David Girolmo

MSMT Hosts Second PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jul 3, 2026

Despite the heat, a large audience gathered at Curtis Memnorial Library on July 1 to enjoy a conversation with four of the stars of MSMT’s smash hit, 1776, now playing at the Pickard Theater in Brunswick through July 11. The panel, moderated by Broadway World’s Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold, featured MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark (Richard Henry Lee), James Patterson (John Adams), Alicia Kaori (Abigail Adams), and David Girolmo (John Hancock). The discussion focused on the unique aspects of the Sherman Edwards/Peter Stone musical, the historical context for this “play with music,” the struggles of the Founding Fathers to achieve the goal of independence, and the complex relationships among the characters. The afternoon concluded with some fun in a lightning round, followed by questions from the floor.

1776, COME FROM AWAY & More Lead Maine Theatre Summer Picks
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 30, 2026

Though for many residents and folks from away, summer in Maine signifies a chance to revel in gorgeous scenery - beaches, lakes, trails – summer is also time to enjoy two of Maine’s premiere regional companies, Maine State Music Theatre and Ogunquit Playhouse.(see Dan Marois’ review below)  This year the lineups at both companies are stellar, but my critic’s pick for 2026 are two productions at Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick:  the musical 1776 (now playing through July 11) and COME FROM AWAY scheduled for August 5-22 at the Pickard Theater on the campus of Bowdoin College.

Review: THE LABORS OF LIBERTY: MSMT'S 1776 CHRONICLES THE BIRTH OF OUR NATION
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 26, 2026

What better way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence than by mounting a stirring production of the musical 1776. That is just what Maine State Music Theatre has chosen to do – the only regional company in Maine to receive the rights at present - for the Sherman Edwards 1969 show that delivers a witty, riveting, deeply human and affecting account of our Founding Fathers. Directed by Amber Mak and featuring stunning cast of twenty-eight, MSMT‘s production is one of those artistic events audiences cannot afford to miss.

Photos: THE IRISH … AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY At Porchlight Music Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2026

Check out photos of Porchlight Music Theatre’s production of The Irish … and How They Got That Way, by Frank McCourt, now playing through March 15 at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St. 

Porchlight Young Professionals to Host HAPPY HOUR & A HIT: THE IRISH … AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 20, 2026

Porchlight Music Theatre’s Porchlight Young Professionals Associate Board will present Happy Hour & A Hit: The Irish … and How They Got That Way at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts.

Video: First Look At IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS at Paramount Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 25, 2025

Paramount Theatre has released new video highlights showcasing highlights from its upcoming production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, including footage from the ensemble’s staging of “Snow,' 'The Best Things Happen When You're Dancing,' and the finale performance of “White Christmas.” 

Review: IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS at Paramount Theatre Aurora, IL
by Tina St. Angelo - Nov 25, 2025

An aptly titled song from one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th Century, Irving Berlin. The holiday offering at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre is Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Jeff Award-winning director Stephen Schellhardt has created a musical that will stay with you long after the last note is played and the last bow taken.

Cast and Creative Team Set for THE IRISH ... AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY at Porchlight
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 5, 2025

Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed the cast and creative team for the next production in its 31st season, The Irish … and How They Got That Way, by Frank McCourt, original musical arrangements by Rusty McGee.

Review: The Music Makers & Dreamers of Dreams
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Aug 30, 2025

That MSMT chose to create this their co-production with Lewiston‘s Public Theatre is perhaps no surprise since every mounting of this play has met with huge public success.

The Public Theatre and Maine State Music Theatre Present: THE IRISH…AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 16, 2025

This unique collaboration brings together the best of both companies, celebrating the resilience, humor, and enduring spirit of the Irish people in a heartwarming production that will leave audiences clapping, laughing, and singing along. Almost 3,500 tickets have already been sold and matinees are filling up quickly.

Interview: PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN Examines the World of FOOTLOOSE
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jul 24, 2025

MSMT continued its 11th season of the popular series, Peek Behind the Curtain, on July 23, 2025, presenting a panel consisting of two of MSMT’s favorite artists, Charis Leos (GYPSY, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, HELLO, DOLLY!) and David Girolmo (WAR PAINT & CANDIDE on Broadway, TITANIC, TREASURE ISLAND, HELLO, DOLLY!), together with MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark and BWW moderator Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold. Held at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, the event drew its customary enthusiastic crowd. Among the topics addressed in the conversation were FOOTLOOSE as a reflection of the 1980s, the creative team of E. Faye Butler (director) and Tyler Hanes (choreographer), the setting of FOOTLOOSE in the fictional town of Bomont, Oklahoma, and the meaning of dance as self-expression and liberation in the musical.

Review: Can't Stand Still: FOOTLOOSE Explodes Onto MSMT Stage
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jul 17, 2025

Bursting with energy and pulsating with a heartwarming story of forgiveness and family, Maine State Music Theatre’s new production of FOOTLOOSE serves up both a genuinely poignant tale and a dance extravaganza.  The new production, directed by E. Faye Butler and choreographed by Tyler Hanes, the first revival since 2014 of the 2008 musical by Tom Snow, Dean Pitchford, and Walter Bobbei, offers a new deeper, more probing and more compelling take on this timeless story of teen rebellion, generational conflict, and a journey to forgiveness.

WEST SIDE STORY & More Lead BroadwayWorld's Maine Summer 2025 Theater Picks
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jul 15, 2025

Maine State Music Theatre packs a great deal of excellence and excitement into its 14 weeks season, but for this critic, the most anticipated production for 2025 is WEST SIDE STORY. Directed/ choreographed by the inexhaustibly inventive Marc Robin, the Bernstein Sondheim classic is one of the most perfect stage works ever created.

Review: Joyous, Funny, Tender, and Thought Provoking: TOOTSIE Takes the Stage at MSMT
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 27, 2025

Following on the heels of a nostalgically, romantic ANASTASIA, Maine State Music Theatre’s second main stage show this season, TOOTSIE, demonstrates the company’s ability to turn on a dime. The 2018 David Yazbek musical, based on the 1982 film starring Dustin Hoffman, is a big, boisterous Broadway show that is joyous, tender, and thought provoking all at once and provides the audience with an evening filled with exhilaration and elation.

Photos: CHICAGO SINGS 30 YEARS OF PORCHLIGHT Event
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 28, 2025

Chicago Sings 30 Years of Porchlight was held on Monday, May 12 at the House of Blues Chicago. Learn more about the company and see photos from the event here!

Review: TITANIC THE MUSICAL at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire IL
by Tina St. Angelo Wetzel - Apr 24, 2025

These are lyrics from the song The Blame sung by Captain E.J. Smith, J. Bruce Ismay the owner and Thomas Andrews the ship designer. The ship? The Titanic. The current production at Marriott Theatre is Titanic the Musical. David Girolmo portrays the Captain, Adam Pelty is the owner and Christopher Kale is the designer. The story and book are by the late Peter Stone. Music and lyrics were written by Maury Yeston.

Video: First Look at The Marriott Theatre's TITANIC
by Joshua Wright - Apr 22, 2025

Marriott Theatre continues its 50th Anniversary Season celebration with the epic production of Titanic The Musical, directed and choreographed by Connor Gallagher with Musical Direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson. Watch extended clips from the production.

Video: TITANIC THE MUSICAL At Marriott Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 15, 2025

Marriott Theatre continues its 50th Anniversary Season celebration with the epic production of Titanic The Musical, directed and choreographed by Connor Gallagher with Musical Direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson. Check out video highlights from the production below!

Porchlight Reveals Dancers and Young Performers for CHICAGO SINGS 30 YEARS OF PORCHLIGHT
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 20, 2025

Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed the young performers and dancers who will be joining its previously unveiled slate of Porchlight favorites and special guests at its annual fundraising concert. Learn more!

TITANIC THE MUSICAL Continues Marriott Theatre's 50th Anniversary Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 18, 2025

Marriott Theatre, continues its 50th Anniversary Season celebration with the epic production of Titanic The Musical, directed and choreographed by Connor Gallagher (Marriott Theatre debut! Broadway: Beetlejuice; Off-Broadway: The Big Gay Jamboree, The Robber Bridegroom, Into the Woods; Beauty and The Beast, Disney’s Tale of Moana, Tangled) with Musical Direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson.