lakewood theater

978kl

10 productions in the Summer. Each production is 2 weeks. Dinner across the way is excellent, and reservations are a must. The theater itself is "tired" and I hope the beautiful building will be kept up. Acting is by local adults, students, and semi-professional actors. A B&B nearby is nice, as is a small beach.

willypickle

This is the oldest, continuously running summer theater in the U.S., based on publicity, & it was in its prime back when actors like Cary Grant performed in plays here before they went on Broadway. Now, it's a simple, amateur theater with lots of heart, with ticket prices at $19 for non-box seats and $21 for musicals (non-box). Box seats are up in a balcony on the sides separated by partitions, quite nice and cost $30+. Lakewood has a reputation for presenting good musicals; "Footloose" was very well done & well-received this summer. Lakewood tends to rely on comedies & farces for much of its other productions, which don't seem quite as strong, although still enjoyable. Yummy dessert can be ordered for intermission. Matinees are offered on Wed. afternoons. A more professional theater is Theater at Monmouth.

outofbutter

No A/C. The place gets too hot in the summer to be enjoyable. The seats lean to the side. Prices for tickets are to high considering this is amateur theater in an uncomfortable and hot venue.

998JamesH998

What do you expect to find in a small town in Maine where it is clearly a volunteer cast and very low prices? Of course it will be less professional than the Maine State Theater and sometimes there will be some overacting, but it is fun to see these people pour their hearts out as they perform to the best of their ability. Lighten up and just got there for a good time and leave the critics in NJ or NY.

rsskow

If you like plays, this is the place to go. Local talent at it's best. There isn't a bad seat in the house. You can sit on the main floor, balcony or in the cabaret seating. Cabaret seat includes dessert and a non-alcoholic drink.

SkowMaineacs

This is what it is. Some staff are paid for the work but most are volunteers. The shows vary considerably based on genre and the casting. The company devotes too much to farces and the are often under-directed resulting in less humor thanis in the script. Some shows can be top notch though. The tech work, particularly the lighting is usually atrocious - a balcone scene with the feet lit but the light cutting off at mid thigh so faces are dark!

rsskow

Saw 9 - 5 and it was outstanding. Is a musical and worth going to see.

572Timh

Very hard working staff and actors putting on very enjoyable plays from all gendre.

kimbelburt

Make sure you have a meal just before the performance. The food is wonderful and is served in an open room that looks out on to the lake. The servers are local kids as well some students who come from abroad each year from different countries around the world. You can even opt to have your dessert during the intermission in the restaurant or have some of their large homemade cookies with soda, wine or beer during intermission. I feel like I am stepping back in time each visit to attend a play with our family who travels from all over the USA to vacation each summer in Maine. If we did not attend several plays each summer at Lakewood then it would not be a complete vacation. Is the performance a 4 star ? No but the whole experience is and you really enjoy the individual thespians as you travel into their performance each time you attend....we love it!

alnmaryt

We have been to Lakewood many times. This year's visit was disappointing. We much enjoyed our lunch before the show - good food, pretty dining room, nice view of the lake. Our seats for the show were in the balcony - they were very uncomfortable wooden seats with little leg room. The worst thing was the oppressive heat. It was a hot day and the interior of the theatre was about the most uncomfortable place I've ever been in: we could scarcely breath! We left after the first act. The show itself was mediocre - an excellent lead actress, but very amateur performers in the supporting cast.

mezzo50

Well, the Lakewood Theater is a great place to go if you want to be nostalgic and think about the great days of summer stock and years gone by. The building is charming, the restaurant excellent, and one can appreciate the beauty of the lake during intermission with a glass of vino or a snack...BUT - don't go for good theater. The shows are amateur to say the least - more like a highschool or middle school show - no mics, costumes are cheesy and the talent is pathetic. The tickets are inexpensive, but I would have paid dearly for a better show! Obviously the place isn't well endowed - they can't attract any talent or decent set designers. Lakewood theater needs some sponsors or some actors up from the cities for the summer! Lots of potential, but until they get some help, you have to suffer through the productions. I recommend this only if you want an nostalgic experience, a good dinner, and have a good sense of humor.

waka4

Lakewood Theater is an old historical place on a beautiful lake. They show plays and offer performers camp for kids. Our relative's kids go there for the camp. The URL is -------------------. I strongly recommend to visit there if you have a chance!