• 2023 Season

    2nd Audition! Love Is Murder, by Tim Kelly

    Update: A 2nd Audition for December 20th, Tuesday at 6p.m. has been added! See you then!

    Auditions for Gaslight Theater’s Valentine’s Day Week show, Love is Murder, by Tim Kelly, will be held December 20th, Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Hallowell City Hall. Please bring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to auditions. Auditions are cold readings.

    Love Is Murder, by Tim Kelly, Valentina Velour, the Queen of Romance Fiction, opens Honeymoon House to Love Is Murder is a comedic spoof of the romance novel industry written by Tim Kelly which begins when Valentina Velour, the Queen of Romance Fiction, opens her luxurious “Honeymoon House” to a television program. Unfortunately, someone has left a dead man in the closet and a wacko called The Rose Killer is bumping off the love scribblers. Confusion and madness abound as vitamin fanatics, cops, literary agents and writers collide. The whole madcap mess concludes with the exposure of Valentina’s arch-enemy and an affirmation of her philosophy — “Romance will be here when men and women no longer walk the earth!”

    Show dates are the weekends of February 10, 11 & 12 and 17, 18 and 19  at Hallowell City Hall Auditorium.

    5 Women, 5 Men. All roles are open to all ages 18 years of age and up.

    Valentina Hart – The selfmade Queen of Romantic Fiction, dripping with regality, snobbery, and gaudy fashion
    Effie – House maid, hopeless romantic, number one fan of Valentina
    Tom Burns/Handsome Marine – Butler, fairly good looking, very new and green
    Lydecker – Valentina’s agent, loud and aggressive
    Leon Ketchem – TV producer, unbothered, unfazed, disinterested
    Jane Err – romance novelist, dark, brooding, like she walked straight out of a Victorian gothic novel (But it’s all a facade, she craves the limelight)
    Calamity Lovett – romance novelist, dressed like she’s from a glamorous western. Self assured, rough around the edges, with a twang (Again a facade, for publicity)
    Pearl Sweet – dressed in dazzling slinky attire. Vogue, posh, strikes a pose, seducing mirrors
    Dr. Wintergreen/Pirate/Simon Grundy – Charming, well dressed and health conscious, all of these to a fault
    Ed Fish/Don Alfredo – a bumbling policeman/detective

  • 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.

  • auditions

    Auditions for THE STRANGER by Agatha Christie

    Auditions for Gaslight Theater’s late fall show, THE STRANGER by Agatha Christie, will be held Sunday, September 11th and Tuesday, September 13th at 6:30 p.m. at the Hallowell City Hall.

    Please bring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to auditions. Auditions are cold readings.

    4 Women, 2 Men—Minimum 5—Doris or Mrs. Huggins can double with Mrs. Birch

    Doris West—A nondescript girl of 28. Friend of Enid. Similar age.

    Mrs. Huggins—A middle-aged woman, housekeep, singing, cheerfully pessimistic. Husband controlling.

    Enid Bradshaw—A pretty girl of 28. Engaged for several years to a man who returns to marry her. Looking for some adventure.

    Gerald Strange—An attractive man of about 38. Looks like a man who has lived an outdoor life. He has rather a diffident, boyish manner, which endears him to women. There is nothing bold or flashing about him. Becomes somewhat self-centeredly mad.

    Dick Lane—A gentle man of 35, looking older than his years. He stoops a little and has a diffident manner. Rather meek at first but belatedly learns to speak his mind.

    Mrs. Birch—A thin, anemic looking woman with a flat depressed voice. She has none of Mrs. Huggins’ cheerful pessimism.

    Show dates are November 11, 12, and 13 and November 18, 19, and 20 at the Hallowell City Hall.

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  • 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,  auditions

    Auditions! Auditions for Fall Show!

    Auditions for Gaslight Theater’s fall show, The Whales of August, will be held Sunday, July 17th and Monday, July 18th at 7:00 p.m. at the Hallowell City Hall.

    The Whales of August 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 play 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.

    Please bring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to auditions. Show consists of two acts with parts for three women and two men. All roles are intended for actors 50 and older. Auditions are cold readings.

    Show dates are August 26, 27, and 28 and September 2, 3 and 4 (this is Labor day weekend. Please do not audition if you already have other plans) at the Hallowell City Hall.

  • 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.

  • 2022Season,  auditions

    Auditions! Auditions for Summer Show

    The Gaslight Theater is holding auditions for I Hate Shakespeare, by Steph DeFerie, and directed by Meg Matheson.

    Auditions will be held Sunday, April 24 and Monday, April 25 at 5:30 at the Vaughn Homestead Pavilion in Hallowell. Show consists of comedic vignettes with doubling. Roles can be done by any gender; number and ages of cast can vary. Auditions are cold readings.

    Show dates are July 8, 9 and 10 in Augusta and July 15, 16 and 17 in Hallowell. If you are unable to make one of the audition dates, but wish to audition, please contact us.

    Please bring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to auditions.

    Auditions are at 5:30pm on Sunday, April 24 and Monday, April 25 at the:

    Vaughan Homestead Pavilion
    2 Litchfield Rd, Hallowell.

    I Hate Shakespeare

    I Hate Shakespeare by Steph DeFerie, directed by Meg Matheson will be presented on July 8, 9 and 10 in Augusta and July 15, 16 and 17 in Hallowell.

  • 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

  • shows

    Current Season 2020

    This is our Mid-year Update

    After we cut the run of “Last Gas’ short early on in the year, the path of the pandemic remained unknown and we had been waiting for some idea of what the future possibilities are. We still don’t know what the future looks like.

    We have postponed our entire 2020 season and will be moving “The Whales of August” and “Almost Maine” to the second half of next year.

    Between now and then, we are looking at some plays with a single actor and a small tech crew.

    Stay tuned.

    We are also looking at reader’s theater. Our home venue, Hallowell City Hall, is 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.

    Fear not, we will return because.

    We Miss You.

    We Miss working the Boards.

    We Miss the Social fun that is Theater.

    207-626-3698
    gaslighttheater@yahoo.com

    Whales of August by David Berry – Postponed until 2021 season.
    Almost Maine By John Cariani – Postponed until 2021 season.

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