The Downton Abbey season has ended; the movie posters are down; the outside lights have been dimmed. It may seem quiet, but there is a lot of activity going on inside Lincoln Theater. The lights are set, the costumes sewn, the stage built, the drops painted, the musicians tuned, and the actors prepared as we ready ourselves to take the stage on March 7 for four performances a Gilbert and Sullivan classic. Months of preparation culminate in this weekend’s concerts which are guaranteed to bring smiles to both young and old alike. Come and chase away the winter blues with an evening of song.

The Pirates of Penzance: Live on Stage

The latest Lincoln County Community Theater (LCCT) production: a concert version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s (G&S) “The Pirates of Penzance.” This show features the talents of more than 65 performers including John D. Adams, Nancy Durgin, Nancy-Grace Dersham, and George Eisenhauer. The Quite Content Chorale returns along with the Never Never Sick at Sea Symphony Orchestra, featuring the DaPonte String Quartet, for this tuneful G&S favorite.

The musical opens Friday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. Other performances are Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the box office 207-563-3424). Presented in partnership with HM Payson.

Philomena (PG-13, 1:38)

“Philomena,” starring Judi Densch, returns for two days only by popular request. Dame Judi's portrayal of a stubborn, kindhearted Irish Catholic trying to discover what became of the son she was forced to give up as a teenager is so quietly moving that it feels lit from within. A major theme of this anti-clerical screed is forgiveness. Ms. Dench’s Philomena glows with the radiance of someone serene in her faith, despite inhumane treatment by the church. That she makes you believe her character has the capacity to forgive provides the movie with a solid moral center. Screenings are on Wednesday, March 12 and Thursday, March 13 at 2 and 7 pm.

Coming soon

March movies include the Pulitzer prize winning “August: Osage County,” opening Friday, March 14; the true story of Charles Dickens’ and his young mistress, “The Invisible Woman,” opens Friday, March 21; and “The Monuments Men” on March 28.

The next Live from the MET in HD, Massenet’s Werther, with a pre-opera talk by Dr. Morton Achter, takes place Saturday, March 15 starting at 11:45 a.m.

The theater’s complete monthly schedule and information on all theater events are available at www.atthelincoln.org or sign up for our weekly E-blast. Each week we send out a listing of what is playing for the week. To sign up, just visit our website and click “contact” or send us an email at info@atthelincoln.org.

You can also check us out by viewing our Facebook page, calling the box office at 207-563-3424, or by dropping by for a visit. The Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater Street in downtown Damariscotta and the office is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Curtain going up!