Maine Theatre Newsroom Page 2

“I think Carole King is a poet. She paved the way for so many women who came after her in [popular music]. There is such a rawness and pure emotion in her music that feels like poetry to me,” declares actress Kathryn Boswell, who will play Cynthia Weil in BEAUTIFU: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at Maine State Music Theatre.  “When you don’t have the words to express what you feel, you write it in poetry or music because some of these emotions are just too big to hold.”  “Carole King writes about such universal themes, about love and humanness – emotions that are always relevant,” concurs Alfie Parker, Jr., who serves as Associate Choreographer and plays one of The Drifters in the show. The musical, which explores the rise to stardom of popular music legend, Carole King, runs at MSMT from August 7 -24 and concludes the company’s spectacular 2024 season.

Get a first look at MSMT's enchanting summer production of Irving Berlin’s timeless classic, Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Running from July 17 to August 3, this heartwarming musical promises to bring festive cheer to the Pickard Theatre with its captivating performances, dazzling choreography, and unforgettable melodies. 

Kyra recently completed a run of Beautiful at Papermill Playhouse - also playing the role of Carole King. Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,' a captivating journey through the life of one of music’s most iconic songwriters. The production, a co-production with the Fulton Theatre, will run from August 7 to August 24.

Maine State Music Theatre’s third concert of the season features a wild roller coaster ride through the history of early rock and roll with Jason Cohen and his stellar bandmates paying tribute to the legendary pianist and songwriter, Jerry Lee Lewis and his contemporaries. In an evening that offers electrifying pianistic virtuosity and raw energy vocals, Cohen and company bring down the house and demonstrate the power and the revolution that early rock and roll was.

“It is perfect symmetry to utter the words ‘Curt Dale Clark’ and ‘Christmas’ in one sentence because no one does Christmas better than he and Marc Robin.”  These were my words as moderator of MSMT’s third Peek Behind the Curtain panel discussion as I introduced MSMT Artistic Director, (Curt Dale Clark) and his concept for the Christmas in July extravaganza currently providing context for the theatre’s spectacular production of WHITE CHRISTMAS, directed and choreographed by Robin. The panel of several of the show’s stars, Kerry Conte (Betty Haynes), Darien Crago (Judy Haynes), and David Girolmo (General Waverly) joined Clark and me to share with the audience their experience on stage in the beloved Irving Berlin classic now running at the Pickard Theater until August 3.

Director Jennifer McClure Groover has announced her cast for the upcoming production of the musical 'The Prom' at Community Little Theatre (CLT) in Auburn.

Hit The Lights! Co. will workshop their original shadow puppet musical ISLA at Mayo Street Arts in Portland, Maine, exploring themes of home, family, and political refugees. Learn how to purchase tickets.

The Ogunquit Playhouse is filling its summer nights with a little night music- literally. A Little Night Music is a sophisticated musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler set in early 20th century Sweden. The story revolves around a complex web of relationships and romantic entanglements among the privileged upper class.

What could be more enticing to youngsters than Christmas that comes early? This summer Maine State Music Theatre invites families to experience Christmas in July at the Pickard Theatre and to share the magic of a musical never before presented here in Brunswick: Robin and Clark’s  THE STORY OF THE NUTCRACKER. Twinkling lights, myriads of trees, a market filled with goodies, and even a hint of snow …. all join forces to create an immersive experience for the Theatre for Young Audiences series. While Robin and Clark’s musical version of the Nutcracker story has been a Christmas staple for years in cities like Chicago and Lancaster, PA, It has not been presented here in Maine until now.  But after this debut series of performances, one can only hope it will become a new Maine tradition.

The thermometer in Brunswick Maine reads 85°F, but as one approaches the Pickard Theater, a band plays Christmas music outside, and inside the lights are twinkling; the halls are decked with garlands and wreaths; there is literally a forest of elegantly decorated trees, and there is a promise of snow in the air. This is, indeed, a white Christmas like no other. The brainchild of Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark, Maine Street Music Theatre has created “Christmas in July” with a spectacular production of Irving Berlin’s classic WHITE CHRISTMAS, directed and choreographed by Marc Robin as its centerpiece. This is a singular and sensational opportunity to experience a breathtaking Broadway musical in a beautiful fantasy setting. 

“There’s so much more to this show than just Christmas,” declares actress Kerry Conte, describing Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS, which receives its first ever production at Maine State Music Theatre beginning July 17.  “It’s one of those shows that has something for everyone,” adds co-star Will Ray.  “How lucky are we to spread a little Christmas cheer in July!” Ray, who plays Bob Wallace, and Conte, who portrays Betty Haynes, are enthusing about Maine State Music Theatre’s newest extravaganza: a spectacular, immersive production of the holiday classic that will transform the entire Pickard Theater and offer dazzling visual effects, breathtaking choreography, and stunning vocal and dance performances as it tells the beloved story in the irresistible language of live theatre.

Burlesque Beyond the Beach returns to The Leavitt Theatre June 1, July 19 and August 31, 2024.

Maine State Music Theatre’s second concert of the season is a high energy musical tribute to Sir Elton John, performed by pianist and singer Colte Julian. The adrenaline-pumping program, WONDERFUL CRAZY NIGHT, features a well-chosen setlist of songs spanning some sixty years of John’s colorful and complex career. These mega hits are interspersed with biographical tidbits and snippets of video as Colte and his four-piece band rock away the evening, recalling the many moods and milestones of the “Rocket Man’s” superstar career.

What did our critic think of INTO THE WOODS at Hackmatack Playhouse?

The Leavitt Theatre, in conjunction with JM Productions of Quincy, MA., has announced a spectacular tribute concert honoring the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer, on July 13th!

“We battle with other theatres to get the rights for shows.  We always try to get MSMT on the national radar as much as we can and get first rights if possible, but it is very competitive,” explains Curt Dale Clark, Maine State Music Theatre’s Artistic Director, as he recounts how the Brunswick theatre managed a virtual coup for this 2024 season by becoming the first regional theatre to receive the rights to produce FUNNY GIRL after it closed its recent revival on Broadway.  “In the case of FUNNY GIRL, Concord Theatricals was holding our money for a show that we planned to produce in 2020 before the pandemic shut everyone down. Since they do not return money, they were eager for us to choose another show from their catalog and clear their books.  I agreed if they would give us the first rights to FUNNY GIRL after the Broadway show closed.” Clark is sharing his thoughts with the audience at MSMT’s second Peek Behind the Curtain on July 3 at the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, where he is joined by actors Sue Cella, Douglas Raymond Williams, and Michelle Beth Herman, as well as panel moderator, Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold.

Celebrate Christmas in July with MSMT's White Christmas!

We spoke to Charis Leos about appearing in Irving Berlin's White Christmas at Maine State Music Theatre!  Charis is a familiar face at MSMT, appearing in dozens of shows over the years,  beginning with Nunsense in 1997. Some favorite MSMT roles include Roz (9 to 5), Rose (Gypsy), Louise (Always, Patsy Cline), Paulette (Legally Blonde), Maggie (42nd Street), Madame Thenardier (Les Miserables), Chaperone (Drowsy Chaperone) and Dolly (Hello, Dolly!).

Opera Maine will present an original production of Verdi’s Aida at Merrill Auditorium this summer. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Maine State Music Theatre’s new production of FUNNY GIRL is a triumph for its star and a coup for the company. Obtaining the first rights to produce the show after the closing of the recent Broadway revival is an unprecedented accomplishment for the theatre’s Artistic Director, Curt Dale Clark.  In addition, the production, itself, is arguably the first FUNNY GIRL anywhere to use the state-of-the art video technology, and perhaps the most thrilling feat of all: not only does the entire cast deliver stunning performances, but Jenna Lea Rosen, who makes her MSMT debut and role debut as Fanny Brice, is unquestionably a superstar. The result is an evening in the theatre that is as exhilarating and spellbinding as any you will see on any stage and an experience not to be missed!

City Theater in Biddeford will end its 23-24 season with the iconic musical OKLAHOMA!, featuring classic songs and a unique two-piano arrangement. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Hackmatack Farm + Playhouse will present a diverse lineup of summer events for 2024, including theater, live music, and Open Farm Days at Hackmatack Bison farm. This season promises something for everyone, from theater enthusiasts to families looking for sunny outdoor activities.

Hello gorgeous! FUNNY GIRL, only at MSMT!

What did our critic think of CRAZY FOR YOU at Ogunquit Playhouse?

Maine State Music Theatre is the first - and only - regional theatre to be granted the rights to produce Funny Girl since the Broadway National Tour launched. We chat with Kenny Ingram about the upcoming production.