Westbrook performers in ‘Nutcracker’
Maine State Ballet’s holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker,” comes to Merrill Auditorium again this year featuring the live music of the Maine State Ballet Orchestra and some 300 young dancers, several from Westbrook.
Performances continue through Sunday, Dec. 2. Dancers from Westbrook are Madeline Barron Morse, Lea Garrett, Aurora Halfacre, Marie Claire Owens, Abigail Tompkins and Emma Tompkins.
The show opened Nov. 24.
Linda MacArthur Miele, artistic director and former New York City Ballet member, said “The Nutcracker” showcases classic choreography, richly colored sets and costumes, and the timeless music of Tchaikovsky. Performances are on Friday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 1, 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 2, 2 p.m.
Tickets are on sale through Porttix at 842-0800, online at tickets.porttix.com, or at the Merrill Auditorium box office. Tickets are priced at $15-$55, and discounts are available for groups, seniors and children. For more information, call Maine State Ballet at 207-781-7672, or visit www.mainestateballet.org
Duddy to entertain seniors
Maine singer Jose Duddy will perform when Westbrook Senior Citizens meet at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 3, at Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge St.
“He’s a favorite of all,” said Ann McAlpine, a seniors’ member.
The group will go to Indian Head in Lincoln, N.H., on Sunday, Dec. 9. It is also planning a trip to see the Women of Ireland perform on Friday, March 15, at Venus de Milo in Swansea, Mass.
The group will embark on a cruise from Boston to Bermuda from May 31 to June 7. McAlpine said a New England band, Straight Lace, will perform golden oldies on the cruise.
A $400 down payment on the trip is due by Sunday, Dec. 30. For more information, call 883-5046 or 854-2705.
Historians to hear ‘Barn Guy’
Don Perkins, known as ‘The Barn Guy,” will speak when Westbrook Historical Society meets at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge St.
Perkins will explore the history of barns and the trials and tribulations of getting a book into print. His newly published book on barns, with some 31 featured barns and 109 photos has been a labor of love that has taken him throughout Maine and New England’s countryside.
Books will be available for purchase. The program is free and the public is welcome.
Student talent contest
The Pine Tree State Country Music Association and Maine Ole’Opry are sponsoring a student talent contest on Sunday, March 3, at Westbrook American Legion Post 197 on Conant St.
The talent contest for elementary or high school students in Maine is in conjunction with the Dick Curless Memorial Scholarship Program. The winner will receive a guitar and six guitar lessons.
For early registration to reserve a spot, contact Joan Cole at 490-1232 or email joancole@myfairpoint.net,or Ken Wentworth, 356-5117; Dennis Moro, 418-8390; or Mary Hamilton, 247-4611.
Don Perkins will speak about barns at the Dec. 5 meeting of the Westbrook Historical Society. Send questions/comments to the editors.
