Maddy's Theatre Naming Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting

Maddy Corson is a devoted, long-time member of the Advisory Board. She joined the board of the Children’s Theatre of Maine in the 90’s and recruited beloved CTM Artistic Director Lisa Difranza. Maddy stayed with CTM through the merger with the Children’s Museum in 2008 and is the honorary chair to the recent capital campaign that brought this new building to life on Thompson’s Point. Maddy’s Theatre is named after Maddy’s mother, Alice Madeleine Gannett Gatchel, with whom she shares a name. Maddy’s mother passed away a mere 11 days after she was born, and this foundational gift is to honor her legacy. Inspiration behind Maddy’s gift also comes from her passion for the power of storytelling, and how stories make us think about ways to solve problems in our world.

Maddy Corson speaks to an invited audience on the Balloonacy set in Maddy’s Theatre, where she officially retires the jester logo of the Children’s Theatre of Maine past, and welcomes the kitetails logo of the Children’s Theatre future. Photo by Derek Davis

The very first standing ovation in Maddy’s Theatre, and the first of many standing ovations to the legacy of Alice Madeleine Gannett Gatchel, came on Friday, June 18th. An audience filled with family, close friends, and CTM Alumni gathered to honor both her and her mother in a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the theatre’s wooden doors, followed by a performance of the inaugural production in the space: BALLOONACY, adapted for the stage by Barry Kornhause, directed by Dana Legawiec, and starring Portland-based actor Erica Murphy.

Maddy Corson (left) with Museum and Theatre Executive Director Julie Butcher Pezzino (right) about to cut the ribbon outside of Maddy’s Theatre. Photo by Derek Davis

After a year of separation, the story of BALLOONACY is the perfect fit to welcome children and their families into this new space. BALLOONACY opens in the empty apartment of a clown preparing to celebrate his birthday alone. However, the clown - like the rest of us - no longer needs to be alone. A playful and sometimes mischievous balloon appears to remind this clown about the power of imagination and play, and the impact of connection and friendship. BALLOONACY is also an entirely nonverbal production, and instead is performed in a common language of play and buoyancy . All children of all ages immediately understand what it means when a Balloon comes to play, and their understanding helps guide our clown through remembering too.

Maddy Corson surrounded by her family, gathered in front of the dedication wall honoring Maddy and her mother Alice inside the Theatre Lobby. Photo by Derek Davis

BALLOONACY is a one-person show starring Erica Murphy and directed by Dana Legawiec, and would not be possible without the hard work and creativity of the design and technical team: Craig Robinson - Set Design, Austin Foley - Lighting Design, Emilia McGrath - Props, Ina Qirushi - Costume Design, Tom Luther - Sound Design, Allison McCall - Stage Management, Darby Defilippis - Assistant Stage Manager/Balloon Wrangler, Emily M. Dixon - Production Management and Set Construction, Reba Askari - Theatre Artistic Director, and Eda French - Poster Illustration with direction from Scott Nash and the Illustration Institute.

Balloonacy runs through July 25th with tickets starting at $10 each, Members receive a 10% discount. Admission to Maddy’s Theatre is separate from Museum play sessions, and Maddy’s Theatre welcomes actors and audience members of all ages and abilities. kitetails.org/balloonacy