Island Women Speak

Scroll down to learn more about the program and the storytellers!

Tickets:
Adults $25 | Under 17 $12.50
Hancock County Students 17 and Under Free

This one-time performance features seven remarkable women spanning seven decades, from their 20s to their 70s.

Don’t miss this evening of storytelling, honesty, warmth, and humor as seven accomplished women from Deer Isle and Stonington each take the stage to deliver a five-minute personal story she’s written under the direction of Debbie Weil. Our theme is “A Hot Mess” and you’ll hear varying interpretations from Hallie Lartius, Liz Lincoln, Leslie McDonald, Julie Morringello, Su Oliver, Donna Brewer, and Donna Stinson.

Concessions are available for purchase in the theatre lobby one hour before the show. Arrive early and enjoy live music by Along for the Ride and community camaraderie!

Can’t join us in person?  Island Women Speak will be live-streamed. Click on “Get Tickets” and select the streaming option. We will miss you!

2024 Lineup

Hallie Lartius, 23, moved to Deer Isle from Iowa corn country three years ago as an Island Institute Fellow. When she isn’t working with Healthy Island Project’s Salt Air Seniors, or the after-school cooking program, she explores the Island: walking, running, and swimming all year round.

Liz Lincoln, 38, is a mom of five children, ages three to 13. She recently started a full-time job as director of the after-school program for the Union 76 schools. With her partner of 22 years, she’s lived in Deer Isle for a decade. She never imagined how deep her roots would grow in this community. She spends as much time as possible by the ocean and in the woods, swimming and standing barefoot in the moss, with a child’s hand in hers. 

Leslie McDonald, 44, was born and raised on Deer Isle. She manages Fin & Fern Restaurant and is the mother of four, ages six to 23. She loves her big beautiful family, travel, planting flowers, and most wild critters (which will likely lead to her eventually needing a rabies shot).

Julie Morringello, 56, is an artist and designer. Despite her love of hot weather she has steadily moved north all of her life. She was born in Florida, grew up in New Jersey and landed in Stonington after meeting her husband while teaching at Haystack. She is a dedicated yoga practitioner and a lover of art, music and languages. She is currently having a blast learning about basketball from her 7th grade daughter.

Susan Oliver, 65, recently retired as co-owner of Island Fishing Gear/NAPA. She was one of the founding members of the Island Fishermen’s Wives Association. She swore she’d never marry a fisherman and has been married to one for 41 years. She became a grandmother two years ago and spends as much time as possible with her granddaughter, Lula. She loves golf, plants, children, travel, family and fun foods. And happy people.

Donna Brewer, 70, was born in Castine and raised in Stonington. She has four children, 12 grandchildren, and one-and-a-half great grandchildren.  She has worn many hats in her life, including Stonington Selectman, running an upholstery business, and working on her family’s scallop and goat farms. She loves to read, travel and spend time with family and friends.

Donna Stinson, 83, was born in Stonington and has lived in Sunshine on Deer Isle ever since. She worked at the Stonington Packing Company (known as the Sardine Factory) as a packer, where she was an activist advocating for more flexible unemployment benefits. She also worked at the French Camp, as a cashier at the Galley for 25 years, and at Harbor Ice Cream in Deer Isle, a job she loved because she got to see so many children grow up. 

Debbie Weil, 72, is directing ISLAND WOMEN SPEAK for the sixth time. She moved to Deer Isle from DC a decade ago and has been living a busy, unretired life ever since. In addition to being a storytelling director, and a grandmother of six, she writes and podcasts about [B]OLD AGE at debbieweil.substack.com.