University of Southern Maine School of Music Presents 35MM: A MUSICAL EXHIBITION

A picture is worth 1,000 words - what about a song? In 35mm: A Musical Exhibition, each photo creates a unique song, moments frozen in time; a glimmer of a life unfolding, a glimpse of something happening. The University of Southern Maine School of Music fall musical theatre production is part concert, part exhibition, part poetry jam, part performance art...an intricately woven collection of stories that re-imagines what the modern American musical can be. A hauntingly perfect treat for Halloween!

Three performances take place in Corthell Concert Hall on the Gorham campus on Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, October 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $10 for seniors, USM alumni and employees, and $5 for students. They can be purchased online at usm.maine.edu/music/boxoffice, by phone at (207) 780-5555, or at the door.

The show is sponsored by Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution.

Art moves and touches people in different ways. The stories told through song in 35mm are all based on or inspired by the eclectic photography of Matthew Murphy. Composer Ryan Scott Oliver provides us with a collection of stories and photographs about life: gorgeous songs about love and loss, more complex issues like insanity, abuse...and some humor too. Oliver states, "it covers a wide range of experiences and sensations." This show is recommended for mature audiences.

The show's director, Ed Reichert says, "The score is fascinating to me because it covers so many genres such as rock, gospel, country, pop, and musical comedy. Ryan Scott Oliver openly talks about some of his creative influences including Lady Gaga, The Scissor Sisters, Schubert, and Rufus Wainwright. He is equally inspired by the likes of Quentin Tarantino, Stephen King, and Stephen Sondheim." Reichert adds, "With Halloween just around the corner, at least three of the songs are timely: Leave, Luanne (a Southern Gothic Ghost Story), Twisted Teeth (a duet between two vampires), and The Ballad of Sara Berry (think prom queen...)."

The cast includes: Samuel Allen (Harpswell), Matthew Boyd (Medford, NJ), Andrew Carney (Millinocket), Mikayla Clifford (Yarmouth), Noli French (New Gloucester), Aaron Kircheis (Bucksport), Katie Lind (Standish), Ayann Main (Wiscasset), Megan Mayfield (Marlborough, MA), Miles Obrey (Gorham), Alyssa Pearl-Ross (Sangerville), Victoria Stackpole (Biddeford), March Steiger (Buxton), Ben Walker-Dubay (Kennebunk), Megan Walz (Portland), Meg Ward (Bangor), Abby White (Dalton, Mass.).

The band includes Lynnea Harding, associate music director, violin and viola; Catherine Begin, cello; Jake Cooper, guitar; Kinnon Church, bass; Sam Smith, drums, and Ed Reichert on piano.

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