Another Opening

The show opened to a very warm response from the community. The story of "Burt Dow: Deep Water Man" is very special to Deer Isle and has many roots here. Not only did the legendary character Burt Dow actually live on this island with his sister, the writer of book, Robert McClosky grew up in the area. The music and lyrics of the opera were written by Maia Aprahamian, a talented musician who spent her summers in "Down East" Maine.

Maia passed away recently, and her work holds special significance to the community, as it was one of her final compositions. She never saw the completed production. Much of her family was in town for the opening weekend. A few cast members and I formed a quartet to sing the Lord's Prayer in Armenian for her memorial service. If you've never heard the "Hyer Mer," it is stunningly beautiful. It may be my new favorite church song.



We had an almost-sold out house for opening night, at about 220/250 seats filled. The audience was warm and receptive, and responded well to the show. The rest of that weekend, word got around town that it was a great show. It wasn't uncommon to meet someone on the street or in the market who had seen the show, or knew someone who saw the show.