Matthew Smith

Review: MAGIC, WONDER, & TRUE HEART in Disney's FROZEN at Pickard
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jul 16, 2026

Maine State Music Theatre celebrates Mid-summer with a dazzling production of Disney’s FROZEN, brilliantly directed and choreographed by Marc Robin. The delightful extravaganza transforms the Pickard Theater into a magical kingdom where the young and the young at heart can revel in the beloved fairytale performed by an outstanding cast in an opulent production that is certain to hold audiences spellbound.

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.

Review: HAIRSPRAY is An Anthem to Optimism and Change
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 5, 2026

From the joyful opening number, “Good Morning, Baltimore,” to the to the rousing vibrancy of the finale, “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” Maine  State Music Theatre’s revival of HAIRSPRAY, a co-production with Lancaster, Pennsylvania‘s Fulton Theatre, which opens the 2026 season, offers the audience pure optimism and joy. Despite - or perhaps because of - the more serious underlying themes that the musical tackles such as racism, segregation, body positivity, and inclusion - HAIRSPRAY remains the perfect theatrical evening where entertainment and inspiration combine. This new production, directed and choreographed by Kenny Ingram with a superbly talented cast that features an extraordinary blend of Broadway, MSMT veteran, and young professional talent invites audiences to marvel at the company’s artistic range and to revel in an exquisitely delightful evening’s entertainment.

Video: Trailer for HAIRSPRAY at Maine State Music Theatre
by Joshua Wright - May 13, 2026

Maine State Music Theatre has released the trailer for HAIRSPRAY, the beloved Tony Award-winning musical running June 3 through 20, 2026 at Pickard Theatre at Bowdoin College, in a co-production with the Fulton Theatre.

HAIRSPRAY Begins Performances At The Fulton Theatre This April
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 31, 2026

The Fulton Theatre will bring the Tony-winning hit 'Hairspray' to the Mainstage from April 10 through May 3, 2026, with preview performances on April 8 (Community Night) and 9 (Pay-What-You-Want).

Video: First Look at THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL at Casa Mañana
by Joshua Wright - Mar 25, 2026

Watch a first look video of THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL at Casa Mañana, a family-friendly production running March 21–April 12, 2026, featuring music by Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, and more.

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL to be Presented at Casa Mañana This Spring
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 3, 2026

Casa Mañana will finish its 2025-26 Children's Theatre Season with The SpongeBob Musical: Theatre for Young Audiences Edition. The show is suitable for all audiences. 

Video: Agatha Christie's AND THEN THERE WERE NONE at Fulton Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Feb 20, 2026

Get a first look at The Fulton Theatre production of Agatha Christie's most famous mystery, And Then There Were None. The production runs through March 8th, 2026.

Review: AND THEN THERE WERE NONE at Fulton Theatre
by Rich Mehrenberg - Feb 16, 2026

For those who enjoy the suspense and satisfaction of solving a murder mystery, Fulton Theatre’s And Then There Were None is the show to see. The production skews the norms of traditional theatre, presenting audiences with a game to be played rather than a story to be experienced

THE MONKEY KING, FRANKENSTEIN & More Win 13th Annual MUAHS Guild Awards
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 16, 2026

The Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild has announced the winners of the 13th Annual MUAHS Guild Awards, which include San Francisco Opera's The Monkey King and Frankenstein at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Check out the full list of nominations and winners here.

Fulton Theatre to Present Agatha Christie's AND THEN THERE WERE NONE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 2, 2026

The Fulton Theatre is set to bring a chilling Mainstage thriller to life with Agatha Christie's most famous mystery, And Then There Were None. This classic whodunit begins when ten strangers are lured to an isolated island off the coast of Devon.

Photos: THE WIZARD OF OZ At at Casa Mañana
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 23, 2026

Casa Mañana kicks off 2026 with The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition. The show runs January 23 – February 15 and is suitable for all audiences. Check out photos of the production below!

Cast Set for CARMELA FOR WISHES at Austin Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2026

Austin Playhouse has revealed the cast and creatives for Carmela Full of Wishes based on the book by Matt de la Peña and adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios. The production will be directed by Mateo Hernandez.

Casa Mañana to Stage THE WIZARD OF OZ: YOUTH EDITION in January
by Stephi Wild - Jan 12, 2026

Casa Mañana will kick off 2026 with The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition. The show runs January 23 – February 15 and is suitable for all audiences. Learn more about the show here!

DEATH BECOMES HER, WICKED: FOR GOOD & More Receive Nominations for 13th Annual MUAHS Guild Awards
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 29, 2025

The Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild has announced the nominations for the 13th Annual MUAHS Guild Awards, which include honors for Broadway's Death Becomes Her and Beetlejuice, along with Wicked: For Good.

Fulton Theater Presents ELF: THE MUSICAL This Holiday Season
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 27, 2025

Join the Fulton Theater for ELF: THE MUSICAL, starring Ben Fankhauser, from Nov 21 to Dec 28. Celebrate the season with this festive production!

Review: JEKYLL & HYDE: THE MUSICAL at Fulton Theatre
by Jason Davis - Oct 13, 2025

What did our critic think of JEKYLL & HYDE: THE MUSICAL at Fulton Theatre? The Fulton Theatre’s production of Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical is a masterclass in theatrical artistry, showcasing remarkable talent both on and off the stage. From the haunting streets of Victorian London brought to life by scenic designer William James Mohney, to Paul Black’s evocative lighting, and Ryan J. Moller’s period-perfect costumes, the production is a visual and auditory feast.

Video: Go Inside Rehearsal For JEKYLL & HYDE At Fulton Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 3, 2025

The Fulton Theatre, a national historic landmark, will present the gothic musical sensation Jekyll & Hyde from October 10 through November 2, 2025. Check out new video from behind the scenes of the production as the cast meets the orchestra in the shows sitzprobe! 

The Fulton Theatre To Present JEKYLL & HYDE This October
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2025

The Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, PA will present Jekyll & Hyde October 10–November 2, 2025. The gothic thriller, with music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, features David Toole, Kanisha Feliciano, and Kristina Leopold.

Ryan O’Connor, Lexie Martin, Garrett Clayton and More to Lead HAIRSPRAY at 5-Star Theatricals
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 4, 2025

5-STAR THEATRICALS has reveald the cast of its upcoming production of Hairspray! The cast will feature Ryan O’Connor as “Edna Turnblad' and more. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.