts Center in Westbrook, Maine.
Twenty-six Roles and Counting: Charis Leos at Maine State Music Theatre
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 09, 2017
'I love it here! This Always, Patsy Cline will be the twenty-sixth production I've appeared in with MSMT, and by the end of this summer, the number will be twenty-nine.' Actress Charis Leos - a huge favorite with Maine audiences and critics alike - is reflecting on her long association with the Brunswick theatre and what the future holds for her here and in the other numerous regional theatres where she lights up the stage with her vibrant, inimitable gifts as a musical theatre performer.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 09, 2017
'I love it here! This Always, Patsy Cline will be the twenty-sixth production I've appeared in with MSMT, and by the end of this summer, the number will be twenty-nine.' Actress Charis Leos - a huge favorite with Maine audiences and critics alike - is reflecting on her long association with the Brunswick theatre and what the future holds for her here and in the other numerous regional theatres where she lights up the stage with her vibrant, inimitable gifts as a musical theatre performer.
Theater at Monmouth Sets 'Power, Passion & Privilege' Season
by BWW News Desk - June 09, 2017
This summer, Theater at Monmouth encourages you to 'Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none' (All's Well That Ends Well). Through classic Shakespearean thrillers, contemporary romances, and fantastical flights of fantasy, the plays of the Power, Passion & Privilege Season explore liberty, justice, and equality.
by BWW News Desk - June 09, 2017
This summer, Theater at Monmouth encourages you to 'Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none' (All's Well That Ends Well). Through classic Shakespearean thrillers, contemporary romances, and fantastical flights of fantasy, the plays of the Power, Passion & Privilege Season explore liberty, justice, and equality.
BWW Review: Patsy Cline Is Alive and Well and Dazzling at Maine State Music Theatre
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 09, 2017
About half way through the musical, Always, Patsy Cline, Louise says of the legendary singer, 'She blew the roof off that old honky tonk!' And much the same could be said for the electric atmosphere at the Brunswick's Pickard Theater, where MSMT opened its 59th season with a dazzling production of the musical that includes twenty-seven songs made famous by the singer, who remains to this day - fifty-four years after her untimely death - a towering presence in the world of country and pop music. With true betes de scene, Christine Mild as Patsy and Charis Leos as Louise, accompanied by a virtuoso band, performing an unforgettable songbook, this production delivers not only powerhouse vocal-dramatic values, but also offers the audience a vibrant and poignant journey to another time and place that magically come alive through in the charismatic story of its protagonists. The Ted Swindley musical which focuses on the last six years of Patsy Cline's life and on her friendship with a Texas divorcee and fan, Louise Seger, is so much more than a catalog of songs strung together by a chronological narrative. Indeed, the book is touching well-constructed - funny, sad, warm and human by turns - and the songs are integrated into the story with a seamlessness that lets the play move from reality to memory.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 09, 2017
About half way through the musical, Always, Patsy Cline, Louise says of the legendary singer, 'She blew the roof off that old honky tonk!' And much the same could be said for the electric atmosphere at the Brunswick's Pickard Theater, where MSMT opened its 59th season with a dazzling production of the musical that includes twenty-seven songs made famous by the singer, who remains to this day - fifty-four years after her untimely death - a towering presence in the world of country and pop music. With true betes de scene, Christine Mild as Patsy and Charis Leos as Louise, accompanied by a virtuoso band, performing an unforgettable songbook, this production delivers not only powerhouse vocal-dramatic values, but also offers the audience a vibrant and poignant journey to another time and place that magically come alive through in the charismatic story of its protagonists. The Ted Swindley musical which focuses on the last six years of Patsy Cline's life and on her friendship with a Texas divorcee and fan, Louise Seger, is so much more than a catalog of songs strung together by a chronological narrative. Indeed, the book is touching well-constructed - funny, sad, warm and human by turns - and the songs are integrated into the story with a seamlessness that lets the play move from reality to memory.
Review Roundup: MAMMA MIA! at The Ogunquit Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - June 08, 2017
The Ogunquit Playhouse kicks off its 85th Anniversary Season with the international smash hit Mamma Mia!, dazzling audiences on stage from May 17 to July 1.
by BWW News Desk - June 08, 2017
The Ogunquit Playhouse kicks off its 85th Anniversary Season with the international smash hit Mamma Mia!, dazzling audiences on stage from May 17 to July 1.
Golden Girls-Style Comedy EXIT LAUGHING to Play Waterville Opera House
by BWW News Desk - June 06, 2017
The Waterville Opera House (WOH) will present Exit Laughing, a comedic play written by Paul Elliot and directed by Debra Susi. The show stars some of the region's most hilariously entertaining acting talent and opens at the WOH in downtown Waterville on Friday, June 16th at 7:30pm and runs through Sunday, June 25th at 2:00pm.
by BWW News Desk - June 06, 2017
The Waterville Opera House (WOH) will present Exit Laughing, a comedic play written by Paul Elliot and directed by Debra Susi. The show stars some of the region's most hilariously entertaining acting talent and opens at the WOH in downtown Waterville on Friday, June 16th at 7:30pm and runs through Sunday, June 25th at 2:00pm.
The Yodel, the Cry, the Catch, the Growl - Christine Mild Brings Patsy Cline to Life
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 06, 2017
'It's all in the way she placed her voice. I like to call it the Kermit the Frog place - the soft palate at the back of the throat, and that's what activates the yodel, the catch, the cry, the growl which are the iconic hallmarks of her singing. Patsy Cline wasn't really a technical singer; this all just came naturally to her, but for me as an actress and technical singer who has to do the show eight times a week, I have to make sure I am singing in a healthy, safe way and understand how to make that happen. So if I place the voice right - if I place it in the 'Patsy place'- it all happens without trying.'
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 06, 2017
'It's all in the way she placed her voice. I like to call it the Kermit the Frog place - the soft palate at the back of the throat, and that's what activates the yodel, the catch, the cry, the growl which are the iconic hallmarks of her singing. Patsy Cline wasn't really a technical singer; this all just came naturally to her, but for me as an actress and technical singer who has to do the show eight times a week, I have to make sure I am singing in a healthy, safe way and understand how to make that happen. So if I place the voice right - if I place it in the 'Patsy place'- it all happens without trying.'
BWW Review: Live in Living Color: Vibrant CATCH ME IF YOU CAN Closes Lyric Season
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 05, 2017
It's hard to imagine why this gem of a show had such a short Broadway run, but it is finding new life in regional productions, not the least of which opened here at South Portland's Lyric Music Theater this past weekend. Directed by Mary Meserve with sparkling choreography by Raymond Marc Dumont and featuring a large cast with strong vocal-dramatic abilities, anchored by Eric Berry-Sandelin's charismatic performance as Frank Abagnale, Jr., this is a delight not to be missed!
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - June 05, 2017
It's hard to imagine why this gem of a show had such a short Broadway run, but it is finding new life in regional productions, not the least of which opened here at South Portland's Lyric Music Theater this past weekend. Directed by Mary Meserve with sparkling choreography by Raymond Marc Dumont and featuring a large cast with strong vocal-dramatic abilities, anchored by Eric Berry-Sandelin's charismatic performance as Frank Abagnale, Jr., this is a delight not to be missed!
6th Annual PortFringe Theater Festival to Feature 125 Genre-Defying Performances
by BWW News Desk - June 02, 2017
The sixth annual PortFringe theater festival will take place June 17-24, 2017, featuring roughly 125 genre-defying performances at venues across Portland's Arts District.
by BWW News Desk - June 02, 2017
The sixth annual PortFringe theater festival will take place June 17-24, 2017, featuring roughly 125 genre-defying performances at venues across Portland's Arts District.
MSMT and Curtis Library Partner for Panel Discussion Series
by BWW News Desk - June 01, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre continues its community outreach efforts with its highly popular "Peek Behind the Curtain" series that runs each month from May through August. Each session will feature a panel of MSMT artists and staff involved in crafting the shows of the theatre's 2017 season. The events are free and open to the public.
by BWW News Desk - June 01, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre continues its community outreach efforts with its highly popular "Peek Behind the Curtain" series that runs each month from May through August. Each session will feature a panel of MSMT artists and staff involved in crafting the shows of the theatre's 2017 season. The events are free and open to the public.
BWW Previews: YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at Seaside Pavilion
by Student Blogger: Samuel Laro - June 01, 2017
Happiness is... rehearsing a musical! The six cast members of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN are hard at work memorizing and perfecting the show at the Seaside Pavilion.
by Student Blogger: Samuel Laro - June 01, 2017
Happiness is... rehearsing a musical! The six cast members of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN are hard at work memorizing and perfecting the show at the Seaside Pavilion.
Maine State Music Theatre presents Sensory Friendly Performances for Children
by BWW News Desk - May 31, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre provides Theatre for Young Audiences performances each season but this summer, thanks to a generous grant from the Anna-Maria Moggio Foundation, the theatre is also creating sensory-friendly performances of its children's shows.
by BWW News Desk - May 31, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre provides Theatre for Young Audiences performances each season but this summer, thanks to a generous grant from the Anna-Maria Moggio Foundation, the theatre is also creating sensory-friendly performances of its children's shows.
Hackmatack to Open 45th Anniversary Season with SHE LOVES ME
by BWW News Desk - May 29, 2017
Hackmatack Playhouse will open its 45th anniversary season on June 16 with a performance of "She Loves Me," a Tony awarding-winning show set in a 1930s European perfumery.
by BWW News Desk - May 29, 2017
Hackmatack Playhouse will open its 45th anniversary season on June 16 with a performance of "She Loves Me," a Tony awarding-winning show set in a 1930s European perfumery.
An Evening of 'Short Stories' and a Song Book To Die For: THE ALL NIGHT STRUT
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - May 26, 2017
“The All Night Strut has a songbook to die for! It may not be as riotously funny as The Irish and How They Got Way was,” says Maine State Music Theatre's Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark, but I know from experience that the audience will leave the theatre exhilarated!” Clark, who will co-produce the show with Anita Stewart, Artistic Director of Portland Stage, describes the musical revue as “a collection of vignettes, each of which plays out before the next one begins. It is sort of like an evening of short stories that paints a colorful and poignant picture of 20th century America in the years of the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war.”
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - May 26, 2017
“The All Night Strut has a songbook to die for! It may not be as riotously funny as The Irish and How They Got Way was,” says Maine State Music Theatre's Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark, but I know from experience that the audience will leave the theatre exhilarated!” Clark, who will co-produce the show with Anita Stewart, Artistic Director of Portland Stage, describes the musical revue as “a collection of vignettes, each of which plays out before the next one begins. It is sort of like an evening of short stories that paints a colorful and poignant picture of 20th century America in the years of the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war.”
Mad Horse Theatre Announces 4th Annual Dial M For Mad Horse Fundraiser
by BWW News Desk - May 26, 2017
Mad Horse Theatre Company is excited to host its 4th annual Murder Mystery fundraising gala on Saturday, June 10, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, at the Mad Horse Theater, 24 Mosher Street in South Portland.
by BWW News Desk - May 26, 2017
Mad Horse Theatre Company is excited to host its 4th annual Murder Mystery fundraising gala on Saturday, June 10, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, at the Mad Horse Theater, 24 Mosher Street in South Portland.
Backstage Tours Being Held at Ogunquit Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - May 25, 2017
??????? It is a perfect time to take an exclusive backstage tour of the National Historic Register theatre at the Ogunquit Playhouse. The historic theatre is one of Maine's cultural jewels and a cornerstone of America's theatrical heritage. It has produced the finest Broadway shows for 85 years, showcasing over 300 Broadway, television and film stars on its stage. Come walk in the footsteps of theatre legends guided by a group of enthusiastic docents who are eager to share the fascinating stories of the Ogunquit Playhouse.
by BWW News Desk - May 25, 2017
??????? It is a perfect time to take an exclusive backstage tour of the National Historic Register theatre at the Ogunquit Playhouse. The historic theatre is one of Maine's cultural jewels and a cornerstone of America's theatrical heritage. It has produced the finest Broadway shows for 85 years, showcasing over 300 Broadway, television and film stars on its stage. Come walk in the footsteps of theatre legends guided by a group of enthusiastic docents who are eager to share the fascinating stories of the Ogunquit Playhouse.
Photo Flash: Get A First Look at MAMMA MIA! at The Ogunquit Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - May 24, 2017
The Ogunquit Playhouse kicks off its 85th Anniversary Season with the international smash hit Mamma Mia!, dazzling audiences on stage from May 17 to July 1.
by BWW News Desk - May 24, 2017
The Ogunquit Playhouse kicks off its 85th Anniversary Season with the international smash hit Mamma Mia!, dazzling audiences on stage from May 17 to July 1.
Cast Set for New England Premiere of DIASTER! THE MUSICAL
by BWW News Desk - May 24, 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 - May 24, 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.
BWW Review: MAMMA MIA! at Ogunquit Playhouse
by Steve Feeney - May 22, 2017
The Ogunquit Playhouse opens its 85th season on a romantic Greek island.
by Steve Feeney - May 22, 2017
The Ogunquit Playhouse opens its 85th season on a romantic Greek island.
BWW Hosts NEWSIES Film-Stage Talkback with MSMT
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - May 20, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre hosted a special series of free FILM FRIDAYS events which previewed the summer shows, showed the original (or subsequent) movie and offered a talkback with Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark, in interview with BWW's Maine Editor, Carla Maria Verdino-Sullwold. Here is an sli8ghtly edited version of the talkback of May 17, 2017, which discussed the 1992 Kenny Ortega film version of NEWSIES and the 2012 Broadway staging, and gave some hints about what Midcoast Mine could expect this summer at MSMT! Have a look/ listen!
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - May 20, 2017
Maine State Music Theatre hosted a special series of free FILM FRIDAYS events which previewed the summer shows, showed the original (or subsequent) movie and offered a talkback with Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark, in interview with BWW's Maine Editor, Carla Maria Verdino-Sullwold. Here is an sli8ghtly edited version of the talkback of May 17, 2017, which discussed the 1992 Kenny Ortega film version of NEWSIES and the 2012 Broadway staging, and gave some hints about what Midcoast Mine could expect this summer at MSMT! Have a look/ listen!
Videos
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The Secret Garden
Community Little Theatre Corp (4/10 - 4/19) | |
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Parker McCollum at Maine Savings Amphitheater
Maine Savings Amphitheater (9/3 - 9/3) | |
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Once Upon A Mattress
Waterville Opera House (4/23 - 5/3) | |
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SOMETHING WONDERFUL
Good Theater (1/15 - 2/1) | |
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The Wizard of Oz!
Community Little Theatre Corp (8/7 - 8/16) | |
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Seussical
Royal River Community Players (6/12 - 6/21) | |
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The Great Cross-Country Race, or The Hare and The Tortoise
Royal River Community Players (3/6 - 3/15) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||
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