NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Erika Sanger
207-367-2788
director@operahousearts.org

DATE: May 20, 2025
TITLE: Opera House Arts Announces 2025 Theater Season with Pay What You Can Performances

Stonington, ME – Opera House Arts is thrilled to unveil its 2025 theater season, featuring a diverse array of productions that celebrate the power of storytelling and community. This year, the organization is proud to continue its commitment to accessibility by instituting Pay What You Can performances for both mainstage productions, ensuring that live theater remains within reach for all members of the community.

The Opera House stage will open with a joyous production of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by OHA artistic director Kathryn Markey.  In this beloved comedy, two young couples run away to the realm of the Fairies. When the trickster Puck enchants them, love stories get muddled, jealousies arise, and a rustic band of amateur actors manages to perform an unforgettable play within the play, proving “what fools these mortals be…” 

Midsummer will open on Thursday, June 19 at 7pm with performances following on Friday, June 19, Saturday, June 20 at 7pm, and Sunday, June 21 at 2pm. The Midsummer Pay What You Can performance will be on Wed., June 25 at 6pm followed by 7pm performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and  a matinee on Sunday, June 29.  

The connection to nature will continue with Rooted, a contemporary comedy by Deborah Zoe Laufer, directed by Joan Jubett.  Rooted is poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Through the lens of a small-town community, Rooted delves into the universal quest for connection and purpose as a self-made botanist finds herself in the spotlight when her plant videos go viral.

Rooted will open on stage on Thursday, Aug. 7.  Performances at 7pm will follow on Friday, Aug. 8 and 9 and 2pm on Sunday, Aug. 10.  The Pay What You Can performance is set for Wednesday, August 13 at 6pm followed by performances at 7pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, through a matinee on Sunday, Aug. 17.

The Stonington Opera House is excited to partner with fellow theaters this season to bring even more live theater to Deer Isle.  The play Matinicus will be shown in partnership with the Penobscot Theatre Company. Matinicus is inspired by the true story of Maine folk heroine Abigail Burgess. It is a story of community, isolation, and resilience in the face of forces far greater than ourselves.  Performances will be held on Saturday, July 12 at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday, July 13 at 7pm.  The Saturday, July 12 matinee will be offered FREE to all 17 and under attendees.  

At the close of  August, Opera House Arts will welcome Shakespeare back to Deer Isle for the second time this season with a partnership with New Place Players and their production of The Masque of Night. An intimate cabaret version of the love scenes from Romeo and Juliet, this performance features two actors and live music on piano and harp. This production will be set at the Burnt Cove Church Community Center on Friday, August. 29 and Saturday, Aug. 30 at 7pm.  

Pay What You Can Performances

Opera House Arts remains steadfast in its mission to make theater accessible to all. In addition to the standard ticket pricing, select performances have been designated as Pay What You Can, allowing patrons to choose the price that fits their budget. This option is available online when purchasing tickets, at the door, or over the phone.  

All live performances are regularly offered for FREE to Hancock County students, grades K-12, and anyone 17 and under is eligible to receive 50% off the ticketed price.  For these options, contact the Opera House prior to purchasing tickets.

Ticket Information

Tickets for all performances are available for purchase online at operahousearts.org or by calling the box office at 207-367-2788. For those interested in attending a Pay What You Can performance, please visit the website for specific dates and availability.

Opera House Arts invites theater enthusiasts and newcomers alike to join in celebrating the 2025 season. With a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, this year’s lineup promises to deliver unforgettable experiences that resonate with audiences of all ages.