Maine Theatre + Broadway News

Acorn Productions Continues Lowry's Lodge Poetry Reading Series with Claire Hersom & David Moreau, 5/11

(5/11/2012) Acorn Productions continues its monthly "Lowry's Lodge" poetry reading series with Claire Hersom and David Moreua. Anne Wrobel and Jim Donnelly, the series curators, decided to feature these poets as the result of their "cross-pollination" with some wonderful poets of the Augusta region. Ted and Ruth Bookey's series at the Harlow Gallery in Hallowell has been a source of these meetings and revelations. "lowry's Lodge" seeks to present Maine poets in regional flavors as well as in universal tones. Claire and David are the first of a few central Maine poets booked in the coming months. Both poets are highly respected by their peers and can be described as truly "authentic" voices. The reading takes place on Friday, May 11th at 7pm at the Acorn Studio Theater in the Dana Warp Mill in Westbrook. Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation.

ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE, Performs to Benefit Rotary International’s Fight Against Polio, May 31st

(5/10/2012) Rotary International invites all to join them and the Ogunquit Playhouse in the fight to eradicate Polio worldwide by purchasing a ticket to ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE, on “Rotary Night,” Thursday, May 31, 2012 at the Ogunquit Playhouse. For every ticket sold that evening, the Ogunquit Playhouse will donate a portion to the York Rotary Club. This year’s goal is to raise over $5,000 to support Rotary International’s goal of eliminating worldwide polio. Tickets start at $39 per person. To order tickets call the Playhouse Box Office at 207.646.5511 or visit Ogunquitplayhouse.org.

BWW Reviews: Marie Antoinette: The Color of Flesh - Nicely Executed

(5/8/2012) “If you want to make love to an artist, learn your colors,” exclaims Elisa in Portland Stage Company's stage palette of many emotions; Marie Antoinette: The Color of Flesh, by Joel Gross.

The Loons Play The Public in ON GOLDEN POND

(5/8/2012) The loons have begun their pre-summer song at the Public Theatre in Lewiston, Maine as Ernest Thompson's dramedy, On Golden Pond, takes the stage starring theatre, film and TV actors (and real life couple), Mike Genovese and Ellen Crawford.

Mad Horse Theatre Company Presents Eric Bogosian's SEX, DRUGS, ROCK & ROLL, Now thru 5/16

(5/7/2012) Mad Horse Theatre Company’s Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll opens tonight, May 7, and will run on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings through May 16 at Lucid Stage, 29 Baxter Boulevard, in Portland.

Ogunuit Playhouse Kicks Off 2012 Season with ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE, 5/24

(5/4/2012) The 80th Anniversary Season at the Ogunquit Playhouse kicks off with Always, Patsy Cline, on stage from May 23 through June 16. This show is told through the letters of star-struck fan Louise Seger, portrayed by Emmy Award winning actress, Sally Struthers. This popular musical, which has enjoyed great success both off-Broadway and across the nation, is based on the true story of Cline’s friendship with Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961 and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. Featuring the unforgettable hits of the Country Music mega-star, this funny and touching tribute celebrates the career and life of the singer who died tragically in a plane crash in 1963. “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walking After Midnight” are just a few of the 27 featured songs.

Voting Opens for the 2012 BroadwayWorld.com Awards - Vote Now on the Best of the New York Season!

(5/3/2012) The TONY Awards Nominators had their say earlier this week and now it's your turn! We're pleased to announce that voting has now opened for the 10th Annual BroadwayWorld.com Awards!

Penobscot Theatre Company Announces Summer Camps

(5/3/2012) Penobscot Theatre Company will be offering summer day camps at the Bangor Opera House for students ages 4 to 20. There will be two summer camp sessions, each three weeks long. The first session will run from Monday, July 2 to Friday, July 20. The second session will run from Monday, July 23 to Friday, August 10.

Portland Ovations Presents Violinist Jennifer Koh at Hannaford Hall Tonight, 5/3

(5/3/2012) Portland Ovations presents violinist, Jennifer Koh at Hannaford Hall tonight, May 3 at 7:30pm.

Penobscot Theater Company Presents An Evening of Rock 'n Roll at the Bangor Opera House, 5/12

(5/1/2012) Beginning in July of 2011, Sasha Alcott and Chris Viner started curating a series of "WPC Presents" events in the Bangor area which are evenings of live, original music including acts from the Bangor area coupled with touring musicians. The concept was, and is to cross pollinate the Northeastern United States indie music scene with the burgeoning scene in Bangor. The series has taken place in a variety of establishments and has recently expanded to include acts from as far as Pittsburgh PA.

Portland Ovations Invited to Join National Performance Network

(5/1/2012) The National Performance Network, an invitational network of only 65 performing arts presenters from across the country that are dedicated to touring work with deep community connections, officially selected Portland Ovations to become a partner.

Mad Horse Theatre Company Presents Eric Bogosian's SEX, DRUGS, ROCK & ROLL, 5/7-16

(4/30/2012) Mad Horse Theatre Company’s Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll opens Monday, May 7, and will run on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings through May 16 at Lucid Stage, 29 Baxter Boulevard, in Portland.

Acorn Productions Continues Lowry's Lodge Poetry Reading Series with Claire Hersom & David Moreau, 5/11

(4/27/2012) Acorn Productions continues its monthly "Lowry's Lodge" poetry reading series with Claire Hersom and David Moreua. Anne Wrobel and Jim Donnelly, the series curators, decided to feature these poets as the result of their "cross-pollination" with some wonderful poets of the Augusta region. Ted and Ruth Bookey's series at the Harlow Gallery in Hallowell has been a source of these meetings and revelations. "lowry's Lodge" seeks to present Maine poets in regional flavors as well as in universal tones. Claire and David are the first of a few central Maine poets booked in the coming months. Both poets are highly respected by their peers and can be described as truly "authentic" voices. The reading takes place on Friday, May 11th at 7pm at the Acorn Studio Theater in the Dana Warp Mill in Westbrook. Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation.

Portland Ovations Season to Include Joffrey Ballet and More

(4/25/2012) Last night in front of a capacity crowd at their presentation of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Portland Ovations and Executive Director Aimée M. Petrin announced next season's dance series that will include the world-renowned Joffrey Ballet on March 21, 2013. Portland Ovations presentation of the Joffrey Ballet will anchor a season long theme honoring two important centennials the opening of Portland's cherished Merrill Auditorium and the premiere of one of the greatest works of the 20th century, Igor Stravinsky's Rite of Spring.

Portland Ovations Presents Imogen Cooper at Merrill Auditorium, 4/25

(4/25/2012) Portland Ovations presents classical pianist, Imogen Cooper at Merrill Auditorium on Wednesday, April 25 at 7:30 pm.

Portland Ovations Presents Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Merrill Auditorium Tonight

(4/24/2012) Portland Ovations will present Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Merrill Auditorium tonight, April 24 at 7:30pm.

Portland Ovations Presents Violinist Jennifer Koh at Hannaford Hall, 5/3

(4/10/2012) Portland Ovations presents violinist, Jennifer Koh at Hannaford Hall on Thursday, May 3 at 7:30pm.

Photo Coverage: First Look at Photos from 11th ANNUAL MAINE PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL

(4/9/2012) The Maine Playwrights Festival is entering its eleventh year of presenting world premiere scripts by some of the area's most talented playwrights. This year's festival features 10 short plays and 2 full-length plays that were selected from over 90 submissions.

Carson Kressley to Star in Ogunquit Playhouse’s Revised DAMN YANKEES, 7/25-8/18

(4/4/2012) Hot off his run in “Dancing with the Stars,” Emmy-winning television star, celebrity stylist, author and fashion designer, Carson Kressley will return to the Ogunquit Playhouse as Mr. Applegate (aka the Devil himself!) in the 2012 production of Damn Yankees (the new Boston Red Sox version!), on stage July 25 – August 18. This summer the Ogunquit Playhouse is celebrating its 80th anniversary of producing award-winning theatre in Southern Maine. Carson Kressley was last seen at the Ogunquit Playhouse in his critically acclaimed performance as Man in Chair during the 2010 run of The Drowsy Chaperone.

Portland Ovations Presents Imogen Cooper at Merrill Auditorium, 4/25

(4/3/2012) Portland Ovations presents classical pianist, Imogen Cooper at Merrill Auditorium on Wednesday, April 25 at 7:30 pm.

BWW Reviews: HEROES: A Masterclass in Acting

(4/2/2012) With Heroes, a Tom Stoppard translation of Gerald Sibleyras's play, Portland Stage Company has produced another "must see" show. Heroes is very funny, very charming and very well done for anyone who wants to experience great theater.

Mad Horse's THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS Closes

(4/1/2012) Mad Horse Theatre Company will present THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS ON MAN-IN-THE-MOON MARIGOLDS, by Paul Zindel. The play runs Thursday to Sunday through April 1, at Lucid Stage, 29 Baxter Blvd, Portland.

Acorn Continues LOWRY’S LODGE in April

(3/30/2012) The April poetry readings hosted by Jim Donnelly and Anna Wrobel at the Acorn Studio Theater in the Dana Warp Mill in Westbrook continues on Friday, April 13th at 7 p.m. Local poets Michael Macklin and Marty Pottenger will read from their work and take questions from the audience after their readings. The event is free with a $5 suggested donation.

Portland Ovations Presents Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Merrill Auditorium, 4/24

(3/28/2012) Portland Ovations will present Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Merrill Auditorium on Tuesday, April 24 at 7:30pm.

Ogunquit Playhouse Announces 80th Anniversary Season, Sally Struthers Returns in ALWAYS PATSY CLINE

(3/27/2012) The Ogunquit Playhouse, America’s Foremost Summer Theatre, is set to celebrate its 80th Anniversary season May 23 to October 21, 2012. The lineup offers a mix of Broadway’s most enduring musical classics, along with some of the hottest new shows on stage today. Executive Artistic Director, Bradford Kenney explains, “A milestone anniversary deserves a year made up of Broadway’s greatest classics, retrospectives of the Playhouse’s biggest hits, and of course a brand-new Broadway musical from one of America’s greatest song writers, Dolly Parton.”

Acorn Productions to Present Maine Playwrights Festival in April

(3/21/2012) Acorn Productions has announced the performance schedule for the 11th annual Maine Playwrights Festival. This year’s festival takes place during the month of April, beginning with a special fundraising event titled “Write Right Wright” on April 3rd, continuing with 2 staged readings on April 7th and 14th, and culminating with 2 weekends of fully staged performances at the St. Lawrence Arts Center from April 19th to 29th.

Mad Horse Theatre’s Dark Night Series Returns with UNCLE BOB, 3/19-28

(3/19/2012) Mad Horse Theatre Company’s Dark Night Series returns with Austin Pendleton’s UNCLE BOB. The reclusive Bob is an angry old man who has never done anything meaningful in his life. He is a failed actor and writer, he has driven away his loving wife, and he is dying of AIDS.

Mad Horse Announces THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS for March-April

(3/15/2012) Mad Horse Theatre Company will present THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS ON MAN-IN-THE-MOON MARIGOLDS, by Paul Zindel. The play opens March 15, and runs Thursday to Sunday through April 1, at Lucid Stage, 29 Baxter Blvd, Portland.

Lorem Ipsum’s GHOSTS Runs the Last Two Weekends in March

(3/13/2012) Innovative Indie theater company Lorem Ipsum are back this spring with a multimedia production of Ghosts, to be held at SPACE Gallery the last two weekends in March, 7:00 p.m., 538 Congress Street, Portland Maine.

Follow BroadwayWorld on Pinterest!

(3/13/2012) Are you one of the thousands already following BroadwayWorld.com, the biggest theatre site on the net on Twitter and Facebook?

Maine Arts Organizations Co-Host Free NPN Workshop, 4/4

(3/13/2012) A free workshop for performing artists who are interested in touring their work across the country will be held on Wednesday April 4 from 3:30-5:30 pm at SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St. Portland. Co-hosted by Bates Dance Festival, Portland Ovations and SPACE Gallery, this dynamic and informative workshop is designed and presented by the National Performance Network (NPN), as part of its regional programming.

BWW Reviews: HIDDEN TENNESSEE is a Hidden Treasure

(3/12/2012) Tennessee Williams is best known for his plays like The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, however, Portland Stage Company has masterfully brought together four of his lesser known works in a show that must be experienced.

BWW Reviews: Riveting Choices Determine Destiny in A NERVOUS SMILE

(3/12/2012) Playwright John Belluso once said, "I've always felt that there's a theatrical element to being disabled." and his powerful play, A Nervous Smile, reflects his words in a stunning production, beautifully directed by Whitney Smith.

BWW Reviews: Big Laughs for LITTLE ME - Funtastic

(3/12/2012) What do you get when you take one great comedic actor who plays seven different parts, a powerhouse leading lady and an ensemble of 11 multitalented thespians? You get one fun-tastic evening of professional theater with the musical, Little Me, presented by the Good Theater in Portland, Maine.

Acorn Productions' THE BIRTHDAY PARTY Closes

(3/11/2012) Acorn Productions, a non-profit company based in the Dana Warp Mill in downtown Westbrook, continues off its 2nd season of Studio Series presentations with Harold Pinter’s first full-length play The Birthday Party.

Nancy Henry and Duff Plunkett to Lead Acorn's LOWRY’S LODGE Reading

(3/9/2012) Acorn Productions, a company dedicated to developing the performing arts in the Southern Maine area, offers the next installment of the company’s monthly series of poetry readings entitled “Lowry’s Lodge.” The series of public readings hosted by Jim Donnelly and Anna Wrobel continues at the Acorn Studio Theater in the Dana Warp Mill in Westbrook on Friday, March 16th at 7 p.m. Local poets Nancy Henry and Duff Plunkett will read from their work and take questions from the audience after their readings. The event is free with a $5 suggested donation.

Good Theater Closes 10th Anniversary Season With LITTLE ME, 3/8-4/1

(3/8/2012) Little Me, the musical comedy by Neil Simon (book), Cy Coleman (music), and Carolyn Leigh (lyrics) will be presented by Good Theater March 7 – April 1 at the St. Lawrence Arts Center. Little Me is directed by Brian P. Allen with musical direction by Victoria Stubbs, leading the three-piece band, and choreography by Tyler Sperry.

Mad Horse Announces THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS for March-April

(3/1/2012) Mad Horse Theatre Company will present THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS ON MAN-IN-THE-MOON MARIGOLDS, by Paul Zindel. The play opens March 15, and runs Thursday to Sunday through April 1, at Lucid Stage, 29 Baxter Blvd, Portland.

The Ogunquit Playhouse Receives Ten IRNE Award Nominations

(2/25/2012) The Ogunquit Playhouse announced that it has received ten Independent Reviewers of New England Award (IRNE) Nominations for its 2011 production of Miss Saigon, including Best Musical in the “Large Theatre” category.