July 2020 Magazine

NOW MAGAZINE • JULY 2020

SEASON SPONSORS

ALREADY ON SALE

Be the first to know about Just Announced shows!

Sign up for enews at TheMusicHall.org INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP

AMANDA HESSER IN CONVERSATION WITH SAM SIFTON Thu., October 1 • 7pm • Historic Theater • $13.75 plus cost of book*

Food52 co-founder, writer, and editor, Amanda Hesser in conversation with Sam Sifton, Food Editor of The New York Times to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the James Beard Awardwinning compendium.

FILM CLUB

INNOVATIONS & INNOVATORS WITH HOST TREVOR BARTLETT

August - December • Subscription (series of five): $60; Individual Ticket: $15

Few art forms have experienced such constant reinvention as that of motion pictures. From their introduction as novelty arcade attractions in the 1890s to their recent transition to purely digital image sensors and theatrical projection systems, the movie industry has consistently acted as a staging area for new ideas and cutting-edge technologies that have transformed filmmakers’ capacity to reach and exceed the limits of imagination. Join us in celebration of some of the technological milestones that made movies what they are today. For more information, see pg 7.

RESCHEDULED SHOWS

INTIMATELY YOURS

NATALIE MACMASTER & DONNELL LEAHY

INTIMATELY YOURS

LYLE LOVETT & HIS ACOUSTIC GROUP

Sun., February 28, 2021 • 4pm • Historic Theater $38; $46; $52 (Already On Sale)

Fri., March 12, 2021 • 8pm • Historic Theater $48; $72; $88 (Already On Sale)

Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic music bring their fiddles to the Seacoast for a dazzling performance!

One of America’s premier singer-songwriters, Lyle Lovett takes the historic stage with his acoustic group for a night of rich and eclectic music.

INTIMATELY YOURS

STRAIGHT NO CHASER

Thu., July 29, 2021 • 8pm • Historic Theater $45; $62; $72 (Already On Sale)

The unforgettable live a cappella group returns with their captivating sound and extraordinary music.

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*Check website for ticket package details

We’re Going Virtual!

29TH ANNUAL KITCHEN Sun., September 27 • $25

TOUR: NEW CASTLE

Visit this year’s stunning featured homes, all from the comfort of your own home! More details coming soon.

ANNUAL DOVETAILED SPONSOR: k i t c h e n s • b a t h s • c a bi n e t r y

PREMIER SPONSOR:

Credit: GregWestPhotography.com

CURATOR’S CORNER

FROM OUR INCOMING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TINA SAWTELLE, Executive Director Hello! It’s wonderful to officially introduce myself to you all as The Music Hall’s new Executive Director!

When I joined The Music Hall five years ago as the CFO, it was a full-circle opportunity. Having started out in community theater and working with local bands, I leaped at the chance to return to the arts and entertainment industry. I feel

Credit: PizzutiPhotography.com

incredibly fortunate to have worked with Patricia Lynch, a legendary industry professional, and the talented team at The Music Hall. I am particularly excited to take on a significant role so deeply rooted in the community.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to The Music Hall Board for their support through these times, and a special thanks to Patricia, whose vision and leadership created The Music Hall that we all cherish today. Their mentorship and guidance have been irreplaceable. And to you, our members and community whose steadfast support has ensured that we remain a treasure on the Seacoast—thank you.

I look forward to building upon all that has made The Music Hall such a vital force for bringing people together in our community. My vision is to continue the success of The Music Hall’s trademark diverse programming in our film, literary, comedy, music, and leadership series. Our stellar curatorial team will continue their great work in elevating these successes and adapting to greater use of patron feedback and data. I plan on collaborating more with our community and Seacoast organizations to create a sustainable future for all.

I want to assure you that when we get the green light to reopen, we’ll be prepared to do so as safely as possible. Our Human Resources department and the Operation teams have been working together since the beginning of March to develop new and updated policies and procedures. As information changes often, we’ll continue to monitor state and local recommendations and share more information as we are able. Thank you for your continued patience as we all navigate uncharted waters! For the latest updates, please visit our website regularly and look out for our weekly emails.

While our doors are temporarily closed, I am confident and encouraged every day by the resolve of our staff, board, and community that we will reopen and be a gathering place for all to reconnect again. The past five years have given me the incredible opportunity to engage directly with many of you at the theater. Smiling and laughing alongside you in our theaters has brought me so much joy, and I’m looking forward to a future full of those moments that connect us to each other and our community.

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COMMUNITY

Visit TheMusicHall.org/Blog for more behind-the-scenes info!

Arts Partners Power Progress We have been so heartened by our community’s ability to rally, find solutions, and support each other. There is still more work to be done, and many of our neighbors still need help. Below are examples of what some of our creative partners are up to.

• Portsmouth Music & Arts Center is hosting online workshops for music and art! Teaching artists are offering individual instruction on most instruments, voice, and art mediums.

• CreativeMornings designed virtual meetups, FieldTrips, to interact, learn, and collaborate among thousands of talented individuals and organizations.

• Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra, our resident orchestra, has created a series of virtual experiences for both youth and adult audiences, offering live and uplifting music with four distinct series.

• Congratulations to our Writers on a New England Stage partner, New Hampshire Public

Backstage Work Has Begun!

While the theater has been dark, we are continuing the renovation and restoration of the theater with some much-needed backstage and infrastructure improvements. In order to ensure that the Historic Theater stands for another 100 years, we had started a campaign to tackle these projects before Covid-19 and as the funds were earmarked for this, they couldn’t be used anywhere else.

We already repaired the Porter Street wall and replaced our aged HVAC system in the Historic Theater. Also on the list of immediate needs was a steel beam and a new set of stairs. In addition to enhancing and doubling our health and safety protocols, and to help mitigate the risks of Covid-19 spread, we are updating the HVAC system in both venues with higher MERV rated filters in addition to HEPA air filter devices throughout the building. More information on these safety measures is available on our website.

We are so grateful to be working in conjunction with the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources, Auger Building Company, Strogen’s Service Experts, and designer Kelley Larue from Studio KL. 4

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Radio, who won five regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for their excellence in journalism!

The arts have the magical ability to help people through troubled times and to connect us to the world around us. We hope you will connect with each other now and through the good times too.

1878 Legacy Society Member Spotlight: Dennis Fink The Music Hall is fortunate to have a circle of friends who have pledged their support in the form of planned or legacy gifts that will fund our activities for years to come. To recognize their interest in ensuring our continued vitality and relevance, we created the 1878 Legacy Society, named for the year our storied Hall was built. Dennis Fink, one of our initial Stakeholder members and a member of the 1878 Legacy Society, shared his thoughts on planned giving.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your involvement with The Music Hall.

I grew up in the Seacoast area and attended Berwick Academy.

When I retired, my parents were still living in South Berwick, so I wanted to come back here. When we moved north, my wife Mary and I were actively looking for a theater to attend. When I first became involved with The Music Hall, I contributed to the Treasure the Future capital campaign, but at that time I was also aware of annuities and decided I’d like to set one up. At that time the prime place you could establish an annuity was with New Hampshire Charitable Foundation so that’s what we did. I’ve been very happy with the annuity; I’ve had no trouble at all.

Why is being a part of The Music Hall important to you?

Now in the difficult times, I have such pleasant/fond memories of my interactions with people associated with The Music Hall and remembering the outstanding performances I’ve seen; I can’t bear to think of something happening to The Music Hall. I will do my best and hope other Stakeholders feel it’s important to do anything they can to keep The Music Hall going.

That’s what Stakeholders are for! Most of us have been Stakeholders for a number of years; we have made an investment in The Music Hall and now is the time to protect that investment.

I have a big stake in The Music Hall, not just money but more importantly the memories and recollections. I’ll do whatever I can to help keep it going.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Spotlighting Our Love for Kennebunk Savings You know about BOGO (Buy One Get One), and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), but what about GOBO? This may be a new term for you, but it’s not new to the team at Kennebunk Savings. A gobo is a stencil we put in front of a lighting instrument to project a logo onto the wall. In recognition of their role as Series Sponsor, a gobo projects the Kennebunk Savings logo onto the wall of the Historic Theater prior to every Intimately Yours concert.

We encourage you to look up and make note of the sponsors we’re recognizing as you take your seat at shows like They Might Be Giants. We couldn’t bring you these great acts, or any of the other amazing programs we offer, without the generous support of dedicated Corporate Partners like Kennebunk Savings.

“The Music Hall not only brings art into our community, it builds our community,” said Bradford C. Paige, President and CEO of Kennebunk Savings. “Through their programming The Music Hall connects people of all backgrounds and cultures and sparks conversation. We’re proud to support their work and to have them as a valued community partner.”

Each year, Kennebunk Savings contributes 10% of their after-tax earnings to nonprofits on the Seacoast and in York through their Community Promise program. The total commitment of that program has meant nearly $14 million for nonprofits in the community since 1994. To learn more about Kennebunk Savings, visit them online at KennebunkSavings.com. proud supporters of the Music hall

bringing the arts home...

The ArTs Are The Answer to vibrant and prosperous communities where we treasure our heritage, celebrate our diversity and nurture our ingenuity.

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AT A GLANCE

B2W BOX OFFICE @ THE HISTORIC THEATER: 28 Chestnut Street

At the Historic Theater At the Loft

At press time, the information below was the most up-to-date, but likely there will be changes by the time you receive this magazine.

For updates on our ability to offer summer programming, please visit TheMusicHall.org and sign up for our enews.

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

Intimately Yours

Rental Partner

Thursday, September 3 • 8pm

Friday, November 13 • 7:30pm

An Evening with They Might Be Giants

Just Announced: Film Club

INNOVATIONS & INNOVATORS

DSP Shows: Wailin’ Jennys (NEW DATE)

Subscription (series of five): $60; Individual Ticket: $15

Intimately Yours

Film Club

Wednesday, September 9 • 7:30pm

Tuesday, November 17 • 7pm

The Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music Hall presents

Few art forms have experienced such constant reinvention as that of motion pictures. Over the coming months, join our host Trevor Bartlett and celebrate some of the technological milestones that made movies what they are today.

Wed., November 25 - Sun., December 13

SERIES SPONSOR: Solari Salon & Spa

Melissa Etheridge: 2020 Tour (NEW DATE) Hilarity

Lewis Black: It Gets Better Every Day Tour (NEW DATE) Friday, September 11 • 8pm Rental Partner

Sweaty Turtle Entertainment presents “Won’t You Help to Sing” (NEW DATE) Saturday, September 12 • 7:30pm Live at the Loft

Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche Sunday, September 13 • 7pm Film Club

Breathless (1960)

Tuesday, September 15 • 7pm Live at the Loft

Sweet Crude (NEW DATE)

Wednesday, September 16 • 7:30pm

29th Annual Kitchen Tour (Virtual)

Sunday, September 27 • New Castle, NH

Russian Ark (2002) Live at the Loft

Teddy Thompson (NEW DATE)

Friday, November 20 • 8pm

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical

DECEMBER The Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music Hall presents

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical Wed., November 25 - Sun., December 13 Hilarity

Hari Kondabolu (NEW DATE)

Saturday, December 12 • 8pm Film Club

Tuesday, December 15 • 7pm Hilarity

Juston McKinney: Last Laugh: A Year In Review

Sunday, September 27 • 7pm

The Music Hall Presents

OCTOBER

Thursday, December 31 • 8pm

Innovation + Leadership

Amanda Hesser in conversation with Sam Sifton Thursday, October 1 • 7pm Live at the Loft

Amy Black (NEW DATE)

Saturday, October 3 • 8pm Live at the Loft

Alex Cuba (NEW DATE)

Thursday, October 8 • 7:30pm Rental Partner

DSP Shows presents Gordon Lightfoot: 80 Years Strong Tour Saturday, October 10 • 8pm

Saturday, December 26 • 5pm & 8pm; Sunday, December 27 • 5pm

New Year’s Eve Champagne Pops with the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra

Angélique Kidjo (NEW DATE)

Saturday, January 23 • 8pm

FEBRUARY 2021

Thursday, March 4 • 7:30pm

Masters of Illusion: Believe the Impossible

Friday, October 23 • 8pm

Intimately Yours

Intimately Yours

Sunday, March 7 • 7pm

Robbie Fulks

Saturday, October 24 • 8pm

Show listings/dates are subject to change

1h 59m • USA

Sunday, February 28 • 4pm

Live at the Loft

Live at the Loft

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Tue., October 20 • 7pm • Loft

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy (NEW DATE)

Tuesday, October 20 • 7pm

Saturday, October 24 • 8pm

THE SEARCHERS (1956) PG

Intimately Yours

The Music Hall Presents

Josh Turner (NEW DATE)

NR • 1h 43m • France (subtitles) Tue., September 15 • 7pm • Loft

Intimately Yours

MARCH 2021

ETHEL

BREATHLESS (1960)

JANUARY 2021

Film Club

The Searchers (1956)

• 1h 9m • USA Tue., August 18 • 7pm • Loft

The Walk (2015)

Hilarity

Justin Willman: Magic in Real Life Tour (NEW DATE)

LONESOME (1928) NR

RUSSIAN ARK (2002)

NR • 1h 39m • Russia (subtitles) Tue., November 17 • 7pm • Loft

The Tallest Man on Earth (NEW DATE) See more of our March events and our full calendar at TheMusicHall.org

THE WALK (2015) PG

• 2h 3m • USA Tue., December 15 • 7pm • Loft

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PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY:

Friends of The Music Hall 28 Chestnut Street Portsmouth, NH 03801

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PORTSMOUTH, NH PERMIT NO. 202

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 7

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

THE OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE AT THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS

JULY 2020

Christmas in July!

Members get early bird discounts for the previews, opening night, and mid-week performances.

• 10% off for Friend level (save up to $9.90/ticket) • 20% off for Advocate-Patron level (save up to $19.80/ticket) • 30% off for Backer-Stakeholder level (save up to $29.70/ticket)

NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 13

Promotion ends July 25.

Full details at TheMusicHall.org.

NEW SHOWS & EVENTS ARE ADDED ALL THE TIME! Sign up for enews at TheMusicHall.org Be the first to know about: Just Announced shows • Last-minute schedule changes • Special offers for our subscribers!