Season Launch at Portland Stage

Last night Portland Stage revealed the posters I’ve been working on since January during their Season Launch.

That crew never ceases to amaze me with their acrobatic juggling of events and sheer creative muscle. Director of Communications Eileen Phelan built a crowd eager to see what’s in store for next season, while Marketing Associate Lena Castro had managed all my digital files into their proper places. Thank you!

Executive and Artistic Director Anita Stewart and Literary Manager Todd Brian Backus greeted me. Love these two visionaries.

While the audience streamed in, photos by Aaron Flacke rolled by. Here are a couple of my favorites.

photo by Aaron Flacke from Babette’s Feast, actors Michelle Hurst and Jeorge Bennett Watson

Photo by Aaron Flacke from Red Herring, actors Robyn Payne and Dustin Tucker

We had the honor of sitting next to the Hiltons. We’re fond fans of this brilliant clan. Especially excited for Bess Welden, whose play Refuge/Malja will be on stage next year!

Anita welcomed the full house, and Education Manager Hannah Cordes shared some words from parents who saw the positive effects of theater camp in their child. The arts can bring untold gifts. Education Administrator Julianne Shea told us about the numbers of school children that are brought to see Portland Stage productions, an exposure to art that can lead to new discoveries, thanks to the generosity of Susie Konkel and others who we are blessed to have in our midst.

It’s super fun to see my illustrations so BIG.

And it’s gratifying when the playwright is in the house!

(I also did the poster for Monica Wood’s Papermaker, which won a Silver Award in the Ad Club of Maine’s Broderson Awards this past spring.)

I’m downright thrilled for these local playwrights and the new work that Portland Stage nurtures.

Upon departure, the new season posters had been installed on the lobby wall. Members, get ready to celebrate Portland Stage’s 45th season.

Tonight opens The Niceties by Eleanor Burgess, a sharp drama inside academia involving a student and her professor. Fantastic script! I can’t wait to see it staged.

The last play of this season, Sex and Other Disturbances by Marisa Smith, will provide some heat and consequences. Don’t miss that one, either….

Kudos to all the Portland Stage crew! Making live theater takes many hands and epic hustle. I’m grateful to play my part. And big thanks to my superhero, Marty Braun, whose patient and keen eye helped me get through this deadline!