This week we bring you an eye-opening documentary that peers into the state of American courage. “Truth Tellers,” playing for two screenings only is a film by Maine filmmaker Richard Kane focusing on the portraits by Maine artist Robert Shetterly, illuminating the heroes and the ideals on which America stands. And on Friday evening, we open “C’mon C’mon,” the latest from Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix. This poetic and bittersweet film from writer and director Mike Mills, is being hailed by critics as quite possible Phoenix’s greatest performance yet.

“Julia” - (PG-13; 1 hour, 35 minutes) - The story of the legendary cookbook author and television superstar who changed the way Americans think about food, television, and even about women. Using never-before-seen archival footage, personal photos, first-person narratives, and cutting-edge, mouth-watering food cinematography, the film traces Julia Child’s surprising path, from her struggles to create and publish the revolutionary Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961) which has sold more than 2.5 million copies to date, to her empowering story of a woman who found fame in her 50s, and her calling as an unlikely television sensation. Final screenings: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12 and Thursday, Jan. 13 – masks are required for these matinees, distanced seating, no concessions); and at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12.

“Truth Tellers” - (NR; 1 hour, 3 minutes) - In honor of the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we hope you will join us for “Truth Tellers,” a new documentary film diving into the lives of courageous Americans fighting for racial justice, climate change and indigenous rights through the eyes of Robert Shetterly, a longtime activist and artist. The film, by acclaimed Maine filmmaker Richard Kane, explores the intersection of these timely issues stressing the urgency of coming together to confront them and galvanizing our resolve to uphold our country’s founding ideals. We are pleased to welcome filmmaker Richard Kane and artist Robert Shetterly who will be joining us at the 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13 for a talk-back following the film;  at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m.; and Fri Jan 14 at 2 p.m. 

“C’mon C’mon” - (R; 1 hour, 48 minutes) - Children don’t come with a manual, but it turns out, neither does adulthood. Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix) and his young nephew (Woody Norman) forge a tenuous but transformational relationship when they are unexpectedly thrown together in this delicate and deeply moving story about the connections between adults and children, the past and the future, from writer-director Mike Mills.  Playing Friday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan 15 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m.; Wed Jan 19 at 2 p.m.(masks required with distanced seating; no concessions); Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. (masks required, distanced seating, no concessions).

“A flat-out masterpiece,” according to Clayton Davis of Variety, and critics are hailing “C’mon C’mon” as one of the top Joaquin Phoenix performances ever.

Auditions! - LCCT, the resident theater company of Damariscotta’s Lincoln Theater, is excited to announce general auditions for the upcoming spring musical, “Bright Star,” at the theater, Sunday, Jan. 16 from noon to 2 p.m. Those interested in auditioning should bring sheet music for a selection or two of your choice (the music does not have to be from “Bright Star”). An accompanist will be provided.  This recent Broadway hit, which was inspired by a true story of love and redemption, is set in the American South with a toe-tapping bluegrass flavored score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Performances are scheduled for the weekend of May 13, 14, and 15. Questions about auditioning for LCCT can be emailed to info@LincolnTheater.net. This could be your chance to get into the spotlight. Hope to see you at the audition.

“Talking Food in Maine: Intimate Conversations” with host Cherie Scott is a free series of one-on-one conversations between Scott, of Boothbay, and notable culinary pioneers who have made a substantial contribution to the culinary arts in the state of Maine. A move to Skowhegan opened Amber Lambke’s eyes to the joys and challenges of rural living. Amber volunteered with the Main Street program and later co-founded the first conversation about revitalizing regional grain economies at the 2007 Kneading Conference. The Conference motivated Amber to find solutions and in 2012 she launched Maine Grains, Inc., a gristmill and local food hub in a renovated jailhouse inspiring positive ripple effects worldwide. Thursday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.

Coming soon, tickets on sale now: “West Side Story” – Jan. 21; “The Tragedy of Macbeth” – Jan. 28.

Tickets are available at the door starting 30 minutes before showtime or online in advance through the theater’s website at www.LincolnTheater.net. Movie tickets are $8 adult, $6 members and youth 18 and under. Event ticket prices vary. The Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater St. in downtown Damariscotta. Curtain going up!