“Let us start at the beginning, for when we have come to the end we will know more than we do now,” states the deep voice of a narrator. As the first of seven stories that form this complete tale unfolds, echoed exclamations of “Once upon a time!” propel an ensemble cast into a flurry […]

DEAR ABBY: My fiancee said, “ Shut UP!” during a recent conversation with my mom, using the phrase in the same way people say, “ No way!” or, “Get outta here!” to express friendly disbelief. Mom didn’t say anything and gave me no reason to believe she was offended; however, I find talk like that […]

PORTLAND — The Portland Ballet will stage “The Victorian Nutcracker” at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23 in Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St. The show takes the classic Nutcracker story and sets it in historical Portland, with sets, costumes and characters inspired by historical figures. A cast of professional dancers from the Portland Ballet […]

DAMARISCOTTA — River Arts, 170 Main St., will host an evening of music by students from the University of Southern Maine’s Music Department at 7 p.m. Saturday. In this second of a series of monthly concerts, the students of DaPonte String Quartet’s Dino Liva will perform a variety of classical pieces written for strings and […]

PORTLAND — Vivid Motion’s production of “Nutcracker Burlesque,” directed by Brigitte Paulus, opens at 7:30 p.m. today at the St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St. Other shows are planned for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday through Dec. 23. “We are pleased to present a spicy, sultry spin off of the classic ballet, sure […]

BATH — To reflect its merger with the Portland Harbor Museum, the Maine Maritime Museum has created an exhibit titled “Port of Portland: A Ship-Shaped History.” The exhibit opens Saturday and will remain on view through May 13, 2012, at the museum on Washington Street. “‘Port of Portland’ presents a vision of the city’s history […]

PORTLAND — Tickets are still available to four performances of Magic of Christmas, Portland Symphony Orchestra’s (PSO) annual holiday spectacular. Performances at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, 2 p. m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday. Orchestra seats are sold out, and there is limited availability in the terrace and grand tier for select shows, but […]

PORTLAND — The Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ will present “A Kotzschmar Christmas,” with Portland municipal organist Ray Cornils, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St. Other scheduled performers include the Choral Art Camerata, the Parish Ringers and Aaron Engebreth. Ticket prices range from $29 to $17. Student, senior and group discounts […]