By Eleanor Cade Busby
Susan and Dean Domeyer sit front and center surrounded by many performers from the 10 years they operated The Boothbay Playhouse. The group opened their farewell reunion with the theater world’s unofficial theme song, “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” (Eleanor Cade Busby photo) |
Nick Azzaretti performs ” If I Were a RIch Man” as Tevye from “Fiddler on The Roof.” “I never got to do the role here, but I can offer this as a farewell performance,” he said. “Through playful and creative work, the Boothbay Playhouse grew into a true community of artists. I will miss it.” |
Aaron Robinson gives an impassioned farewell to the Boothbay Playhouse, singling out Dean and Susan Domeyer for their dedication and heart and for “putting the community of all ages back into community theater.” (Eleanor Cade Busby photo) |
Veterans of the Boothbay Playhouse gathered Saturday to celebrate and commemorate 10 years of shows, friendship, and family. The historic Boothbay Playhouse, under the ownership of Susan and Dean Domeyer, is closing its doors after 10 years.
The Boothbay Playhouse, a cross between summer stock for up-and-coming young performers and local community theater, drew actors from all over the country. Many of them returned Saturday to celebrate the special bonds they forged in Boothbay.
Over the course of 10 years, more than 35 young actors took up residence in the cast house on the grounds of the playhouse with some five or more staying with theater supporter Susie Jones. Many came back for multiple years. All auditioned, often in the mass auditions held in southern New England, and those who were chosen came for the summer in Maine.
The Domeyer family, including children Cole and Devin, worked tirelessly hanging lights, painting scenery, and taking care of the actors, as well as the audiences and the needs of the historic old building. Each summer three or even four musicals were produced.
The Domeyers started traditions that audiences grew to anticipate. Each show began with the Chandeliers being raised to allow for the balcony to have a better view of the stage. At the Boothbay Playhouse, this happened to the strains of the theme from “The Phantom of The Opera,” to the delighted applause of every night’s house.
When the Domeyers made the painful decision to close the theater, they knew they had to find a special way to say farewell to the many performers and community members who have shared their summers.
“We want to give performers a chance to hit the stage once again,” Susan Domeyer said in her invitation. “Bring your music for your favorite songs.”
On Saturday, close to 175 people came to the Boothbay Playhouse to share memories and say goodbye to the stage and the Domeyers.
The event began with everyone present who had ever been in a show (around 160 of them) on the stage singing “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” There were maybe 10 people in the audience, including the bartenders.
Performers worked up silly skits and sang songs with live accompaniment from longtime supporter Aaron Robinson or with karaoke. Being actors, the live music was more to their liking and Robinson, who had thought to accompany a few, played for hours.
The tributes to the Domeyers and their “kind and steady hearts” saw many tears on and off stage. In a room full of performers, it could have gone on all night.
Boothbay resident Paul Noah said, “I made friends who are now my family. Our time there may be over, but the magic that we all made together is going to last forever.”
Matthew Curiano, heading out with the Broadway touring company of “Ragtime” this summer, drove from New York City with four others to be at the farewell reunion.
“I was at the Boothbay Playhouse for two summers. It was my first summer stock ever, so I was terrified,” Curaino said. “What I found was a beautiful community of people, a family that welcomes me with open arms. That is the type of place that Susan and Dean created.
“The playhouse was built on love. It is absolutely one of a kind, and though the playhouse itself may not continue, our special family will and I am so grateful to be a part of it.”
At the close of the evening, the performers gathered onstage and closed the doors of The Boothbay Playhouse with “Seasons of Love” from “Rent.”
“There is no way that I can adequately express how much these years have meant to us,” Susan Domeyer said. “In the ways that matter most, you all have given Dean and me 10 of the best years of our lives. Thank you for sharing those years with us and for helping us celebrate tonight.”
The Domeyers have not had a summer off in 10 years, and this will be no exception, even without the summer shows at the playhouse.
Dr. Dean Domeyer is fulfilling a dream of his own with the opening of a collaborative after-hours veterinary practice in Warren. He was instrumental in the purchase and planning of the Midcoast Animal Emergency Clinic, which opened in June. Susan Domeyer is right there supporting him, as he has supported her at The Boothbay Playhouse.
The Boothbay Playhouse will be put on the market for sale this summer. “We hope someone who loves performing arts will step in,” Susan Domeyer said. “There is a lot of talent around here. Many improvements have been made to make this theater space a turnkey operation for the right person.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that the Boothbay Playhouse is closing,” said Genevieve Larson, of Long Island, N.Y., who attended shows each year while on vacation in Boothbay Harbor. “I didn’t have to brave summer traffic to go to Portland or to Maine State Music Theater. The quality of the theater right here was often better.”