Billy Elliot the Forum

Tommy Batchelor's mom has posted this public invitation to this year's Big Maine Event, which is a yearly fundraiser for the Portland Players Theatre. The event takes place on August 8th.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =1&theater

I received an email from Peter French announcing the headliners for this year's Big Maine Event. It looks quite impressive: two former Billys, a few Ballet Girls, and more.

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com ... ae52a2cb52

I will be there. I am happy to help if anyone has any questions about it, the area, how to get there etc.

There seems to be some confusion over whether this event begins at 4 pm (Peter Finch's link) or 5.30 p.m. (Tommy's mom's FB). Has anyone had confirmation? I have been unable to contact the theatre but I will continue to try. If you do come for 4.00 but discover it is 5.30, Fort Williams Park (with the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse and a number of lobster roll vans - very tasty) is a mile down the road, and a great place to kill some time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_ ... ight_1.JPG

UPDATE: I have been unable to contact anyone at the theatre; but Thommie's public Facebook clearly lists the show as beginning at 4.00 p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/mrthommie?fref ... hc.friends

This appears to be the Playbill for it:

http://www.playbillder.com/show/vip/Ret ... vent_18523.

Three former Billys will be there: Trent, Tommy and Peter Mazurowski.

Many years ago, before the internet, I embarked on a journey to trace our family tree. Back then, research was spotty, and by happenchance I discovered a treasure trove of information in one small Maine town's historical society.

Such was the case with my journey to South Portland, Maine, today for The Big Maine Event 2015, but my quest was not about ancestors, but about theatre, and its heart. And what I discovered was a treasure trove of Broadway names, connections, talent and comeraderie set in a suburban community theatre that resembled more a family gathering than a concert/recital/review.

Three former Billys. One with his Tony in tow (and his mother as the musical director), for us to see and be photographed with. For free, over a plate of lasagna, and a chat about Princeton. Local young talent (including two young dancers from a local dance school who stunned us with their extraordinary rendition of 'Moving Right Along'), with so much enthusiasm and bright eyes and promise, performing with real 'stars'. Two amazing little brothers, 6 and 9, (one of whom played Tam in Miss Saigon aged 4), whose older brother, Oscar, who made us laugh here last year, could not return this year since he is currently playing Christian in Fun Home on Broadway. Four former Ballet Girls from BETM. And of course, the irrepressible Thommie Retter. So, why congregate in South Portland, of all places?

The answer is a remarkable couple, Peter and Marietta French. They are the movers and shakers behind this event; they befriended Thommie just as BETM closed on Broadway, and since then have kept a candle burning so that an annual event could take place to keep people together, if not on Broadway, then in SoPo Maine, a sort of theatrical retreat. But this year's event was marked by the passing of Marietta last fall, and it was dedicated in her honor. Peter and Thommie brilliantly compered the show, without Marietta's love and obvious support for the cast, and everyone put their heart and soul into it. This was not Broadway. This was not The West End. But this was Love, and you could sense that it was as much about the cast as it was about the audience.

Really, there is no point in reviewing performances, because every one was special, as was the entire evening. A chance to chat with a real Tony winner and a real Tam (now age 6 - and so enthusiastic when performing in the 'big' numbers); a chance to tell Peter how special Marietta is to us still, and to so many; and a chance to see real talent just having fun, with no pressure. It was honest; it was without pretense; it was amazing.

And Marietta will be smiling.

Wonderful review Bill! I am sorry I missed it this year. Last year was memorable and we had the added delight of a road trip to Ogunquit to see a great regional production of BETM.

There is some amazing talent in Portland, Maine that has been wonderfully nurtured by the French's and Thommie!