After one of the most unusual summers in Maine State Music Theatre's (MSMT)  history, and with the help of their patrons, donors,  sponsors, and advertisers, the theatre is thrilled to announce the 2021 season! With three productions brand new to the MSMT stage and another that has been recently updated on Broadway, Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark says “We cannot wait to open our doors to an exciting and triumphant return.”

The 2021 main stage series season starts off on June 9 – 26, with the production of “Kinky Boots.” The six-time Tony Award-winning “Kinky Boots”  – with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper – tells the story of Charlie Price as he reluctantly inherits his father’s failing shoe factory. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola – a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man that he is meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, the unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible … and discover that when you change your mind about someone you can change your whole world.

The Maine premier of the new Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” is next from June 30 – July 17. Spend an enchanted time at the ball with a lush production, graceful dance, and a contemporary take on one of the most romantic stories ever told. This lush new production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love – the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more – plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers and Hammerstein's most beloved songs, including "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible/It's Possible" and "Ten Minutes Ago" in this hilarious and romantic experience for anyone who's ever had a dream.

The musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) “The Color Purple” is the most inspirational show of the summer season. With a joyous Grammy Award-winning score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, this intensely moving American classic is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love, and a striking celebration of life.

Last but not least on the main stage is “Jersey Boys” Aug. 11 – 28. The Tony Award-winning, international sensation that took Broadway and the world by storm, will bring audiences on an exhilarating journey behind the music of mega-stars Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Follow the incredible story of four blue collar kids bound by one dream, who worked their way from the streets of New Jersey to become one of the greatest successes in pop music history.

The Concert Series, also available as a subscription, starts with “Christine and Patsy Together Again” on June 20 and 21. Christine Mild returns to the Pickard Stage after winning our hearts as Patsy Cline in 2017’s “Always ... Patsy Cline.” This stellar performance includes Patsy Cline’s greatest hits including “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” and other standards (plus some of Mild’s own music).

“Piano Men: The Music of Elton John and Billy Joel” is a veritable hit parade alternating songs on Aug. 1 and 2. This tribute to the amazing songs of Billy Joel and Elton John features a four-piece rock band (Joe Boucher on piano and vocals, with arrangements, back-up vocals and bass by Christopher Eastburn) and The Maine State Music Theatre Orchestra.

The third concert in the series on July 11 and 12 will be announced at a later date.  

The Theatre for Young Audiences series includes the Robin and Clark version of the timeless classic “Beauty and the Beast” for four shows on July 5; the enchanting modern classic from Disney, “Frozen, Jr.,” for four shows on July 26; and the big ogre himself in “Shrek, Jr.” for four shows on Aug. 23.

Maine State Music Theatre’s premier sponsors are Highland Green, Oceanview at Falmouth, and Cumberland Crossing.

All series are available as subscriptions now at Early Bird rates through Oct. 31, 2020.

The off-season box office is currently closed to the public. For more information, and to buy subscriptions and gift certificates for the 2021 season, please visit www.msmt.org or call the box office at 725-8769.

All of MSMT’s summer performances take place at the Pickard Theater on the campus of Bowdoin College located at 1 Bath Road in Brunswick.