L/A Community Little Theatre plans to will open it’s 82nd season with the Maine premier of “Let It Be,” a story of love, loss, family and hope told through the music of the Beatles. The play will opens Friday, Jan. 13, under the direction of Jennifer Groover and musical direction of Steven Barter.
The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22, and at 2 p.m. Jan. 16 and 23. All performances will be held at the Great Falls Performing Arts Center, 30 Academy St. in Auburn.
Groover stated that she was intrigued by the concept of a new musical comprised entirely of Beatles music, “Having grown up in a house where music was our main focus and the Beatles were a big part of that, I was immediately drawn to this musical”. She also pointed out the striking similarities between the tumultuous political climate of the late 60s and our political climate today, according to a news release from the theater.
“Let It Be” follows the lives of longtime neighbors and friends, the Joneses and the Martins.
Martin is coping with the loss of his wife while his three daughters Loretta, Rita and Lucy cope with their own grief, while navigating their individual stages of growing up.
Desmond and Molly Jones live a peaceful life with their two children Jojo and Jude, along with Grandma and Grandpa Jones. Their idyllic life is disrupted by the harsh realities of wartime and a sorrowful family tragedy. The two families support each other through these challenges and find strength in bonds of friendship and love.
The story is told rock-opera style with the familiar and timeless music of the Beatles. Some of the featured musical numbers include, “Twist and Shout,” “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” “Come Together” and “Let It Be.”
The cast includes:
Glenn Atkins as Bill Martin, a recent widower and now single parent;
Julia Groover as Loretta Martin, the eldest daughter struggling to find her identity during this crazy and confusing time;
Maria Groover and Graci Gillen as Rita and Lucy Martin, the two youngest daughters trying to remain strong through troubled times;
Jim McKinley and Lorraine Giasson as Grandpa and Grandma Jones, the kindly grandparents who reminisce about their younger days on “Penny Lane”;
Jude Lever and Britny Anderson as Desmond and Molly Jones, the loving parents of Jude and Jojo;
Cade Parker as Jude Jones, a kind young man whose life is forever altered by current events;
Amelie Lourdeau as Jojo Jones, the optimistic and endearing youngest Jones child;
Brandon Chaloux plays the conservative and controversial politician who, despite the protests and anger, encourages the people to “Come Together; and
Karen McClure Richard is the late Mary Martin, who, in spirit, watches over her troubled family.
The cast is completed by an ensemble of protesters, hippies, soldiers, teens and neighbors. Members of the ensemble include Danny Gay, Heather Pape, Nancy Kenneally, Maddie Dubois, Brock Rancourt, Gregory Judd, John Blanchette, Ari Weisman, Ben Simpson, Sarah Chaloux, Lillian Merritt, Ellie Pfohl and Connor Davis.
Tickets cost $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $12 for students.
For tickets, or more information, call 207-783-0958, or visit laclt.com.
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