shows

  • 2023 Season,  shows

    Fiddlers Three by Agatha Christie

    Trying to get their hands on more than a little inheritance group of people hide the body of a dead
    tycoon. But what starts as a lark quickly becomes all too serious when they discover that the body is in fact a murder victim.

    A comedy about business and finance with a strong undercurrent of criminal activity, the play combines
    humor, intricate plotting, and a confounding murder.

    When:
    Friday, November 3rd at 7:30
    Saturday, November 4th at 7:30
    Sunday, November 5th at 2:00

    Friday, November 10th at 7:30
    Saturday, November 11th at 7:30
    Sunday, November 12th at 2:00

    Where:
    Hallowell City Hall
    1 Winthrop Street
    Hallowell

    Tickets:
    Can be bought at https://gaslight-theater.square.site/

    Cost:
    Tickets are $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors and Students. There is a 3% processing fee for credit card sales.

  • 2023 Season,  shows

    Jellofish

    Gaslight Theater is bringing together theater, art, and food in a special fundraising
    production.

    Peter Shaffer’s “Jellofish,” directed by Birdie Katz will be for two performances only, Saturday, September 30 at 7:00p.m. and Sunday October 1 at 2:00 p.m.

    Four World War II veterans have been playing a monthly game of poker for over 50 years, putting aside five percent of every pot until they have accumulated a sizable fortune. As they compete in this month’s game, they struggle over what to do with their nest egg. As the debate escalates, their conflicting views on love, friendship, politics, and death are revealed. As each player comes upon a “random” history chip, the events of their lives are represented. The history chips were created whenever a significant event occurred in one of their lives. As some of the history chips turn up, the deeper implications of a lifetime of friendship and competition are explored.

    The cast includes Walter Guild, Bill Haley, and Frank Omar.

    Wine and cheese and crackers will be provided after each performance as part of the admission price for those holding an adult ticket.

    Where: Hallowell City Hall, 1 Winthrop Street, Hallowell.
    The Auditorium, located on the 2nd floor, is handicapped accessible by elevator.
    When: Saturday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m. & Sunday, October 1 at 2:00 p.m.
    Tickets: $30 for Adults, $25 for Students under 21, are available at the door; cash, check, and credit card accepted. For reservations (recommended but not required) call 207-626-3698.

    • $30 ticket includes 1 glass of wine, $25 ticket does not include libations.
    • Because this is a special fundraiser, season ticket passes cannot be used for this production.

    The painting below is by the local artist, Bruce Mayo and will be auctioned off at the end of the production.

    • Auction tickets can be purchased for $10 each or 3 for $25.
    • Auction tickets can be purchased online or at either performance of the show.

    To purchase tickets for the show (or the auction) visit our Online Ordering Page here

    Jellofish Original Artwork by Bruce Mayo
    Original Artwork by Bruce Mayo

    Gaslight would like to thank the Gardiner Elks Lodge 1293 for their assistance in helping to bring this to our patrons.

    https://gaslight-theater.square.site/
  • 2023 Season,  shows

    Brothers Grimm Recovered!

    The Brothers Grimm got a little less grim today.

    We will be running The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon by Don Zolidis, Friday and Saturday July 21, 22 at 7:00 PM, Sunday July 23 at 2:00 PM.

    One weekend only!

    Don’t miss this chance! Come laugh and cheer at your favorite Fairy Tales told in an exciting new way.

    BGS Poster

    Due to scheduling issues, we will not be adding any additional shows at this time.

  • 2023 Season,  shows

    The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon by Don Zolidis

    Partial Cast
    Cast preparing to rehearse at the Vaughan Homestead

    The fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm are turned on their heads in this fast-paced, rollicking ride as two narrators and several actors attempt to combine all 209 stories ranging from classics like Snow White, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel to more bizarre, obscure stories like The Devil’s Grandmother and The Girl Without Hands. A wild, free-form comedy with lots of audience participation and madcap fun. 

    Outdoor performances are scheduled for Old Hallowell Day Weekend July 14, 15, 16 and the weekend after, July 21, 22, 23 at the Vaughan Homestead. Friday and Saturday shows start at 6:30pm, Sunday matinees are at 2:00pm. Parking at Vaughan Homestead is strictly limited to showtimes only. 

    Choose your date and bring a chair, blanket, or maybe even a snack to make it an event!  For more information call 207-626-3698. Donations will be accepted at the show or anytime online to support the nonprofit Gaslight Theater. 

    If you go:

    What: Gaslight Theater presents “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon

    Cost: Free with donations accepted.

    When and where:

    Friday and Saturday July 14, 15* at 7:00 PM, Sunday July 16 at 2:00 PM

    Friday and Saturday July 21, 22 at 7:00 PM, Sunday July 23 at 2:00 PM

    Vaughan Historic Homestead Outdoor Pavilion
    2 Litchfield Rd, Hallowell

    * The Saturday show is on Old Hallowell Day.

    Parking at Vaughan Homestead is strictly limited to the duration of the show only.

    Comments Off on The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon by Don Zolidis
  • 2023 Season,  shows

    Black Comedy

    Gaslight Theater’s “2023 Season of Laughter” continues in April and May with Peter Shaffer’s “Black Comedy”, directed by Lucille Rioux. The show will be produced at Hallowell City Hall Auditorium at 1 Winthrop Street in Hallowell over two weekends, including Sunday matinees, April 28, 29 and 30 and May 5, 6 & 7. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30 PM and Sunday matinees start at 2:00 PM.

    Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and Seniors. $15 for adults or $12 for students and Seniors. Tickets are available at the door; cash, check and credit card* accepted. For reservations (not required) call 207-626-3698 or to purchase tickets online go to https://gaslight-theater.square.site/
    * Please note, there is a $1.00 surcharge on Credit card and online sales to cover the processing charges

    Black Comedy” is a one-act farce by Peter Shaffer first performed in 1965. The premise of the piece is that light and dark are transposed, so that when the stage is lit the cast are supposed to be in darkness and only when the stage is dark are they supposed to be able to see each other and their surroundings. A young sculptor and his fiancée have borrowed some expensive antique furniture from a neighbor’s flat without his permission to impress an elderly millionaire art collector. When the power fails, the neighbor returns early, other people also arrive….

    Matthew Ferrin of Augusta will perform as Brindsley Miller, a young sculptor. His fiancee Carol Melkett will be played by Kathryn Ross of Gardiner. Michael Stiles of Kents Hill will play Carol’s father, Colonel Melkett. The part of Clea, Brindsley’s ex, will be performed by Robyn DesLauriers of South Gardiner. Kathleen Leopold of Richmond will play Miss Furnival. Jeff Cabral of Biddeford will play antique shop owner Harold Gorringe. Joe Blackwell of Waterville will play Schuppanzigh, a German refugee, and Gaslight Theater’s own Richard Bostwick of Hallowell will play millionaire art collector Georg Samberger.

    Table-Read-for-Black-Comedy-March-2023
    Table-Read-for-Black-Comedy-March-2023

    Gaslight Theater’s production of “Black Comedy” is sponsored by Free ME from Lung Cancer. Gaslight Theater’s 2023 “Season of Laughter” has been made possible by Season Sponsor E.J. Perry Construction Company and by Turner Publishing, Media Sponsor. 

    Other upcoming productions in Gaslight’s 2023 “Season of Laughter” include The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon in July,  a play still to be determined in November and Jellofish, dates to be announced.

    If you go:

    • Gaslight Theater presents Peter Shaffer’s “Black Comedy”
    • Hallowell City Hall, 1 Winthrop Street, Hallowell.
      The Auditorium, located on the 2nd floor, is handicapped accessible by elevator.
    • When:
      Friday & Saturday, April 28 and 29 at 7:30pm
      Sunday Matinee, April 30 at 2:00pm
      Friday & Saturday, May 5 and 6 at 7:30pm
      Sunday Matinee, May 7 at 2:00pm
    • Tickets:
      $15 for adults or $12 for students and Seniors
      Available at the door; cash, check and credit card* accepted.
      For reservations (not required) call 207-626-3698. To
      purchase tickets online https://gaslight-theater.square.site/
      * There is a $1.00 surcharge on credit card and online sales to cover the processing charges
      we pay to offer this service.





  • 2022Season,  shows

    The Stranger by Agatha Christie

    This November Gaslight Theater proudly presents “The Stranger” by Agatha Christie at Hallowell City Hall Auditorium located at 1 Winthrop Street in Hallowell. Theater patrons can choose from six performance dates over two weekends, including Sunday matinees, November 11, 12 & 13 and 18, 19 & 20. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30 PM and Sunday matinee performances start at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and Seniors, cash, check and credit card accepted at the door.

    Directed by Linda Duarte, “The Stranger”is an adaptation by Agatha Christie, of her short story Philomel Cottage. The play centers around Enid Bradshaw, who breaks her seven-year engagement to Dick Lane in favor of marrying the charming Gerald Strange, whom she had known for a mere afternoon. The two move to a cottage in the country in Act Two, and it is then that we get a sense of Gerald’s true character. Things are not always what they seem, of course, and a well-placed red herring plus Enid’s fascination with Scheherazade and “One Thousand and One Nights’ add key elements to the plot.

    Gerald is played by Matthew McLaughlin of Portland, a new actor at Gaslight Theater, and Enid is portrayed by Gwenyth Fraser of Brunswick, who has been seen on our stage several times previously. Andrew Lamb of Augusta, also new to Gaslight Theater, provides some surprises as Dick, and Wendi Richards of Fairfield adds her charm as Enid’s friend Doris. The two housekeepers, offering up very different personalities, are played by Marcia Gallagher of Hallowell, a previous music director at Gaslight, and Jeanne Curtin of West Gardiner, also a first timer with Gaslight Theater.  “The Stranger” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

    The Cast

    What: Gaslight Theater presents Agatha Christie’s “The Stranger”

    Where: Hallowell City Hall, 1 Winthrop Street, Hallowell.
    The Auditorium is located on the 2nd floor and is handicapped accessible by elevator.

    When:  Friday & Saturday, November 11 and 12 at 7:30pm

                Sunday Matinee, November 13 at 2:00pm

                Friday & Saturday, November 18 and 19 at 7:30pm

                Sunday Matinee, November 20 at 2:00pm

    Cost: Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and Seniors,
    cash, check and credit card accepted at the door.

  • 2022Season,  shows

    The Whales of August

    A dinner party at a rehearsal of Gaslight Theater’s “The Whales of August”
Pictured left to right are cast members Margaret Matheson (as Sarah), William Haley (as Mr.
Maranov) and Linda Duarte (as Libby).
Photo credit: Joseph Maranda
    A dinner party at a rehearsal of Gaslight Theater’s “The Whales of August”
    Pictured left to right are cast members Margaret Matheson (as Sarah), William Haley (as Mr.
    Maranov) and Linda Duarte (as Libby).
    Photo credit: Joseph Maranda

    “The Whales of August” is wistful and autumnal in mood… and filled with the bittersweet recognition that life, despite the alterations of time, must continue as best it can. This show is perfect for the end of summer and a recollection that no matter how old you are it is never too late to live.

    “The Whales of August” by Dave Berry is set at a beach house on an island off the coast of Maine where two widowed sisters have been summering for many years. The sisters, played by Margaret Matheson and Linda Duarte, are joined by an old friend, the island handyman, and an old rogue who may or may not be deposed royalty, played by Lisa Copenhaver, Gregor Smith, and William Haley.

    This summer Gaslight Theater proudly presents six performances of “The Whales of August” directed by Rebecca Singer and Joseph Maranda.

    The show will be presented over two weekends Friday and Saturday, August 26, 27 and September 2 and 3 at 7:30pm with Sunday matinee performances on August 28 and September 3 at 2:00pm.

    If you go:

    What: Gaslight Theater presents “The Whales of August

    Cost: $15.00 for adults and $13.00 for seniors and students

    Call 207-626-3698 for reservations, or just walk in

    Where and When:

    Friday and Saturday August 26 and 27 at 7:30 PM, Sunday August 28 at 2:00pm
    Friday and Saturday September 2 and 3 at 7:30 PM, Sunday September 4 at 2:00pm

    Hallowell City Hall
    1 Winthrop St, Hallowell

    Founded in 1937 as the Augusta Players, and since doing business as Gaslight Theater, we are the oldest continuously operating community theater in Maine. Productions have taken place in Hallowell City Hall since the late 1970s (until COVID intervened). We hope to return to our regular schedule in 2023 which is normally four shows a year, usually in late winter, early summer, late summer, and the fall, featuring a balance among musicals, mysteries, comedies, classics and new or experimental plays. For each show, we have at least six performances over two weekends, including Sunday matinees.

  • 2022Season,  shows

    I Hate Shakespeare

    Dueling Juliets
    Dueling Juliets at a recent rehearsal of Gaslight Theater’s “I Hate Shakespeare”. Pictured left to right are cast members Kathleen Leopold, Cody Alexander Curtis, Desi-Rae Mason (as Juliet), Tony Vazquez, Eleanor Maranda (also as Juliet), Gregor Smith, Donna Loveland and Joe Maranda. Photo credit: Richard Bostwick

    We hate Shakespeare! At least that’s what the audience thinks until they get a rip-roaring rundown of Shakespeare’s classics. With zombies, talking cows, and an appearance by Jerry Springer, I Hate Shakespeare! is a hilarious and fast-paced introduction to Shakespeare — with a modern twist.

    Plus, someone gets a pie in the face.

    I Hate Shakespeare” by Steph DeFerie is a comedy presenting Shakespearean vignettes from a modern (and sometimes silly) point of view. This summer Gaslight Theater proudly presents six performances of  “I Hate Shakespeare” directed by Margaret Matheson assisted by Richard Bostwick. 

    The second weekend in July the Augusta Downtown Alliance will sponsor three performances of Gaslight Theater production of “I Hate Shakespeare” at Waterfront Park in Augusta, Friday and Saturday, July 8 and 9 at 6:00 PM and a matinee performance on Sunday, July 10 at 2:00 PM.

    The following week, during Old Hallowell Day weekend, Vaughan Historic Homestead will be hosting shows on Friday and Saturday, July 15 and 16 at 6:00 PM and a matinee performance on Sunday, July 17 at 2:00 PM. Parking at Vaughan Homestead is strictly limited to showtimes only. 

    Choose your date and venue and bring a chair, blanket or maybe even a snack and make it an event!  For more information call 207-626-3698. Donations will be accepted at the show or anytime online to support the nonprofit Gaslight Theater. 

    If you go:

    What: Gaslight Theater presents “I Hate Shakespeare

    Cost: Free with donations accepted.

    When and where in Augusta:

    Friday and Saturday July 8 and 9 at 6:00 PM, Sunday July 10 at 2:00pm

    Waterfront Park in Downtown Augusta
    Front St, Augusta, ME 04330

    When and where in Hallowell:

    Friday and Saturday July 15 and 16* at 6:00 PM, Sunday July 17 at 2:00 PM

    Vaughan Historic Homestead Outdoor Pavilion
    2 Litchfield Rd, Hallowell

    * The Saturday show is on Old Hallowell Day. Parking at Vaughan Homestead is strictly limited to the duration of the show only.

    This is an outdoor event. However, to ensure the health and safety of our audience and performers, we are asking everyone in attendance to wear a mask if they are not current on their vaccinations. The actors will not be masked when onstage during performances. These are difficult times, and we ask that everyone remain considerate and respectful of others.

    Founded in 1937 as the Augusta Players, and since doing business as Gaslight Theater, we are the oldest continuously operating community theater in Maine. Productions have taken place in Hallowell City Hall since the late 1970s (until COVID intervened). We hope to return to our regular schedule in 2023 which is normally four shows a year, usually in late winter, early summer, late summer, and the fall, featuring a balance among musicals, mysteries, comedies, classics and new or experimental plays. For each show, we have at least six performances over two weekends, including Sunday matinees.

  • 2021Season,  shows,  Uncategorized

    Save the Dates

    August 20, 21, and 22 for

    A Review of Old Time Radio

    This play showcases radio comedies, dramas, and songs that were popular on radio in the 1930’s. 1940’s and 1950’s. The show will be presented August 20, 21 and 22.

    As our normal theater is still unavailable, the play will be presented at:

    Vaughan Homestead Pavilion
    2 Litchfield Rd, Hallowell

    More details to follow.

  • 2021Season,  shows

    Upcoming 2021 Season

    Prose, Roses, and Woes

    After much deliberation and soul searching, we have elected to postpone these performances from our original Valentines weekend date. We will reschedule when more vaccines has been administered and we are confident new cases are moving in the right direction. 

    POSTPONED

    Hallowell’s Gaslight Theater is planning an outdoor themed poetry event in downtown Hallowell for a TO BE DETERMINED weekend.

    This outdoor walking tour featuring live poetry readings, will take place on a future date TO BE DETERMINED at up to 6 locations in downtown Hallowell.

    Small audience groups will be revolved among all the venues, while adhering to social distancing and masking protocols to keep everyone safe.

    We have three ways you can participate, as a poet, as a reader or as part of the audience.

    Poets

    Submit a poem for us to consider, dealing with any aspect of  the theme of “love”: true love, new love, old love, or even lost love. It should be your own original work. We are not looking for an epic work but an original poem you would agree to have read by an actor or you can audition to read it yourself.  Our esteemed selection committee will choose favorites for the event.

    We will accept new submissions once we have a date specified.

    Readers

    You can audition to read poems at the event. Readers and audience at each outdoor venue will be socially distanced and we will not be using microphones so a good strong voice and the ability to project is required.

    We will accept new submissions once we have a date specified.

    Audience

    Reservations will be opened when we have a new date.

    Stay tuned for More Info

    Our home venue, Hallowell City Hall, is still not available at this time. It is not yet known when it may be. Social distancing for the safety of our cast, crew, and patrons is a priority and will reduce the size of audiences and will guide us as we look forward to presenting and acting again.

    207-626-3698
    Gaslighttheater@Gaslighttheater.org