Dear Friends--

When the citizens of Waterville voted to build a new City Hall in 1896, little did they know the prominence its Opera House would occupy in the community. Dignitaries and famous performers have graced our stage throughout its 107 year history. Concerts and shows were held in the early years of the 20th century, some featuring Marion Anderson, Rudy Vallee and even Tom Mix with his horse! Silent movies arrived in 1913 and the film tradition continues today with The Maine International Film Festival every summer.

It is my great pleasure to invite you to be part of this wonderful discovery of the arts in our region. We hope that the Waterville Opera House's presentations will have an appeal to every member of our community.

Our fall musical will be the Tony award winning CABARET followed by the hilarious NUNSENSATIONS and, in the spring, the classic CAMELOT. Christmas time brings Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus as well as the traditional NUTCRACKER Ballet. Wonderful concerts from Blues to Rock to Classical will be offered for your listening pleasure in addition to ballet and community dance shows.

The Studio Theater series, building on its great success from last season, will offer a play written and directed by Waterville's own Dick Sewell. Called The Ruckus at Machias, it is set at the beginning of the American Revolution.

Bringing performing arts to thousands of school children from central Maine continues with shows like The Jungle Books and Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and is a highlight of our Arts in Education programming which includes theater camps for children from 6-18 years of age.

We welcome you to our beautiful turn of the century theater, hope you will return often and thank you for your continuing support.

Enjoy the show!

Diane M. Bryan
Executive Director