GHOSTS OF PORTSMOUTH PAST
Portsmouth native Michael Tobin, who left the seacoast to open The Footlights Theatre in Falmouth, Maine, is making one of his many returns to the port. It's for yet another project, this one in honor of Theatre by the Sea, the city's first such venue.
"So, I am creating an event called "Theatre by the Sea: A Red-Carpet Event of Portsmouth's Theatre Past" for the Portsmouth NH 400.
"I really wanted to do something for Portsmouth NH 400, create something that focused on a big part of my life 'way back when' and something that was instrumental in what Portsmouth is today. ... Without hesitation, TBS was it," he says. "I don't have to tell you how important TBS was to Portsmouth artistically, financially, culturally."
"Sadly there are not many who remember those days or care enough about its history to celebrate its legacy," he adds. "Well, I am that person, to make sure it's recognized and honored during this yearlong celebration."
There are a lot of ideas on the table, and components are forming. What Tobin will share is there will be a number of components and mixed media. It will feature special guests, including a guest of honor. And he plans to top it off at 90-minutes
"I will take people back to a time when Portsmouth's only professional Equity theater (there has been no other) was open, when patrons dressed up for the theater, when opening night was the 'to be seen at' event each month, and when there was, indeed a red carpet to the theater that is iconic in the history of the Portsmouth Arts scene."
Additional historical art-related facts will be woven into the presentation.
Tobin, with the help of Denise Wheeler, his PNH400 liaison, and others, are currently looking at possible venues.
Whatever and wherever, "It will be treated like an opening night event, encouraging people to glam up and walk the red carpet."
All I know is that ever since I approached Portsmouth NH 400 about what I wanted to do the reaction has been nothing but positive and overwhelmingly exciting," he says. "So, I am hopeful we will have a sold out 'must attend' event!"
(SPECIAL NOTE: Portsmouth NH 400 has a lot of projects, events and items rolling out over the year. Stay on top of it all, and find out about the just-released 101 Objects Trail Map at PortsmouthNH400.org. )
RIDE THE CYCLONE
Ro Gavin, founder of RGC Theater (officially the Ro Gavin Collaborative Theater), is back at 3S Artspace for the duo's second collaboration.
This time they've paired up to present the New England premier of"Ride the Cyclone," for a one-weekend run, April 14-16.
This production comes on the heels of last year's successful collaboration of "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical," another NE premier.
"'Lightning Thief" was my UNH senior project. ... (my UNH professor) let me do it, but told me I needed to find a space, because they didn't have availability at UNH," Gavin says. "I'd seen a show at 3S in 2021, and thought it was a perfect space for it."
After a bit of "back and forth... and once we saw we were on the same wavelength," he got the green light from 3S, and a partnership was formed.
"They're just such a dream team to work with," he adds."They're probably our fav venue to work with."
"Ride the Cyclone, as was the Lighting Thief, is an 'Alex pick', " Gavin says.
"I have this inner joke with friends, - it's an Alex pick," he says. "Alex (Pimentel) is a good friend (adore him) ... who will make recommendations to me. I'll listen to him and about six months later it's on my stage."
"Cyclone" is a revival for the company, which presented it at the Millspace, in Newmarket, in October. The cast is largely the same, with the exception of Jeremy Toussaint, who plays the role of Ricky.
The company has produced four shows annually since launching in 2021. As a regional traveling company, it has presented at venues in Portsmouth, Newmarket and Concord to date.
They're currently in discussion regarding a Dover location - time will tell.
Next up, "Big Fish," in July, at the Hatbox Theater, in Concord (https://hatboxnh.com).
"Right now, whatever we do, I'm the producer, and director, and when I direct a piece I'm also the choreographer. In this instance (Cyclone), I'm also the scenic designer," he said. "But this summer (with Big Fish) for the first time, I'll just be the producer, director and choreographer. - First time!" - It's Gavin's version of a summer vacation.
THROWING IT DOWN
Denise McDonough has begun instructing actor Alyssa Dumas on how to throw it down - believably.
McDonough, owner of Firefly Pottery (https://www.fireflypotterynh.com), is also a longtime Seacoast thespian. So, when Seacoast Repertory Theatre's Production Manager Zachary Ahmad-Kahloon came looking for help, she was all about teaching the ways of the grey earth. (https://seacoastrep.org/)
"The Rep is putting on the musical adaptation of 'Ghost,' ... which starts April 21," McDonough explains. "Alyssa Dumas will need to do wheel-throwing on stage, and needs to actually look comfortable doing it."
"They reached out to me at Firefly Pottery to see if Alyssa could have lessons," she adds. "So our wheel teacher, Anastasia Russel, a very talented teacher, is going to show Alyssa how to throw and get comfortable."
While Dumas is currently scheduled for a single class of dirtkickin', McDonough anticipates more visits. "It will take more than a couple of times," she says. "It only LOOKS easy."
CALLING ALL PHOTOGS
A new photography group has formed, as of last week, It's open to all skill levels of photographers, and equipment can range from phones to professional gear, founder Kristen Sue says.
"It's called Weird Theme Photography," Sue says. "The themes aren't that weird, but I am,
so .... "
"I started it on Meet-up.com, a place where you can find different people with similar interests, like hiking, walking etc.," she explains. "I saw (a post) for a photography group, but it was for Newmarket. So I decided to do my own. It was very spontaneous."
Her reason for launching it was "motivation," Sue says; "motivation from an outside force," she adds. "But, also I like to meet new people."
The site charges a nominal fee to post organizations looking to find people of like mind.
Sue posted, called a date, and invited people to meet in front of Portsmouth's North Church.
To be honest, she says, she really didn't have great expectations regarding a response.
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