MSMT announces Diamond Anniversary season

Thu, 08/31/2017 - 10:45am

Maine State Music Theatre recently announced the titles that will be headlining a milestone season marking the company’s 60th year in Brunswick in 2018.

The first show of the season will roll in for June 6-23 with a high dose of rock and roll. Elvis Presley… Johnny Cash… Jerry Lee Lewis… Carl Perkins – a historic quartet brought together by an extraordinary twist of fate on a December evening in 1956. This meeting at Sun Records would become one of the greatest jam sessions ever! Based on a true story, the Tony® Award-winning hit sensation, “Million Dollar Quartet” brings that momentous occasion to vibrant life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal, and celebration that is both poignant and funny. Relive the era through the Billboard genres of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B, and country with an unbelievable score and unforgettable numbers that every generation knows, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and many more.

The second show ushers in a beloved tale – a timeless family favorite – and one of the largest of the season, with expansive sets, beautifully crafted costumes, and a large chorus with a robust sound. Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will run June 27 through July 14. All of the fanciful characters, such as a talking tightly wound clock (the butler), adorable tea cup (a young boy), and a kindhearted candelabra (maître d’), are trapped in this spellbound form until the beast, who is actually a young prince, can learn to love and have his love returned. Based on the Academy Award- winning animated feature, with all the cheerful songs we know and love, including “Be Our Guest,” “Gaston,” and, of course, “Beauty and the Beast.”

Positioned in the third slot of the season on July 18-Aug. 4, is “Saturday Night Fever.” Based on the 1977 blockbuster film, “Saturday Night Fever” whisks you back to the 1970s, where open shirts, bell-bottoms, and disco were all the rage. Tony Manero, a talented street-wise kid from Brooklyn, yearns to escape his dead-end job and become a “disco king” at the local club. He meets a young lady who can help him achieve his dance dreams, but will she accept his advances and help him change his world? Songs from the original movie soundtrack are included in the stage musical packed with legendary hits from the Bee Gees including: “Stayin’ Alive,” “You Should Be Dancing,” and “How Deep Is Your Love.”

Closing the Diamond Jubilee season on the Pickard Stage Aug. 8-25 is “Singin’ in the Rain” — faithfully and lovingly adapted by Broadway legends, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, from their original award-winning screenplay for the stage. Each unforgettable scene, song, and dance is accounted for, including the show-stopping title number! “Singin’ in the Rain” has all the makings of a Tinseltown tabloid headline — the starlet, the leading man, and a love affair that could change lives and make or break careers.

For more information on the 60th season, visit www.msmt.org. Subscriptions are available over the phone by calling 207-725-8769, or at the box office located at 22 Elm Street, Brunswick. Single tickets for the 2018 season will go on sale in April.