BWW Review: Brave, Bold, and Beautiful SPRING AWAKENING at Lyric Music Theater
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - March 20, 2017
South Portland's Lyric Music Theater is taking a bold and daring step in presenting the 2006 musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind's 1891 provocative play, Spring Awakening. The wrenching musical drama explores with a piercing honesty the lives of teenagers and their adult authority figures locked in a lethal struggle as the young men and women search for freedom of expression, sexual liberation and fulfillment, and the embrace of their true identities in a dark, corseted world of repression and convention. The issues raised by Frank Wedekind's play remain as potent and relevant today as they did in the late 19th century, and the Steven Sater book and lyrics and Duncan Sheik music remain true to the essence of the piece. Wedekind's world - the world of Freud and nascent psychology - is a bleak place where adults abuse their children psychologically and physically, where creativity is stifled, and love - as a total expression of body and soul - is forbidden. In this dark universe, the young villagers long in secret and search for a path through the pain.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - March 20, 2017
South Portland's Lyric Music Theater is taking a bold and daring step in presenting the 2006 musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind's 1891 provocative play, Spring Awakening. The wrenching musical drama explores with a piercing honesty the lives of teenagers and their adult authority figures locked in a lethal struggle as the young men and women search for freedom of expression, sexual liberation and fulfillment, and the embrace of their true identities in a dark, corseted world of repression and convention. The issues raised by Frank Wedekind's play remain as potent and relevant today as they did in the late 19th century, and the Steven Sater book and lyrics and Duncan Sheik music remain true to the essence of the piece. Wedekind's world - the world of Freud and nascent psychology - is a bleak place where adults abuse their children psychologically and physically, where creativity is stifled, and love - as a total expression of body and soul - is forbidden. In this dark universe, the young villagers long in secret and search for a path through the pain.
Acorn Productions and MCMA Present Annual Winter Fundraiser
by BWW News Desk - March 20, 2017
Productions, theater-in-residence at Mechanics Hall, and the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association (MCMA), the non-profit organization that owns the historic downtown building, hold their third annual winter fundraiser on Saturday, April 1st.
by BWW News Desk - March 20, 2017
Productions, theater-in-residence at Mechanics Hall, and the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association (MCMA), the non-profit organization that owns the historic downtown building, hold their third annual winter fundraiser on Saturday, April 1st.
VIDEO: Theatre Miniatures No. 4: Dustin Tucker
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - March 18, 2017
Actor Dustin Tucker is a critically acclaimed and popular figure on the Portland, Maine, theatre scene. Known especially for his work at Portland Stage and the Theater at Monmouth, Tucker's artistic journey began in Amarillo, Texas, continued at Interlochen Arts Academy, and then on to Broadway, off-Broadway, and the national regional theatre scene. In recent years he has come to call Maine his home base.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - March 18, 2017
Actor Dustin Tucker is a critically acclaimed and popular figure on the Portland, Maine, theatre scene. Known especially for his work at Portland Stage and the Theater at Monmouth, Tucker's artistic journey began in Amarillo, Texas, continued at Interlochen Arts Academy, and then on to Broadway, off-Broadway, and the national regional theatre scene. In recent years he has come to call Maine his home base.
Mad Horse Theatre Company presents THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT
by BWW News Desk - March 17, 2017
Fresh off its critically acclaimed run of Jennifer Haley's THE NETHER, Mad Horse Theatre Company trains its laser-focused sights on Easter and the Lenten season with an uproarious production of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Stephen Adley Guirgis, directed by Stacey Koloski.
by BWW News Desk - March 17, 2017
Fresh off its critically acclaimed run of Jennifer Haley's THE NETHER, Mad Horse Theatre Company trains its laser-focused sights on Easter and the Lenten season with an uproarious production of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Stephen Adley Guirgis, directed by Stacey Koloski.
Maine State Music Theatre Seeks Historical Memorabilia
by BWW News Desk - March 17, 2017
In preparation for Maine State Music Theatre's 60th Anniversary in 2018, the theatre's history committee is putting out a call for memorabilia.
by BWW News Desk - March 17, 2017
In preparation for Maine State Music Theatre's 60th Anniversary in 2018, the theatre's history committee is putting out a call for memorabilia.
BWW Feature: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL JR. at Winslow Homer Center For The Arts
by Student Blogger: Samuel Laro - March 17, 2017
Bop to the top! HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL JR. is opening this weekend at Winslow Homer Center for the Arts. The middle school production of the cult classic is filled with clever sets, surprising dancing, and overall "cuteness."
by Student Blogger: Samuel Laro - March 17, 2017
Bop to the top! HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL JR. is opening this weekend at Winslow Homer Center for the Arts. The middle school production of the cult classic is filled with clever sets, surprising dancing, and overall "cuteness."
April Showers Will Bring Improv Power To Light Up Bangor
by BWW News Desk - March 17, 2017
Penobscot Theatre Company is proud to present an All-Star Improv Cabaret, one night only, Sunday, April 2, at 7:00 pm, at the historic Bangor Opera House.
by BWW News Desk - March 17, 2017
Penobscot Theatre Company is proud to present an All-Star Improv Cabaret, one night only, Sunday, April 2, at 7:00 pm, at the historic Bangor Opera House.
USM Wind Ensemble to Perform FABLES AND STORYTELLING
by BWW News Desk - March 16, 2017
The USM Wind Ensemble will explore music from the last one hundred years showcasing the abilities of our top performers in the School of Music through chamber music repertoire. The concert focuses on music of 'Fables and Storytelling,' including Robert Kurka's Good Soldier Schweik Suite, based on Czech author Jaroslav Hasek's great novel.
by BWW News Desk - March 16, 2017
The USM Wind Ensemble will explore music from the last one hundred years showcasing the abilities of our top performers in the School of Music through chamber music repertoire. The concert focuses on music of 'Fables and Storytelling,' including Robert Kurka's Good Soldier Schweik Suite, based on Czech author Jaroslav Hasek's great novel.
Snowlion Repertory Company Announces Unique Acting Class
by BWW News Desk - March 16, 2017
Teacher Al D'Andrea and his students will use a variety of games, exercises, techniques and improvisations to take an in-depth look at how to develop and embody a character in a play from the ground up with both imagination and authenticity.
by BWW News Desk - March 16, 2017
Teacher Al D'Andrea and his students will use a variety of games, exercises, techniques and improvisations to take an in-depth look at how to develop and embody a character in a play from the ground up with both imagination and authenticity.
USM School of Music Faculty Concert Series Continues with Elisabeth Marshall and Bridget Convey
by BWW News Desk - March 16, 2017
Voice artist faculty member Elisabeth Marshall, with Bridget Convey on piano, present a dramatic and emotional program of music, by composers and authors from Maine and New England, from Supply Belcher to Scott Wheeler, Edna St. Vincent Millay to Thornton Wilder, and featuring the world premiere of a new collection of songs Emily Dickinson poems, by James Kallembach and excerpts from Barbara White's solo piano work, 'Reliquary.'
by BWW News Desk - March 16, 2017
Voice artist faculty member Elisabeth Marshall, with Bridget Convey on piano, present a dramatic and emotional program of music, by composers and authors from Maine and New England, from Supply Belcher to Scott Wheeler, Edna St. Vincent Millay to Thornton Wilder, and featuring the world premiere of a new collection of songs Emily Dickinson poems, by James Kallembach and excerpts from Barbara White's solo piano work, 'Reliquary.'
Registration is Open for Beverly Cleary's RAMONA QUIMBY
by BWW News Desk - March 13, 2017
Penobscot Theatre Company's Dramatic Academy is now registering youths aged 4-15 for its spring session, which will culminate in a full, technically supported production of Beverly Cleary's Ramona Quimby. Classes will begin March 28 and run every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 for students aged 4-6 and from 4:30 to 6:30for students aged 7-15. The students will perform Ramona Quimby at the historic Bangor Opera House, May 19-21. No experience is necessary and all registrants will be cast. Session registration will close March 30.
by BWW News Desk - March 13, 2017
Penobscot Theatre Company's Dramatic Academy is now registering youths aged 4-15 for its spring session, which will culminate in a full, technically supported production of Beverly Cleary's Ramona Quimby. Classes will begin March 28 and run every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 for students aged 4-6 and from 4:30 to 6:30for students aged 7-15. The students will perform Ramona Quimby at the historic Bangor Opera House, May 19-21. No experience is necessary and all registrants will be cast. Session registration will close March 30.
BWW Preview: YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at Seaside Pavilion
by Student Blogger: Samuel Laro - March 13, 2017
Little known facts are coming your way! For the first time ever, the Seaside Pavilion in Old Orchard Beach, is producing an in house musical!
by Student Blogger: Samuel Laro - March 13, 2017
Little known facts are coming your way! For the first time ever, the Seaside Pavilion in Old Orchard Beach, is producing an in house musical!
BWW Review: PUMP BOYS & DINETTES Serves Up Nostalgia with a Smile
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - March 11, 2017
For those wishing to take a trip back to a simpler era, Biddeford City Theater's production of Pump Boys & Dinettes serves up a wistful, warm slice of nostalgia together with a foot-tapping country musical score that is guaranteed to leave the audience smiling and singing along. The 1980s juke box musical written by members of the band of the same name (John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel, Jim Wann) is set in a small North Carolina town on Highway 57 where four men who work at a gas station and two waitresses who run the adjacent Double Cupp Diner tell stories and jam on guitars, piano, bass, and kitchen utensils. The tunes are vintage country rock, filled with humor, heartache, a longing for the adventures of the road, and the flavors of small town southern life. Anchored by the show's remarkable music director, Kevin Smith, on piano, the seven-person cast sings, dances, and plays their heart out.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - March 11, 2017
For those wishing to take a trip back to a simpler era, Biddeford City Theater's production of Pump Boys & Dinettes serves up a wistful, warm slice of nostalgia together with a foot-tapping country musical score that is guaranteed to leave the audience smiling and singing along. The 1980s juke box musical written by members of the band of the same name (John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel, Jim Wann) is set in a small North Carolina town on Highway 57 where four men who work at a gas station and two waitresses who run the adjacent Double Cupp Diner tell stories and jam on guitars, piano, bass, and kitchen utensils. The tunes are vintage country rock, filled with humor, heartache, a longing for the adventures of the road, and the flavors of small town southern life. Anchored by the show's remarkable music director, Kevin Smith, on piano, the seven-person cast sings, dances, and plays their heart out.
Maine State Ballet Presents SWAN LAKE, 3/24-4/9
by BWW News Desk - March 10, 2017
Maine State Ballet celebrates the 140th Anniversary of Swan Lake with a three week, 12 performance run of the quintessential classic ballet, March 24 through April 9, at Maine State Ballet's Lopez Theater.
by BWW News Desk - March 10, 2017
Maine State Ballet celebrates the 140th Anniversary of Swan Lake with a three week, 12 performance run of the quintessential classic ballet, March 24 through April 9, at Maine State Ballet's Lopez Theater.
Downhome Musical PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES Comes to City Theater
by BWW News Desk - March 10, 2017
Pump Boys And Dinettes a down-home musical full of country fun opens at City Theater in Biddeford March 10th. Welcome to the Double Cupp Diner, way down on Highway 57 between Frog Level and Smyrna, where the pie is fresh, and the waitresses are like the coffee - hot! The boys from the gas station next door play a high-octane blend of country and bluegrass packed with entertaining toe-tappers about life, love, and good times. Come on in and let good American folk music melt your troubles away with a generous serving of great music and foot-stomping fun.
by BWW News Desk - March 10, 2017
Pump Boys And Dinettes a down-home musical full of country fun opens at City Theater in Biddeford March 10th. Welcome to the Double Cupp Diner, way down on Highway 57 between Frog Level and Smyrna, where the pie is fresh, and the waitresses are like the coffee - hot! The boys from the gas station next door play a high-octane blend of country and bluegrass packed with entertaining toe-tappers about life, love, and good times. Come on in and let good American folk music melt your troubles away with a generous serving of great music and foot-stomping fun.
The Ogunquit Playhouse Receives Three IRNE Award Nominations for THE HUNCHBACK NOTRE DAME
by BWW News Desk - March 09, 2017
The Ogunquit Playhouse is proud to announce that it has received three Independent Reviewers of New England Award (IRNE) nominations in the large theatre category for its 2016 production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame including Best Set Design, Best Lighting Design, and Best Actor in a Musical. The IRNE Awards honor the best of the previous year's actors, directors, choreographers, designers and companies across the full spectrum of large, mid-size and fringe theater companies in Boston and New England.
by BWW News Desk - March 09, 2017
The Ogunquit Playhouse is proud to announce that it has received three Independent Reviewers of New England Award (IRNE) nominations in the large theatre category for its 2016 production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame including Best Set Design, Best Lighting Design, and Best Actor in a Musical. The IRNE Awards honor the best of the previous year's actors, directors, choreographers, designers and companies across the full spectrum of large, mid-size and fringe theater companies in Boston and New England.
Come Explore Under the Sea as the Waterville Opera House's THE LITTLE MERMAID
by BWW News Desk - March 09, 2017
Come Explore What's Under the Sea as the Waterville Opera House Presents Disney's The Little Mermaid the Musical
by BWW News Desk - March 09, 2017
Come Explore What's Under the Sea as the Waterville Opera House Presents Disney's The Little Mermaid the Musical
Downhome Musical PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES Comes to City Theater
by BWW News Desk - March 09, 2017
Pump Boys And Dinettes a down-home musical full of country fun opens at City Theater in Biddeford March 10th. Welcome to the Double Cupp Diner, way down on Highway 57 between Frog Level and Smyrna, where the pie is fresh, and the waitresses are like the coffee - hot! The boys from the gas station next door play a high-octane blend of country and bluegrass packed with entertaining toe-tappers about life, love, and good times. Come on in and let good American folk music melt your troubles away with a generous serving of great music and foot-stomping fun.
by BWW News Desk - March 09, 2017
Pump Boys And Dinettes a down-home musical full of country fun opens at City Theater in Biddeford March 10th. Welcome to the Double Cupp Diner, way down on Highway 57 between Frog Level and Smyrna, where the pie is fresh, and the waitresses are like the coffee - hot! The boys from the gas station next door play a high-octane blend of country and bluegrass packed with entertaining toe-tappers about life, love, and good times. Come on in and let good American folk music melt your troubles away with a generous serving of great music and foot-stomping fun.
THE NEVERENDING STORY to Offer Neverending Thrills for Theatre Goers
by BWW News Desk - March 08, 2017
Penobscot Theatre Company's Dramatic Academy is thrilled to present the beloved modern classic The Neverending Story later this month. Adventure-lovers of all ages are invited to join lonely Bastian on his journey through the pages of a book to the land of Fantastica where werewolves, centaurs and luck dragons abound. The sparkling tale surrounds orphan Atreyu's quest to save the childlike empress Fantastica and, ultimately, himself. Performances are scheduled March 24 at 5:00 pm, March 25 at 4:00 pm and March 26 at 11:00 am at the Bangor Opera House.
by BWW News Desk - March 08, 2017
Penobscot Theatre Company's Dramatic Academy is thrilled to present the beloved modern classic The Neverending Story later this month. Adventure-lovers of all ages are invited to join lonely Bastian on his journey through the pages of a book to the land of Fantastica where werewolves, centaurs and luck dragons abound. The sparkling tale surrounds orphan Atreyu's quest to save the childlike empress Fantastica and, ultimately, himself. Performances are scheduled March 24 at 5:00 pm, March 25 at 4:00 pm and March 26 at 11:00 am at the Bangor Opera House.
Good Theater presents THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL
by BWW News Desk - March 07, 2017
Good Theater, the professional theater in residence at the St. Lawrence Arts Center, is pleased to present Horton Foote's multi-award-winning The Trip to Bountiful starring Broadway veteran Louisa Flaningam. Bountiful opens March 29 and plays through April 30.
by BWW News Desk - March 07, 2017
Good Theater, the professional theater in residence at the St. Lawrence Arts Center, is pleased to present Horton Foote's multi-award-winning The Trip to Bountiful starring Broadway veteran Louisa Flaningam. Bountiful opens March 29 and plays through April 30.
BWW Review: DEAR CHUCK at Winslow Homer Center For The Arts
by Student Blogger: Samuel Laro - March 07, 2017
On Sunday, March 5th, I saw DEAR CHUCK, by Jonathan Dorf at the Winslow Homer Center for the Arts. It was quite an evening!
by Student Blogger: Samuel Laro - March 07, 2017
On Sunday, March 5th, I saw DEAR CHUCK, by Jonathan Dorf at the Winslow Homer Center for the Arts. It was quite an evening!
A-Five, Six, Seven, Eight: MSMT Local Auditions Sparkle
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - March 06, 2017
The hallways are jammed with bright, expectant, luminous faces wearing their most eye-catching outfits, laden with dance bags, juggling binders with music and resumes, scanning their ever present iPhones, and searching for a place to sit or stretch or warm-up as they await the call. The energy is palpable and the spirits high. Many have come together in groups and chat excitedly, while others search for a quiet corner to gather their thoughts. Some 300 actors ranging in age from children to seasoned adults have checked into Maine State Music Theatre's offices and rehearsal studios at 22 Elm Street on February 25, 2017, to try their luck at the company's annual open call local auditions for the 2017 season which opens June 7.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - March 06, 2017
The hallways are jammed with bright, expectant, luminous faces wearing their most eye-catching outfits, laden with dance bags, juggling binders with music and resumes, scanning their ever present iPhones, and searching for a place to sit or stretch or warm-up as they await the call. The energy is palpable and the spirits high. Many have come together in groups and chat excitedly, while others search for a quiet corner to gather their thoughts. Some 300 actors ranging in age from children to seasoned adults have checked into Maine State Music Theatre's offices and rehearsal studios at 22 Elm Street on February 25, 2017, to try their luck at the company's annual open call local auditions for the 2017 season which opens June 7.
Marissa Brown of DEAR CHUCK at Winslow Homer Center For The Arts
by Student Blogger: Samuel Laro - March 06, 2017
I was given the opportunity to sit down and talk with Marissa Brown, director of DEAR CHUCK at Scarborough High School right before the final performance of the show before they move on to the Maine Drama Festival.
by Student Blogger: Samuel Laro - March 06, 2017
I was given the opportunity to sit down and talk with Marissa Brown, director of DEAR CHUCK at Scarborough High School right before the final performance of the show before they move on to the Maine Drama Festival.
Monmouth Community Players to Present Rodger & Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA!
by BWW News Desk - March 06, 2017
The Monmouth Community Players are excited to present Rodger and Hammerstein's premiere musical collaboration "Oklahoma!" This production is directed by Josie French of Lewiston, musically directed by John Neal of Greene, and choreographed by Melissa Guimond of Auburn. Cindy Dunham of Winthrop is the musicals producer.
by BWW News Desk - March 06, 2017
The Monmouth Community Players are excited to present Rodger and Hammerstein's premiere musical collaboration "Oklahoma!" This production is directed by Josie French of Lewiston, musically directed by John Neal of Greene, and choreographed by Melissa Guimond of Auburn. Cindy Dunham of Winthrop is the musicals producer.
BWW Review: Dustin Tucker Scores a Tour de Force in Portland Stage's BUYER & CELLAR
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - March 05, 2017
Portland Stage's current production, Jonathan Tolins' one-man, bitter-sweet comedy, Buyer & Cellar, offers Maine audiences a chance to revel not only in the protean talents of Dustin Tucker, who gives a compelling, engaging, irresistible ninety-minute virtuosic performance, but also in Tolins' agile sense of situation and ear for subtle character interaction. That all the characters (some five) are played by Tucker with the uncanny ability to make each unique is no small part of the charm and appeal of this production.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - March 05, 2017
Portland Stage's current production, Jonathan Tolins' one-man, bitter-sweet comedy, Buyer & Cellar, offers Maine audiences a chance to revel not only in the protean talents of Dustin Tucker, who gives a compelling, engaging, irresistible ninety-minute virtuosic performance, but also in Tolins' agile sense of situation and ear for subtle character interaction. That all the characters (some five) are played by Tucker with the uncanny ability to make each unique is no small part of the charm and appeal of this production.
Videos
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Lend Me a Tenor
Portland Stage Company (1/28 - 2/22) | |
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Seussical
Royal River Community Players (6/12 - 6/21) | |
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The Secret Garden
Community Little Theatre Corp (4/10 - 4/19) | |
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The Nerd
Waterville Opera House (1/30 - 2/8) | |
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GRAND HORIZONS
Good Theater (4/2 - 4/19) | |
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I Happen to Like New York
Good Theater at Stevens Square Theater (3/12 - 3/15) | |
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The Marvelous Wonderettes!
Community Little Theatre Corp (6/19 - 6/28) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||
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