Jeffrey S. Koger News

Maine State Music Theatre's (MSMT) production of Chamberlain: A Civil War Romance brings the life of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain to the stage. The story centers on his relationship with his wife, Fannie, and explores the trials and tribulations of a man committed to his family as well as his country.

Maine State Music Theatre's (MSMT) production of Chamberlain: A Civil War Romance brings the life of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain to the stage. The story centers on his relationship with his wife, Fannie, and explores the trials and tribulations of a man committed to his family as well as his country.

To witness an entire audience on its feet, joyfully clapping, singing, and dancing into the aisles, one might have imagined rocking at Woodstock rather than in picturesque college town of Brunswick, ME. But, indeed, the exuberance and energy that filled the Pickard Theatre on the Bowdoin campus was a tribute to the triumphant production of The Buddy Holly Story with which Maine State Music Theatre opened its 56th season. The jukebox musical which recounts the last three years in the life of rock legend Charles Hardin 'Buddy' Holly is, in many ways a perfect vehicle to showcase this company's strengths and its new optimistic and visionary artistic direction. Buddy features a largely youthful and hugely talented cast of music theatre singer-actor-musicians, dazzlingly production values, and demonstrates the company's ability to forge an intense connection with its audience.

Les Mis. A French title, and a show so popular it has its own nickname. When the show premiered in London in 1985, some people wondered how on earth Victor Hugo's masterpiece of a novel could be turned into a musical. Those people have long since been silenced. Les Miserables has become one of the world's most beloved musicals, and Maine State Music Theatre's current production proves exactly why.

OMIGOD, nothing this fun should be legal! If you want one 'Elle' of a good time, go see Legally Blonde At Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick, ME through July 14th!

MY FAIR LADY runs from Wednesday, June 30 through Saturday, July 17. Tickets are available online at www.msmt.org, by phone at (207) 725-8769, or at the box office at Pickard Theatre on the Bowdoin College campus.

Pati reviews 'ANNIE' at the Walnut Street Theater...