Maddy’s Theatre Welcomes Michael J. Bobbitt
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michael J. Bobbitt will visit Maddy’s Theatre on July 31.
Portland, Maine – Maddy’s Theatre at The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine has launched their second season at Thompson’s Point with the Maine classic Blueberries for Sal: The Musical. Blueberries for Sal was adapted for the stage by Michael J. Bobbitt, who is currently the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, currently serves on the board for the New England Foundation of the Arts, and has a prolific background in theatre leadership and creative works for young audiences. Bobbitt is attending the Blueberries for Sal: The Musical performance on Sunday, July 31st at 3pm, with a community talk-back to follow. The talk-back is free and will include members of the cast and production team. Participants do not need to attend the show to attend the talk-back, but a talk-back RSVP is required to attend.
“If you can imagine, adapting a well-known beloved children's book into a musical already comes with a lot of pressure, joyful pressure, but still pressure,” says playwright Michael J. Bobbitt. “With only a few visits to Maine and a lot of research, my co-writers and I wanted to get the spirit of the book, the spirit of Maine and find a way to bring these characters to life - characters that every child and parent in Maine have probably personified in their own minds. I hope we did Maine, the McClosky's and especially Sal proud.”
The Maine Premiere of Blueberries for Sal: The Musical features beloved and recognizable characters from the book by Robert McCloskey. Little Sal is curious, mischievous, and brave; while Sal’s Mother is constantly on her toes trying to keep track of her headstrong, fearless kid during their visit to Blueberry Hill. They aren’t the only ones thinking ahead as another Maine winter approaches; Mama Bear and Little Bear diligently fill up on blueberries before months of hibernation. Blueberries for Sal celebrates childhood, curiosity, and everything that Maine has to offer. “This is a story that embraces exploration and appreciation of the Maine woods, while promoting a message of empathy towards every living thing,” says Theatre Artistic Director Reba Askari. “I think we have a lot to learn from Little Bear and Little Sal.” Many Mainers grew up reading this story with their loved ones, and this staged adaptation is an exciting opportunity to introduce the next generation to this Maine favorite.
The ambitious, four-person musical includes ample choreography and multiple forms of puppetry to bring the humans and animals on Blueberry Hill to life, and is performed with live accompaniment for the first time on the Maddy’s Theatre stage. The music of Blueberries for Sal: The Musical pays homage to the rich history of Broadway musicals, with song styles paying tribute to composers who continue to shape the genre. It is the third musical and second touring production produced by Maddy’s Theatre. Maddy’s Theatre staged Frederick, the Musical last December, and A Year With Frog and Toad toured at Carnaval ME in February before returning to Maddy’s Theatre in March.
Directed by Amanda Eaton with Musical Direction by Sabrina Gallego, Blueberries for Sal: The Musical stars Aliza Dwyer as the titular Little Sal, Colleen Clark as Sal’s Mother, Carrow MacLean as Little Bear, Savannah Irish as Mama Bear, with Alyssa Pearl-Ross, Cass Snider, Elizabeth Lardie, and Amanda Eaton as understudies.
Presented through special arrangement with IPEX THEATRICAL ARTISTS. Blueberries for Sal: The Musical is based on the book by Robert McCloskey, adapted for the stage by Michael J. Bobbitt and Sandra B. Eskin, music and lyrics by William Yanesh. This production runs July 8th through August 21st in Maddy’s Theatre, and is designed to tour to Maine schools, festivals, and community centers from July through December 2022. Maddy’s Theatre would like to thank the generous support of season sponsor, Northeast Bank, and show sponsors, Wymans and Rosemont Market!
About Maddy’s Theatre
Maddy’s Theatre is a state-of-the-art children’s theatre that opened in June of 2021 in its new location at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine at Thompson’s Point. Maddy’s Theatre hosts the oldest, continuously operating children’s theatre program in the nation which was founded in 1923. Professional adult actors perform plays and musicals for children and their families in Maddy’s Theatre and throughout the community. Staff educators also run performing arts workshops, summer camps, and outreach programs in schools, Boys & Girls Club clubhouses, and at other youth organizations. www.kitetails.org/maddys-theatre