This week

* The communities of Saco Bay celebrate their art and industry with a public art initiative that opens this week at the Saco Museum, Dyer Library and the Saco Transportation Center. “Making History: Art and Industry in the Saco River Valley” will include permanent exhibitions as well as a traveling program for schools. It is funded by a Preserve America grant.

The exhibition opens on Saturday and will remain the Saco Museum’s primary presentation of its permanent collection. A free public opening reception will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the museum, 371 Main St. (Route 1).

Through fine art, historical artifacts, words and pictures, as well as hands-on activities, the exhibition explores the region’s tradition of making things. It includes the founding of the cities on the Saco River in the 17th century, to the creation of fine and decorative arts in the early 19th century, to the booming factories of the later 19th and 20th centuries, to the arts and manufacturing traditions that endure today.

The museum is open noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; noon to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and, beginning June 1, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Regular admission is $4 for adults, $3 seniors and students, and $2 children ages 7 to 18. Kids 6 and younger are free. For information, call 283-3861, ext. 114 or visit www.dyerlibrarysacomuseum.org.

 

Coming up

The summer theater season beckons.

• The Ogunquit Playhouse opens its season June 9 with “The Drowsy Chaperone,” starring Emmy-winning TV star, celebrity stylist, author and fashion designer Carson Kressley. He’ll be starring alongside Emmy-nominated actress Georgia Engel. The musical is on stage through June 26, directed by Broadway veteran Casey Hushion. Prices range from $49 to $67. Visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org or call 646-5511.

• Up the coast in Brunswick, Maine State Music Theatre also opens June 9 with “Always … Patsy Cline,” directed by Chan Harris. The musical includes many of Cline’s most popular songs. The Maine State production stars Charis Leos, who has performed at the theater since 2005 and will be back for three more show this season, and Jenny Lee Stern in the title role. This will be Stern’s first appearance at Maine State. Her credits include performances “Jersey Boys” in Chicago and Toronto, as well as the first national tour of the show. Tickets range from $31 to $54 and are available by calling 725-8769, visiting www.msmt or at the box office at 22 Elm St., Brunswick.

 

 

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