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PATRICIA LYNCH, Executive Director

Credit: David J. Murray, ClearEyePhoto.com
It’s been a great ride! I’ve been lucky to serve The Music Hall as executive director, producer, interviewer, emcee, and talent wrangler for 16 years. I am filled with gratitude for the kindness and support all of you have shown me; it’s been a group effort from the beginning and I am thankful for our time together.
Together, we’ve seen the magic of the theater come to light beneath a sparkling chandelier. Under decades of paint, cherubs and hopeful skies emerged. Outside, a glowing marquee shines on the revitalized street all the way down to the cherry on top, the Chestnut Street Arch. Every year, hundreds of live shows and art-house films appear before audiences, which in turn, support the many local businesses and restaurants night after night. Signature series like Intimately Yours continue to draw internationally recognized artists and the award-winning Writers on a New England Stage series showcases bestselling authors in a rollicking radio show format in partnership with NH Public Radio. And every holiday season, our partnership with the Ogunquit Playhouse brings Broadway actors and dancers to the Seacoast (and a whimsical snow flurry inside!).
Together, we made the impossible happen. The Music Hall’s successes wouldn’t have happened without the endless help and support of its Board of Trustees, staff of arts professionals, committed sponsors, devoted and dedicated volunteers, and you, our beloved members. Together, we turned a run-down theater with scant resources into a fully professional, nationallyrenowned performing arts center and vibrant community treasure. And together, we will navigate this current crisis. I know you will take all of our accomplishments to heart and remain devoted to supporting the theater’s future by embracing our new executive director and the management team. Your support will be key next year and The Music Hall’s next chapter won’t be one to miss!
We’re looking forward to the day we are all back. Just think about the soft glow of the lower lobby’s whimsical lights, fresh popcorn and a thirstquenching drink from concessions, settling into the red velvet seats with family and friends. That moment when the crowd erupts in cheers and applause that lifts the spirits and the band strikes that first note. I know you’ll be there.
On June 30, I will hand over the keys to Tina Sawtelle and devote my creative energy to working on other arts and cultural projects that are meaningful to me. But don’t worry, I will still be an active supporter of The Music Hall.
And so by the light of the ever-sparkling chandelier, I take my bow. Thank you for welcoming me into your community and for trusting me with your beloved treasure for 16 amazing years. I’m eternally grateful.
Check out our first look on pgs 8-15!
This month, our First Saturday on sale event for members is Saturday, June 6. New shows go on sale to members at noon for phone and internet sales. Tickets go on sale to non-members Saturday, June 20 at noon. To become a member, visit TheMusicHall.org or call 603.436.2400.
At the time this magazine went to press, the information here was the most up-to-date we had, but we are sure something will have changed by the time this hits your mailbox. We recommend checking our website for the latest on show dates, on sale information, and the status of our events. Our weekly enews is also a great resource for rescheduled and new shows, behind-the-scenes blogs, and news from our staff—we encourage you to sign up! And don’t forget to follow our social media channels where we are actively interacting with you and our supporters.
Big Brothers Big Sisters presents LET’S GO CRAZY FOR THE ‘80s FUNDRAISER Fri., August 28 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
Sweaty Turtle Entertainment presents “WON’T YOU HELP TO SING” BENEFIT CONCERT TO END HUMAN TRAFFICKING Sat., September 12 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
DSP Shows presents GORDON LIGHTFOOT: 80 YEARS STRONG TOUR Sat., October 10 • 8pm • Historic Theater
We have been humbled by the outpouring of support from our members and donors during this critical time. The Music Hall has been dubbed “the beating cultural heart of the New Hampshire Seacoast;” it is our members and donors who create that tempo. Through the generosity of friends like you, The Music Hall has weathered many storms over its 140 years. And with your help, we will weather this one too. Thanks to your support, we were able to meet our May Membership Month match. Your contributions ensure our ability to fulfill our mission to serve as an active and vital arts center for the enrichment of the Seacoast community.
As a community-supported nonprofit, you play a vital role in all that we do. The Music Hall brings national and international artists and scholars to the region who offer experiences that enlighten and entertain. By providing 52 weeks of diverse programming each year, The Music Hall contributes to the vitality of our community and engages nearly 130,000 patrons in the arts and learning. Included in those numbers are nearly 10,000 students, elementary-age children from more than 80 schools and 30 homeschool groups, as well as at-risk teens. You make it possible. You, our members, patrons, staff, volunteers, and sponsors. Thank you for your generosity.

One of The Music Hall’s most valuable assets has always been a highly engaged Board of Trustees—local professionals, philanthropists, and motivated volunteers who are dedicated advocates. These incredible folks bring years of experience from all sectors of the community to the table. Trustees are elected every year and serve for a term of three years with a maximum of three consecutive terms.
All of our Trustees share our passion to inspire, educate, and connect with those around us. With the best interests of you, our members, at heart, this group is preparing The Music Hall to withstand the test of time for another 140 years. We love welcoming new board members to the team and look forward to hearing their guidance. Likewise, we are so sad when a board member’s term is up. We see their familiar faces at shows, special events, and celebrations over the years. Their commitment speaks for itself.
We are happy to welcome Tim Allison, Jude Blake, Megan W. Davis, Paul Durham, Hope W. Martin, and Cathy Nickerson to the board this year. We thank departing board members Ben Auger, Debra Ford, Bob Hickey, and Jeff Mountjoy for their dedication and service these past nine years.

It’s our sixth year collaborating with Gather for the Fill the Hall Food Drive on Saturday, June 27. It is core to our mission to give back and we do that best by connecting through the arts and to one another. And, despite the uncertainty about near-future social gatherings, one way or another Fill The Hall will take place!
This year, Gather launched their summertime Meals 4 Kids (M4K ) program 13 weeks early and they have been feeding 700 kids every week through the pandemic. Their mission to distribute fresh and nutritious food for children and teens in our community is so important, especially now when school subsidized meals ended earlier than expected. We always strive to top the year before at each Fill the Hall, but this year we want to double our efforts.
We need your help! Check out our website to see what specific foods and supplies Gather requests, or donate directly to them through GatherNH.org and tag Fill the Hall. Organize a donation collection in the neighborhood and drop it all off at The Music Hall on June 27. We’ve had whole truckloads repping neighborhoods with signs and artwork before and we want a caravan of food for this!
Please stay tuned to learn what form the event will take this year. In the meantime, please keep Gather in your thoughts as they continue to fight hunger and support health and wellbeing in the Greater Seacoast.



Sat., June 27 • 9am-3pm • Historic Theater
Join us as we challenge the community to fill every seat in the Historic Theater twice with bags of food for Gather and their Meals 4 Kids program during the sixth annual Fill The Hall Food Drive
For a list of items needed or to make a donation online, go to TheMusicHall.org/fillthehall
SPONSOR:
LIVE AT THE LOFT THE BLUE
Sat., June 27 • 8pm • Loft • $12
The Blue Ribbons, formed by singer/songwriter/keyboardist James Rohr, have built a base of devoted fans with their original and soulful music.

SERIES SPONSORS: Live Free Print & Frame

PRESENTING CINEMA SPONSOR: WILDCARD SERIES SPONSORS: Cocked Hat Ventures; The Hippo; RAM Printing FILM CLUB SERIES SPONSOR: Solari Salon & Spa
WILDCARD THE LONGEST WAVE
Thu., June 11 • 7pm Historic Theater • $15 GA
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joe Berlinger travels the globe with legendary windsurfer and pioneering waterman Robby Naish.


WILDCARD A LIFE OF ENDLESS SUMMERS: THE BRUCE BROWN STORY
Fri., June 19 • 7pm
Historic Theater • $15 GA
In 1962, Bruce Brown had an idea for a new project: follow the summer season around the world.
FILM CLUB BADLANDS (1973) PG • 1h 34m • US Tue., June 16 • 7pm • Loft • GA $15 (no passes)
Directed by Terence Malick; Martin Sheen as Kit Carruthers. To punish her for dating Kit Carruthers, Holly’s father shoots her dog. Then Kit shoots Holly’s father. Fictionalizing a historic 1959 crime spree, this directing debut by Malick is nothing less than a masterpiece. With Sissy Spacek.
This is The Music Hall’s sixth year hosting our Fill the Hall Food Drive on behalf of Gather, and this time we’re excited to announce a new partner: Service Credit Union!
We’re thrilled to have Service Credit Union sponsor Fill the Hall. Our mutual commitment to supporting the communities we serve is perfectly expressed through this effort to fill every seat in the Historic Theater—twice over— with bags of non-perishable food items and your donations for Gather’s Meals 4 Kids program.

While we strategize how to safely host this year’s event, we know your support, and this partnership with Service Credit Union, will ensure success. Together, we will feed families and grow awareness of Gather’s services and needs, actions that will benefit our community throughout the year.
Combining the warmth and attention of a credit union with the security of a big bank, Service Credit Union serves those living or working in the state of New Hampshire or the Falmouth, MA area and their families, as well as anyone who has worked for or is currently working for the Department of Defense, including activeduty military, veterans, and their families.
To learn more about Service Credit Union and their mission to do what is right for their members, visit ServiceCU.org

BY KRISTIN HANNAH Mon., 6/8 • 6pm Portwalk Place
DIRECTOR’S CLUB
We miss getting together with all of you. We’re looking forward to gathering again as soon as it is practical to do so; a fantastic suite of Director’s Club events awaits! For more information, contact Jess Bunker at 603.766.2176 or JBunker@themusichall.org


The Ar T s A re T he A nswer to vibrant and prosperous communities where we treasure our heritage, celebrate our diversity and nurture our ingenuity.


Wildcard
The Longest Wave
Thursday, June 11 • 7pm
Film Club
Badlands (1973)
Tuesday, June 16 • 7pm
Wildcard
A Life of Endless Summers: The Bruce Brown Story
Friday, June 19 • 7pm
Fill The Hall
Saturday, June 27 • 9am - 3pm
Live at the Loft
The Blue Ribbons
Saturday, June 27 • 8pm
Innovation + Leadership
Kimberly Hamlin (NEW DATE)
Wednesday, July 15 • 7pm
Intimately Yours
Straight No Chaser
Thursday, July 16 • 8pm
Film Club
Body Heat (1981)
Tuesday, July 21 • 7pm
Innovation + Leadership CreativeMornings PKX
Friday, July 24 • 8:30am
Writers in the Loft
Martha Ackmann
Thursday, July 30 • 7pm
Hilarity
Kevin Nealon
Friday, July 31 • 8pm
Live at the Loft
Nefesh Mountain
Saturday, August 1 • 8pm
Hilarity
Whose Live Anyway? (NEW DATE)
Wednesday, August 26 • 7:30pm
Innovation + Leadership
CreativeMornings PKX
Friday, August 28 • 8:30am
Rental Partner
Big Brothers Big Sisters presents Let’s Go Crazy for the ‘80s (NEW DATE)
Friday, August 28 • 7:30pm
Hilarity
Roy Wood Jr. (NEW DATE)
Saturday, August 29 • 7pm & 9pm
Intimately Yours
An Evening with They Might Be Giants
Thursday, September 3 • 8pm
Intimately Yours
Melissa Etheridge: 2020 Tour (NEW DATE)
Wednesday, September 9 • 7:30pm
Hilarity
Lewis Black: It Gets Better Every Day Tour (NEW DATE)
Friday, September 11 • 8pm
Rental Partner
Sweaty Turtle Entertainment presents “Won’t You Help to Sing” (NEW DATE)
Saturday, September 12 • 7:30pm
Live at the Loft
Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche
Sunday, September 13 • 7pm
Live at the Loft
Sweet Crude (NEW DATE)
Wednesday, September 16 • 7:30pm
Telluride by the Sea Film Festival
Friday, September 18 - Sunday, September 20
29th Annual Kitchen Tour (NEW DATE)
Sunday, September 27 • 10am-4pm
New Castle, NH
Hilarity
Justin Willman: Magic in Real Life Tour (NEW DATE)
Sunday, September 27 • 7pm
Live at the Loft
Amy Black (NEW DATE)
Saturday, October 3 • 8pm
Intimately Yours
Postmodern Jukebox:
Welcome to the Twenties 2.0
Wednesday, October 7 • 7:30pm
Live at the Loft
Alex Cuba (NEW DATE)
Thursday, October 8 • 7:30pm
Intimately Yours
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy
Friday, October 9 • 8pm
Rental Partner
DSP Shows presents Gordon Lightfoot:
80 Years Strong Tour
Saturday, October 10 • 8pm
Live at the Loft
ETHEL
Friday, October 23 • 8pm
Intimately Yours
Josh Turner (NEW DATE)
Saturday, October 24 • 8pm
Live at the Loft
Robbie Fulks
Saturday, October 24 • 8pm

Rental Partner
DSP Shows: Wailin’ Jennys (NEW DATE) Friday, November 13 • 7:30pm
Live at the Loft
Teddy Thompson (NEW DATE)
Friday, November 20 • 8pm
The Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music Hall presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical Wed., November 25 - Sun., December 13
The Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music Hall presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical Wed., November 25 - Sun., December 13
Hilarity
Hari Kondabolu (NEW DATE)
Saturday, December 12 • 8pm
Hilarity
Juston McKinney: Last Laugh: A Year In Review
Saturday, December 26 • 5pm & 8pm; Sunday, December 27 • 5pm
The Music Hall Presents New Year’s Eve Champagne Pops with the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Thursday, December 31 • 8pm
Intimately Yours Angélique Kidjo (NEW DATE) Saturday, January 23 • 8pm
The Music Hall Presents Masters of Illusion: Believe the Impossible Thursday, March 4 • 7:30pm
Intimately Yours
The Tallest Man on Earth (NEW DATE)
Sunday, March 7 • 7pm
School Days Series
The Pout-Pout Fish
Monday, March 8 • 9:30am & 11:30am
School Days Series
The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Classics
Wednesday, March 17 • 9:30am & 11:30am
Intimately Yours
The Mavericks (NEW DATE)
Thursday, March 18 & Friday, March 19 • 8pm
The Music Hall Presents
The Moth Mainstage (NEW DATE)
Saturday, March 20 • 8pm
School Days Series
Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends
Tuesday, March 30 • 9:30am & 11:30am
On Sale to members: Sat., June 6 • On Sale to non-members: Sat., June 20
HILARITY SERIES SPONSORS:


INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS: •


INNOVATION + LEADERSHIP PRESENTING SPONSOR: MEDIA PARTNER:

SERIES SPONSOR: Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

HILARITY BRIAN REGAN
New dates TBA • Historic Theater • $49; $59


INNOVATION + LEADERSHIP KIMBERLY HAMLIN
Wed., July 15 • 7pm Loft • $43* (Already On Sale)

HILARITY KEVIN NEALON
Fri., July 31
EVENING
• 8pm • Historic Theater • $32 (Already On Sale)
SPONSORS: Daystar; The Friendly Toast
WRITERS IN THE LOFT SERIES SPONSOR: RMC Research Corporation

INTIMATELY YOURS STRAIGHT NO CHASER
Thu., July 16 • 8pm • Historic Theater
$45; $62; $72 (Already On Sale)
EVENING
SPONSORS:
AC Hotel; BANKW Staffing; Clear Eye Photo; Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, PA


WRITERS IN THE LOFT MARTHA ACKMANN
Thu., July 30 • 7pm
Loft • $41* (Already On Sale)

HILARITY WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?
Wed., August 26 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
$38; $45; $59 (Already On Sale)
EVENING
SPONSORS:
Beswick Engineering; Carpe Diem Coffee Roasting Company; Leddy Group *Check website for ticket package details
On Sale to members: Sat., June 6 • On Sale to non-members: Sat., June 20




LIVE AT THE LOFT NEFESH MOUNTAIN
Sat., August 1 • 8pm • Loft
$16; $18 day of show (Already On Sale)

INTIMATELY YOURS AN EVENING WITH THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS
Thu., September 3 • 8pm • Historic Theater
$30; $46; $50 (Already On Sale)
EVENING SPONSOR: Clear Eye Photo

INTIMATELY



HILARITY ROY WOOD JR.
Sat., August 29
7pm & 9pm • Loft
$32 (Already On Sale)

INTIMATELY YOURS MELISSA ETHERIDGE: 2020 TOUR
Wed., September 9 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
$55; $84; $105 (Already On Sale) HILARITY LEWIS
EVENING SPONSORS: Avery Insurance; Clear Eye Photo; Harbour Women's Health; Troiano Wealth Advisory Group

On Sale to members: Sat., June 6 • On Sale to non-members: Sat., June 20 LIVE AT THE LOFT SUZZY ROCHE & LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE


Sun., September 13 • 7pm Loft • $20 LIVE AT THE LOFT SWEET CRUDE



Wed., September 16 7:30pm • Loft $20 (Already On Sale)
29TH ANNUAL KITCHEN TOUR: NEW CASTLE Sun., September 27 • 10am-4pm
$28 members; $30 non-members; $33 day-of (Already On Sale)
Island life tempting you? Enjoy a taste when The Music Hall’s 29th Annual Kitchen Tour travels to historic New Castle.
ANNUAL SPONSOR: DOVETAILED kitchens
SPONSOR:


On Sale to members: Sat., June 6 • On Sale to non-members: Sat., June 20
HILARITY SERIES SPONSORS:


INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:


HILARITY JUSTIN WILLMAN: MAGIC IN REAL LIFE TOUR
Sun., September 27 • 7pm • Historic Theater $36; VIP $86 (Already On Sale)
EVENING SPONSORS: Digital Prospectors




INTIMATELY YOURS POSTMODERN JUKEBOX WELCOME TO THE TWENTIES 2.0 TOUR Wed., October 7 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater • $38; $48; $55
EVENING SPONSOR: Clear Eye Photo LIVE AT THE LOFT ETHEL
October 23 • 8pm Loft • $32


INTIMATELY YOURS NATALIE MACMASTER & DONNELL LEAHY
Fri., October 9 • 8pm • Historic Theater • $38; $46; $52
EVENING SPONSOR: Clear Eye Photo
AT THE LOFT ROBBIE FULKS
October 24 • 8pm Loft • $20

INTIMATELY YOURS JOSH TURNER
Sat., October 24 • 8pm • Historic Theater $55; $65; $78 (Already On Sale)
EVENING SPONSORS: Clear Eye Photo; Daystar, Inc.; TD Bank; TMS Architects
On Sale to members: Sat., June 6 • On Sale to non-members: Sat., June 20






On Sale to members: Sat., June 6 • On Sale to non-members: Sat., June 20
HILARITY SERIES SPONSORS:


INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:


HILARITY JUSTON MCKINNEY: LAST LAUGH: A YEAR IN REVIEW
Sat., December 26 • 5pm & 8pm; Sun., December 27 • 5pm Historic Theater • $28

INTIMATELY YOURS ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO: REMAIN IN LIGHT
Sat., January 23, 2021 • 8pm • Historic Theater
$48; $62 (Already On Sale)
EVENING SPONSORS: Clear Eye Photo; Churchill’s Garden Center


THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS NEW YEAR’S EVE CHAMPAGNE POPS! WITH THE PORTSMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Thu., December 31 • 8pm • Historic Theater • $38

THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS MASTERS OF ILLUSION: BELIEVE THE IMPOSSIBLE Thu., March 4, 2021 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
$42; $58; $68
On Sale to members: Sat., June 6 • On Sale to non-members: Sat., June 20
INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:


HILARITY SERIES SPONSORS:



INTIMATELY YOURS THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH
Sun., March 7, 2021 • 7pm • Historic Theater
$35; $42 (Already On Sale)
EVENING SPONSORS: Clear Eye Photo; The Friendly Toast

INTIMATELY YOURS THE MAVERICKS
Thu., March 18 & Fri., March 19, 2021 • 8pm • Historic Theater
$48; $62; $75 (Already On Sale)
EVENING
SPONSORS: Clear Eye Photo


THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS THE MOTH MAINSTAGE
Sat., March 20, 2021 • 8pm • Historic Theater
$48; $55 (Already On Sale)
EVENING
SPONSORS:
The Friendly
HILARITY STEVEN ROGERS
Sat., April 17 • 8pm • Loft • $18 (Already On Sale)

INTIMATELY YOURS KEB’ MO’
Wed., June 2, 2021 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
$48; $64 (Already On Sale)
EVENING SPONSOR: Clear Eye Photo
On Sale to members: Sat., June 6 • On Sale to non-members: Sat., June 20
MET AT THE MUSIC HALL SERIES SPONSOR:
RiverWoods Exeter
MEDIA PARTNERS:
SCHOOL DAYS SERIES SPONSORS:
MET AT THE MUSIC HALL



d.f. Richard Cognia
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT HAS BEEN GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY: Demoulas Foundation; The French Foundation; The Fuller Foundation; Heinemann Publishing; The Hesed Foundation

$29; $15 for 18 & under (On Sale dates to be announced)
We’re very excited about next year’s Met at The Music Hall series, which will include the fantastic selection of titles below. We will announce the schedule and on sale dates as soon as possible.
AIDA (VERDI)
IL TROVATORE (VERDI)
FIDELIO (BEETHOVEN)
DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE (MOZART)
ROMÉO ET JULIETTE (GOUNOD)
DON GIOVANNI (MOZART)
DEAD MAN WALKING (HEGGIE)
DIE FRAU OHNE SCHATTEN (R. STRAUSS)
NABUCCO (VERDI)
IL PIRATA (BELLINI)

SCHOOL DAYS SERIES
$7 (Already On Sale)
THE POUT-POUT FISH
Mon., March 8, 2021 • 9:30am & 11:30am • Historic Theater
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR & OTHER ERIC CARLE CLASSICS
Wed., March 17, 2021 • 9:30am & 11:30am • Historic Theater
ROSIE REVERE, ENGINEER & FRIENDS
Tue., March 30, 2021 9:30am & 11:30am Historic Theater
GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE - THE MUSICAL
Wed., April 7, 2021 • 9:30am & 11:30am • Historic Theater
PETE’S BIG HOLLYWOOD ADVENTURE
Tue., May 4, 2021 • 9:30am & 11:30am • Historic Theater
PORTSMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Tue., May 11, 2021 • 9:30am & 11:30am • Historic Theater
IT’S OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT - STORIES BY TODD PARR
Wed., May 19 9:30am & 11:30am Historic Theater


