Four Broadway hits slated for theater’s summer season

MARSHFIELD — Downriver Theatre Company of Marshfield is promising a song-and-dance-filled summer season featuring four familiar Broadway hits.

Beginning in June and continuing for 10 weeks, DTC’s sixth summer season will feature local stage favorites in productions of “The Sound of Music,” “Bye, Bye Birdie,” “Cabaret” and “Carousel.”

“We are very excited about these shows and about this season,” DTC President Ann Gaddis said recently in announcing the shows. “These are all proven Broadway hits and we think they’ll be hits for Downriver as well.”

Ticket prices will remain unchanged from last season, at $7 for students and seniors, and $8 for adults. Season subscriptions, at reduced rates, will also be available.

“This is summer theater for Down East residents and by Down East residents,” Gaddis said. “The talent is certainly not lacking here.”

One change this season will be the use of four new directors to lead the productions.

Art Williams, assistant professor of speech and theater at the University of Maine at Machias, will direct “The Sound of Music.” He is currently directing a UMM production of “Steel Magnolias.”

William Mitchell, a theater major at the University of Maine in Orono, will take the reins for “Bye, Bye Birdie.” He recently completed a production of “Guys and Dolls.”

David Rosen, a published author and professor of English at UMM, will direct “Cabaret.”

Jay Skriletz, a regular performer and director for Stage East in Eastport, will bring “Carousel” to life on DTC’s stage at Gay’s Wreath Shop on Ridge Road in Marshfield.

Auditions are tentatively scheduled for April 12 and 13 in Machias, times and location to be announced. For more information about auditioning and the summer season, call 255-8401, or write Downriver Theatre Company at P.O. Box 75, Machias 04654-0075.