Maine Theatre Newsroom

Check out an all-new trailer for South Pacific at Maine State Music Theatre! Check out the cast in action in this all-new video.

In a colorful, imaginative retelling of this “tale as old as time,” MSMT opens its 2024 TYA series with a revival of Robin and Clark’s version of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. The production, directed by Betsy Puelle, not only offers a contemporary twist on the classic fairytale, but also layers onto that version another dimension of fantasy and fun. Setting the ancient story as a play within a modern play, Robin and Clark create the dual perspective that characterizes many of their musicals and allows the actors to break the fourth wall and engage the youngsters directly. The narrator, a schoolgirl named Cindy, fashion – often improvises - her version of the story, lobbies to have it produced, and eventually plays a pivotal role in the work. Employing MSMT’s exciting new video technology, a stellar cast of young professionals, and incorporating large-scale, whimsical puppetry into the mix, this BEAUTY AND THE BEAST proves the resilience of the source material and the creative genius of the company

Watch a preview for William Michals' concert at the Orion Performing Arts Center in the video here!

“We perform in parking lots, restaurants, tents, bandshells, and lovely venues like this one,” declares Maine State Music Theatre’s Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark. He is addressing a full house in the Lunt Auditorium at Oceanview at Falmouth on May 30. It is only one of over 95 free public outreach events that MSMT offers in the course of each year,  but today is special because it introduces the new 2024 crop of MSMT Singers in their second public performance since arriving in the state. An outgrowth of the company’s former intern program, the MSMT Singers are an elite group of young (college age) professionals selected by Clark in an annual nationwide search that has holds over 3000 auditions for eight spots. “These young artists have to sing, dance and act on a scale of at least an 8 out of 10 when they come here,” Clark explains, “and when they leave, I expect that they will have grown into the stars they are going to be.”  

Respectful of the show’s legacy and sensitive to contemporary context, Maine State Music Theatre has mounted a stunning revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, SOUTH PACIFIC.  Marshalling the company’s considerable artistic resources, this 75th anniversary production is musically glorious, visually lush, and packed with emotion and talent.

Get a first look at South Pacific at Maine State Music Theatre! Check out the cast in action in this all-new video.

Deertrees Theatre announces its 88th summer season, featuring a diverse lineup of performances and events that promise to entertain audiences of all ages. Discover what’s in store for the 2024 season.

Opera Maine's 2024 Studio Artist Program will present two performances of Rappahannock County by celebrated composer Ricky Ian Gordon and librettist Mark Campbell. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Theater at Monmouth will celebrate 55 years with the 'Tragedy Tomorrow, Comedy Tonight' season, featuring Shakespearean comedies, Moliere's THE SCHOOL FOR HUSBANDS, and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Portland Stage Company will present Clauder Competition Grand Prize Winner MANNING by New England playwright Benjamin Benne.

Burlesque Beyond the Beach will return to The Leavitt Theatre June 1, July 19 and August 31, 2024 with a blockbuster cast.

Ogunquit Playhouse has revealed the full cast for CRAZY FOR YOU. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Composer Robert Sirota’s annual Muzzy Ridge Concerts series will return for a fourth season in summer 2024. This year’s four performances are once again presented over two weekends on August 24-25 and August 31-September 1, all at 3pm.

“SOUTH PACIFIC is a masterpiece, and the role of Emile de Becque is an important one.  He is a man who hates war, has found his slice of peace, and is willing to fight for love.  It is such a joy to play the part and be able to fall in love eight times a week.”  Baritone William Michals is sharing his thoughts about MSMT and Fulton Theatres’ new co-production of SOUTH PACIFIC which opens MSMT’s 65th season on June 6, 2024 (Previews June 5).  His enthusiasm for the project is shared by his co-star, Carolyn Anne Miller, who plays Ensign Nellie Forbush. “I have fond memories of the show from the records my grandmother, who was an actor, used to play.  I knew all the songs by heart, and it is a thrill to play the role for the first time.”

What did our critic think of WAITRESS at Ogunquit Playhouse?

Portland Stage joins forces with the Dramatic Repertory Company to revive Tony Kushner’s multiple award-winning 1991 drama, ANGELS IN AMERICA, in a production that Artistic Director Anita Stewart proudly calls “all Maine-made.”  The company has shouldered the huge task of presenting the sprawling seven-hour epic in two parts, the first of which “Millennium Approaches” proves its ability to create a powerful emotional impact long after its premiere.

Boothbay Summer Theater has announced its second season of offerings will include the one-woman show 'MY WITCH: The Margaret Hamilton Stories' performing June 27 through 30 at Boothbay Harbor's Carousel Music Theater during the region's Windjammer Days festival.

“The world is coming back online, and people are getting back to who they were before the pandemic,” declares MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark. “Ticket sales are as close as they have come to pre-pandemic levels, and there is an extraordinary buzz surrounding the upcoming 2024 season.” 

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

The Public Theatre presents the anticipated U.S. premiere of Lunenburg playing at Lewiston/Auburn's professional theatre, May 3 – 12.

The Public Theatre presents the U.S. premiere of Lunenburg, running May 3 – 12.

Opening Next Week at the Waterville Opera House: Head Over Heels!

Catch the latest production of ANGELS IN AMERICA PT 1, presented by PORTLAND STAGE.

April 25th & 26th will mark a new chapter in the USM Dance program as faculty and guest choreographers bring back the annual Spring Dance Concert with original works inspired by themes of reclamation and renewal. 

This May, the heartwarming and exhilarating classic, Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, is set to enchant audiences at the Royal River Community Players (RRCP) Playhouse from May 17-26, 2024.