Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news

Stranger Than Fiction marks two decades of laughter with anniversary show in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — The renowned improv troupe, Stranger Than Fiction, announce a special performance celebrating their 20th anniversary, set to take place at the Player’s Ring Theater in Portsmouth, N.H., on Thursday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. This landmark event promises an unforgettable evening of improvisational comedy, featuring a mix of classic games, audience favorites, and new surprises that are new even to them!

Stranger Than Fiction started performing it's first shows at the Player's Ring in 2004. Since then, it has become a staple in the New England improv scene, bringing laughter and spontaneous joy to audiences across the region. From captivating performances in Portland, Maine, to recent shows in Lowell, Massachusetts, the troupe has consistently entertained with their unique blend of wit, humor, and unpredictability.

It's looked different over the years as well. Now at 14 members, the troupe bounced back after covid by adding two new cast members in 2022, and four more in 2023. These new members brought energy to the troupe, and helped in re-igniting it's relationship with the Player's Ring.

Following the show at the Player's Ring, the troupe will also host an "Alumni Extravaganza" on Friday, May 10 at the Newmarket Millspace. This show will combine former cast members with the current cast, which promises to be a different experience in itself.

Tickets for the 20th-anniversary show are now available and can be purchased through Stranger Than Fiction's website at stfimprov.com, or by going directly to this link.  Given the significance of the occasion and the troupe’s loyal following, early booking is recommended to secure your spot at what promises to be a memorable celebration of improv comedy. More information about the Alumni show can also be found on the troupe's website as well.

For more information about Stranger Than Fiction and their upcoming shows, classes, or workshops, visit stfimprov.com or follow them on social media.

100 Market Gallery Opening Night

PORTSMOUTH — On view from May through July at 100 Market Gallery in Portsmouth, N.H., a new and diverse group of Seacoast Area artists will wow you. Come see a commission-free gallery devoted to expanding the public’s awareness of the high caliber of artists and artwork within New England. The Gallery welcomes the general public and is free of charge.

Join us for the opening on Friday, May 3 from 5 to 7 p.m., where we will feature a wine and cheese reception by the Hundred Club. The show will be open daily from May 1 through July 31, Floors 1-4 open Monday through Friday and Saturdays, floors 1 and 2 only. Enter through the Springer’s Jewelry Store at the Corner of Hanover and Market Streets or on Hanover Street across from the Gaslight Restaurant.

The artists are presented by Photographer and Curator, Annette Brennan who is also one of the six artists. They include Jennifer Pope, Sue Vittner and Amy Kelly from the Maine Art Collective; and Susan Irene Correia, and Pat Kennedy Corlin, and Annette Brennan. The show will include paintings and photography. Each Artist’s distinctive style will make for a intriguing three month exhibition.

For general information about the gallery, please contact:100marketgallery.com/gallery abrennan@100market.com, and on FB: Portsmouth Gallery in the Halls or 100 Market Gallery. Instagram: 100-market-gallery-portsmouth.

New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus Spring Concert Series

STRATHAM — Join the New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus as they perform their spring concert series, Putting It All Together, at Stratham Community Church UCC, 6 Emery Lane, Stratham, on Saturday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m.

Standard admission is $25 per person. Children (ages 12 and under) are admitted free. A discounted price of $20 per ticket is available for Group Sales (10-ticket minimum) and can be purchased directly on Eventbrite. To ensure smooth admission to our concerts, please have your tickets available at the door, either by printing or having them displayed on your mobile device.

For complete list of events and to purchase concert tickets, visit https://www.nhgmc.com/tickets/ or visit Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/d/united-states--new-hampshire/nhgmc/. We strongly advise advance ticket purchases.

The Player’s Ring Theatre receives generous grant from The Fabulous Find

PORTSMOUTH – The Players’ Ring Theatre recently received a grant of $8,807.18 from The Fabulous Find, a nonprofit resale boutique in Kittery, Maine, to support programs and operations of the “black box” venue located in the City-owned historic building on Marcy Street in Portsmouth.

“This gift couldn’t have been timelier,” said Margherita Giacobbi, the Players’ Ring Producing Director.

The Ring had been fortunate enough to be a beneficiary back in 2016, and last year it decided to apply once again.

“This January, after the flood had forced us to shut down and cancel an entire weekend of performances, I received a phone call from a Board Member of The Fabulous Find,” Giacobbi said.

“Our application had reached the top of the list. Days later, we got the wonderful news that we would be among the March recipients. Thanks to the mission and hard work of The Fabulous Find and to everyone who has shopped and donated their preloved items, our theatre is counting to end its 33nd Season in a much stronger position than anticipated!”

Founded in 1992, the Players Ring provides the Seacoast with an intimate and distinctive performance experience by cultivating artistic creativity and freedom and by engaging audiences with unique and exciting theatrical opportunities. The Ring is located in the Puddle Dock section of Portsmouth, next to Strawbery Banke, and Prescott Park. The area is steeped in history, which the Ring maintains in its upkeep of its 1833 facility. To find out more, visit www.playersring.org.

Bold Face Play Readings returns with a trio of events

KITTERY, Maine – After a nine-year hiatus, The Kittery Community Center announces the return of the Bold Face Play Reading Series, set to rekindle a passion for imaginative theater and storytelling on the Seacoast.

The program, founded by Kent Stephens in 2005, had its initial launch at the Kittery Art Association that same year. It eventually found a long-term home at the Music Hall Loft, where it became a mainstay of the local cultural scene before going on indefinite hiatus in 2015. Now, Stephens has handed the brand over to longtime series regular CJ Lewis, who will curate and produce.

Its revival also inaugurates a new performance space at the KCC dedicated to spoken word events: KitteryLit (“A Place Where Words Come to Light”).

The Bold Face Play Reading Series has long focused on presenting a diverse array of contemporary works and will continue to do so “with a few new twists”, according to Lewis.

The series opened back up last month with Terrence McNally’s classic Frankie and Johnny in the Claire De Lune, starring Constance Witman and Don Goettler. Next up is the ethereal, one-of-a-kind Constellations by Nick Payne on Monday, April 22, featuring Tim and Lindsay Hackney. The spring relaunch rounds out on May 15, with a soon-to-be announced modern psychological thriller. More titles will come this fall.

Tickets to the April 22 reading of Constellations at the Kittery Community Center are $15 and can be purchased at https://portsmouthnhtickets.com/events/the-bold-face-play-reading-series-presents-constellations-by-nick-payne-4-22-2024.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news