One of Maine’s summer treats is an afternoon or evening at the theater. Maine hosts many summer theaters and I am going to tell you about some of the most well known.
The Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick is closest to Ocean Point. Victoria Crandall opened the summer playhouse in the Pickard Theatre on the Bowdoin College Campus in 1959 with “The Song of Norway.” She produced nine shows with full sets, costumes and chorus!
In 1967 the name was changed to Brunswick Music theatre. By the late 60’s summer theaters were cropping up all over Maine and New England. In the 1970’s the theater became non-profit allowing for an intern program.
Inn 1988 the name became Maine State Music Theatre. The 2016 summer will be the thetre’s 58th season! The following shows will be presented.
Ghost the Musical June 8-25
Earta June 29-July 16
Fiddler on the Roof July 20 - August 6
Momma Mia August 10 - 27
Jack and the Beanstalk June 15 and 18
Aladdin August 22
Call the Box Office at 207-725-8769
The Ogunquit Playhouse got its start in the 1920’s and 1930’s during the depression when Walter Hartwig brought the Manhattan Theatre Colony to Ogunquit, Maine. After Walter died, his wife Maude kept the theater going until her retirement in 1951.
2016 will be the 84th season for the Ogunquit Playhouse and they will be producing the following plays.
Let It Be May 18 - June 11
Anything Goes June 15 - July 9
Hunchback of Notre Dame July 13 - August 6
Priscilla Queen of the Desert August 10 - September 3
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers September 7 - ctober 1
Million Dollar Quartet October 5 - November 6
Call the Box Office at 207-646-5511
The Theatre at Monmouth is a year round company started in 1970. The performances are held in the Cumston Hall which is on the National Register of Historical Buildings. Their goal is to present “innovative approaches to Shakespeare and other classic plays.” During this 47th season the following performances are scheduled.
Cyrano
Love’s Labor Lost
The Barber of Seville
Henry
The Illusion
Puss in Boots
Boeing Boeing
Call the Box Office at 207-933-9999
The Lakewood Theatre opened in 1901 and will be celebrating its 116th season in 2016. Originally, the grounds of the theater was a Native American campground and a meeting place for spiritualists. One of the longest running plays on Broadway, “Life with Father,” premiered at Lakewood in 1939. Many amazing changes have taken place at this beautiful theater over the years. The 2016 season will include the following.
Money Matters
Last Round of the Guacamole Queens
Always Patsy Cline
Cheshire Cat
The Full Monty
Hello Dolly!
Of Mice and Men
Confessions of a Dirty Blond
Call the Box Office at 207-474-7176
There are many more options in Maine but the above are favorites of mine. Growing up in central Maine, I have fond memories of the Lakewood Theatre. To a child they were magical evenings!