Ray Routhier

Staff Writer

Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.

Do This

As ‘Hangdog’ hits streaming services, its director talks upsides of filming in Portland

by Ray Routhier October 24, 2024October 24, 2024

The film, shot all around the city in 2022, starts streaming Friday on Prime and Apple TV.

Do This, Food

My Perfect Day: A walk, creative work and wonderful food fuel this children’s museum staffer

by Ray Routhier October 21, 2024October 17, 2024

Juliette Vlachos-Coldreck, the visitor program manager at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, would also visit a bookstore, an art store and Goodwill.

Do This

Scott Nash of Portland’s Illustration Institute talks about great rodents in literature

by Ray Routhier October 14, 2024October 14, 2024

The exhibit ‘Mice in the Bookshelves’ is on view through Nov. 15 at the Wells Public Library and features work from 40 noted illustrators.

Do This, Food

Do you prefer your chicken parm sandwich old-school or elevated? Here’s an option for each in Portland.

by Ray Routhier October 14, 2024October 11, 2024

Anania’s offers one one a soft roll with lots of cheese, while Monte’s Fine Foods serves it up on crusty bread with basil leaves.

Do This

Maine’s spooky season is in full swing. Check out all the haunted happenings.

by Ray Routhier October 14, 2024October 14, 2024

There are haunted houses and walks, cemetery tours and other scary events all around southern Maine this month.

Arts & Entertainment

A Cheverus grad wrote the script. Anna Kendrick made sure ‘Woman of the Hour’ got made.

by Ray Routhier October 11, 2024October 11, 2024

The movie, written by Scarborough native Ian McDonald and coming out next week on Netflix, is based on the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala and his appearance on a TV game show. Kendrick, who is originally from Portland, stars and directs.

Do This

My Perfect Day: The Greenbelt, Mr. Chickpea and Evie’s are among her hometown haunts

by Ray Routhier October 7, 2024October 3, 2024

South Portland dance instructor Kristin Sutton would also cross the bridge for a tap dance class at Casco Bay Movers and Szechuan green beans at Paper Tiger.