BRUNSWICK – Four big-name musical productions will light up the Maine State Music Theatre marquee this summer.
They don’t come much bigger than “South Pacific.” That’s the production currently on stage at Pickard Theater on the Bowdoin College campus. The classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, which opened June 7, runs through June 24.
Rob Jarrett, MSMT’s director of marketing and sponsorship, said the theater’s season starts early, and though tourists are not yet in the area in big numbers, many local showgoers have been turning out for “South Pacific.”
This landmark 1949 musical contains some of the best songs of the Golden Age of musical theater. They include “Some Enchanted Evening.” “There Is Nothin’ Like A Dame,” “A Cockeyed Optimist,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair,” and “Bali Ha’i.”
Set in an island paradise during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war.
“This is a story line that certainly resonates with people today,” Jarrett said.
Erin Maguire plays Nellie, and Jarrett calls her “One of the best Nellie Forbushes ever.”
Richard White is Emile de Becque. He originated the role of Joey in “The Most Happy Fella,” and he did the voice of Gaston in the Disney movie of “Beauty and the Beast.”
Lori Tan Cinn recreates the role of Bloody Mary, which she played in the 2001 television movie of “South Pacific” with Glenn Close.
Robert Creighton, playing Luther Billis, was Peter Pan in MSMT’s 1995 production of that show.
Gregg Goodbrod is cast as Lt. Joseph Cable. Goodbrod, who was featured in last season’s “Miss Saigon,” will return in “Aida” and “The Full Monty” this year.
Liat is played by Minami Yusui, who joined MSMT as an intern last year.
June 28 is the opening date for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” which is sure to be a family hit at MSMT. “Beauty and the Beast” is a story about romantic love and parental love, which are both powerful and sometimes at odds.
A prince is changed into a beast and told that before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose, he must find true love. Belle lives in a village where she is seen as odd by all but Gaston, a handsome, egotistical man who wants to marry her. Belle’s father goes off into the woods and gets lost, stumbling upon the Beast’s castle, where he is locked up by the Beast. When Belle learns of his whereabouts, she rushes to his aid and trades her freedom for her father’s.
Jarrett said this production features all of the spectacular and imaginative costumes of the Broadway production.
With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and book by Linda Woolverton, “Beauty” won four Tony Awards in 2000 and a 2001 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.
“Aida” follows at MSMT with a July 19 opening. Jarrett said “Aida” unfolds with “a very feel-good story.”
With a contemporary score by Elton John and Tim Rice, this lavish show won four Tony Awards in 2000, and Best Musical Show Album in 2001.
Based on the Verdi opera by the same title, two contemporary youths are swept from an exhibition of Egyptian artifacts back in time to live the real thing.
Aida, a royal princess, is captured by Radames, a Pharaoh-in-waiting. However, complications arise when the two fall in love. The rub is that Amneris, daughter of the Pharaoh, and Radames are betrothed.
Musical highlights include “Another Pyramid,” “My Strongest Suit,” “Elaborate Lives,” “A Step Too Far” and “Easy As Life.”
The final show of Maine State Music Theatre’s season is “The Full Monty” Aug. 9-26.
Based on the smash-hit British film, a group of unemployed steel-working men frustrated with life, women and work decide that regardless of looks, ability or anything else, they are going to be the best Chippendale strippers Buffalo has ever seen. Jerry Lukowski, the central character, who is driven by his love for his son, knows deep down that going “The Full Monty” is more about what’s on the inside than what’s on the outside.
“The Full Monty” combines a heartfelt message of self-acceptance with boundless humor. The show’s heroes sing, dance and strip to a great jazz score by David Yazbeck, acclaimed for his film score for “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”
Other MSMT events this season include three children’s theater performances of “Charlotte’s Web” June 12. A third performance at 3:30 p.m. was added recently when the originally scheduled two were sold out.
Also for children, “Seussical The Musical” is slated for two performances Aug. 23.
On July 30-31, the Grammy-nominated a cappella sensation Toxic Audio will make a return engagement for two fundraising concerts benefiting Maine State Music Theatre.
The six members of Toxic Audio merge their talents for an explosion of vocal acrobatics, unstoppable rhythm and improv comedy in a show that takes the audience on an unforgettable musical journey.
“A Little Night Music in Concert” is scheduled for July 10, and Judy Kaye and Mark Jacoby will appear in “He Said/She Said” Aug. 14.
For ticket information, call the MSMT box office at (207) 725-8769, or order online at the Web site, www.MSMT.org.
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