Will Ray

Video: First Look At WHITE CHRISTMAS At Maine Street Music Theatre

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. 

Interview: WHITE CHRISTMAS is a Christmas Card to the MSMT Faithful

“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.

Review: MSMT's WHITE CHRISTMAS Is Pure & Perfect Magic

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. 

Interview: 'So Much More Than Christmas': Stars of Irving Berlin's Classic Discuss WHITE CHRISTMAS

“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.

BWW Q&A: Charis Leos on Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS at Maine State Music Theatre

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!).

Fulton Theatre to Present Concert Fundraiser of THE SECRET GARDEN

Fulton Theatre will present a concert of The Secret Garden on May 23rd, 2024 at 6:30pm. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Video: First Look At Fulton Theatre's 9 TO 5: The Musical

Get a first look at The Fulton Theatre's production of 9 to 5: The Musical in an all-new trailer for the production. Watch as the cast performs the title song and more.

Review: 9 TO 5 at Fulton Theatre

What did our critic think of 9 TO 5 at Fulton Theatre? The Fulton brings the musical version of the feminist farce, 9 to 5 to the mainstage. Based on the 1980 film of the same name, the plot follows three secretaries and their struggles and triumphs against their sexist, narcissist of a boss. 

Review: 9 TO 5 at Fulton Theatre

What did our critic think of 9 TO 5 at Fulton Theatre?

Video: Go Inside The First Orchestra Rehearsal For The Fulton's 9 TO 5

Go inside the first orchestra rehearsal for The Fulton Theatre's upcoming production of 9 to 5: The Musical in an all-new video. Watch as the cast performs the title song, Hart to Heart, Backwoods Barbie, and more.

Cast Set For 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL at the Fulton Theatre

The Fulton Theatre has announced the cast of its upcoming production of 9 to 5: The Musical. Find out who is starring int he musical here!

Video: Get a First Look at THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Pittsburgh CLO

Get a first look at THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Pittsburgh CLO! Experience the magic of this beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic as it comes to life on stage. Don't miss the inspiring true story and unforgettable melodies that have captured the hearts of millions.

Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC Climbs Every Mountain at Benedum Center

A heightened comic sensibility makes this old classic feel fresh to even the most cynical viewer (namely, me).

Carolee Carmello, Patti Murin, Frenchie Davis & More to Star in Pittsburgh CLO's 2023 Summer of Musicals

As the curtain is about to rise on Pittsburgh CLO's 2023 Summer of Musicals at the Benedum Center between June 13 - August 27, 2023, now is your chance to meet the cast and creative teams!

BWW Critic's Choices: Best of Maine 2022

After three seemingly endless years, Maine's theatrical landscape has truly begun to come to life again after the pandemic. I am thrilled to be able to pen this article, having experienced a 2022 that saw the remarkable 'comebacks' of Maine's theatres. While the year was not without continued challenges, these brave, resilient companies managed to produce first-class live theatre for grateful audiences. These are my personal choices of the best in Maine for 2022, grouped by theatre company and show.

Review: WHITE CHRISTMAS at Fulton Theatre

Fulton Theatre’s current production of the tepid White Christmas is an excellent example of the old adage “there are no small parts, only small actors”. Fulton Theatre?

Luke Hawkins, Sarah Meahl, Will Ray, and Hanley Smith Will Lead Fulton Theatre's WHITE CHRISTMAS

The Fulton Theatre has announced complete casting of their holiday production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Will Ray (Bob Wallace) and Hanley Smith (Betty Haynes) join forces once again.

Alive with Music: SOUND OF MUSIC Stars Open MSMT Library Series

For two weeks now Brunswick’s Pickard Theater has been “alive with the sound of music,’ but on June 15 Hanley Smith and Will Ray, the stars of MSMT’s brilliant new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC, joined MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark and BWW Maine Regional Editor Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold to celebrate the joy, inspiration, and continued resonance of this timeless musical at the first Peek Behind the Curtain program in three years. The popular panel discussion series held at Curtis Memorial Library returned to an enthusiastic, capacity audience for an hour of conversation about what Clark called “the quintessential American musical and the perfect show to launch post-pandemic MSMT’s Revival Season.”

BWW Interview: Refilling the Cup of Hope: Hanley Smith & Will Ray in MSMT's SOUND OF MUSIC

“Marc Robin ‘s vision for this production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC is that of a joyful, hopeful child,” says Hanley Smith, the actress who makes her debut as Maria von Trapp this week as Maine State Music Theatre kicks off its “Revival Season.” Describing the lens through which director/choreographer Robin views the piece, she continues, “This production comes from a very joyful, youthful place at the same time that there is an awareness of the weight and import of the story. In the face of deep darkness in the world, the light becomes all the brighter. Marc knows how to create both those worlds and the battle between them and make you really want the light to win. And you believe it CAN win. And that is not naïveté; that is an act of courage.”

BWW Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Fulton Theatre

The Fulton's The Sound of Music is easily the best production in Lancaster County since live theatre opened back up. The show's dazzling sets, impressive singing, and memorable characters come together to provide the audience with a spectacular night of entertainment. Director and choreographer, Marc Robin, must be congratulated for overseeing this gift.