HARRISON — Historic Deertrees Theatre, Maine’s most enchanting playhouse, launches its 87th theatrical summer with the “Mainest” of plays, “John Cariani’s “Almost, Maine,” this weekend, kicking off a season of spectacular entertainment ahead. The performances also debut the theatre’s new state-of-the-art projection system, showcasing panoramic Maine winter landscapes as a multimedia dimensional backdrop to the performing artists.
Deertrees’ “hyper Maine focused” 2023 season features Maine-themed shows and regional performing artists offering a vast array of talent, as well as its fine artists’ gallery exhibiting locally created works in all mediums. In “Almost, Maine,” celebrity composer and musician Terry Swett, of The Milltown Roadshow band, appears and performs the official Maine state song “My Sweet Maine” live throughout the production run. The show’s entire cast and artistic team helm from the Maine Lakes region, offering true home state theatre.
Serving as the Greater Maine region’s summer entertainment source since 1936, Deertrees’ diverse roster offers theatrical productions, comedies, exhibits, family shows, and concerts annually from June through early September, at 156 Deertrees Road, in Harrison. The complete season schedule and tickets are available at deertrees-theatre.org/events.html.
~ Now and Next at Deertrees ~
Almost Maine – A Real Romantic Comedy
Fridays, July 7, 21, and 23, and Saturdays July 8, and 22, at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $25
John Cariani’s play “Almost, Maine,” comprises nine short plays exploring love, loss, and a little bit of magic in a remote, mythical almost-town named “Almost,” Maine. On a cold, clear midwinter night, under the northern lights in the sky above, Almost’s residents are falling in and out of love in the strangest ways. Love is lost, found, and confounded, and life for the people of Almost will never be the same.
“Almost, Maine,” premiered at Portland Stage Company, where it broke box office records and garnered critical acclaim. Playwright John Cariani released a new novel based on the play in 2022. The warmth and humor of the Mainers populating this story are truly extraordinary. What better place to enjoy this show than in “Maine’s Most Enchanting Playhouse?” Featuring the official Maine state song “My Sweet Maine,” by local composer Terry Swett.
Tipping Points: The Halcyon Quartet – A Benefit Concert for The Center for an Ecology-Based Economy
Sunday, July 9, at 4 p.m.; tickets range from $5 to $60 (pay what you can)
The Center for an Ecology-Based Economy (CEBE) presents a multimedia performance featuring The Halcyon Quartet, raising awareness for environmental challenges. CEBE engages the community in addressing the climate emergency. The nonprofit organizes, educates, takes direct action, and implements practical, ecological solutions for a just transition to a thriving, regenerative economy. Located in Norway, CEBE welcomes volunteers to support its greatest potential as a community, creating a future where all can thrive. Performance proceeds benefit The Center for an Ecology-Based Economy. Learn more at ecologybasedeconomy.org, or follow @ecologybasedeconomy on social media.
Sebago Long Lake Music Festival
Tuesdays, July 11 through August 8, at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $35 per concert, and season passes are $135
Deertrees plays host to Sebago Long Lake Music Festival’s 51st annual season, offering five Tuesday evening classical music concerts that will astound audiences as the signature event of the Festival’s season. Deertrees’ picturesque, historic setting at the top of Long Lake in Harrison, complements the Festival’s stunning chamber music under the summer stars.
Family & Movie Musical Songs – with Susie Pepper, Ali Butler, and Mixology
Thursday, July 13, at 3 p.m., and Friday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m.; tickets are $15
Performing artist Susie Pepper and her amazing twin sister Ali Butler bring their voices and unmatchable energy to two concerts geared for families and kids, ages 2 to 102! Attendees are encouraged to enjoy making costumes to dress up as their favorite movie characters and attend the concert in high style!
Donor/Sponsor Dance Party – featuring The Cobblestones Band
Saturday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m.; suggested $10 donation, free admission for all sponsors, donors, and volunteers
Sponsored by Deertrees’ Board Members Jane Curran and Gail Bowen
Dance the night away in honor and appreciation of the generous donors, volunteers, and sponsors that support Deertrees Theatre year in and out. The popular Cobblestones Band performs tunes to sway and dance to all night long. Enjoy complimentary bites and a cash bar, mingle with friends, listen to great music, and explore Deertrees’ Art Gallery, Salt Lick Café and cabaret setting, and the welcoming back porch under the Maine stars!
Camp Encore Coda’s Faculty Ensemble Concert
Monday, July 17, at 6:30 p.m.; admission is free, and donations will be gratefully accepted
The talented staff of Camp Encore Coda presents a 20-piece chamber orchestra concert, free to the public. Camp Encore Coda’s unique combination of incredible faculty and teachers in a traditional camp setting makes Camp Encore Coda a true masterpiece for musicians.
Phil ’n the Blanks
Thursday, July 27, at 7 p.m.; tickets are $10
Phil Allen sings and plays his guitar all around southern Maine as a solo artist and as the frontman of Phil ‘n the Blanks. Studying music, theatre, and opera as a young man, his vocal training comes through in his tight intonation and dynamic control. Phil learned to talk with the crowd and improvise melodies while playing the street corners of Key West and New Orleans. His gratitude for living his dream comes through in his stage presence and soulful guitar solos. Phil’s original songs reflect lessons hard learned and the joy that comes from a life dedicated to his art. Come chill with Phil in Deertrees’ Salt Lick Cabaret space!
The Piano Men: The Music of Elton and Billy
Saturday, July 29, at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $34
Sponsored by Garvey Construction
What do you get when you combine Elton John and Billy Joel on one stage? A night of Grammy® award-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducing magic! “Piano Men – The Music of Elton and Billy” is a tribute to the amazing songs of Billy Joel and Elton John, featuring Joe Boucher on piano and vocals with arrangements by Christopher Eastburn. Elton John and Billy Joel have collectively sold more than 350 million records worldwide. For four decades they have been at the top of the world’s musical landscape, with continuous radio airplay, topping album charts, and performing to sold-out audiences.
An Evening at Dave’s Sauna
Friday, August 4, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 5, at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $29
Sponsored by Camp Laughing Grass and Cook Farms
The “Rated N for Naughty” musical is back by popular demand! All bets are off in this tale of a Saturday night in 1980 at the legendary Dave’s Sauna in Paris, Maine, where hippies, rednecks, bikers, townies, swingers, and all kinds of folks would come for a sauna (and maybe more)! This original musical is based on true accounts of the sauna back in its heyday. Meet Weird Rob, Bearded Hippie, Off-Duty Waitress, 9-5 Guy, Neighbor Not Happy, Local Town Cop, Trailer Park Woman, MassHole, Dave’s best friend Saul, his wife Nancy, her best friend Josephine, the seductive Sauna Sirens, and many other colorful characters.
Lobster Roll Fundraiser
Friday, August 11, from 12 to 4 p.m.; preorder for $25 at deertrees-theatre.org/lobster-roll-fundraiser.html.
Preorder accepted online by August 5 to enjoy delicious lobster rolls (chock full of tail, knuckle, and claw meat), a bag of chips, and a cookie, all in support of Deertrees Theatre. Purchasers will pick up their orders at United Parish UCC, 77 Main St., Harrison.
Midnight Breakfast
Saturday, August 12, at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $22
Admission includes a glass of bubbly (attendees must be age 21+ up)
Maine’s five-piece Indie-soul band Midnight Breakfast has quickly become a household name. Drawing inspiration from across the rich, multiethnic pantheon of American musical traditions, the band aspires to honor their pioneering predecessors by continually creating musical concoctions with new invigorating flavors and flair. Improvisational live performance style, commanding stage presence, and groovy melodies make each Midnight Breakfast show unique, energizing, and ultimately unforgettable.
3 Day Funk
Thursday, August 17, at 7 p.m.; tickets are $10
Enjoy 70s to 90s-era hard classic rock in Deertrees’ Salt Lick Cabaret setting. 3 Day Funk is a classic rock trio paying homage to the great bands of yesteryear. With attention to detail and dedication to their craft, this trio creates a sound that will blow listeners away! With a music catalog of familiar songs – whether blues, hard rock, or a little funk – attendees are sure to enjoy a rockin’ good time.
Susie Pepper Sings Carole King and Bonnie Raitt
Friday, August 18, at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $35
Susie Pepper & Mixology presents a one-of-a-kind concert featuring the beloved songs of Carole King and Bonnie Raitt. This thrilling selection of songs will soar to the star-filled sky over Deertrees, where this artist is loved! Susie Pepper is a dynamic and highly sought-after vocalist throughout the region. Her talents led to her winning Fox23’s “Maine Idol” competition and becoming Miss Maine in 2009. She has been featured in the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s Magic of Christmas series, in addition to countless other performances.
Yesterday Once More – Music of The Carpenters
Thursday, August 24, at 7 p.m.; tickets are $20
Sponsored by Bob and Carol Phaneuf
Back by popular demand, performing artists Katie Connor, Gail Phaneuf, and Patti Hathaway sing your favorites and lead a cabaret performance of some of The Carpenters’ most famous hits, and it’s suddenly yesterday once more! With Sam Levy on electric guitar and Dan Fox on saxophone, this is a fun night to kick back and sing a song in Deertrees’ Salt Lick Cabaret setting.
Dark Side of Somewhere Dance Immersion
Friday, August 24, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 25, at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $25
Sponsored by The Ballroom
“The Dark Side of Somewhere” is the world premiere of a unique and immersive multimedia dance and circus arts experience brought to life by sisters Nettie and Hannah Gentempo. This new, exciting production is set to mark the 50th anniversary of the legendary Pink Floyd album “Dark Side of the Moon”. Conflict, greed, time, money, life, death, and a deep dive into the imagination are all themes explored through this production that includes a full cast of dancers and flow/circus artists, puppets, costumes, and a stunning, large-scale video backdrop.
A Tribute to Jeff Buckley with Sami Sabbagh
Thursday, August 31, at 7 p.m.; tickets are $10
Join first-time Deertrees artist and theatre intern Sami Sabbagh as he makes his solo debut and carries listeners through the history and meaning behind one of the world’s most enchanting artist’s songs. Explore a retrospective of the life and times of Jeff Buckley, son of famous folk singer Tim Buckley, whose life was cut short by a riptide in the Mississippi River. In a live Salt Lick Cabaret performance, Sabbagh covers multiple songs from Buckley’s albums “Grace” and “Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk.”
Kippy – Pray for the Dead and Fight Like Hell for the Living!
Friday, September 1, at 7 p.m.; tickets are $20
Sponsored by Lakes Region Recovery Center
A one-woman theatrical imagining of Kip Tiernan, “Kippy – Pray for the Dead and Fight Like Hell for the Living!” explores the life of social justice hero and founder of Boston’s Rosie’s Place, The Greater Boston Food Bank, Healthcare for the Homeless, The Poor People’s United Fund, and many others. Kip Tiernan was an extraordinary character and a force of nature who changed the face of social justice in Boston. Passionate and salty-tongued, she engendered outrage and empathy for the plight of poor and homeless women in crisis. Kip founded Rosie’s Place in 1974, the first-ever homeless shelter for women in the United States. Written and performed by playwright and Deertrees’ Artistic Director Gail Phaneuf.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Friday, September 8, at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, September 9, at 6:30 p.m.; tickets are $20
A modern staging of this Shakespeare classic, set during 1960s America – a nation in transition, in the real-world city of Athens, Georgia. Serving today as a safe haven for queer and genderqueer persons, in the 60s, Athens was full of tight-knit townsfolk in one of the most conservative towns in America. The setting transforms the faerie characters from fey spirits to queer and genderqueer aliens, whose interaction with conservative Athens fundamentally changes the city for the better. From the minds of Shakespeare veterans Rob Faucher and Hal St. Louis comes a night of love, magic, and robots unlike anything you’ve seen before. Brace yourselves to experience something otherworldly – the extraterrestrial universe just got a whole lot bigger in this fabulous frolic!
~ The Salt Lick Café Cabaret Series ~
Deertrees’ Salt Lick Café opens two hours before each event and is home to Deertrees Art Gallery, curated by Artist Karen Pettengill. The café offers beer, wine, canned cocktails, and a variety of sweet and savory snacks. The Salt Lick Cabaret space has art gallery table seating for up to 65 people, serving as a cozy, intimate space for Deertrees’ smaller performances. For more information, visit deertrees-theatre.org/salt-lick-series-events.html.
Originally founded in 1936 as an opera house by prominent opera singer/director Enrica Clay Dillon, Deertrees Theatre has been home to countless Broadway stars and local actors, world-acclaimed musicians, and aspiring students. Nestled in the beautiful foothills of Southern Maine’s Lakes Region in the town of Harrison, it has historically served as a secluded retreat and cultural center for artists. The acoustically perfect theatre is set in one of the nation’s most idyllic locations, boasting a rose hemlock wood structure harvested from the property, featuring hand-carved beams, doors, trim, and light fixtures. The building, in stages of restoration since 1990, is now listed on Maine’s State Register of Historic Landmarks, and on the National Registry of Historic Places. Deertrees offers classical music on Tuesday evenings in July, The Backstage Art Gallery features the works of local artists, and The Salt Lick Café offers cabaret acts, small bites, beer, wine, and canned cocktails during events.
Deertrees Theatre’s ticket prices include a $2 Heritage Fee that supports the ongoing restoration and improvements to Deertrees Theatre. To purchase tickets, or more information, visit deertrees-theatre.org, email gail@deertrees.org, or follow Deertrees Theatre on Facebook and Instagram.
Deertrees Theatre is located at 156 Deertrees Road, in Harrison, Maine. For more information, visit deertrees-theatre.org, email gail@deertrees.org, or follow Deertrees Theatre on Facebook and Instagram.
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