The Boothbay Playhouse has wrapped up its 2006 summer season. With a commitment to high quality shows, involvement by both community and professional artists, and an enthusiastic audience that totaled well over 2,000, it was a successful first season by any measure. Now plans are underway for next summer and two of the 2007 Playhouse productions are already on the schedule.

In June, the Playhouse will produce "Little Shop of Horrors," the story of a down and out, skid row floral assistant who discovers an exotic plant with a craving for fresh blood. "Little Shop" is a musical comedy romp that, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, satirizes science fiction, "B" movies, and even musical comedy itself.

The July production will be "Carousel," which has ties to our community since the filming of the movie here in 1956. The Boothbay Playhouse is incredibly excited to be producing this show. "Carousel" was Rodgers and Hammerstein's personal favorite and was named the Best Musical of the Twentieth Century by Time magazine. Set in a coastal Maine village, it is the story of one man's journey toward redemption and is a dramatic testimony to the power of love. Songs from the outstanding score include "June Is Bustin' Out All Over" and "You'll Never Walk Alone."

These Playhouse productions will have both professional and community involvement, and auditions will be held in late winter/early spring; dates to be announced. Some of the roles may be "double cast" to accommodate busy summer schedules. Other projects and events are still in the planning stages and will be announced as their dates become set.

Along with the Playhouse events, next summer will also see the expansion of the popular Y-Arts Music Theater Camp and its theater camp productions by kids for kids. This past summer saw both sessions of camp filled to overflowing and several people have already signed their children up for next summer. More information about this YMCA camp program can be had by calling the YMCA at 633-2855.