John Linscott, a jazz musician and composer who has worked with Freeport Players for years, is the author of the romantic comedy “Love and Lobsters,” which the theater group will premiere this week. The play is the first romantic comedy for Linscott. While not directing “Love and Lobsters,” he has been a steady presence during rehearsals.

Linscott, who lives in Portland, said that Freeport provides Freeport Players with “one of the best communities for the expression of artistic creativity” in the state.

“The town itself is known mostly for its business opportunities for entrepreneurs and consumers alike,” Linscott said. “That energy is a core for Freeport Players to energize creative opportunities like ‘Love and Lobsters,’ a new musical.”

Linscott hails from Needham, Mass., and has lived in Portland for 16 years. His wife, Judy, is a bookkeeper at Home Depot.

“I have worked in insurance sales, sales in commercial auto glass, as a driver in the transportation industry,” he said. “I lead a seven-member jazz group, the Mainstream Jazzmasters, and at 86 years of age do not consider myself retired.”

Linscott answered questions about “Love and Lobsters” and his association with Freeport Players for the Tri-Town Weekly.

Q: “Love and Lobsters” is your first musical. What was the inspiration for that? What other types of works have you written?

A: “Love and Lobsters” grew from the lyrics in one of my compositions, “Manhattan Lady,” to become the story of “Love and Lobsters.” “Manhattan Lady” is one of the featured numbers in the play. I have had three other short plays staged as part of a Norman Rockwell festival in Kennebunk several years ago.

Q: Because “Love and Lobsters” is a new work, there was a round of changes during the first month of rehearsals. Are you satisfied with the result?

A: “Love and Lobsters” has changed, or should I say evolved, since I first wrote the play. As a writer, I worked with director Simon Skold to effect changes that have improved the script. When one has put words on paper, it is not an easy process to go back and change what one has considered “divine inspiration,” but is an improvement. Simon has been a “semi-tough” director, making me aware of what will be a great show.

Q: The play is billed as a love story in a coastal Maine village. Did you have any particular Maine village in mind when you wrote it?

A: Rocky Point, Maine, is a real as any town along our coastline, for it is the characters who make up a town. I would hope that the audience might say, “Oh yes, just like so-and-so back home.”

Q: Who will provide the music?

A: The music will be under the direction of Dane Roger Grondin, who will lead a small band, which will play in support of the singers.

Q: How do you like working with Skold?

A: Simon and the producer, Elizabeth Guffey, have shown such enthusiasm for what I have written that it has energized me, as well.

Q: Tell us about your career as a jazz musician and composer.

A: I found music as a 12-year-old when I heard Benny Goodman play clarinet. I organized my first band while in high school and even presented a New Years jazz show at my local theater. I attended New England Conservatory of Music for a short while until the Korean conflict took me away for several years. During my time in the service I was part of the Navy music program, playing for ceremonies as well as entertainment for foreign dignitaries in many parts of our world. Returning to civilian life, I have made music, jazz in particular, the great part of my life while working in the business arena in various roles. I have composed as long as I can remember, both music and music with lyrics, a passion to do so that makes me who I am. “Love and Lobsters” is the culmination of a lot of years of creating happiness.

John Linscott of Portland is the author of “Love and Lobsters,” a romantic comedy that Freeport Players will stage in seven performances, beginning with a preview on July 16. Courtesy photo

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