Once again 2014 was a year to revel in the diversity and accomplishments of the theatrical scene in Maine. The summer and winter seasons yielded a nice balance between adventurous programming and classics. Here is my personal list for 2014, grouped by theatre company and show.
1. MAINE STATE MUSIC THEATRE once again receives my vote for the finest company in the region. Their 2014 season offered four dazzling main stage productions, including the remarkable revival of Chamberlain: A Civil War Romance, a daring and moving music theatre piece, beautifully realized by director-choreographer Marc Robin together with stars James Patterson and Kathy Voytko.
South Portland's Mad Horse Theatre Company ended its season with a poignant and ambitious production of the Tony-award-winning musical, Grey Gardens. A musical is a bit of a departure for the small theatre company and its tiny black box space, but they acquitted themselves with both substance and aplomb.
Premiered in New York in 2006 with music by Scott Frankel, lyrics by Michael Korie, and book by Douglas Wright, the play tells the heartbreaking story of Jacqueline Kennedy's reclusive aunt and cousin, whose eccentric lives descend into disarray and squalor. With a script that is part Long Day's Journey into Night and a score that is part Stephen Sondheim, Grey Gardens is laden with pathos and a bittersweet humor. The lyrics are mordant; the music through composed as an extension of the dialogue, it is a theatre piece which calls for sensitive singing-actors and a director who can plumb its depths. Fortunately, the Mad Horse Theatre has both!
Lyric Music Theater has mounted a dazzling new hit to brighten the waning days of winter. Under the direction of Raymond Marc Dumont, the venerable South Portland community theatre has put together an energetic, sophisticated, and compelling production of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods that is, quite simply, one of the season's best efforts on any stage!
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:
'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.
'Gypsy is a dream come true for me. I have been involved with Maine State Music Theatre since 1993, and to become part of the family is very special.'
Raymond Marc Dumont's eyes sparkle and he glows with enthusiasm as he talks about his current involvement with the company as choreographer for their production of Gypsy which runs from July 17- August 3 at the Pickard Theatre in Brunswick, ME. Not only is this production a homecoming for the Maine-born and raised actor, director, and choreographer, but it his first gig as a member of SDC, the directors and choreographers union. 'To come in with a classic is an absolute thrill!'
Maine State Music Theatre is in its final production of the season, 42nd Street. The show runs until August 25th; for tickets and showtimes contact the box office at (207) 725- 8769 or visit www.msmt.org. Check out the video preview below!
Maine State Music Theater closes their 54th season with a perfect montage of talent, tech and Broadway-like production values that brought a sell-out audience to their tapping feet on opening night.
For two days only, Maine State Music Theatre will present a brand new and unique version of ALICE IN WONDERLAND for its young audiences. The interactive, musically driven children's show retells the story of the young Alice as she travels through the mysterious Wonderland, meeting the most interesting of characters and getting caught up in the stickiest of situations.
For two days only, Maine State Music Theatre will present a brand new and unique version of ALICE IN WONDERLAND for its young audiences. The interactive, musically driven children's show retells the story of the young Alice as she travels through the mysterious Wonderland, meeting the most interesting of characters and getting caught up in the stickiest of situations.
For two days only, Maine State Music Theatre will present a brand new and unique version of ALICE IN WONDERLAND for its young audiences. The interactive, musically driven children's show retells the story of the young Alice as she travels through the mysterious Wonderland, meeting the most interesting of characters and getting caught up in the stickiest of situations.
