The Public Theatre

4.5 (4 reviews)

Performing Arts

Closed • Closed

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The Public Theatre - Paul Melendy and Kenny Morris in Visiting Mr. Green. (Jan 2010) - Performing Arts Near Me - Lewiston, Maine

The Public Theatre - PJ Benjamin, Louisa Flaningam and Charlie in The Last Romance - May 2013 - Performing Arts Near Me - Lewiston, Maine

The Public Theatre - Janet Mitchko & Evan Mueller in Time Stands Still - March 2013 - Performing Arts Near Me - Lewiston, Maine

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The Public Theatre - The Book Club Play - Oct 2012 - Performing Arts Near Me - Lewiston, Maine

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Aly M.

Elite 23

74

122

305

7 years ago

I'm new to the hometown theatre scene, but so far I've been to 4 different venues this year, and I can say, this is one of the nicer spots, as far as over appearances go. Clean. New. Warm. Yes, it's small. About 20 rows, maybe 20 seats per row. That being said- there's not a bad seat in the house. We saw "A Christmas Carol" and I've gotta say, the actor who played Scrooge is incredibly talented! The entire cast really did a great job. Very short play, but quality. But the review I guess is more for the venue, I bought tickets and upon arriving realized that my grandmother had also bought tickets. I didn't want a refund- it was our mistake- I more so wanted to let them know that the seats I purchased would be empty, should they want to fill them. To my surprise the very sweet ladies at the ticket office offered to switch my tickets to the next play in January! Super impressed with that, and will continue to support them, they do a lovely job there. read more

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Public Theatre ..

Thank you for taking the time to write this wonderful review. We are…

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Frank B.

Elite 26 All-Star

64

720

387

10 years ago

The Public Theater is not in a beautiful building like Comstock Hall, but this must be the best value for theater tickets in the state. Seats are about $20 and if you have a subscription you get a free set of tickets to share. The plays are very well produced, cast, and acted. The selection of plays is one of the main reasons we have season tickets here. They generally have comedies, some with a message, but not too serious. On a hectic day, it is relaxing to sit and enjoy such high quality entertainment. Try it, you will not regret it. read more

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Cynthia W.

10

16

0

11 years ago

The venue is less than deluxe, with its incredibly small space and not so comfortable seats but even for broadway shows that is often the case. Most plays are well worth the money and entertaining. This theater is a valuable asset to the community. read more

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David L.

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10

0

9 years ago

I really liked the quality of the show. These guys know what they are doing and the sound/lighting was something that really impressed me.

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More info about The Public Theatre

31 Maple St
Lewiston, ME 04240
Directions
(207) 782-3200
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.thepublictheatre.org

Hours

What time does The Public Theatre open?

The Public Theatre opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

What time does The Public Theatre close?

The Public Theatre closes at 4:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.The Public Theatre is closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Thu 9:00 AM - 4:30 PMFri-Sun Closed

Other Amenities

Does The Public Theatre have free WiFi?

Yes, The Public Theatre has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

The Public Theatre specializes in producing high quality professional theatre at a very affordable price. Only at The Public Theatre will you find the best plays from Broadway and Off-Broadway, as well as exciting new scripts, featuring professional Equity actors from NY to LA, for a top ticket price of only $20! Anyone 18 and under can attend any show for only $5.

History

Established in 1991.

The Public Theatre was founded in 1991 as LA Public Theatre, Inc., by a visionary group of citizens, dedicated to bringing professional theatre to Central Maine, an area with limited cultural outlets and opportunities. Since 1991, our season has increased from two shows in borrowed space to up to seven productions in our own theatre, which we purchased in 1999. Our seasonal audience has grown from 1,200 in 1991-1992 to over 16,000. In 27 seasons over 100,000 students have attended our Student Matinee performances. We have kept our ticket prices ($20 Adult / $17 Group / $5 Youth) affordable to make our performances accessible to everyone in the community. For the past 27 years, The Public Theatre has produced uplifting and provocative theatre, with professional Equity actors, every October through May. Nationally recognized for its artistic excellence, we are proud to be a cornerstone in the cultural life of Central Maine.

Meet the Manager: Christopher S.

Christopher Schario has been Producing Artistic Director of The Public Theatre since 1993. His adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, published by Dramatists Play Service of New York in 1996, was developed for The Public Theatre and has enjoyed successful productions at professional and amateur theatres throughout the world. He has been Associate Artistic Director of Boulder Ensemble Theatre and Artistic / Executive Director of Rochester Civic Theatre in Rochester, MN. He has Directed Productions in New York at the Roundabout Theatre Ensemble, Westbeth Theatre Center, Spectrum Stage, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, the Drama Project and Madison Avenue Theatre, as well as at many Regional theatres. He has taught at Carnegie - Mellon University, Univ. of Colorado, Univ. of Tennessee, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, as well as privately in New York City. He received a BFA in Acting from Ohio University and an MFA in Directing from Carnegie - Mellon University.

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Mr Drew and His Animals Too is an amazing place not just for kids but for adults too. I have…read morebrought many friends and family and everyone has always left pleased with their experience, from learning about the many different reptile, aquatic, or arachnid animals to actually being able to hold different animals. If you are lucky you will be greeted by Mr Drew himself or one of his many peasant and happy staff that will be sure to brighten your day with their personalities and enthusiasm. By the time you are ready to leave, you are leaving with more than just a little bit more knowledge about the center and all the animals they care for, You can actually tell immediately when talking with the staff that everyone their loves theirs job what they do. So go check them out at their new location in Poland, Maine. You won't be disappointed! They are all so very friendly and willing to answer any questions you might have about the Center or the Animals in their care.

How did I not post this? It's just sitting in my draft folder. Ugh…read more We visited Mr Drew and His Animals Too in their last day in Lewiston. Not only did the grandchildren absolutely love it but so did I. The animals are great! The staff, phenomenal and while I'm sure it's difficult to stay excited day after day, they made us feel like we were special guests. We arrived around 11 and the kids asked if we could stay until closing. Even today, the oldest (he's 12) said, "I wish I lived in Maine and could have my birthday party there!" We will absolutely be making the drive to Poland once the new location is fully set up. Best of luck - although I don't think that's going to be necessary. The community involvement, education and giving back will be enough "luck" to make you as successful in the new location as you have been in the old. Thank you so much for having offering such an amazing experience.

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It took me a long time of going back and forth on what to say in this post or if it will ever…read morematter if I put it out there. But I know it will. I have been a long time patron of this theater. 20+ years. I've seen many owners, tons of changes, the scare that was Covid-- but one thing was always consistent besides the fresh popcorn. The staff. Many of us know who I'm talking about. The projectionist- Gracia- was there for longer then I had been a patron. She ran that place from the ground up. She even crowd funded (which I supported) purchasing the theater in 2019 before it was sold from under her. She was the bones the bread and the butter of that place. It was a labor of love and watching her adapt over the years and be so consistent was such a joy. Along with her awesome t shirts. This year there was yet another change of ownership. And I have come to learn that she was discarded like her 25 years of service meant nothing. And not only that, I was lied to that she left on her own. Which isn't the case. They also let go another staff member that has disabilities but a whole lot of heart. Sam was the light of my weekend. They worked there 12 years. My heart is heavy. This place was much more than a cinema. It was community. And now it just feels cold. I will not be returning.

First time going here and I really liked it. It is small, but nice seats and I took my…read moremother-in-law to see Christmas Vacation and we had a nice time. The staff were friendly and helpful. The screen was perfect and the sound for a little theater was awesome! I will definitely be back to see some movies here!

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