Portland Stage Presents Margaret Chase Smith’s Story at CONSCIENCE

Portland Stage Company brings the story of Margaret Chase Smith to Maine audiences. Brought to life on stage by a highly talented director, cast and performers in a time that is so relevant, a time to remember, when Maine’s senators were at the heart of American politics. This is the story of Margaret Chase Smith facing McCarthyism and the dangerous movement that pressures her to conform.

Portland Stage will partner with the Margaret Chase Smith Library, the League of Women Voters, and the Maine Historical Society to present a celebration of women in politics in Maine on opening night, September 27.

Following the performance, the band will host a moment to recognize local and national Maine women leaders, followed by a reception.

CONSCIENCE is a playwright’s credit for winning two Tony Awards, a Drama Desk Award, and three Outer Critics Circle Awards. Other credits include Memphis (2010 Tony Award for Best Musical); Nice Work If You Can Get It (starring Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara and receiving 10 Tony Award nominations); Diana (Netflix); The Toxic Avenger (OCC Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical); Ernest Shackleton Loves Me (Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Musical); I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (the longest-running musical in off-Broadway history); and the multi-production comedies Clever Little Lies and Over the River and Through the Woods, among others. His riff on La Ronde, F**king Men, is the longest-running show in London history and is being revived there this spring.

The Portland Stage production is directed by Lisa DiFranza, who has directed productions in Maine, Iowa, Chicago, and New York. In Portland, Lisa served as Artistic Director of The Children’s Theater of Maine and Founding Director of The Arts Academy at Portland Arts and Technology High School. More recently in Florida, she served as Associate Director of Arts Education at Manatee School for the Arts and was Curator of Culture at the innovative Art Ovation Hotel in Sarasota. Lisa is currently the Festival Coordinator for the 2024-25 Maine Jewish Film Festival.

Portland Stage is thrilled to welcome Kate Udall* as Margaret Chase Smith, Liam Craig* as Joe McCarthy, and Isabelle Van Vleet* as Jean Kerr. Kate Udall* starred in GOD OF CARNAGE and LATER LIFE, while Isabelle Van Vleet* starred in SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL ADVENTURE and Liam Craig* starred in Monica Wood’s smash hit SAINT DAD from Maine last season.

Tickets

• Performance dates: September 25-October 13, 2024
• Duration: about 1.5 hours
• Ticket office opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday • from noon to 5:00 p.m. and 2 hours before the start of the performance
• Ticket office phone: 207.774.0465
• Box Office Email: [email protected]
• Online Tickets: Available Now
• In person: $20-$73. Discounts for seniors 65+ and students.
• PAY-WHAT-YOU- CAN TICKETS AVAILABLE: See website for rules and restrictions.
• Tickets for RUSH35: $20 at the door for registered attendees age 35 and under.

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