The Grand Theatre Celebrates 75 Years with Grand Week

Ellsworth, Maine - It’s official. The Grand in downtown Ellsworth is celebrating 75 years this summer with a full-week party of entertaining events in July.

The Grand will feature a performance by ‘Maine’s Own Comedian’ Bob Marley on Sunday, July 7th, and have special events throughout the week – culminating on Saturday, July 13th with a “Hollywood Night” closing reception and special free screening of the 1938 movie classic ‘Holiday,’ starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant.  ‘Holiday’ was the film shown on the night The Grand opened, July 14, 1938.

Executive Director Zoe Alexis Scott noted that the week-long celebration is to recognize the theatre’s past, present and future as an historic icon on Ellsworth’s Main Street, and to recognize the generosity of community members.  “It has always been important that the entire community is a part of The Grand experience,” she said. “We really do have something for everyone, and GRAND WEEK is a chance to come to the theatre for tours, for family shows, and to see friends who love to share the experience of live performance.”

In collaboration with the City of Ellsworth’s 250th anniversary celebration events beginning the following week, The Grand encourages local businesses to partner with the theatre. “The Grand serves everyone in Ellsworth,” said Scott, “and it is always a pleasure when we work together to show off what a great place this is to live and work.”

GRAND WEEK Schedule of Events:

Sunday, July 7 @ 8 pm Maine’s own comedian, Bob Marley
Monday, July 8 @ 5 pm Living History Day, including theatre tours,
and an historic presentation by the Ellsworth Historical Society – to honor the
City’s 250th anniversary.
Tuesday, July 9 @ 7 pm The Master Thief – a staged, showcase production from the students attending
The Grand’s 2013 Summer Theater Camp
 Wednesday, July 10 @ 6 pm ‘THE MET: Live in HD’ encore: Armida, starring Renee Fleming
Thursday, July 11 @7:30pm ‘Love Letters’ a USO show with The Queen City Big
Band and The Full Moon Players honoring the people and music of the post-
WWII era.
Friday, July 12 @ 6 pm The Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers with their hilarious original stories for kids
of all ages, Everybody Loves Pirates.
Saturday, July 13 @ 6:00pm ‘Hollywood  Night’ a 1938 themed recreation of the The Grand’s opening night, beginning with a ‘vintage costume’ reception, a documentary of The Grand in history, and a free screening of the classic film  ‘Holiday’, starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, the movie shown when The Grand opened in 1938.

Tickets to all events are now available and full details of ticket prices, Grand Week schedules and all The Grand’s events can be found at www.grandonline.org or by calling the box-office at (207) 667-9500.

Image: The Grand’s marquee. Photo courtesy of Riverside Studio