The Sunset Theatre is hosting an old fashioned speakeasy cabaret – as old as the theatre itself. The picturesque performance space in Wells was built in 1934.
“We chose the name SpeakEasy because we thought it fit really well with the 1930s vibe of Wells and the Sunset Theatre and we’ve always talked about hosting some speakeasy soirees,” said Julia Mackey, director of presentations. “The Sunset SpeakEasy Festival is a celebration of theatre and music and the joy of getting to ‘speak easy’ again post pandemic.”
This set of events has a lot of moving parts. It runs Aug. 3-5. Day 1 starts at 8 p.m. with a cabaret-style bouquet of music, sketch comedy, poetry and other slices of entertainment.
Day 2 starts at 6 p.m. with a Kids’ Music Camp Showcase, the culmination of a music program hosted by Island Mountain Arts and led by Richard Garvey. Once the kids are finished, out comes actor/playwright Shawn O’Hara with his hilarious fringe festival hit play Field Zoology 101 which hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. both nights. After the play, at 9 p.m., eclectic alt-folk-pop songstress Madeline Tasquin takes the stage for a concert.
On Day 3, Field Zoology 101 and Madeline Tasquin reprise their performances.
But that’s not all. That’s not where it ends. Back in the ’30s, a clandestine party was one of the definitive social rebellions of that era. That’s what the Sunset Theatre is recreating.
“Each evening ends with a late night speakeasy party,” said Mackie. “After the shows, we will be transforming the stage into a lounge, music, dancing, latenight bar. Fun fun fun….shhhh…..speak easy….”
READ MORE: Speakeasy Festival at Sunset Theatre in Wells
