PORTLAND — Good Theater, the professional theater company in residence at the St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress Street, has announced the start of its 13th season. Opening Oct. 1 and running through Oct. 19 will be N. Richard Nash’s acclaimed classic “The Rainmaker.”

“The Rainmaker” directed by Brian P. Allen, Good Theater’s artistic director, stars Laurel Casillo as Lizzie. Casillo recently made her Broadway debut in the Tony Award-nominated Best Play Act One. She will be joined on stage by Max Waszak as Bill Starbuck, the con man who helps Lizzie to believe she is beautiful, and Christopher Holt as Deputy Sheriff File, a man unable to share his true feelings. Also in the cast is Good Theater veteran, Michael Kimball as H.C. Curry, Lizzie’s father along with newcomers to Good Theater, Graham Emmons as Lizzie’s practical brother, Noah, and Conor Riordan Martin as Lizzie’s younger brother, Jim. Rounding out the cast is another Good Theater veteran, Glenn Anderson, as the Sheriff.

“The Rainmaker” is set in Oklahoma during the mid-1930s while a draught is ravaging the country. With cattle dying and no rain in sight, the appearance of a rainmaker gives some members of the household hope while others resist the con man’s claims that within 24 hours he can bring rain. Lizzie’s family is desperate for her to find a husband. When the Deputy proves to be reluctant, attention turns to this stranger who has just arrived.

Good Theater’s co-founder and technical director, Stephen Underwood has collaborated with assistant technical director Craig Robinson on the set design. Justin Cote is the costume designer and the production stage manager. Iain Odlin is the lighting designer. Cheryl Dolan is the scenic artist and props coordinator. Cynthia Hodak of Al Dube Quarter Horses in Biddeford is providing all of the horse and ranch items.

“The Rainmaker” opened in Broadway in 1954 starring Geraldine Page and Darren McGavin, playing for 125 performances. A Broadway revival starring Jayne Atkinson and Woody Harrelson opened in 1999 running for 99 performances (including previews) and garnered a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play for Atkinson. A 1956 movie version starred Burt Lancaster, Katharine Hepburn and Lloyd Bridges. The movie received two Academy Award nominations including one for Katharine Hepburn as Best Actress. “The Rainmaker” was nominated for four Golden Globes including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor and it won for Best Supporting Actor, Earl Holliman.

Good Theater’s production of “The Rainmaker” will play Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. ($20), Fridays at 7:30 p.m. ($25), Saturdays at 3 p.m. ($25) and 7:30 p.m. ($28) and Sundays at 2 p.m. ($28). Tickets may be purchased at www.goodtheater.com or 207-885-5883.

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