[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5356-S5357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MAINE STATE MUSIC THEATER

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, in 1959, a new summer playhouse opened in 
Brunswick, ME, with a performance of the popular operetta ``Song of 
Norway.'' In 2018, the Maine State Music Theater presents its 60th 
season with professional productions that range from ``Singin' in the 
Rain'' to ``Saturday Night Fever.''
  It is a pleasure to congratulate Maine State Music Theater on this 
landmark anniversary and to thank the casts, crews, supporters, and 
volunteers who, for six decades, have delighted audiences and enriched 
the cultural life of our State.
  The oldest professional musical theater in Maine, Maine State Music 
Theater was founded by Victoria Crandall, a truly remarkable 
entrepreneur and artist. Born in Cleveland, she studied piano at the 
prestigious Eastman School of Music, toured with the USO during World 
War II, and was an accompanist for such show business legends as Ethel 
Merman and Jimmy Durante.
  After working in theatrical productions on Broadway, Ms. Crandall 
struck out on her own in 1959 to pursue her dream of establishing her 
own theater company and chose the Bowdoin College campus in Brunswick 
as the place to make her dream come true. Rejecting the prepackaged 
shows often used in summer theaters, she presented originally designed 
productions--as many as nine per season--that earned rave reviews from 
audiences and critics alike.
  Ms. Crandall passed away in 1990 at the age of 81 while in New York 
City casting roles for that year's season. At the time of her death, 
she had staged 186 productions in Brunswick that were seen by more than 
1.5 million people.
  Ms. Crandall's legacy is carried on by accomplished performers and 
technical personnel, many of whom have gone on to achieve success on 
Broadway and in Hollywood. With dedicated management and strong 
community support, Maine State Music Theater has expanded its offerings 
to children's programs, outdoor concerts, film and lecture series, and 
an educational fellowship program for those developing careers in the 
theater. The 2017 season set a new record for attendance, with more 
than 95 percent of the house sold for the four main productions.
  Maine State Music Theater is a true gem of the Maine arts scene and a 
highlight of the State's glorious summers. I offer the company all the 
best on this 60th anniversary and wish them great success for many 
years to come.

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