“Last Gas,” Gaslight Theater, Hallowell

Mar. 12, Thursday, 5-6pm, “Shakespeare Slam Competition,” join RSC for the 3rd Annual Shakespeare Slam Competition! Contestants compete in this spoken word event, using Shakespeare’s text! You can participate in more than 1 presentation (limit 2 per person per category, totaling 6 presentations). Categories include: Individual Memorized (Minors and Adults will be judged separately). Group Memorized (Minor and Adult groups will be judged separately)*. Individual Reading (Minors and Adults will be judged separately). Group Reading (Minors and Adult Groups will be judged separately). *Adults may perform with minors in a group but will not be judged. At least 2 participants in a minor group must be under the age of 18. Minors may perform in an adult group and will be judged. Groups and individuals will be judged on: Memorization of the script (points will be deducted for inaccurate words and for using scripts or cue cards on stage, unless participating with a group where the participant is not being judged), Voice; Presence on stage; Comprehension of the piece& Overall performance; Dramatic Readings do not need to be memorized and will be judged based on all categories except memorization. Prizes will be given to the top participant in each category. Costumes do not need to be worn, costumes will not be judged. School groups and theater troupes are encouraged to participate. You may choose the work you are presenting. Works must be from the complete works of William Shakespeare and may include scenes, monologues, sonnets, and narrative poems written by Shakespeare. Registration is required. You may email RecycledShakespeare@gmail.com the text you are using or Recycled Shakespeare Company will provide the judges with a copy based on the information provided. Please arrive no later than 4:45pm on March 12th to check-in, free, Waterville Public Library, 73 Elm Street, Waterville. FMI: 207-314-8607, recycledshakespeare.org.

Mar. 12-14, Thursday-Saturday, 6pm/Thurs.-Fri, 2pm/Sat, “King Lear,” presented by Southern Maine Association of Shakespearean Homeschoolers, King Lear, in an attempt to avoid future strife, divides his kingdom between his three daughters, $6-$8, $30/family pass, tickets available online or at the door, Cumston Hall, 796 Main Street, Monmouth. FMI: 207-576-1071, smashmaine.jimdofree.com.

Mar. 13-15, Friday-Sunday, 7:30pm/Fri. and Sat, 2pm/Sun, “I and You,” high school seniors Caroline and Anthony have more in common than they know. She’s a smart, cynical teenager. He’s an easy-going athlete with a love of waffle fries. Mysteriously forced together to complete a report on Walt Whitman, this unlikely duo discovers a shocking secret that will unite them forever. Funny, moving and unforgettable, this show contains a surprise twist that will tempt you to see it twice, $25/adult, $22/group (10+), $20/students (19+ with ID), $10/youth (4-18), The Public Theatre, 31 Maple Street, Lewiston. FMI: 207-782-3200, www.thepublictheatre.org.

Mar. 13-14, Friday-Saturday, 7:30pm, “John Cariani’s ‘Last Gas’,” Nat Paradis is a Red Sox loving part-time dad who manages Paradis’ Last Convenient Store, the last convenient place to get gas—or anything—before the Canadian border to the north and the North Maine Woods to the west. When an old flame returns to town, Nat gets a chance to rekindle a romance he gave up on years ago. But sparks fly as he’s forced to choose between new love and old. LAST GAS takes a hilarious and heartbreakingly hard look at love lost and found, and at what it means to “get back to happy”, $12-$15, Gaslight Theater, 1 Winthrop Street, Hallowell. FMI: 207-626-3698, www.gaslighttheater.org.

Mar. 13, Friday, 8pm, “Femmes of Rock,” starring Bella Electric Strings Featuring the music of AC/DC, ELO, Queen, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Metallica, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and more! FEMMES OF ROCK, led by rock violinist and arranger, Nina DiGregorio, has rocked audiences worldwide with their blistering solos, unique arrangements – not to mention their beauty and charm. The FEMMES OF ROCK show takes Bella Strings to a whole new level. All-new arrangements, original material, a live rock band, video, lights, choreography, comedy, and more can be expected in this high-energy show that leaves audiences awed. The only one of its kind, there are no other similar string acts operating at this level of production. Be prepared for something that you have not yet seen the likes of. The girls keep a busy touring schedule and are one of the most sought-after “hard rock” violin acts in the world, $42-$53, Waterville Opera House, 1 Common Street, Waterville. FMI: 207-873-7000, www.operahouse.org.

Mar. 14, Saturday, 7pm, “The Midcoast Symphony Orchestra ‘Two Great 5ths’,” as a part of our 30th Anniversary Season the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of guest conductor Jinwook Park, presents Two Great, but very different, 5th symphonies. The first by Franz Schubert is light, lyrical and reminiscent of Mozart. The second by Gustav Mahler is a truly major work beginning with a trumpet call and a funeral march and ending with the composer’s famous and beautiful musical love letter to his bride followed by a spectacular and joyful finale, $22/advance, $25/door, free/18 and under and college students with ID, Gendron Franco Center, 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston. FMI: 207-783-1585, www.francocenter.org.

Mar. 14, Saturday, 7:30pm, “Pure Motion: Colby Wind Ensemble,” directed by Eric Thomas, features music full of frantic motion, including Ghost Train Triptych, depicting a supernatural machine that roars out of the night, and Powerhouse, featuring that purveyor of pure energy Bugs Bunny, along with other friends of Looney Tunes fame. The organized chaos of the factory floor will be represented by John Mackey’s Foundry, followed by Eric Whitacre’s calming The White Seal. Shuttle service will be available from the Eustis parking lot beginning at 7pm and immediately after the performance, free, Colby College, Lorimer Chapel, Waterville. FMI: 207-859-5670, www.colby.edu.