Greetings!
Read on to hear about the exciting events we have taking place in our venues and public spaces this coming month.
Andy Downs, Director, Public Assembly Facilities
Friday, January 10, 2020 @8:00pm
Saturday, January 11, 2020 @2:00pm & 8:00pm Merrill Auditorium
Brought to life by a groundbreaking, all-female creative team, this Tony Award® -nominated hit features original music and lyrics by 7-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (“Love Song,” “Brave”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and original direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland).
Friday, November 15 @7:30pm Merrill Auditorium
Experience the magic of the season with dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists from all corners of the world, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family!
Saturday, December 28 @7:00pm Merrill Auditorium
This tribute show presents more than two dozen Beatles tunes performed exactly as they were originally recorded. Hear "Penny Lane" with a live trumpet section, experience the beauty of "Yesterday" with an acoustic guitar and string quartet, enjoy the classical/rock blend on "I Am the Walrus", and relish the cascading crescendos on “A Day in the Life.” From early Beatles music on through the solo years, Classical Mystery Tour is the best of The Beatles like you've never heard them before. You might say it’s the best show the Beatles never did!
Portland Symphony Orchestra Presents: Magic of Christmas December 12-15 & December 20-22 Merrill Auditorium Multiple Shows Available
Back for its 40th season, the Magic of Christmas brings holiday carols to life with Christmas classics, magical decorations, and great singalongs for everyone to join in!
Maine Red Claws Home Opener this Friday at the Expo! Friday, November 15 @7:00pm vs Fort Wayne Mad Ants
Sunday, November 17 @1:00pm vs Raptors 905
Saturday, November 23 @7:00pm vs Westchester Knicks The Maine Red Claws enters its 11th season of NBA G-League basketball this Friday,get your tickets today!
2019 Holiday Event Sunday, November 17, 10:00am-4:00pm Ocean Gateway This beautiful venue with lovely views of Casco Bay, will be filled with beautiful decorations, lighted Christmas trees and a wide variety of local artisans, crafts, gourmet foods, meet many local businesses and enjoy some new winter fashion and accessories. Both Santa and a Snowman will be on site for photos. There will be a cash bar with fun holiday cocktails.Christmas music, demonstrations, and giveaways will take place throughout the day. Donations of nonperishable food will be appreciated. All food will be donated to local food Pantry. FREE Admission & Parking
Portland High Basketball Portland Expo Come root on the girls' & boys' teams as their season opens at the Expo! For the complete schedules, visit:https://portlandathletics.org/
Maine State Ballet's The Nutcracker November 29 - December 1 & December 6 - 8 Merrill Auditorium Multiple shows available
Maine State Ballet’s annual holiday production of "The Nutcracker" is a perennial favorite of Portland’s holiday season – a family holiday tradition. Under the direction of Artistic Director and former New York City Ballet member Linda MacArthur Miele, "The Nutcracker" features classic choreography, glorious sets and dazzling costumes by Production Designer and Associate Director Gail Csoboth and live music by the Maine State Ballet Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Karla M. Kelley Brenner. Thirty professional ballet company members along with over two hundred local, Southern Maine dancers comprise the large cast.
Booty & The Beast | James Kennerley with Motor Booty Affair Saturday, November 16 @8:00pm Merrill Auditorium
James Kennerley will join Maine disco tribute band Motor Booty Affair on stage at the Merrill for a night of 70s dance floor classics. The show will include the full 70s experience: afros, bell bottoms, platform shoes, polyester and dance moves to the backdrop of a sound and light show. “The Beast” is the Kotzschmar Organ. You won’t want to miss this unique concert!
Christmas with Kennerley | A Homecoming for the Holidays Monday, December 23 @7:00pm Merrill Auditorium
James Kennerley continues a beloved holiday tradition by celebrating the season in grand style with music on the Kotzschmar Organ. The program will be family centered including a variety of holiday classics, from traditional carols to modern favorites. James will be joined on stage with a guest soloist, community singers, brass ensemble, percussion and the First Parish Handbell choir.
Spotlight On:
NPR's From the Top
Wednesday, November 20 @7:00pm
Merrill Auditorium
National Public Radio’s "From the Top" returns to Portland Ovations to elevate and celebrate the amazing talent and captivating personalities of virtuosic young musicians from Maine and beyond. A favorite of longtime classical musical enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this show combines serious music, light-hearted skits and informal interviews in a delightful and entertaining concert. Join us to cheer on some of our most outstanding young musicians as they perform for two live national broadcasts on NPR. Special guest host to be announced.
A Victorian Nutcracker Tuesday, December 17 @7:30pm Merrill Auditorium
Family-favorite "A Victorian Nutcracker" returns to the stage in December! This annual production is a cherished holiday tradition for Maine audiences, with its timeless tale of a young girl, her Nutcracker Prince, and the Mouse King, and sets and characters inspired by Portland’s Victoria Mansion. This performance at Merrill Auditorium will feature live music by the Portland Ballet Orchestra.
Casco Bay Wind Symphony presents: Places We Can No Longer Go Wednesday, November 13 @7:00pm Merrill Auditorium TONIGHT! Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Casco Bay Wind Symphony with the New England premiere of "Places We Can No Longer Go" by world-renowned composer, John Mackey, in addition to other classic and modern wind symphony repertoire. The Casco Bay Wind Symphony is a non-profit organization of about 75 adult musicians, formed originally in 1980. They are a group of music ambassadors from a variety of musical backgrounds, with a mission to demonstrate that the arts, and music in particular, are a lifelong pursuit and opportunity for enjoyment. They will be joined by USM music students for this concert.
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Looking to purchase tickets to one of the many exciting shows at Merrill? Don't forget to buy them directly through PortTIX, the only company authorized to sell tickets to our events.
