Special Events & Guest Artists

Comedy Night: Birdie Googins

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:41:04 -0400

September 23 / Guest Artist

Theater Project Hosts Birdie Googins (aka The Marden's Lady)

Hello dearie - The Theater Project opens its 40th Season with a
performer you probably recognize from her local commercials. On
Friday, September 23 at 7:30 pm, The Theater Project proudly presents
an evening with Birdie Googins (aka: The Marden's Lady) in her one-
woman show "Accidentally Maine's Only Supermodel...And Possible Future
Queen".

Fabulously popular, superbly glamorous, always making a cutting edge
fashion statement that only a supermodel can make, Birdie is also a
well known stand up comedian who has received rave reviews from all
over the state for her one woman comedy show. In Northern Maine the
press calls her an icon. In Southern Maine she's heralded as a
phenomenon. No matter what region she's appearing in, she's regarded
as hilarious.

The actress who has brought Birdie to your living room the past few
years is Karmo Sanders, who turns out to have a history at The Theater
Project. In the late 1980's she performed in several plays there,
including "What The Butler Saw", and "A Midsummer Night's Dream". She
has since gone on to local celebrity as "The Marden's Lady". While
Birdie likes to call herself "Maine's Own Supermodel", this quirky
character should probably be labeled as an "Unregistered Maine Guide"
as she points out the incredible humor in the lives of everyday Mainers.

"An Evening With Birdie Googins" will absolutely delight you with its
kooky, over-the-top style. The show is a fun, interactive, audience
participation filled festival. Don't miss the meet and greet
afterwards where Birdie will be available for photos and autographs.
You'll go home smiling - guaranteed!

Tickets are only $10, general seating, and are available on line or by calling The Theater Project box office at 729-8584.

Visit Birdie on Facebook and at www.birdiegoogins.com.

Photo: Birdie Googins...AKA The Mardens Lady

The Real McGonagall

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:36:03 -0400

June 23 - 26 / A Special Guest Performance

The Theater Project is proud to present "The Real McGonagall", originally presented by Portland Stage Company, at The Theater Project June 23 - 26.
On the eve of his return voyage to Scotland, Sir William Topaz McGonagall recites his outrageously bad poetry at a saloon in New York. Is he a fool? A joke? Or is the joke on any of us who has ever secretly yearned for artistic self-expression but not dared go public? "The Real McGonagall" is a hilarious account of the true life-story of the world’s worst poet and his dubious (but lovable) place in history.

The unique and at times hardly-credible story of The Real McGonagall is based on the autobiography and writings of a real man, William McGonagall, who lived from 1825 to 1902 and is widely regarded by literary critics as the worst published poet in the history of the English language. British scholar Nicholas Parsons went so far in his 1988 book The Joy of Bad Verse to say of McGonagall: “His depth of ungiftedness is sufficient to deny even the intellectual's desire to create respectable justifications to enjoy him.” The Real McGonagall showcases a good deal of the truly awful verse that prompts comments like these, but also seeks to understand McGonagall himself, and perhaps make the case that despite his poetic shortcomings, there are many justifications for enjoying his story.

Mark Honan will reprise his role as Sir William Topaz McGonagall. Honan was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, and worked as a ‘walk on’ at the local repertory theater before training at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. On the British stage he played Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Macduff in Macbeth and parts in adaptations of Dickens and Thomas Hardy. He toured America playing Touchstone in As You Like It and then stayed in New York to work Off Broadway with The Riverside Shakespeare Co. He is now an Affiliate Artist with Portland Stage and has appeared in numerous roles there, including Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, Charlie in The Foreigner, and Lloyd in Noises Off.

"The Real McGonagall" performances times are Thursday, June 23 at 7:30pm, Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25 at 8:00 pm, and Sunday, June 26 at 5:00 pm. All tickets are $18, and are available anytime on line by clicking the button at left, or by calling the Theater Project box office at 729-8584.

Stanley's Choice

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:11:09 -0400

July 9 / A Special Guest Performance

The Theater Project is hosting STANLEY'S CHOICE, an original one act play by Millie Ackley. Ms Ackley, a member of The Center Stage Players in Brunswick who has also directed and acted in Bath and Harpswell, is premiering STANLEY'S CHOICE at The Theater Project, Saturday, July 9, at 2:00 and 7:30. Following each performance, the audience is invited to stay for a discussion with the playwright, cast and director.

Stanley Pincher, played by Sam Trott, has planned a birthday party for his wife Sally, played by Bonnie McDonald, and has invited their good friends, Peter and Penelope Page to accompany them for a weekend celebration at a mysterious destination. Stanley refuses to tell their friends the Pages, played by Jean Konzal and Willy Bryan, where they are going, but his wife Sally has her suspicions. When she finds out her suspicions are correct, she is worried about the outcome with their conservative friends, the Pages.

When the four of them arrive at "Plain and Simple," Sally cringes, expecting the worst. Gertrude Horowitz, who has run Plain and Simple for decades, greets them and it appears Sally's worst suspicions are confirmed. When her husband Stanley told their friends "not to pack much," she fears the outcome the first morning they wake up at Plain and Simple.

What is she afraid of? Are her fears justified? Do the two couples remain friends? Ms Ackley keeps us guessing until the end when we are surprised to hear what Gertrude, played by Eleanor Grafe, reveals. As Shakespeare said: "All's well that ends well."

For information and reservations, call The Theater Project at 729-8584.

Travels with a Masked Man

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:38:10 -0400

April 3 / A Special Guest Performance

The Theater Project presents Travels with a Masked Man, a one-man show written and performed by John Hadden, to be shown once only, on Sunday, April 3, at 2 pm.

Haunted by unanswered questions about his childhood overseas, a man confronts his father—an ex-CIA officer who ruminates darkly on the American Empire, the human animal, and himself. Hadden, who plays both characters, evolved the play from several hours of conversations he taped with his father, a resident of Brunswick, eight years ago. Alternately poignant and hilarious, the play evokes memories and responses about parents and children and growing up during the Cold War.

John Hadden is a long-time director and actor who appeared locally as Scrooge at Portland Stage. He was a founding member of Shakespeare & Co in Lenox, MA and is currently the Artistic Director of The Theater Company at Hubbard Hall, Cambridge, NY.

Tickets available at the door, for a suggested donation of $10. Following the one-hour performance, desserts and tea accompany a discussion conducted by the Theater Project’s own Al Miller, with dramaturg Mary-Ann Greanier and the two John Haddens.

The Theater Project Auction 2011

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:50:19 -0500

The Theater Project Auction is a night you won't want to miss! Some of the items up for bidding at the auction include a helicopter ride over Merrymeeting Bay, an Amazon Kindle, tickets to the Portland Symphony, an autographed Boston Red Sox baseball, and all manner of local gift certificates for your dining, shopping and entertainment pleasure. Mingle with your fellow audience members, reminisce over the season so far, and enjoy a night that celebrates one of your favorite places.

Here are just a few of the fantastic items we’ll have up for bid:

• A week in Provence
• Kindle
• Jewelry
• Portable DVD player
• Cooking class, dinner and shopping spree at Now You're Cooking
• Jonathan Papelbon autographed baseball
• Weekend at Sugarloaf
• Autographed Clint Eastwood poster
• Gift Certificates to local restaurants: Azure Cafe, Henry & Marty's and the Lion's Pride
• Art by local artists
• Fun toys for kids

The Theater Project was founded by Al Miller in 1971, as a small traveling troupe of young actors who performed and taught throughout the state of Maine. 39 years later The Theater Project is still fulfilling its mission of changing young and old, enriching and inspiring their living, and providing a safe environment for original and dynamic exploration through theater education and performance. With productions by junior high students through professionals, and all manner of theater classes and outreach partnerships, The Theater Project has managed to survive tough economic times through creativity, hard-work, and sheer determination. Your support helps the staff continue the same high-quality offerings that the community has come to expect from the little theater on School Street.

Auction tickets are $10 each, and are available by calling The Theater Project box office at 729-8584, visiting 14 School Street in Brunswick, or clicking the button at left. All auction proceeds will benefit the Theater Project and the fantastic programs they offer for Mid Coast Maine young people. The Theater Project is a 501(c)(3).

Wales & Tales Returns

Mon, 6 Dec 2010 10:06:12 -0500

A special performance with Al Miller

WALES & TALES is returning to The Theater Project (14 School Street, Brunswick) for its annual holiday visit, Monday and Tuesday, December 20 and 21 at 7:00 pm. Al Miller and his merry band of holiday celebrants will offer an entertaining potpourri of stories and even a song or two.

WALES & TALES is a celebration of Christmas, Solstice, Hanukkah and the holiday season. On the program this year is collection of holiday snapshots by an ensemble from The Theater Project's Young Company, a Scandinavian folktale by an ensemble from The Center Stage Players, and, Miller hopes, some music from a local chanteuse or two, perhaps accompanied by local instrumentalists.

With a reverent nod to the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, Miller will relive Thomas' lyrical holiday memory "A Child's Christmas in Wales." This sensitive, funny and poetic piece has become an essential companion to the holidays for thousands of people, including many in mid-coast Maine.

With equal respect for the young and young at heart and body, Miller will also tell another holiday classic, "The Mitten," a delightful tale requiring audience participation and youthful contortions by a not-so-youthful storyteller.

WALES & TALES will benefit The Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program in Brunswick. Audience members are asked to bring a monetary donation or food for MCHPP. According to MCPP Executive Director Cyndy Carney, a monetary gift is more helpful than a food donation because the money is used to buy more food at special rates from The Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn. Checks should be made out to MCHPP.

WALES & TALES is entertainment for families - children, parents and grandparents. It's good for anyone who likes the holidays, and even for those who think they may like the holidays but aren't sure.

For information, call The Theater Project box office at 729-8584.

The Ultimate Adult Spelling Bee

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 10:48:15 -0500

A Special Fundraiser brought to you by The Young Company

Come see public figures, teachers and local business teams face off in the Ultimate Adult Spelling Bee!

Storytelling with Al 2010 - 11

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 17:55:52 -0400

A special performance with Al Miller

Our family story telling series is back again this year with dates in every season. Be sure to catch our Holiday Edition featuring regular guest artists Phyllis Fuchs and Brad Terry. These performances are an hour long and are open and enjoyable for kids of ALL ages!

Saturdays at 11:00 am

November 27
February 26
March 19

Special Holiday Edition - Featuring Phyllis Fuchs and Brad Terry
Friday, December 24 at 11:00 am

SpindleWorks Production 2011

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 17:52:10 -0400

Weaving Our Stories - A SpindleWorks Collaboration

Brunswick is home to Spindleworks - a well known art center for adults with disabilities, and Al Miller has forged a lasting and inspiring collaboration between the Theater Project and the artists of Spindleworks that spans 30 years.

At the Theater Project, these adults are embraced for their unique perspectives and are given a stage from which their voices can be heard. They too become part of the expanding Theater Project family, and can be counted on to come to shows or stop by for a visit with staff as they take a walk downtown.

Please join us for our exciting original collaborative productions with the artists from Spindleworks. These performances are always colorful and enthusiastic celebrations!

June 17 - 19
Friday & Saturday at 7:30 pm
Sunday at 2:00 pm

Readers’ Theater 2010 - 11

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 17:47:55 -0400

A Center Stage Players’ Performance

Our own Al Miller collaborates with the Center Stage Players for an afternoon of delightful readings.

Iron railings have been installed on the staircase aisles at The Theater Project to make finding seats easier and safer. The program will be presented again on December 14th at 2:00 pm at the People Plus Center, 35 Union Street, Brunswick. Admission to all shows is free; $5 donation suggested.

Next Performance: Saturday & Sunday, April 16 & 17 at 2:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday, February 26 & 27 at 2:00 pm

Improv Combo: The Escapists and Paper Dolls

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:29:18 -0400

September 4, 2010 / An evening of original, on-the-spot comedy

Think you know what improv is? Think again! The Escapists perform high energy “Whose Line Is It Anyway” style games. The Paper Dolls create an entirely improvised story based on a single audience suggestion. See what happens when these two groups come together and run the gamut of improv styles. It’s Saturday September 4th at 7:30 pm at the Theater Project. Tickets are $10.
For more information visit www.theescapists.net or call (207) 615-4021.
The Escapists are a group of performers, writers, and comedians who have come together to make smart, rambunctious entertainment. The performances are a mix of sketch comedy and improv designed to rescue people from the ordinary and mundane. Their gigs range from a monthly show at Portland’s North Star Café to performing at the ImprovBoston Theater. They have been lauded by the Portland Phoenix’s Megan Grumbling as “quick-thinking, culturally literate, and devilishly shrewd.” The Escapists lineup includes Keith Anctil, Chris Fitze, R.J. McComish, Jen Whitley and Eric Worthly.
With over 30 years of improv experience between them, The Paper Dolls have performed long- and short-form improv in the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, and throughout northern New England. Their improv style is smart, funny, and physical, as two actors do the work of an entire troupe.

CLUE: An Evening of Murder.

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:16:22 -0400

July 16, 17 2010 / An Evening of Mystery

Mr. Black requests the honor of your presence for dinner and drinks. Who knows what chaos will ensue!

The Brunswick Inn
165 Park Row, Brunswick

July 16 or 17, 7:00 pm

Tickets: $20 per person, food included, cash bar

Call 207.729.8584

Bowdoin College Department of Theater & Dance Performance

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:37:17 -0500

Nov 13 - 15 / A Special Guest Performance

In our tradition of supporting the arts and young people in the Mid-coast Maine community, we are delighted to host Bowdoin College student Tiffany Maltos ’11 for a presentation of her independent study project in directing. Really Rosie will be presented for one weekend. Book and lyrics by Maurice Sendak and music by Carole King.

Please call the box office for reservations: 729-8584.