Acadia Theatre reborn> Ken Stack creates artistic imprint at Somesville stage

The play may be the thing at Acadia Repertory Theatre, but for artistic director Ken Stack, the stage is the thing. This year, after more than 20 years of directing and acting at the Somesville theater, Stack completed payments on the six-year plan to purchase the theater from its founder, George Vafiadis.

And Stack’s only regret is that his professional partner, John Erickson, who died unexpectedly in 1992, isn’t here to celebrate the acquistion of a theater that they nurtured together.

“Every facet of that building has John’s stamp on it,” says Stack. “We had a long friendship that developed over many tempestuous years. It’s always difficult to realize that’s gone. We leaned on each other a lot for the decision-making process.”

Erickson’s widow, Christine, inherited her husband’s 50 percent of the company’s stock, but her involvement in the theater is minimal. She has the title of associate producer and will work part time at the theater this summer, but attests that her interest in the business was integrally linked to her husband’s work there.

In talking of both the history and future of Acadia Rep, she and Stack agree: there’s no replacing Erickson’s style and spirit.

“What John specifically brought to the theater was dynamism as a person,” says Stack. “He was incredibly well-liked and was respected as an artist. He was an actor that brought you into the moment. As a director, he had a keen eye.”

Last summer, Stack scrambled to fill in the gaps left by Erickson’s death. In addition to handling much of the financial and public relations aspects of the business, Erickson shared the artistic responsibilites. He also performed, greeted patrons, and maintained the gardens around the Masonic Hall where the plays are performed.

His absence, combined with a drop in the economy, made last summer one of the most trying seasons in the theater’s history.

Still, Stack realizes that the show must go on. Time has allowed both grieving and healing, and Stack feels ready to face the 22nd season at Acadia Rep with a rejuvenated sense of purpose. The upcoming season, he says, will be one that retains the vision that Stack and Erickson shared: to provide professional, entertaining summer stock theater in one of Maine’s loveliest settings.

He has hired a new troupe of actors, most of whom come from out-of-state. Stack has also cast Erickson’s 11-year-old daughter, Samantha, in the thriller “Wait Until Dark.”

The program for the summer is generally upbeat, says Stack, with a focus on entertainment and good scripts including works by Noel Coward and Agatha Christie.

“We expect to have a wildly fun time,” said Stack of the plays. “We want to give an intellectual challenge that also delights.”

And despite unexpected changes and managerial juggling, Stack is hopeful that the theater will regain its strength.

“A lot of people have asked me `Are you going to bring in another partner?’ ” says Stack. “I’m not even thinking about that now. As with any loss, you want to step back and figure out who you are and what you are.” —————————————-

Acadia Repertory Theatre Summer Season 1994

Shows run at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday and at 2 p.m. the last Sunday of each show, and are performed in the Masonic Hall in Somesville. Fall repertory dates are also given. For information, call 244-7260.

“Wait Until Dark” a thriller by Frederic Knott, July 1-10 (Sept. 13-18)

“Lend Me a Tenor,” a farce by Ken Ludwig, July 12-24 (Sept. 7-11)

“Hay Fever,” a comedy by Noel Coward, July 26-Aug. 7 (Aug. 30-Sept. 4)

“Ten Little Indians,” a mystery by Agatha Christie, Aug. 9-28 (no repertory performance)

Children’s Theater

“James and the Giant Peach,” a fantasy by Roald Dahl, 1 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, July 9-Aug. 27

Guest Artist Program

“Riot in the Garden,” mime, songs and stories for the family, told by “stand-up chameleon” Jackson Gillman, 1 p.m. Thursday July 14-Aug. 25