Open Book Players

Because of conditions beyond our control, the auditions and performances of our children’s show, “Pinocchio”, have been cancelled. We are hoping to open our 2025-2026 season with this performance. So sorry to have to do this…😢

The last production of our 2024-2025 season is “Pinocchio…The Puppet in Funland” which will be performed by young actors, ages 7-13. Auditions will be held on April 7th at 6:00 p.m. at Johnson Hall Opera House in Gardiner. There are 8 parts available and those auditioning must be fluent readers. Hope to see many of you there!

Make your reservations now at Johnson Hall Opera House, 207-582-7144 or visit their website! This will be such fun to see!

Introducing our last 5 cast members of “Thurber Fables…For Adults”, being performed at Johnson Hall Opera House on April 5th at 7:30 p.m. and April 6th at 1:00 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 207-582-7144 or visiting their website.

BARRY PINEO…Barry was born in Jonesport, had his first theatre experience as a freshman in Skowhegan, and ever since, storytelling, especially the live variety, has been central to his existence. He had to leave Maine for about 36 years, but managed to get back in 2022, and this production of Thurber Fables is his first since his return.

WALTER GUILD…Walter’s theatrical career began in 12th grade when he realized he would never play for the Boston Celtics. He has been with Augusta Players/Gaslight Theater for over 50 years. Some of his favorite plays include Don’t Drink the Water, Mousetrap, 12th Night, the Glass Menagerie, Oklahoma, Mornings at Seven, and Picasso at the Lapine Agile. In 2022, Walter discovered Open Book Players and did Mark Twain by the Tale (thanks, Lucy). Walter lives in Farmingdale with his wife, Patty and their new rescue dog, Scruffy.

DAWSON DAVIS…I am a resident of Litchfield, Maine, and native Mainer. I was born in the town of New Gloucester, and attended Gray-New Gloucester High School, graduating in 1995. I was a member of the Boys Singers of Maine for a few years, and had the great pleasure of performing in the Sound of Christmas a few times, which was a thrilling experience that gave me a love for performing. As a youth, I loved theater, and participated in a number of local productions. Performing with Reader’s Theater last fall was my first time back on stage in many, many years, and it was an awesome experience that has rekindled that old desire.

I am the proud father of three great kids, one of whom, Jocelyn, is a member of our cast, as is my talented wife Lianne.

LIANNE DAVIS…Lianne is proud to be performing in her third Open Book Players presentation. In her spare time, when she isn’t managing the chaos of 3 children, 3 dogs, 3 cats, work, and her husband, she enjoys sharing her time with her volunteer positions, and experiencing the beauty of the world around her, ESPECIALLY at her camp. She’s been an avid enjoyer of all things theatre since a very young age and is enjoying these whimsical moments of participation.

JOSIE DAVIS…Josie is enjoying her 5th performance with Open Book Players. She is an avid lover of theatre in general and has participated in many productions and musicals, her most recent performance being Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Outside of theatre, she occupies her time doing dance and singing as well as outdoor activities and lacrosse. She loves to stay busy and spend time with her puppy Soleil and she’s very excited to be bringing the humor of James Thurber to life!

PERFORMANCES ON APRIL 5TH AT 7:30 P.M. AND APRIL 6TH AT 1:00 P.M. AT JOHNSON HALL OPERA HOUSE IN GARDINER, MAINE

Meet our next four cast members for “Thurber Fables…For Adults”:

DAVID MARSHALL…This is David’s second performance with OBP, however he is no stranger to community theater. Starting in junior high school, and continuing through life, Dave has been involved in some way. For many years he was an active member of Lewiston/Auburn CLT, Monmouth Community Players and Gaslight Theater in Hallowell. He has taken part in almost every aspect of little theater. The highlight of his theater experience was being the assistant director of A Chorus Line in an exchange to Moscow, Russia in 1993. After that he took a break from the hectic theater life, but when he was asked to take a small role in a CLT production, and was once again was bitten by the bug.
In the real world Dave and his wife own Fields of Dreams Soaps and live near the shore of the Tacoma Lakes in Monmouth.

CINDY TURCOTTE…I have been dancing since the age of 4, displaying my art work since the age of 7, and performing on stage since I was in high school. My love of visual and performing arts goes back a long, long ways. My heart is with this performing group, Open Book Players. Please come join us for some laughs and fun with James Thurber’s wonderful words set to script and
performed with joy and love.

MIKE ROWE…Mike has been associated with over 18 community theaters since 2006 as a performer, voice, and reading actor, director and playwright. He was a principal character portraying Will, the owner of a junkyard, in the Primetime feature film, “Rocket Club”, as well as an extra in “The Congressman” with Treat Williams. Mike is excited to be a part of this excellent readers group and outstanding director.

BETH ROWE…Beth has been with over 12 community theaters as an actor, voice, and reader performer since 2008. She had a close-up in the feature movie, “Blow The Man Down,” with Margo Martindale. Beth is very happy to be working with such talented actors and an experienced director.

MEET OUR CAST: Meet our first 4 cast members for “Thurber Fables…For Adults”: Come and see them perform at Johnson Hall Opera House on Saturday, April 5th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 6th at 1:00 p.m.

RICHARD BOSTWICK…Richard’s acting career started when he wrote a stupid play in the 7th grade. He did better in high school, and then took a hiatus until he moved into the area in 1984. He has been active in theater, primarily with the Gaslight Theater doing all phases of theater.

LINDA DUARTE…Linda Duarte has been having fun with community theater for many years, directing, stage managing, and a little acting. This is her first time performing with Open Book Players although she has run lights a couple of times. She hopes you enjoy the show!

EVE BLACKWELL…Eve is now in her 3rd Open Book Players show at Johnson Hall, the 1st Twain by the Tale back in Nov. 2021 & Something Wicked This Way Comes in Oct. 2024. She also was in Reading Rumpus in Sept. 2024 and enjoyed that because she got to use her Children’s Librarian reading skills. She has been doing some form of theatre since 1979 in all aspects of the art from selling tickets – being one of the leads especially in musicals. Thank You Lucy for letting me still do what I love!

JOE BLACKWELL…Joe has been involved with theater for 45 years,
working with various groups in Central Maine and Northern
Virginia. His most recent stage appearance was with Open Book
Players as Andy in Love Letters. He’s overjoyed to be working
again with Lucy and with such a talented ensemble.

Our next group of performers will be posted in a couple of days! Help us spread the word!!!