The Reehl Stage, the 400-seat theater at the newly renovated Johnson Hall Opera House to set to host its first public show Tuesday. That sold-out show featuring The Robert Cray Band, will be followed by former Men at Work lead singer Colin Hay on April 9 and Shawn Colvin and KT Tunstall on April 23. For more information about upcoming shows, see johnsonhall.org. Nearly four decades after Denise Reehl first saw the theater, which was opened in the 19th century as a livery stable, was transformed into an opera house and became home to department stores, a roller-skating rink and a movie theater, she said she is pleased with its ongoing transformation. “With hindsight, I realize there were a lot of years when it was very disappointing and we made no progress,” she says. “But now I think about it, and it was right to do it now because of everything we have in the world and ways to solve problems and materials. It’s just the right time now, and I am sorry (her late husband, Benny Reehl) didn’t get to see it.” All photos by Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
Maine
Maine news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Update: Winthrop nursing home to close in May due to lack of staffing, inflation
The 44 residents living at the nursing and rehabilitation center at 457 Old Lewiston Road were informed of the closure about a week ago.
Propane tank truck rolls over in Farmington; pickup driver charged with leaving scene
A Wilton driver was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident.
Sheriff: Anson man, 61, faces multiple charges in connection with domestic assault
The alleged victim told police that Brian Cloutier had strangled her with a belt several times to the point she passed out, before she escaped and sought help from a neighbor, according to court records.
Jared Golden and his wife, Izzy, have a 2nd daughter
Shirley Berry Golden was born Sunday in Lewiston.
Thousands of Mainers still without power in wake of devastating ice storm
Additional line crews from Canada and other New England states arrived Monday to help CMP repair damage from the storm. Even so, restoration efforts could extend into Wednesday in some areas.
Cumberland woman gets coveted platinum ticket in ‘American Idol’ audition
The judges, shocked by an emotional performance of ‘Ain’t No Way’ by Aretha Franklin, gave Julia Gagnon a coveted platinum ticket, handed out to only 3 competitors during auditions each season.
Complaint against Maine supreme court justice raises questions about judicial ethics
The Committee on Judicial Conduct will decide whether Justice Catherine Connors violated the ethics code in a process that has little public oversight.
Congressional funding to help central Maine mental health provider expand services
Kennebec Behavioral Health intends to use $750,000 in congressional funding, secured by U.S. Sen. Angus King, to support the services it offers at five community clinics in Augusta, Farmington, Skowhegan, Waterville and Winthrop.
Kennebec County hires new emergency management director
Angela Molino has worked for the past five years as emergency management director in Androscoggin County.