Area Arts

Nutcracker Burlesque
Vivid Motion Inc. presents Nutcracker Burlesque `04, a sexy twist on the old classic, with Zeus-Hannah Mills, of Pownal, reprising her role as the sweet and sexy Clara. December 20-23, St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center, Portland.

It's back, with more dancers, more live music, more glitz and more seating. Sponsored by Shipyard Brewing Co., Total Fitness Gym, Tallon & Assoc. and Casablanca Comics, this years Nutcracker Burlesque is better than ever. Don't be fooled by the Monday through Thursday performance dates, and don't miss your chance to see the show that rocked Portland with five sold out performances last year. Tickets go on sale November 26th online and at Casablanca Comics. Reservations are not accepted.

This innovative re-imagining of the Nutcracker takes place at a corporate holiday party, where a grown-up Clara observes the antics of her not so faithful boyfriend. A hip, young Drosselmeyer crashes the party to add his magic touch to the rest of the show. Snowflakes abandon their tutus and tights to frost the audience in a sexy swirl, and Drosselmeyer leads Clara to the realm of the Sugar-Plum Fairy, where belly dancers undulate in smoky opium dens and the sequins and feathers of Vegas-style show girls replace the candy canes and angels of the classic tale. Tchaikovsky's score is transformed into a hot and sultry modern composition, played by local musicians from such diverse bands as audioblacK and Tree Squid.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students. This show is not appropriate for children.

More info by calling 207-773-1951. Tickets can be purchased at Casablanca Comics on Middle St. in Portland or online at http://www.nutcrackerburlesque.com. Performances are: Monday - Thursday, 12/20 - 12/23 at 7:30 p.m.

The Mouse that Roared
A small European country declares war on the United States not to win but to avoid bankruptcy. While this may sound like a news headline, in reality it is the premise of the opening play for the Gray-New Gloucester High School's Patriot Players. The Mouse that Roared is base on Leonard Wibberley's classic book. The story has also been adapted into a movie starring Peter Sellers. The Patriot Players are under the direction of G-NG High School math teacher Eric Walker, who returns following last years' successful season of tom Jones, Country Gothic, and Fiddler on the Roof. The Mouse that Roared will be presented November 18th, 19th, and 20th at 7:30 p.m. in the west gym. Any questions, Joe Moran (H) 926-5865, (W) 771-9900. Above, GNG High School students Brie Dombrowski and Joe Moran are among a large cast in the production of The Mouse that Roared. Don't miss another fabulous GNG High School Theatre production! !

The Time of Your Life
Gray Community Television is proud to present, ":Time of Your Life", a performance of local guitarists, featuring Chad Porter of Gray, on Saturday, November 20, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.. Chad and his fellow guitarists are up and coming musicians who will be playing some of today's popular pieces as well as their own compositions for acoustical guitar. When and Where: November 20th at Stimson Hall in Gray at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free, but seating is limited.

You can also see Chad on cable access Channel 2 on Friday night, November 15h at 7 and 9 p.m.

Casco Bay Concert Band Presents
The Many Moods of Christmas Saturday Dec. 4, 2004 at 3:00 p.m.
Selections Include:

Parade of the Wooden Soldiers by Leon Jesse / Ralph Ford
Jingle Bells March by Kenneth P. Soper
Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson
A Christmas Intrada by Alfred Reed
The Night Before Christmas by John Moss / read by John Hall
A Vaughn Williams Christmas by Ralph Vaughn Williams
A Christmas Festival by Leroy Anderson
Passacaglia on an Old English Carol / Longfield
Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head arranged by Tom Wallace
In the Bleak Midwinter by Gustav Holst / Robert W. Smith
Christmas in the Round arranged by Robert W. Smith
Christmas Sing Along arranged by James Ployhar
Performing Arts Center, Gorham High School, 45 Morrill Street, Gorham, ME

Adults $7; Seniors (62+) $6; Students and Children Free. Free Parking and Handicapped Accessible. FMI call 892-8812.

Auburn Public Library Centennial Concert
Anne Caldwell, who has appeared in many Community Little Theatre musicals, will be a featured soloist at the APL Centennial Concert being held November 12 at the High Street Congregational Church, Auburn at 8 p.m.. Her husband, Bob Caldwell, who has been pianist many years for CLT, will accompany her. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the Auburn Public Library's Auburn Mall location, the Book Burrow at Great Falls Plaza, Auburn, or at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Auburn Public Library. For more information, please call the library at 782-3191. (Rachel Morin Photo).