Ogunquit Performing Arts celebrates Capriccio 2015

OGUNQUIT - Twenty-five years ago when the Ogunquit Performing Arts Committee planned a special evening of music to celebrate Ogunquit’s 10th birthday as an independent town, little did they envision the special two-week long town-wide Festival of the Arts that it would grow into over the years. Again this year concerts were planned and businesses and all of the arts organizations of the community joined in to present additional events. These two weeks (Sept. 6 – 19) are full of places to go and things to do:

Labor Day Concert - Sunday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Ogunquit Baptist Church, 157 Shore Road.

This annual concert will feature guest organists, pianists, singers, and ensembles performing in the church’s lovely historic sanctuary. Free admission, donations welcome. 

A Night of Maine Humor with Tim Sample - Friday Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. in The Great Hall of the Dunaway Center, 23 School St., Ogunquit.

Mention the name of Tim Sample and just about everyone in Maine will know who you are talking about. Of Tim’s authentic Maine accent, Stephen King said, “I can hear that voice in my head because I’ve been listening to it all of my life.” The Maine Sunday Telegram calls Tim: “Maine’s high prince of comedy . . . a one-man humor factory.” All of Tim’s performances are family friendly—no foul language, no angry mean spirited jokes, just an evening of laughter and fun for all ages. It’s Mainers laughing at themselves and visitors enjoying every minute of it. Tickets: $15 advance, $18 at the door, $5 students. Advance tickets are sold at the Dunaway Center, Ogunquit Camera Shop, Ogunquit Welcome Center, the Arts Ogunquit office, 102 Main Street in Ogunquit, or online at: www.ogunquit.org/shop.php.

Capriccio Festival of Kites - Saturday Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Ogunquit Beach.

The festival features professional kite-flying demonstrations, free kites for children to decorate and fly, kite-decorating contests for children, and the climatic Grand Ascension . . . filling the sky with everyone’s kite in the air at the same time. Kites and tee shirts are available for sale at the Beach. This event is sponsored by Ogunquit Camera Shop, Ogunquit Rotary Club, Kennebunk Savings Bank, and Town of Ogunquit. Admission is free.

Historic Afternoon Tea - Saturday Sept. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ogunquit Heritage Museum. 86 Obeds Lane.

In the early 1900s many well-to-do people spent the summer in Ogunquit, sometimes amusing themselves by taking afternoon tea at one of Ogunquit’s many tea rooms. They enjoyed bucolic views, fine china and delicious cakes, delicate sandwiches and a special selection of flavorful teas. Come and enjoy tea and cakes and sandwiches as the museum recreates the elegant style of Ogunquit’s historic tea rooms. View the exhibits of Ogunquit’s history, and enjoy the gardens and the Dorothea Jacobs Grant Common.

Gala Reception - Saturday Sept. 12 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Barn Gallery, Bourne Lane and Shore Road.

Reception to celebrate the opening of the Fall Exhibitions by Ogunquit Art Association artists. Browse through the museum, chat with friends, and enjoy refreshments. Exhibits include: OAA Photographers, OAA Expressions, Stuart Nudelman memorial, and solo shows featuring the paintings of Diane Boyce and Fran Scully. Admission is free. 

Grammy Award Winner Paul Sullivan in Concert - Saturday Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. at the Great Hall of the Dunaway Center, 23 School St., Ogunquit.

Paul Sullivan, composer and pianist, has performed in many areas of the field of music: soloist, band member, trio performer, jazz player; musical director, pianist, conductor for many off-Broadway and Broadway shows; and writing music for the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall as well as other dance companies. In his solo performances, he creates a relaxed and intimate feeling with his audience through his pleasant and quirky observations about music and life. His warm and inviting personality, along with his world-class musicianship wins over new listeners and continues to inspire his wide range of followers. Tickets: $15 advance, $18 at the door, $5 students. Advance tickets are sold at the Dunaway Center, Ogunquit Camera Shop, Ogunquit Welcome Center, the Arts Ogunquit office, 102 Main Street in Ogunquit, or online at: www.ogunquit.org/shop.php.

Million Dollar Quartet - Tuesday Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. at the Ogunquit Playhouse.

In honor of Capriccio's 25th anniversary, enjoy $25 Tickets for the Tuesday, September 15, 8 PM Performance of Million Dollar Quartet at the Ogunquit Playhouse! –– Offer valid for Standard and Super Saver Seats only (reg. price $44 to $64) for the Sept 15 (8PM) performance only. Excludes Premium and Preferred seats. Cannot be combined with any other discounts. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Use promotional code “Capriccio” when calling or stopping by the box office. 207-646-5511. Not valid on-line. Offer expires September 15, 2015.

This Tony Award-winning musical was inspired by the true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for the first and only time December 4, 1956. Who can forget the songs they made popular: Blue Suede Shoes, Great Balls of Fire, I walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues, Hound Dog and many more.

Backstage Tours of Ogunquit Playhouse - Friday, Sept. 11 at 11 a.m.; Sunday, Sept. 13 at 10:30 a.m.; and Friday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m.

Visit the dressing rooms that have been used by famous Hollywood and Broadway stars over the years and get an idea of what goes on behind the stage to make a successful production!

Harry Langdon Silent Comedy - Thursday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. at Leavitt Fine Arts Theatre, 259 Main St. Silent film with live music.

Tour the historic Leavitt Fine Arts Theatre - Friday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. This architecturally splendid summer theater seats 636 and boasts near-perfect acoustics, 1200 watts of modern sound, and a giant screen. The theater still has its original seats and sloped wooden floor.

Capriccio Day at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art - Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ogunquit Museum of American Art. 543 Shore Road. Take advantage of the special Capriccio admission discount of Two-for-the-Price-of-One! Exhibits on view that day will include Winslow Homer's Civil War, on loan from the Portland Museum of Art, and featuring 30 woodcuts by Homer. Also, Todd Webb: Georgia O'Keeffe & the American West, in which photographer Webb captures O'Keeffe on film in her own environment. Enjoy, too, the on-going exhibits from the Museum's permanent collection, the beautiful sculpture gardens, and spectacular views from the Museum's oceanside location.

Open House at the Galleries - Saturday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m.

Visit any gallery in Ogunquit; then pick up a tour map to guide you from one gallery to the next. The richness of Ogunquit’s art heritage continues to this day in the many galleries around town with a variety of exhibits and art forms.

For more information about all of these events, please visit www.ogunquitperformingarts.org.