HARRISON — To launch the six week season, Deertrees Theatre invites everyone to attend their Season Launch Open House on Thursday, June 26. Begin the day with a delightful Ploughman’s Lunch (deli style) served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. while listening to music provided by local artists. View the art exhibit and sale provided by Gallery 302. Peruse a display of Native American artifacts. Admire the cavalcade of vintage cars on the grounds. Bring your antiques for appraisal by Harry Hepburn III and David Kimball ($10 an item or three for $25. All proceeds benefit the Deertrees fundraiser.) After the Lake Region Chamber Members Business-After-Hours from 5-7 p.m. treat yourself to a free, complimentary concert featuring singer-songwriter Carolyn Currie, from 7:15-8:15 p.m.

Currie’s performance will present captivating, poetic music influenced by Celtic folk songs. Having won numerous awards for her songwriting and performances, most recently the prestigious 2014 Wildflower Performing Songwriter Competition, Currie will enthrall you with her enchanting lyrics and melodies.

It has been 78 years since Deertrees Theatre opened its doors for the very first time and launched its first season of performances. A great deal has happened since then to what some affectionately call, “Maine’s Most Enchanting Playhouse.”

The theater’s trials and tribulations over the years have been well documented and as recently as 2012 the grand old place faced impending closure. However, a policy of taking things slow and sure for the building and programming has been implemented and the future is looking brighter, according to the theater’s executive director, Andrew Harris.

“The Board and those who have a great deal of affection and affinity with the theatre are ensuring it has a sustainable future. Each year we are making improvements to the building and critically looking at the programming. We may not be moving as fast as we would like to but each decision is being carefully considered and then implemented with the aim of realizing a bright future for this remarkable playhouse. We are already looking at how our 80th anniversary year might shape up!”

But for now it appears their plans are at full throttle for this year, with a schedule that runs from July 5 through Aug. 16, with concerts, visual arts, and theater, which is where the new initiative gathers momentum. Deertrees New Repertory Company has been formed and will present three plays with each being performed for four nights intermittently throughout the season.

This summer Deertrees Theatre will stage two comedies and a fun play especially written for family audiences. “The Selfish Shellfish” written by David Wood will bring a rock pool alive with an array of outlandish characters and deliver a powerful, and fun message about our environment. The other two plays, “Heroes” and “The Grand O’Neal” are perfect summer fare, being both funny and highly entertaining.

For more information, call 207-583-6747 or visit www.deertrees-theatre.org.

Copy the Story Link