Kurt Alger News

Maine State Music Theatre's second production of the season, a revival of the Knapp-Alper 1996 musical Chamberlain A Civil War Romance, proves to be a grand and glorious theatrical experience, an endeavor of epic proportions that delivers spectacle, emotion, and inspiration in equal measure. Spanning more than fifty years in the life of Brunswick's legendary Civil War hero, Maine governor, and Bowdoin college president, Joshua L. Chamberlain, and focusing on his relationship with his passionate, mercurial wife, Fannie Adams, the musical, in this brilliantly executed new production, directed and choreographed by Marc Robin, offers both epic sweep and touching intimacy. Large in musical and dramatic scale, lavish in production values, and cast with a first rate ensemble of singing-actors, Chamberlain dazzles the ear and eye and warms the heart.

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.

Bill Hanney's award winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) is set to take family audiences on an underwater musical adventure with the New England Premiere of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID. This highly anticipated theatrical event has already been extended for an extra week with performances starting Tuesday July 8, and now playing through Sunday, July 27. Press night is scheduled for Thursday, July 10 at 7:30 pm.

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.

As Riverside's celebrated 40th Anniversary Season continues, the full cast of the theatre's premier production of South Pacific is complete and joins the previously announced casting of Opera star David Pittsinger as Emile de Becque. South Pacific performs on the Stark Stage from February 18 - March 9, 2014 and is sponsored by our Patron Producers.

Riverside Theatre's production of Miss Saigon is a big success with critics and audiences alike! And, due to popular demand a performance has been added on Thursday, January 30th at 2pm. The show will still close Sunday, February 2nd.

Riverside Theatre's 40th Anniversary celebration continues with one of Broadway's longest running hits, Miss Saigon. This epic musical performs on the Stark Stage from January 14 through February 2, 2014 and is sponsored by the Merrill Lynch O'Haire Fessler Group and our Patron Producers.

Voting is now underway for Maine! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for Maine! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for Maine! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Riverside Theatre's 40th Anniversary celebration continues with one of Broadway's longest running hits, Miss Saigon. This epic musical performs on the Stark Stage from January 14 through February 2, 2014 and is sponsored by the Merrill Lynch O'Haire Fessler Group and our Patron Producers.

Despite its location far, far north, and its relatively sparse population compared to cultural capitals, Maine boasts a rich regional theatre climate. There are quite a few thriving, adventurous, permanent professional companies, as well as an excellent contingent of community theatres. This year offered a wealth of exciting choices. Here is my personal list for 2013, grouped by theatre company and show:

Voting is now underway for Maine! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for Maine! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents the nine-time Tony Award winning musical sensation LES MISERABLES for the first time ever in a dramatic conclusion to its 40th Anniversary Season. The epic production, featuring four Broadway performers in the cast, will be presented in Beef & Boards' intimate space from tonight, Oct. 4 through Nov. 24.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents the nine-time Tony Award winning musical sensation LES MISERABLES for the first time ever in a dramatic conclusion to its 40th Anniversary Season. The epic production, featuring four Broadway performers in the cast, will be presented in Beef & Boards' intimate space from Oct. 4 through Nov. 24.

There's something very special about a story that can instantly make people of any age feel like a child again. Sometimes in the hustle bustle of today's world with so many 'adult' problems, adults forget what it's like to have been a child. MARY POPPINS has been just that kind of story for children of all ages for years, and Maine State Music Theatre's current production of MARY POPPINS will warm your heart and lift your spirits.

'Sing out, Louise!!'. This phrase has been part of theatre lexicon for more than 50 years. Almost having become an inside joke, and used by directors, choreographers and actors to coax performers into giving it their all. Throughout GYPSY's storied history, it has been produced numerous times across this country; the 'greatest American musical' is also often referred to as a 'perfect' musical. And Maine State Music Theatre's current production of GYPSY is just that: perfect.

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.