NSB Makes $1,000 Donation to the “Enchanting” Deertrees Theatre in Harrison
HARRISON—Since 1936, the Deertrees Theatre in Harrison has welcomed the famous and the unknown, the professional and the amateur, and the accomplished and aspiring. Thousands have graced its stage, welcomed warmly by generations of impressed crowds, a tradition that continues today.
“Our mission is to provide a diverse selection of quality cultural opportunities and present entertainment of the highest quality,” said Gail Phaneuf, Executive and Artistic Director for Deertrees Theatre. “We’re dedicated to the development and cultivation of the arts in our area of Western Maine as well as the restoration and preservation of our building. Through its encouragement and support, Norway Savings has long played a major role in ensuring Deertrees continues to flourish.”
On June 7, NSB made its latest contribution, delivering a $1,000 donation to the theatre in promotion of its mission (picture, caption below).
“Deertrees Theatre is known as ‘Maine’s Most Enchanting Playhouse’ and if you’ve ever seen a production or performance there, you know why,” said Erin Nelson, AVP Branch Manager at NSB’s Bridgton branch. “There’s not a bad seat in the house and it’s filled with history and surrounded by peaceful and beautiful grounds. It’s amazing.”
“It’s beyond impressive to observe the way the theatre has continued and grown as a place of beauty, creativity, and community in the Lake Region,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings. “It’s literally an historic landmark and such a beloved point of pride for residents. NSB is happy to help this cultural institution that has served as a venue for artistic excellence and entertainment for 88 years.”
The 280-seat theatre was built of rose hemlock harvested from the property and equipped with a lighting system comparable to the Metropolitan Opera House. Many stars of stage and screen from across the country have performed inside the theater, and the property also features objects of the Hollywood of yesteryear.
“We have café seating in our Salt Lick Cabaret and Art Gallery space. There, visitors can enjoy refreshments, art, and look out on the Maine woods through our large back barn doors that were actually featured in the last scene of the 1954 film White Christmas,” said Tom Durkin, the historian and a board member for the theatre. “Many parts of the theatre are filled with memorabilia dating as far back as 1936 when the theatre was built.”
“People come to take a trip to the past and support the artists and performers of the present,” said Phaneuf. “There is a magical energy here.”
You can be a part of that magic this summer as Deertrees presents On Golden Pond, The Producers, the Sebago Long Lake Music Festival, and much more. For information, tickets, or to learn more about the incredible history of Deertrees, visit www.deertrees-theatre.org or 207-583-6747.
Pictured (L to R): Gail Phaneuf, Executive and Artistic Director for Deertrees Theatre; Erin Nelson, AVP Branch Manager and Retail Lender for NSB in Bridgton; Tom Durkin, Board Member and Historian for Deertrees; Barb Stauble, Appearing in On Golden Pond; Carol Durkin, Board President for Deertrees.
