Russell Hall Report

Hell on Wheels

2012-01-29T17:41:00.000-08:00

First stilts, now skates! In addition to Tom Campbell’s stilt work for Eurydice, the actors who play the Stones spend the entire production on roller skates. Jake Cote, Dolly Constantine, and Lake Bellavance have been working tirelessly over the past two months to become proficient at roller skating; apparently they even took their skates home with them over December break and wore them around the house! Thankfully all three actors returned from break without injuries, and with a much better grasp of skating.

For several recent Tuesdays the Stones, accompanied by director Meghan Brodie and some of the cast and crew, have ventured to Happy Wheels skating rink to practice with their skates and learn some tricks from their skating mentor, Janette Hough-Fertig. Although the stones became stable on the skates fairly quickly, there were some amusing slip-ups.

Katie Foster, Eurydice’s costume designer, and Shannon Zura, USM’s Assistant Professor of Lighting & Sound Design (and master of all things electrical), were undoubtedly the best on their skates, and quickly learned all sorts of tricks.

The lessons from Janette were apparently beneficial, because once the Stones had spent some time on the set, they were skating around and under the scaffolding as if they had been born on skates.

--Alice Hofgren, Eurydice Dramaturg & Assistant Stage Manager

For tickets, click here.

Getting a Leg Up on Rehearsals

2012-01-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

There has been a rash of activity in the USM Scene Shop lately, but it isn’t because of any pressing deadlines or a sudden need for flats. The newest craze for the cast and crew of Eurydice is stilts.

While Tom is the only actor who uses stilts in the show, once it was discovered that building stilts is fairly easy, some of the other actors and designers decided to make their own under the tutelage of Perry Fertig, USM’s Technical Director. Perry has years of experience with stilts and generously helped anyone interested in making and walking on their own pair. The stilts Tom uses in Eurydice, at three feet tall, are already pretty scary to watch, but the pair Perry used for demonstration were nothing short of terrifying.

They are five feet tall and in them Perry is a towering 11 feet tall. Thankfully none of the students’ stilts are taller than three feet; Eurydice director Meghan Brodie is already concerned that Eurydice (Madelyn James) will literally break a leg using her stilts.

The stilts certainly keep everyone entertained, especially now that our sound designer, James Futter, has figured out how to duck under the Scene Shop door on his stilts and wander around the theatre. Apparently he even managed to convince Rich, our custodian, to put a pair of stilts on and take a few steps.

Blog by Alice Hofgren, Eurydice Dramaturg and Assistant Stage Manager

2011-11-29T21:03:00.000-08:00

USM Department of Theatre is pleased to present Dance USM!, highlighting the talents of student dancers and choreographers as USM presents an evening of thrilling and unique dance. Featuring professional guest choreographers, these special performances are a not-to-be-missed exhibition of the power and beauty of the world’s oldest art form.

“This year the energy is electric and the excitement about dance is contagious,” says Director Maria Tzianabos “I have spent 15 years directing this show but I am most excited about Dance USM 2011. I am seeing a greater respect for dance as an art form, a rigor in the rehearsal process and a feeling of camaraderie within our cast and crew.”

Performances are at RUSSELL HALL, University of Southern Maine, 37 College Ave. in Gorham; December 8, 9, 10 at 7:30pm; December 11 at 5pm;

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adult: $15, Student: $8, Senior: $11, USM Faculty, Staff, Alumni: $11

For more information on show times and tickets call the USM Theatre Box Office at 207.780.5151 or visit www.usm.maine.edu/theatre to purchase tickets online.

2011-10-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE

ONE WEEKEND LEFT!

“Thomas Power directs USM actors in a beautifully subtle production of this tragedy.”

-Portland Phoenix

Read the entire Portland Phoenix review here

http://portland.thephoenix.com/arts/128247-usms-bridge-leads-from-safety-to-tragedy/

Performances in the Russell Hall auditorium on the Gorham campus are October

14, 15 at 7:30 p.m. October 16 at 5 p.m.

For more information on show times and tickets call the USM Theatre Box Office at

207.780.5151 or visit www.usm.maine.edu/theatre to purchase tickets online.

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE opens this week!

2011-10-03T07:23:00.001-07:00

"A kitchen sink drama with knives"

The New York Times

The University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre is pleased to present A View From the Bridge – one the great plays of American Theatre – written by Arthur Miller and

directed by Thomas Power.

Passion can have a huge creative power - but not for Eddie Carbone; not in Brooklyn the year his only niece turned 17 - not by a long shot. When his niece falls in love, Eddie dives headlong into a pit of self-destruction. Only Arthur Miller could have written this story - which is like a force of nature. You're not watching a play, you're watching a fire out of control. This is a blistering work from an American master.

Performances in the Russell Hall auditorium on the Gorham campus are October 7, 8,

13, 14, 15 at 7:30 p.m. October 9, 12, 16 at 5 p.m. High school matinee October 12 at 10

a.m.

For more information on show times and tickets call the USM Theatre Box Office at

207.780.5151 or visit www.usm.maine.edu/theatre to purchase tickets online.

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE opens next week!

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Real life in Brooklyn becomes Greek tragedy

in this one-of-kind masterwork.

The University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre is pleased to present A View From the Bridge – one the great plays of American Theatre – written by Arthur Miller and

directed by Thomas Power.

Performances in the Russell Hall auditorium on the Gorham campus are October 7, 8,

13, 14, 15 at 7:30 p.m. October 9, 12, 16 at 5 p.m. High school matinee October 12 at 10

a.m.

For more information on show times and tickets call the USM Theatre Box Office at

207.780.5151 or visit www.usm.maine.edu/theatre to purchase tickets online.

HARVEY OPENS THIS FRIDAY!

2011-04-19T09:39:00.001-07:00

USM Department of Theatre presents Harvey – about a lovable eccentric and his invisible friend – written by Mary Chase and directed by William Steele.

This is a rare chance to see one of the funniest American comedies ever written.

Performances in the Russell Hall auditorium on the Gorham campus are April 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 at 7:30 p.m. April 24, 27 and May 1 at 5 p.m.

Ticket prices are as follows: Adult: $15, Student: $8, Senior: $11, USM Faculty, Staff, Alumni: $11, $5@five Show: April 27 at 5 p.m., all seats $5.

For more information on show times and tickets call the USM Theatre Box Office at 207.780.5151 or visit www.usm.maine.edu/theatre to purchase tickets online.

HARVEY opens April 22!

2011-04-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

USM Department of Theatre is pleased to present Harvey – one of the best-loved comedies in all of American Theatre – written by Mary Chase and directed by William Steele.

Elwood P. Dowd has a friend named Harvey. When Elwood introduces Harvey to the guests at a ritzy party, his society-obsessed sister, Veta, decides to have Elwood committed to a sanitarium. Harvey is, after all, a six-foot-tall invisible rabbit. As the lovable Elwood and Harvey evade Veta, a family crisis becomes hilarious chaos, pitting the realist against the dreamer.

This is a rare chance to see a full production of a play that is considered one of the funniest American comedies ever written.

Performances in the Russell Hall auditorium on the Gorham campus are April 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 at 7:30 p.m. April 24, 27 and May 1 at 5 p.m.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adult: $15, Student:

$8, Senior: $11,

USM Faculty, Staff, Alumni: $11,

$5@five Show: April 27 at 5 p.m., all seats $5.

For more information on show times and tickets call the USM Theatre Box Office at 207.780.5151 or visit www.usm.maine.edu/theatre to purchase tickets online.

TRIUMPH OF LOVE OPENS TONIGHT!

2011-03-11T09:09:00.000-08:00

Call the box office at 780.5151

or visit our web page to purchase tickets online!

TRIUMPH OF LOVE ON WCSH-TV TONIGHT!

2011-03-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

Tune in to 207 (WCSH 6) at 7 p.m. tonight and again Friday at 7 p.m. for a preview of Triumph of Love with singers Jeremiah Haley and Rylee Doiron, accompanied by musical director Ed Reichert, plus an interview with director Assunta Kent. Triumph opens Friday!

TRIUMPH OF LOVE OPENS THIS FRIDAY!

2011-03-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

TRIUMPH OF LOVE!

A WITTY MUSICAL ROMANCE

Music by Jeffrey Stock
Lyrics by Susan Birkenhead
Book by James Magruder
Based on the play by Marivaux
Stage Direction by Dr. Assunta Kent
Musical Direction by Edward Reichert

Call the box office at 780.5151

or visit our web page to purchase tickets online.

March 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at7:30 p.m.

March 13, 20 at 5 p.m.

$10 students

$15 seniors/faculty/staff/alumni

$21 general public

$10@five Show, March 16 at 5 p.m., all seats $10.

High school matinee March 15 at 10 a.m.

2011-02-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

The Triumph of Love cast includes talented USM Musical Theatre majors from Maine and Massachusetts. Pictured here: Jeremiah Haley as Agis (kneeling); in back Kelly Mosher as Hesione; (front) Rylee Doiron as Princess Leonide, and Kyle Dennis as Hermocrates.

Princess Leonide has fallen in love with a young man, who turns out to be a hidden prince, Agis. Agis, however, has been raised by his scholarly uncle, Hermocrates and his maiden aunt, Hesione to abjure all feelings so he can assassinate the Princess and regain the throne! Undaunted, Leonide hatches a plan to win his love by disguising herself as a devoted male student of his uncle. Vowing that she will “Do anything for his Love,” Leonide proceeds to assail this stoic trio, aided by her chambermaid, the soubrette Corine and two zany commedia dell’arte servants, Harlequin and Dimas. By the end of Act I, all three noble denizens of the garden retreat love Leonide (in her different guises), and Corine is doing her best to “handle” both servants. But the garden is too small for this ruse to go on for long. Can Love and Wit triumph over War and Reason?

Tickets for Triumph of Love go on sale tomorrow!

2011-02-09T03:27:00.000-08:00

Call the box office at 780.5151

or visit our web page to purchase tickets online.

March 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at 7:30 p.m.

March 13, 20 at 5 p.m.

$10 students

$15 seniors/faculty/staff/alumni

$21 general public

$10@five Show, March 16 at 5 p.m., all seats $10.

High school matinee March 15 at 10 a.m.

Airswimming Opens February 3!

2011-01-20T03:26:00.000-08:00

Performances are in the Russell Hall auditorium on the Gorham campus.
February 3, 4, 5 at 7:30 p.m.
February 5 at 2 p.m.
February 6 at 5 p.m.

$8 students, $11 seniors/faculty/staff/alumni, $15 general public.

To make reservations please call the USM Theatre Box Office at 207.780.5151 or purchase tickets online and save $1.50 with this Coupon Code: 51510211. Tickets can be purchased online via the USM Theatre Department Website: www.usm.maine.edu/theatre

Airswimming follows Persephone and Dora during the fifty years they are imprisoned as moral imbeciles in St. Dymphna’s Hospital for the Criminally Insane through their release into a shared apartment in the years following their incarceration. With a blond wig, the music of Doris Day, and a singular form of synchronized swimming, Persephone and Dora rise above their circumstances and forge a life-long friendship. Based on a true story, Airswimming explores love, survival, and the power of the human spirit with both humor and compassion.

Betrayal Opens Tonight! Russell Hall at 7:30 p.m.

2010-11-12T07:58:00.000-08:00

The USM Department of Theatre is pleased to present Betrayal, a tangled chronicle of dishonesty, deception and desire, written by Harold Pinter, directed by Thomas Power. Performances in the Russell Hall auditorium on the Gorham campus are at 7:30 p.m. November 12, 13, 18, 19, 20; November 14, 21 at 5 p.m. $8 students, $11 seniors/faculty/staff/alumni, $15 general public. $5@five Show on November 17 at 5 p.m., all seats $5. To make reservations please call the USM Theatre Box Office at 207.780.5151

"I have been intrigued by Pinter's work for years and directed many of his plays including The Homecoming, The Birthday Party, The Lover and a number of his shorter one-acts. Betrayal was first produced in London in 1978 following a difficult time in the playwright's life and although viewed as a stretch for college acting students the play remains a continual favorite for students in acting classes,” said director Thomas Power. "The universal theme is clear and the challenge to making this work with young actors with an intentionally intimate performance concept will become evident to audiences. The show is performed in the 'round' and as in life, characters must occasionally turn their backs on each other."

The setup: Inspired by the playwright’s own seven-year affair, Betrayal reveals its treacherous story in reverse chronological order, beginning at the end of the deception and ending at the start. For five years, Emma and Jerry carry on behind Robert’s back. Emma eventually confesses her infidelity to Robert while continuing the affair. The duplicity persists in woven layers of lies and deceit, only to be stripped bare, exposing the human capacity for betraying ourselves, and the ones we love.

Senior theatre major, Jacqueline Cascella is the set designer; senior Danny Gay is the sound designer; the remainder of the production is designed by Theatre faculty. Renee Garcia is costume designer; and Shannon Zura is the lighting designer. USM theatre major, Sebastian Ascanio, is stage manager.

The cast includes talented USM theatre majors; Jerry is performed by sophomore Sage Landry of Nobleboro, ME; Emma is played by senior Meredith Lamothe of Wells, ME; Robert is sophomore Patrick Molloy of Orono, ME; the Waiter is performed by junior Alec Rose of Orono, ME

For more information on show times and tickets call the USM Theatre Box Office at 207.780.5151

Coming in February, Airswimming, a gravity-defying tale of friendship, directed by Meghan Brodie.

Coming in November...a tangled chronicle of dishonesty, deception and desire

2010-10-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

Betrayal, written by Harold Pinter, directed by Thomas Power

Inspired by the playwright’s own seven-year affair, Betrayal reveals its treacherous story in reverse chronological order, beginning at the end of the deception and ending at the start. For five years, Emma and Jerry carry on behind Robert’s back. Emma eventually confesses her infidelity to Robert while continuing the affair.The duplicity persists in woven layers of lies and deceit, only to be stripped bare, exposing the human capacity for betraying ourselves, and the ones we love.

Blue Wrap Project Runway

2010-10-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

Kris Hall, Costume Director at USM Theatre, is collaborating with the chair of the Art Department, Jan Piribeck on a fashion show that will feature medical "blue wrap" in all of the designs. The fashion show will raise funds for Partners for World Health who ship unused, but still sterile medical supplies to third world countries. Theatre and Art students will be producing and modeling the fashions. The show will take place Thursday, December 2 · 5:30pm - 8:30pm at the Portland Museum of Art.

Out & Allied Project

2010-10-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

Actors dance at the start of Monday’s performance of the Out & Allied Project. (photo courtesy of the Portland Press Herald)

Read the Portland Press article.

2010-10-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

USM Theatre and AddVerb Productions present performances from the Out & Allied Project, directed by Meghan Brodie. The production is a collection of theatre pieces by and for LGBTQ youth & allies. Come show your support during National Ally Week! Free admission! All shows at 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 USM/Gorham
Oct. 19 UNE/Biddeford
Oct. 20 First Parish Church/Portland

Lend Me a Tenor

2010-09-27T10:54:00.001-07:00

Lend Me a Tenor opens October 8th. Have you reserved your ticket yet? Performances at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8, 9, 14, 15, 16; October 10, 17 at 5 p.m. $8 students, $11 seniors/faculty/staff/alumni, $15 general public. $5@five Show on October 13 at 5 p.m., all seats $5.

Lend Me a Tenor 7:30, Friday, October 8, 2010 - Events, MaineToday.com

2010-09-10T04:18:00.000-07:00

Lend Me a Tenor 7:30, Friday, October 8, 2010 - Events MaineToday.com

Straight from a successful run on Broadway, starring USM Theatre alumni Tony Shalhoub, comes a comedy of theatrical calamity. It’s opening night at the opera in Cleveland on a September night in 1934. The audience murmurs in the sold-out theatre, the stage is set and it’s three minutes to curtain. But Tito Merelli, the greatest tenor in the world—known to his fans as “Il Stupendo”—is missing! Head-spinning turns of mistaken identity, perpetual entrances and exits and belly laughs abound. October 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 at 7:30 p.m.; October 10, 17 at 5 p.m.

Pricing Update for the 2010-2011 Season

2010-09-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

Plays: $8 students
$11 seniors/faculty/staff /alumni
$15 general public

Spring Musical: $10 students
$15 seniors/faculty/staff /alumni
$21 general public

$1 extra charge at the Box Office on the day of the show

Online ticketing coming soon!

Season Flex-Pass: $45, good for six tickets, in any combination (limit two tickets to the musical) to the play or plays of your choosing.

Tickets for each show go on sale one month before opening night. For more information on show times please call the USM Theatre Box Office at 207.780.5151.

More pictures...

2010-04-28T10:48:00.001-07:00

Sarah Dube is the mysterious Raven in "Inook and the Sun."

Taylor Russeau, playing The Spirit of the Ice atop his berg, speaks harshly to Inook, played by Sage Landry.

WHEN: April 23, 24, 29, 30 & May 1 at 7:30 p.m.; April 25 & May 2 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine's Gorham Campus
TICKETS: $14 for the general public; $10 for seniors and USM staff; $7 for students
SPECIAL: "$5 @ Five" show will be held on April 28 at 5 p.m., all tickets just $5
BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151 Reservations are recommended

"Inook and the Sun" pictures...

2010-04-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

Megan Jackson — as The Dream — tells Inook about his future.

The Arctic Fox, played by Clarissa Lawrence, tells Inook a tall tale. Wednesday is $5 at 5 p.m. — all seats just five bucks.

USM Performing Arts Academies for young people

2010-04-26T19:17:00.000-07:00

Register Today!

Music

Youth Band Day Camp
(For incoming 5th and Outgoing 6th Graders)

Junior Music Academy
(For incoming 7th and outgoing 8th graders)

Music Academy
(For incoming 9th and outgoing 12 graders)

Theatre

Theatre Academy
(For incoming 8th and outgoing 12 graders)

Wednesday $5 @ Five!

2010-04-25T21:36:00.000-07:00

All seats for this Wednesday's 5 p.m. performance are just $5. Call the box office at 207-780-5151 for reservations.

Ryan Nash is the cold, mocking, spirit of the Moon.

Inook, played by Sage Landry, grieves for his father, played by Kyle Joyce.

INOOK AND THE SUN opens tonight!

2010-04-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

Presenting the epic story of an Inuit boy who must brave the frozen ends of the Earth to save his people from endless winter....

INOOK AND THE SUN

WHEN: April 23, 24, 29, 30 & May 1 at 7:30 p.m.; April 25 & May 2 at 2 p.m.

WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine's Gorham Campus

TICKETS: $14 for the general public; $10 for seniors and USM staff; $7 for students

SPECIAL: "$5 @ Five" show will be held on April 28 at 5 p.m., all tickets just $5

BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151 Reservations are recommended

Puppets – Masks – Trapeze — Original Music

2010-04-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

The Sun, played by Julianne Pictou (South Lancaster Academy, Lancaster, MA 2008) extends her hand to Inook, played by Sage Landry (Lincoln Academy 2009) in his quest to put the seasons right.

The University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre
presents the epic story ofan Inuit boy
who must brave the frozen ends of the Earth
to save his people from endless winter in

INOOK AND THE SUN

by Henry Beissel, April 23 – May 2, 2010
Directed by Dr. Assunta Kent.

WHEN: April 23, 24, 29, 30 & May 1 at 7:30 p.m.; April 25 & May 2 at 2 p.m.

WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine's Gorham Campus

TICKETS: $14 for the general public; $10 for seniors and USM staff; $7 for students

SPECIAL: "$5 @ Five" show will be held on April 28 at 5 p.m., all tickets just $5

BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151 Reservation recommended

Inook and the Sun, based on Inuit folk tales, follows a boy’s epic quest to bring the sun back and save his people from starvation in an endless winter.

“It looks like winter will last forever. People are starving. It’s too cold. The Moon is in charge and he’s cold, distant and mocking,” says Director Dr. Assunta Kent. “This boy, Inook, must make a journey to the frozen ends of the Earth, under the sea, and into an ice berg to try and bring back the Sun — who is trapped there — and put the seasons right again.”

Costume designer Kris Hall, using Facebook, has organized a small army of USM student designers to help come up with the fantastical creatures that help, and sometimes hinder, Inook on his journey. Costume creations include full-body musk ox, shark and polar bear puppets, as well as an angry sea godess made from beach detritus.

“We have a sea monster that takes eight people to run and that fills the entire stage,” says Dr. Kent. “It takes three big guys to perform the polar bear.”

Collaboration has been ongoing since January between Dr. Kent, costume designer Kris Hall and her students. It’s the first time either of them have employed the Internet in a collaborative design process.

“Facebook is a great tool for collaboration among student designers,” says Hall. “They can immediately share their ideas and sketches — even videos — and get instant feedback from myself and the director. Plus they already check the site religiously.”

The Angry Godess of the sea, Sedna, played by Desiray Roy (Stonington High School, 2006) orders mischievous seals, played by Katelyn Smith, left, (Sanford High School, 2005) and Laura Collard (Freeport High School, 2008) to stop hindering Inook, played by Sage Landry (Lincoln Academy, 2009) on his quest to return the Sun.

Big-time, full-color musical!

2010-02-22T20:16:00.000-08:00

Emily Holden and Chris Ellis star as "Babe" and "Sid" in the University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre and School of Music joint production of THE PAJAMA GAME. Ellis is a 2008 graduate of Oak Hill High School and Holden graduated from Fryeburg Academy in 2008.

The University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre and School of Music present the full-on, over-the-top, singing-and-dancing, romantic comedy: THE PAJAMA GAME - March 5-14, 2010.

WHEN: March 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 at 7:30 p.m. and March 7 & 14 at 2 p.m.

WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine's Gorham Campus

TICKETS: $20 for the general public; $14 for seniors and USM staff; $10 for students

SPECIAL: "$5 @ Five" show will be held on March 10 at 5 p.m., all tickets just $5

BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151 Reservation recommended

The University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre and School of Music team up to present the Tony Award winning show March 5 to 14, 2010, in Russell Hall on the USM Gorham campus. Director Wil Kilroy says he and his cast are reveling in the full-sized musical flavor of this audience favorite.

"What we're doing is a big piece of classic American theatre," he said recently at a rehearsal in Russell Hall. "There's major dancing and lots of singing - and it's a romance, definitely a romance."

The original production opened on Broadway in 1954, winning multiple Tony Awards. Musical director Edward Reichert notes the show includes sassy, jubilant song and dance numbers like "Steam Heat," "Hernando's Hideaway," and the timeless ballad "Hey There." Music/lyrics are by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, and the script by George Abbott and Richard Bissell.

The large cast includes talented musical theater majors - with the direction and design being handled by theatre professionals and faculty members. Vanessa Beyland is choreographer; Charles Kading is set designer; Kurt Alger is costume designer; and Shannon Zura is the lighting designer.

Here's the story setup -- amid a looming labor dispute at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory, love blooms! While Babe (played by Emily Holden, Fryeburg Academy 08) and her fellow union stitchers agitate for a seven-and-a-half cent raise, she's also falling in love with the new superintendent, Sid (Christopher Ellis, Oak Hill High School 08). Hines, the popular efficiency expert (Jeremiah Haley of Portland), is in love with Gladys (Autumn Pound of Portland), the secretary of the company President, Old Man Hasler (Michael Frier, Camden Hill Regional High School 07). And the head of the union, Prez (Joey Valliere, Old Orchard Beach High School 07), is courting several women at once, even though he's married!

Also in the cast are Greer Vashon of Waterville as Mae; Rylee Doiron of Wilton as Brenda; Caitlyn O'Reilly of Farmington as Poopsie (and a Steam Heat dancer in Hernando's Hideaway); James McDonald of Malden, Mass., as Lewie; Kyle Robert Dennis of Pittsfield as Cyrus; Patrick Molloy of Orono as Babe's dad, Pop; Matthew Defiore of Mexico as Max; Kelly Mosher of Marstons Mills, Mass., Kelly Mosheras as Sid's secretary, Mabel; and Jacob Cote of Bangor as Charley the handyman.

Factory Workers include Sarah Flagg of Hampden, Alice Hofgren of Waterville, Jonathan Marro of Claremont, N.H., Jericah Potvin of Millinocket, Kyle Skillin of Biddeford, and Abigail Worthing of Arundel.

The success of the show spawned the making of a film version in 1957 starring Doris Day, and several revivals. The 2006 Broadway revival, starring Harry Connick Jr., earned multiple Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.

Caitlin O'Reilly, left, Joey Valliere and Emily Holden sing and dance in "Steam Heat" a show-stopping number from the University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre and School of Music joint production of THE PAJAMA GAME. O'Reilly is a 2008 graduate of Mt. Blue High School. Valliere is a 2006 graduate of Old Orchard Beach High School and Holden is a 2008 graduate of Fryeburg Academy.

The Republican Journal: Belfast student in USM dance show

2009-12-03T20:11:00.000-08:00

The Republican Journal: Belfast student in USM dance show

USM's annual mash-up of costumes, lights, sound and bodies in motion: DANCE USM!

2009-11-30T09:20:00.000-08:00

What: Dance USM!

When: December 10, 11, 12 at 7:30 p.m. and December 13 at 2 p.m.

Where: Russell Hall on the Gorham campus of USM

Tickets: $7 for students; $10 for seniors, faculty and staff; $14 for the general public

Reservation: Call the box office at 207-780-5151

Theatre student Audra Curtis (Belfast HS 06) rehearses a dance piece entitled "Breath" on campus in Gorham.

USM Theatre’s annual celebration of bodies in motion, Dance USM!, promises an exhilarating series of performances this year. Faculty choreographers lead student dancers, lighting designers and costumers in performances where hip-hop hangs from the ceiling, as bowling balls and monologues meet Bob Fosse with a shopping cart, in an excited mash-up of dance, sound and full-color fury.

More than 20 student dancers are involved in the show, which features five separate performance pieces. Each piece has unique costumes and lights designed by students.

Theatre major, Jessica Dummich (Winthrop HS 05) and musical theatre major Michael Lynch rehearse "Breath."

In addition to energetic traditional dance pieces, the show this year is focusing on a variety of body-centered performance styles open to theatre students who are not necessarily trained dancers.

“It’s a way for students to discover how to use their bodies in a performative way,” says choreographer and professor, Shannon Zura.

Theatre Professor Shannon Zura oversees a rehearsal.

Zura’s piece, entitled “Breath,” explores the difference between just surviving and living with a sense of emotion and humanity, using four dancers and a pair of long ropes looped around the dancers.

“It asks the question, ‘what would it be like to exist without humanity,’” says Zura. “It’s about existence and simply existing.”

In the tension-filled number, punctuated by long exhalations by the dancers, the rope stands for what binds people together, literally and figuratively. Dancers use the rope to counterbalance each other’s weight as they lean backwards at precarious angles.

“It’s a tough piece,” says theatre major Jessica Dummich (Winthrop HS 05), a dancer in the piece. “It’s built around resistance with the rope.”

Theatre minor, and geography major, Laura Collard (Freeport HS 08) rehearses a dance piece entitled "Breath" on campus in Gorham.

Theatre student Jessica Dummich, seen in a mirror, (Winthrop HS 05) rehearses in Gorham.

Theatre minor, and geography major, Laura Collard (Freeport HS 08) and musical theatre major Michael Lynch rehearse a dance piece entitled "Breath" on campus in Gorham Thursday November 19. The dance, along with several other pieces, will be performed at Dance USM! December 10-13, 2009.

Dance USM! also features a unique dialog-driven piece, a Bob Fosse inspired hot jazz number, an aerial dance studded with multiple props and a story-driven, hip-hop inspired performance. The public is invited.

"Tea and Sympathy" opens and the audience talks back

2009-11-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

The show opened to very appreciative audiences this weekend. Meghan Brodie, a Department of Theatre instructor, lead a talk back session with the audience, director William Steele, and the cast after the matinee performance, Sunday afternoon.

Tea and Sympathy deals with fear, diversity and compassion.

2009-10-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

Heather Scammon (Scarborough High School grad 2005) plays Laura, the kindly wife of the housemaster at a stuffy boys school, played by Patrick Malloy, right, (Orono High School 2009) who comforts Tom, played by Joseph Skelton Bearor (Bangor High School 2006), when he is tormented by his schoolmates for possibly being gay, in the University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre's production of Tea and Sympathy this November.

Tea and Sympathy

By Robert Anderson

Directed by Professor William Steele

November 6-15, 2009

When: November 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 7:30 p.m. & November 8, 15 at 2 p.m. / Special “$5 @ Five” show November 11 at 5 p.m., all tickets $5 / High school matinee performance November 10 at 10 a.m.

Tickets: Students $7, seniors/faculty/staff $10, general public $14 / Season Flex Pass good for six tickets, in any combination (limit two tickets to the spring musical) to the play or plays of your choosing for $40

For reservations: call the Theatre Box Office at 207-780-5151

Where: Russell Hall on the Gorham Campus of the University of Southern Maine

Tea and Sympathy, far ahead of its time, examines the emerging relationship between a student and his schoolmaster's wife against a backdrop of homophobia and hypocrisy in the 1950's.

A sensitive teenage boy named Tom endures the cruelty and suspicion of his teachers and classmates as they taunt and ridicule him for possibly being gay at a stuffy private boy’s academy. The only one who seems to understand, to offer any sympathy, is Laura, the evasive housemaster’s young, compassionate wife.

Heather Scammon (Scarborough High School grad 2005) plays Laura, the kindly wife of the housemaster at a stuffy boys school who comforts Tom, played by Joseph Skelton Bearor (Bangor High School 2006), when he is tormented by his teachers and schoolmates for possibly being gay.

“At its heart, Tea and Sympathy, looks at how we make judgments about other people based on the degree to which they conform to our own preconceived ideals,” says Director and Professor William Steele.

“It’s also about kids who don’t fit in and how the people around them, their peers and parents and teachers, often compound their angst. It’s a sensitive play about a boy, falsely stereotyped, who is rescued by a compassionate woman who is locked in a lonely marriage that is itself based on false pretenses,” he adds.

Following the performance on Sunday November 8, the public is invited to attend a talk-back session. Director William Steele and the cast of the show will field questions about their work, the play, and the relevancy of this story to contemporary audiences. The post-show discussion is free and will be moderated by USM instructor Meghan Brodie.

Goodbye Joe.

2009-10-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

Former Russell Hall custodian, Joe Ruminski, has passed away. His family has requested the Russell Hall auditorium for his memorial service since Joe spent most of his time here with us. The service will be this Monday, October 5th between 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. in the Theatre.

Joe's featured obituary in the Portland Press Herald.

Presenting a pair of rollicking, Russian plays

2009-09-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

The combined casts of the University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre's production of two plays (The Bear & The Proposal) from the pen of 19th century Russian playwright Anton Chekhov appear in an authentic tintype by photographic artist Troy R. Bennett. From left Matthew Defiore of Mexico, Maine, Ellen White of Hallowell, Jake Cote of Bangor, Sarah Dube of Eagle Lake, Samuel Rapaport of Bangor and Joshua Adams of Amesbury, Mass.

THE BEAR & THE PROPOSAL
Two bite-sized, comic, one-act plays by Anton Chekhov
Directed by Professor Thomas Power
October 1-4, 2009

Fiery women and bombastic men battle for love, lust and the last word in a pair of bite-sized, energetic Russian comedies from the pen of the master, Anton Chekhov. Hilarity ensues when an overbearing creditor hounds a young widow with no reason to grieve, and a declaration of love goes horribly wrong in two stories where romance and passion meet at the end of a barrel.

October 1, 2, 3 at 7:30 p.m. and October 4 at 2 p.m. in Russell Hall, on the Gorham Campus of the University of Southern Maine.

Tickets: Students $7, seniors/faculty/staff $10, general public $14

Buy a Season Flex Pass: Good for six tickets, in any combination (limit two tickets to the spring musical) to the play or plays of your choosing for $40

For reservations: call the Theatre Box Office at 207-780-5151

Old school publicity photos

2009-09-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning, September 6, 2009, the combined casts of both one-act plays being produced this fall at USM gathered at a downtown Portland photo studio to make some very special publicity photos. Nineteenth century Russian playwright Anton Chekhov wrote his bite-sized comedic masterpieces "The Bear" and "The Proposal" at the tail end of the tintype era of photography. Tintypes were inexpensive instant photos made on sheets of blackened tin. The Department of Theatre's promotions manager, Troy R. Bennett, who is in charge of publicity materials for the theatre, is also one of a handful of tintype practitioners in the world today. It was an opportunity too cool to pass up. The images made that day may well be the first theatrical publicity tintypes produced in over a hundred years.

The combined casts, above, appear in an authentic tintype: from left Matthew Defiore of Mexico, Maine, Ellen White of Hallowell, Jake Cote of Bangor, Sarah Dube of Eagle Lake, Samuel Rapaport of Bangor and Joshua Adams of Amesbury, Mass.

The cast of Chekhov's "The Bear” from left, Matthew Defiore, a 2008 graduate of Mt. Valley High School from Mexico, Maine plays the brutish Smirnov, Jake Cote, a 2008 graduate of Bangor High School plays the harried and confused servant Luka, and Ellen White, a theatre major from Hallowell, plays the mourning Popova.

The cast of "The Proposal" from left, Joshua Adams of Amesbury, Mass, plays the hopeful, yet misguided suitor, Samuel Rapaport, a 2008 graduate of Bangor High School, plays the Chubukov, the frustrated father, and Sarah Dube of Eagle Lake, a 2006 graduate of Fort Kent Community High School, plays the lovely yet stubborn bride-to-be Stepanovna.

Englishman Frederick Scott Archer first introduced the wet-plate process, by which tintypes are made, in 1851. By 1860 it became the dominant method of picture making in America and abroad. It’s called the wet-plate process because the plate (a piece of blackened tin for tintypes and glass for negatives or ambrotypes) is coated, sensitized, shot, developed and fixed within just a few minutes, during which it remains wet.

First, Troy flowed plates, in this case black trophy aluminum, with collodion, a mixture of cellulose, acid and ether.

Collodion is what adheres the picture to the aluminum plate.

Then Troy dipped the plates in a lightproof bath of silver nitrate.

The silver nitrate makes the collodion sensitive to light.

In total darkness, the sensitized plates were loaded into the back of the camera and exposed.

Troy's camera is a replica of a 19th century model and was built last year by the Star Camera company of New Jersey. The lens was made in Germany around 1870. Troy used his baseball hat as a shutter and the exposure times were around 10 seconds.

After the plates were exposed they were developed with an iron sulfate and acid mixture inside the dark box. Troy's ever present furry assistant, Hook, was on hand to supervise the operation.

After the plates were developed they got a quick wash before going into the fixer.

The fixer takes away any undeveloped silver and reveals the image. Then more washing happened before the plates were set out to finally dry.

A rack full of plates, above, dry on the edge of the sink. When completely dry, plates are varnished with a mixture of alcohol, lavender and gum of sandarac to protect them.

Sarah Dube, Samuel Rapaport and Joshua Adams wait . The wet-plate process is a time consuming one.

The camera is set for the shot.

University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre Costume Director Kris Hall, above, fits Ellen White into a vintage 19th century Maine schoolteacher's dress lent by Dr. Assunta Kent for the photo shoot.

Costume designer and student Desiray Roy holds a false mustache on Jake Cote's face before the shoot.

Jake Cote, Samuel Rapaport and Joshua Adams sit for a test shot.

Open house! Auditions! Click the image!

2009-08-27T15:52:00.001-07:00

A man, his wife and the dog he loves

2009-04-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

SYLVIA
by A.R. Gurney, directed by Senior Theatre Major Joelle Clingerman

Greg (Joshua Adams) tries to keep the peace between his wife Kate, left,
(Tarra Haskell) and the dog he loves, Sylvia (Hayley O'Connor)

WHEN: April 24, 25, 30 & May 1, 2 at 7:30 p.m. and April 26 & May 3 at 2 p.m.,
also a special 5p.m. show on April 29
WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham Campus
TICKETS: Students $7, Seniors/Faculty/Staff/Alumni $10, General public $14
BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151

After 20-something years of marriage and raising children in the suburbs, Greg and Kate move to Manhattan. Kate (Tarra Haskell of Sidney, ME) loves her challenging, but rewarding, job teaching literature to inner-city kids. She revels in the freedom of having her own children out of the house and in college. Greg, (Joshua Adams of Amesbury, MA) on the other hand, hates his job in finance. He frets about the unknown, middle-aged life ahead of him and teeters on the edge of a full-blown, mid-life breakdown.

Then, he gets involved with a frisky young thing he picks up in the park one day. She’s all over him, she adores him and he falls hard for her. She gives Greg everything he’s missing: energy, spontaneous adventure, unconditional love and big, wet kisses. He brings her home to meet Kate and suggests they all live together. Her name is Sylvia and she’s a dog — a Labradoodle, to be exact.

It doesn’t take long for Sylvia (Hayley O’Connor of Vassalboro, ME) the dog to become a bone of contention between husband and wife. Kate has no intention of sharing her life, or house, with a dog. She begins to unravel as Sylvia chews her shoes, hogs their romantic weekends and takes up all of Greg’s time.

Three other characters make their way through the canine love triangle (all played by Ryan Nash of Kennebunk, ME): Tom, a dog-living philosopher Greg meets in the park; Phyllis, an old friend of Kate's, and Leslie, a bafflingly androgynous marriage counselor trying to help the trio through the rough spots.

Sylvia ends up being Greg’s constant companion. He even stops going to work to spend more time with her. After many comic twists, Kate puts her foot down. It’s either the dog or her. Greg has to decide — and it’s not easy.

Director Joelle Clingerman is a senior theatre major at USM from Orono, ME concentrating in directing. She is the only student to earn a main stage slot in this season.

Ryan Nash of Kennebunk, Maine plays Tom, a dog-living philosopher Greg meets in the park; Phyllis, an old friend of Kate's, and Leslie, a bafflingly androgynous marriage counselor.

Love! Trickery! Redemption! – it’s opera!

2009-03-05T15:46:00.000-08:00

Josh Miller of Southwest Harbor plays the title role in USM's production of Pucccini's "Gianni Schicchi."

Once every four years, the University of Southern Maine School of Music and Department of Theatre collaborate on a fully staged opera
production. But this March, new audiences and old will be offered a
rare opportunity to sample grand opera with a pair of masterful Puccini
one-acts: “Suor Angelica,” an exquisite tear-jerker, and “Gianni
Schicchi,” a laugh-out-loud comedy.

But a Puccini opera set in Portland? That’s right. Stage director
Assunta Kent has moved the setting of one of the operas, “Gianni
Schicchi,” from Florence in 1299 to a West End mansion in Portland,
Maine in 1927. Here are some photos from a recent rehearsal.

Dan Cyr of Bucksport also plays the title role in "Gianni Schicchi." Principal roles are double cast in both operas.

George Eisenhauer of Pttsburgh, PA plays Rinuccio and Mary Clark of Worchester, MA plays Loretta.

John Coons of Corrina and Jesslyn Thomas of Rindge, NH also play the lovers Loretta and Rinuccio.

Alexandra Deitrich of Freeport, right, plays Zita, Michelle Rawding of St. Albans, ME plays Nella and Brian Tingdahl of Saco plays Gherardo.

David Delano of Belfast plays Bettoin.

Joe Murphy of Lee, NH plays Simone.

Daniel Pendergast of Portland plays Marco and Mary Bastoni of Fryeburg plays Laciesca.

Roger Marcotte of Rockland plays the Notary.

Two Puccini operas!

2009-02-23T20:07:00.000-08:00

USM's Department of Theatre and School of Music are thrilled to present a co-production of two, one-act operas by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) — "Suor Angelica" and "Gianni Schicchi."

Sarah Mawn of Lakeville, MA plays the title role of the tragic nun in Puccini's "Suor Angelica" and Jazmin DeRice of Windham plays the part of the unlikeable Zia Principessa.

WHEN: March 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m., March 15 at 2 p.m.
and a high school matinee with piano on March 17 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham Campus
TICKETS: Students $10, Seniors/Faculty/Staff/Alumni $14, General public $20
BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151

Directed by Dr. Assunta Kent, with musical direction by Ellen Chickering , both operas tell stories of "adjusted" wills and wealthy relatives. "Suor Angelica" is a tragic tale of a young woman, condemned for bearing an illigitamate child, who seeks relief only through death. "Gianni Schicchi" relates a comic tale of a rehabilitated rogue who helps love triumph over greed.

Both operas will be sing in English with Puccini's original score, allowing opera enthusiasts, and those new to the art form, a chance to enjoy the exciting music.

Hopeful parties gather as the will is read during a rehearsal of "Gianni Schicchi." From left they are Joe Murphy of Lee, NH, David Delano of Belfast, Michelle Rawding of St. Albans, ME, Brian Tingdahl of Saco, Alexandra Dietrich of Freeport, Daniel Pendergast of Portland, Mary Bastoni of Fryeburg and John Coons of Corrina.

The curtain comes up Thursday...

2009-02-10T17:47:00.000-08:00

Well, not really. There's actually no curtain. But there IS a really wonderful set, killer costumes and moving performances. Be there or you'll miss it.

Moonchildren opens Thursday: Riley Doiron, a Farmington native, puts on her makeup before a dress rehearsal Tuesday night.

The more things change, the more they stay the same: Moonchildren, set in the turbulent 1960s, features characters who march in anti-war protests. Before the first dress rehearsal Tuesday night. Jordan Handren-Seavey, who plays Cootie in the show, prepares a display for the lobby that will include the names of every soldier from Maine to die in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Final touches: Costume shop supervisor Kris Hall works with student costume designer Travis Grant on a hemline before the first dress rehearsal Tuesday night.

Moonchildren opens in two days... many good seats still available.

2009-02-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

WHEN: February 12, 13, 14, at 7:30 p.m. and February 15 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham Campus
TICKETS: Students $7, Seniors/Faculty/Staff/Alumni $10, General public $14
BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151

MOONCHILDREN, written by Michael Weller and directed by Professor Wil Kilroy, is the passionately funny, and emotionally earnest story of five college roommates teetering on the edge of real life in the late 1960s. Projected onto a backdrop of war protests and graduate school draft deferments, the characters (which range from serious, to kooky to downright nerdy) must confront love, betrayal, death, invisible felines and their exceedingly strange landlord.

The New York Times writes, "Ever since it appeared on Broadway in 1972 to enthusiastic reviews... Michael Weller's ''Moonchildren'' has enjoyed a reputation as the definitive play about college students of the 1960's. That's a tough burden for any work to bear. The kids of the 60's seemed homogeneous only to those adults who failed to understand them."

Though the play is 37-years-old, it still rings with a clear tone of relevance today. American wars still rage in far off lands, and college students still seek clear paths through the quick sands of sex and politics, toward their true selves — be it 1965 or 2009. The language is sharp, witty and definitely suitable for mature playgoers only. USM's student actors infuse the roommates' banter with the true emotional energy only fellow students can muster.

"'Moonchildren' is still timely," says director Wil Kilroy. "It made sense and was funny, in 1970-something, and it still does."

Publicity pictures and more

2009-01-26T21:18:00.000-08:00

Official publicity photos were taken last week. They included groovy 60's costumes and four delicious Burger King whoppers as props. They were immediately consumed following the shoot, and regretted almost as fast.

Ruth (Autumn Pound, Deering High School 06) reaches for Dick's (Benjamin Row, Kennebunk High School 05) precious hamburgers while roommates Bob (Micheal Lynch of MA) and Kathy (Rylee Doiron, Mt Blue High School 07) look on.

Ruth (Autumn Pound, Deering High School 06), gives Dick (Benjamin Row, Kennebunk High School 05) a hard time about his precious hamburgers.

Rehearsals continue (including Saturday and Sunday) as opening night gets closer.

Jordan Handren-Seavey (Oxford Hills High School 03), left, playing Cootie, Merideth Lamothe (Wells High School 07), center, playing space shot Shelly and Kelsey Taylor (Piscataquis Community High School 07), playing Mike, rehearse on the main stage in Russell Hall January 23.

Autumn Pound (Deering High School 06) rehearses the part of Ruth.

Lights up!

2009-01-25T18:10:00.000-08:00

Atop a ladder, senior theatre major Jeff Toombs runs some of the 550 feet of lighting cable needed to connect the stage lighting to their controls in the booth above the theatre. Toombs is the "master electrician," for all productions this year and he also designed the set for Moonchildren.

Using a bowline knot, Danny Gay ties off a light as it gets hoisted to its spot
near the ceiling in Russell Hall.

Neal Morton lugs coil of lighting cable from the house to the stage in Russell Hall. Morton, Gay and Toombs gave up thier Saturday to help hang lights.

Practice makes perfect

2009-01-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

MOONCHILDREN rehearsals continue...

Jordan Handren-Seavey, top, playing Cootie, rehearses with Mike Johnson,

who plays Norman, on the main stage in Russell Hall.

Kelsey Taylor, center, plays Mike.

Michael Lynch, playing Bob and Rylee Doiron, playing Kathy, run lines before a rehearsal.

WINTER BREAK IS OVER

2009-01-20T20:38:00.000-08:00

ABOVE: Autumn Pound, as Ruth, Kelsey Taylor, center, as Mike,
and Jordan Handren-Seavey as Cootie, rehearse on the main stage in Russell Hall.

Vacation has come and gone. It's cold outside, but Russell Hall is heating up and vibrating with actors, designers, and stage crews as work accelerates on the first production of the new year.

MOONCHILDREN, written by Michael Weller and directed by Wil Kilroy, is the passionately funny, and emotionally earnest story of five college roommates teetering on the edge of real life in the late 1960s.

ABOVE: Stage Manager Andrew Hesselbart, right, along with
Assistant Stage Managers Dustin "DJ" Hutchins and Molly Derrig,
sort out technical details before the production's first rehearsal on the main stage.

MOONCHILDREN
WHEN: February 12, 13, 14, at 7:30 p.m. and February 15 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham Campus
TICKETS: Students $7, Seniors/Faculty/Staff/Alumni $10, General public $14,
BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151

DANCE USM! opens this Thursday!

2008-12-06T11:24:00.000-08:00

Dance USM! and artistic director Maria Tzianabos' New Dance Studio have a close relationship. Many dancers have crisscrossed their way between her company and the annual Department of Theatre production. The crossover has been so fertile, Tzianabos, teaching above, plans on forming a repertory company comprised mostly of former and current USM students.

Tzianabos is choreographing a piece in this year's show using her New Dance Studio dancers called "Smantha's Dream" featuring music by Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. It tells the story of a WWII sailor separated from his love at home by the war. It includes other women he meets along the way like geishas, Rosie the Riveter and dancing swing kids.

Kate Wyman, (above left with Amanda Swanson, center, and Trish MacDonald) a sociology major and student of Tzianabos, is a veteran Dance USM performer.

"This is like my fifth Dance USM! in a row, I think," says the Brunswick native.

Trained originally in ballet and dancing since she was a child, Wyman says dancing in the modern style where movement isn't always counted, is still a challenge.

"It forces me to think outside of the box," she says. "I'm just like a sponge."

Kyle Bouchard, a USM alumni, above, plays the part of a WWII sailor away from home. Bouchard says he can't remember how many Dance USM! productions he's been in over the years, but it's been a lot. He can remeber, however, he made his debut in a piece where they needed a hard-to-come-by, guy.

"I was willing to give it a shot," he says.

That led to more dance roles and eventually to meeting Tzianabos. He's been taking classes with her at the New Dance Studio for four years, and now he's a member of the company. But some things haven't changed.

"I'm still the only guy," he points out.

Amanda Swanson, above, earned a B.A. in hispanic studies at USM in 2006. That's where she met Tzianabos and, coming from her native ballet, fell in love with contemporary dance.

"It's something that I love, and something that I've loved for a long time," Swanson says. "Now it's part of my self-care."

WHEN: December 11, 12, 13 at 7 p.m. and December 14 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham Campus
TICKETS: Students $7, Seniors/Faculty/Staff/Alumni $10, General public $14,
BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151

Season Tickets: What a fabulous Holiday gift idea!

2008-11-23T18:09:00.000-08:00

Give the gift of Theatre this year.

$40 gets you six tickets for any of the four remaining shows this season. That's over half off the regular adult price. That's a deal no matter how you act it out. What are the shows?

Dance USM! December 11-14

Moonchildren Feb. 12-15

Two Puccini operas (limit two tickets) March 13-21

Sylvia April 24-May 3

Call the Box Office at 207-780-5151 to get your passes in time for the Holidays. They even come in a festive envelope — no wrapping required!

Dance USM: Standing Reserve

2008-11-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

Dance USM! The University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre's annual celebration of bodies and souls in motion.

WHEN: December 11, 12, 13 at 7 p.m. and December 14 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham Campus
TICKETS: Students $7, Seniors/Faculty/Staff/Alumni $10, General public $14,
BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151

"Standing Reserve," choreographed by Michelle Bernier with music by Jack's Mannequin, Cake and Straylight Run, is based on the German philosopher Martin Heidegger's concept of technology waiting at the ready for humans to call it into action. From left: Kristine Rytky, Michelle Bernier, Dominic Rozzi, Kyle Bouchard and Anne Bartlett.

From left: Kyle Bouchard, Kristine Rykty, Anne Bartlett, Dominic Rozzi and Michelle Bernier.

Carmen, The Mopera

2008-11-18T20:35:00.001-08:00

With support from the Cultural Affairs Committee, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE welcomes internationally known actress and physical comedian Julie Goell for a performance of her one-woman show CARMEN, THE MOPERA, and three day residency.

WHEN: Performance of “Carmen, The Mopera” Wednesday Dec. 3 at 5 p.m., and three workshops entitled “Tools for the Comic Performer” Dec. 2, 4 & 5 from 1 – 4 p.m.

WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham Campus

TICKETS: Students FREE, Seniors/Faculty/Staff/Alumni $10, General public $14

BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151

• Julie Goell’s “Carmen, The Mopera” is a fresh, and physically comic, take on the famous 19th century opera “Carmen” by Georges Bizet about a fiery Spanish gypsy who comes to a tragic end. In Goell’s vision, the bathroom matron of the Royal Opera stages a single-handed extravaganza in a utility room, with mops and brooms taking on starring roles and singing all the highlights. Zany comedy meets opera in this one-woman show.

• Julie Goell’s three-day workshop residency “Tools for the Comic Performer’ will explore the physical and comedy techniques seen in “Carmen, The Mopera” in four parts. The first deals with becoming comfortable on stage by learning to make an effective entrance. This includes the comic “button.” Second, students will discover the funny side of physically negotiating a sticky situation. The third part will investigate the comic opportunities when tables are turned on a pair of characters. Finally, students will learn about “flash” theatre technique, which utilizes vocal sound effects, miniaturization and quick costume changes.

• Julie Goell grew up in Rome, Italy where she studied Italian, Bel Canto and Commedia dell' Arte. As a Physical comedian in Europe, she toured with I Gesti and taught physical comedy skills at L’Istituto per lo Studio Dello Spettacolo where she received teacher certification. She recently served as Henson Foundation Artist-in-Residence at the University of Connecticut's Puppet Arts Program. She frequently teaches with her husband Avner Eisenberg, a.k.a. “Avner the Eccentric.”

The Man Who Came to Dinner

2008-11-18T20:33:00.001-08:00

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE
Presents the screwball, madcap classic THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman

WHEN: Nov. 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 16, and 23 at 2 p.m.,
Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. and a special high school matinee Nov. 18 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham Campus
TICKETS: Students $7, Seniors/Faculty/Staff/Alumni $10, General public $14, Wednesday & high school matinees all tickets $5
BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151

The screwball belly laughs come fast and furious when irascible 1930s radio impresario Sheridan Whiteside, the Oprah Winfrey of his day, breaks a hip at the home of a quiet mid-western family, and proceeds to turn their lives inside out, orchestrating a series of sneaky shenanigans while recuperating in their living room. Axe-murders are invited to tea, penguins are harbored in the library, an octopus inhabits the cellar and 10,000 cockroaches take over the kitchen.

When Whiteside’s secretary Maggie (Megan Leddy of Freeport, ME) falls in love with reporter Bert Jefferson, (Michael Lynch of Westport, MA) who has arrived to interview Whiteside, (Travis Grant of Waldoboro, ME) he summons the glamorous actress Lorraine (Mary Casas of Washington, ME) to distract the young man. Maggie counters with the help of a clever impersonator pretending to be Lord Bottomly, whom Lorraine hopes to marry. When Lorraine gets wise to the ruse she tries to lure Bert away on a trip to Lake Placid to work on a play. Then an ancient mummy case arrives by mail and….

Sound complicated? It is! That’s what makes The Man Who Came to Dinner a crisscrossed comedy classic of the American Theatre. Despite its age and classic status, USM’s cast of nearly 30 student actors rips through the piece with broad, enthusiastic vigor, keeping the farcical comedy fresh and vital. The plot is stuffed with a nearly endless supply of outrageous comedic characters for young performers to luxuriate in, and squeeze for every laugh they’re worth.

Professor Thomas A. Power directs the venerable play and says he’s not worried about some of the 1930s allusions getting missed in the mayhem.

“Some of the references are obscure, but it’s a classic set-up,” he says from his office on the Gorham campus of the University of Southern Maine before going upstairs to run a rehearsal. “It’s still fun. The situation is timeless.”

Travis Grant of Waldoboro, left, stars as Sheridan Whiteside along with Megan Leddy of Freeport, center left, playing his secretary Maggie, Michael Lynch of Westport, MA as Burt the reporter and Mary Casas as the lovely Lorraine, sent to tear Maggie and Burt apart.

Travis Grant of Waldoboro, center front, stars as Sheridan Whiteside along with Megan Leddy of Freeport, left, playing his secretary Maggie, Michael Lynch of Westport, MA as Burt the reporter and Mary Casas as the lovely Lorraine, sent to tear Maggie and Burt apart.

Sam Shepard's FOOL FOR LOVE

2008-11-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

WHEN: Oct. 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. and Oct. 8 at 5 p.m.
WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham Campus
TICKETS: Students $7, Seniors/Faculty/Staff/Alumni $10, General public $14, Wednesday & high school matinees all tickets $5
BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151

Veteran USM director Professor William Steele throws the new season into gear this October with a stunning Sam Shepard drama full of shocking twists to challenge both his cast, as well as his audience. There is nowhere to hide in Shepard’s four-character play, studded with searing monologues beaming like a searchlights over a prison yard during a jailbreak.

Professor Steele, in his 42nd year of teaching and directing at USM, says Shepard’s play is the perfect story to set the 2008-09 season in motion.

“It’s a great story, and a good one for students because it’s psychologically complicated. It’s lead to a lot of great discussions about human nature,” he says. “I’ve always wanted to do a Sam Shepard play on the main stage, and Fool for Love is one of my personal favorites.”

The play begins in a forgotten motel room, on the edge of a desert way out west. A pair of desperate lovers named May (Audra Curtis of Belfast, Maine) and Eddie (Charles Parker Newton of Fairfield, Conn.) try to untangle their twisted past. As the recriminations fly like bullets at a gunfight, the action becomes, at times, physically violent and the genuine nature of their relationship becomes apparent—they cannot get along with, or without, one another, yet neither can control their burning passion.

Meanwhile, a mysterious old man (Joe Mcleod) hovers over the pair, commenting wryly as their warped story unwinds. His place in the narrative only becomes clear as secrets are revealed and the true nature of Eddie and May’s tangled affair is made plain.

In the middle of this personal drama, a hapless young man, Martin, (Jordan Handren-Seavey of Harrison, Maine) stops by to take May to the movies and becomes the butt of Eddie's funniest and most humiliating jokes.

Eventually, May and Eddie tire of their struggle and embrace—but the respite is temporary and their love, a curse from the past which haunts them, will remain forever damned and hopeless.