For generations, the stage of the historic 1894 Opera House in Boothbay Harbor, Maine has played host to actors and musicians from around the state and around the globe. With over 100 events and performances annually, there is almost always something happening at the House-an evening with a Grammy winning musician, a visit from a Broadway actor, nights of jazz or bluegrass, rocking Celtic concerts, lectures, holiday celebrations and community events fill our schedule. With fine acoustics, historic charm, a great old bar room upstairs and a commitment to reasonably priced tickets, the Opera House is a gathering place for the local community and visitors alike. The Opera House is a 501(c) 3 non-profit committed to the arts, the restoration of the historic building and the community.
A Very Short History of the Opera House
Since 1894 the Opera House has stood in downtown Boothbay Harbor. Originally built by members of the fraternal order, The Knights of Pythias (their crest remains emblazoned on the front of the building), the House served for decades as the lodge for both the Pythians and the Masons. In the intervening years, it lived many lives, and was a restaurant and bar and a private home and the downstairs performance hall was even transformed into a failed mini-mall for a period of time. In 2009 the Opera House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the Department of the Interior.
The great performance hall has seen everything from touring orchestras to wrestling matches, funeral services and proms, internationally acclaimed Grammy winning musicians and Broadway stars, folk icons and jazz greats, improv comedy and political debates, basketball games and the Grand March, operas and magic, movies and puppet shows, roller skating and almost anything else the times demanded. These days our performers arrive by car or tour bus, but a quick review of the Boothbay Register from earlier days reports on musicians and actors arriving via ferry from Wiscasset and points south. We have a parking lot today, only because the Strand movie theater burned down in the 1970s. We remain grateful to the firemen who saved the Opera House.
While the Opera House is filled with memories, at the turn of the 21st century it faced an uncertain future. At the time it was privately owned and nearly impossible to maintain. Over the past decade, through steady fundraising and unbridled enthusiasm, the old House was purchased and a non-profit organization was established to “save” it, restore it, and fill it with programming. Today, thanks to support from the community and visitors alike, the Opera House is thriving and open year ‘round.
The Pythian Lodge
While our programming takes place on the main stage, visitors are welcome to walk the long flight upstairs to the second floor. On some evenings the upstairs bar is open (in addition to the bar on the main floor). This space was once the Pythian lodge.
On days and nights when public performances are not scheduled the Opera House is often busy hosting private parties and meetings.
The Opera House is open year round.
Board and Staff Members
2026 Board of Directors
Leslie Bird: Leslie grew up in Waterville, Maine enjoying live performances at the local opera house and swimming in the Belgrade Lakes. She was a Peace Corps volunteer working with women’s weaving cooperatives in Togo, West Africa and later lived in Mali, Benin and Kenya. Leslie moved to Boothbay Harbor in 2004 to work in finance at Bigelow Labs, raise her family, and learn to sail. A perfect Boothbay Harbor day for Leslie includes a swim at the Y, a walk on a land trust trail, and a concert at the Opera House. Leslie and her husband, Steven Cook, live in Boothbay Harbor.
Duane Brunell: Duane’s earliest concerts were in big arenas to see groups like the Who, Kinks and Police. He now much prefers more intimate concert settings, especially here at the Boothbay Opera House. His first exposure to this wonderful venue was volunteering during the Kate Shrock years, remembering scraping grease from the old kitchen fixtures to get the facility ready for its new performance life. He loves the variety of artists that appear here and is impressed by how many of his favorite talents are drawn to BOH. Duane initially worked for commercial insurance companies, from entry-level to VP positions. He is retired from Maine Department of Transportation where he managed the Highway Safety Office, working collaboratively with many other agencies and led the multi-agency Maine Transportation Safety Coalition for several years. He was responsible for developing various work-related publications. He moved from New Jersey to live full time at their vacation home in East Boothbay in 2000, with his wife Pat. He has two grown daughters – Emily and Ryn who graduated from Boothbay HS. He also continues to actively volunteer at the Boothbay Historical Society.
Nan Davison: Nan has lived in Boothbay with her husband Chip for 47 years. They raised their 3 daughters here. Nan has been active in many not-for-profits in the community over the years, serving on the boards of the YMCA, BRLT, St Andrews Hospital and the Chamber of Commerce. She served as president of both the YMCA and the Land Trust boards. She was active in the local PTA when her girls were in school. She has served as director of the Adult Education Program in town. Family is a huge priority for Chip and Nan and they spend much of their time visiting their daughters’ families, and especially enjoying their 10 grandchildren. Summers with them all in Maine are a highlight. Sailing, hiking and biking along with crisscrossing the country in their RV, visiting national and state parks keeps them on the move. Chip and Nan love the Opera House and have enjoyed discovering many new artists and state that “there is never a bad performance in this amazing venue!”
Bonnie Ginger: Bonnie is a resident of Boothbay with her husband Ron. They have two children and three grandchildren. Bonnie has been a supporter of music for over 40 years. Having worked for Pan Am and then becoming a librarian, service was always a part of her working life. The resurgence of folk music and the array of venues in the Boston Metro area encouraged her to be one of the founders of the Uncommon Coffeehouse, housed in the First Parish Church of Framingham. Ron and Bonnie were also exhibitors at the Great Hudson River Revival in New York, a music festival initiated by Pete Seeger and others to bring recognition to the Hudson River and the need to clean it up. Bonnie also belonged to a women’s African and Middle Eastern drumming and dance group that performed for nonprofit organizations and at local schools to teach children drumming and dance. Being a part of the Opera House “family” is an honor and a privilege.
Allyson Goodwin: Allyson lives on Barter’s Island with her husband, Mark Short, and adorable border collies, Kaylee and Patchett. They have been coming to a beloved East Boothbay family cottage for decades and moved to the peninsula to become permanent residents two weeks before COVID. She and Mark’s two wonderful grown children live in Burlington, VT and Medford, MA. Allyson began a life-long passion for fundraising in high school and has devoted her professional life to philanthropy. Allyson’s philosophy is that fundraising is simply a matter of match making between a donor and a non-profit’s mission and that philanthropy is the fuel that ignites that mission. She also believes that since the first three letters in fundraising is “fun” the work should be joyful and heart-centered. Allyson is currently the Director of Development at the Boothbay Region YMCA and has a side gig as principal of her fundraising consulting firm, The Goodwin Group. Allyson is a life-long volunteer, a member of the Alumni Council at Colby College, an avid pickleball player, voracious reader, film aficionado, writer, cold-water dipper, newbie knitter, Patriots fan, and life-long lover of a wide variety of music, especially performed live, and particularly when offered at the Opera House.
Lenore Imhof: For the Imhof Family, it’s always been about the love of music and the coast of Maine. The family was first drawn to Midcoast Maine in 1971. Thanks to their Bloomfield High School Choral and Music Director, Tim White, who spent his summers in Boothbay Harbor as an accomplished nature and puffin photographer, they found their way from Bremen to Boothbay Harbor in the ‘80’s. Tim and his renowned organist wife, Annette, introduced the family to the late Ruth Rhoads Gardner Lepper of Southport and as a young aspiring cellist at the time, Lenore fondly remembers a “young” 70 plus year-old Ruth traveling weekly to Portland to play her cello. When she turned 100, the family was invited to celebrate the milestone at the Boothbay Opera House where live music serenaded the birthday girl. Luckily for Lenore, a chance encounter in Boothbay Harbor in August 2011 with a summer visitor from Minnesota while walking her LCAS foster red golden retriever named Jake (thanks to Betsy Pratt), resulted in another Boothbay Harbor “love affair.” There was a wedding in 2017 at the historic Wilson Chapel where Sean Fleming played the organ and Kevin Kiley provided live music and vocals along with an aspiring young harpist Rhiannon Skye for the reception at the Boothbay Harbor Inn. Lenore asks, “how could my heart not find its way to the Opera House as we transitioned to full time in Boothbay Harbor?” Lenore has spent the last thirty-five years as a high school and middle school educator that has enabled her to have an even greater appreciation for the preservation of history and music. She says, “how lucky are we to have this historic jewel in the center of our community!” When not enjoying live music at the Opera House, Lenore can be found hiking the BRLT trails with her husband, Kirk Mikkelsen, and their favorite canine companions, Hover and Moxie, boating along the coast and up the Kennebec River, coaching swimming at the Y, subbing in our local schools, and also practicing law.
Sophia Mansfield: Sophia is a 16-year old resident of Boothbay and a junior at BRHS. She has been involved in Boothbay Y-Arts since she was 5 years old. She has performed many times on the stage at the Opera House during the community shows and band concerts. Performing is a passion of hers, and she is planning to attend college for musical theater. While dancing, singing, and acting take up much of her time, she has also enjoyed sports like cross country, track, and cheer. She has sung the National Anthem at the State house and the Portland Sea Dogs multiple times, as well as at many Boothbay school sporting events. She recently returned from the annual Junior Theater Festival trip in Atlanta with the Boothbay Y-Arts group and had an amazing experience. She hopes to bring some of her enthusiasm for the arts and personal experience to the Opera House board.
Joe McCammon: Joe lives in Boothbay Harbor with his wife, Laurie and cavapoo, Gracie. He was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, moving to the United States when his father’s career in professional hockey led them to Michigan, and later to Philadelphia and Maine. Joe played hockey as a goaltender in college and is an avid pickleball player. Joe spent the next 35 years in the Portland area where he met his wife and raised their son, Christopher. During that time, he built and operated a technology company based out of Falmouth, Maine, which he sold in 2018. He and Laurie moved to Boothbay Harbor in 2020, and are grateful to be part of this vibrant, close-knit community. Joe’s love of music began at age 12 when he learned to play the drums. As a musician, he recognizes that the Opera House is a cornerstone of what makes Boothbay Harbor special, promoting the arts and providing access to world-class musicians. As a local resident, he also appreciates how the Opera House serves as a hub for community activity, celebrations, and connections. Joe is honored to serve on the board and is looking forward to helping the Opera House continue to thrive in the future.
Kate McEvoy Rice: Kate resides in Boothbay Harbor with her husband, Matt, children Sawyer and Ella, and their goldendoodle, Nellie. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, Kate began her career at Boothbay Region Elementary School, where she has taught Special Education, Second Grade, and Pre-Kindergarten over the past 18 years. When she isn’t in the classroom or spending time with her family, Kate is likely giving back to the community she loves. She is deeply involved with the Boothbay Railway Village as a Board member and loves to help organize their local events. Her current and past community service also includes board positions with the Boothbay Region YMCA, Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation, Boothbay Region Land Trust, and Education Boothbay. Kate’s appreciation for music and live performance began in childhood, attending shows at the Opera House with her father and sister. Today, she continues to enjoy everything the Opera House has to offer and is thrilled to share those experiences with her own children.
Vicki Reinecke, Vice President: Vicki was born and raised in Boothbay Harbor and attended local schools. She was a founding member/former Treasurer for West Harbor Pond Watershed Association and served on the board of District Nurse Association. Vicki retired from Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in Administration/HR. The Opera House holds wonderful memories of roller skating with friends after school when it was the YMCA. She enjoys volunteering at the Opera House, walking, and kayaking. Vicki lives in West Boothbay Harbor with her rescue dog Savannah and cat Gronkowski.
Kari Smith, President : Kari lives in Boothbay Harbor with her spouse Nancy McGovern and rescue dog Rosie. She played French Horn from 2nd through 4 years of college – latterly in a brass quintet that gigged at weddings and social events. After college she transitioned to singing and body percussion as a way to participate and enjoy music. Her work and life have taken Kari to many countries and areas within which has exposed her to a wide range of musical traditions — and dance! Kari enjoys singing, dancing, and experiencing the range of talent that the Opera House is renowned for. Kari and Nancy are both professional archivists and information managers who teach and coach. Until 2022, they worked at well-known universities and at non-profit organizations — graduating to semi-retired and part time consulting in the past 3 years. Kari, Nancy, and Rosie enjoy walks around town and at the Land Trust properties. If you see a dog in town you may well also find Kari there petting it! “Sorry I’m late – I saw a dog” could be her tagline.
Mark Spencer: Mark and his wife, Barbara, along with his two grown daughters, Mary Elizabeth and Anna, are long-time summer residents of Boothbay Harbor. An officer in the United States Marine Corps and Naval Aviator with 41 years of experience flying various aircraft worldwide, Mark recently concluded a distinguished career with Delta Airlines in 2021. Now, Mark contributes his wealth of experience to the community of Bayville, Maine, serving on the Board of Overseers. Embracing his passion for hiking, boating and a mild addiction to Pickleball, Mark believes there’s no better place to call home. Beyond his adventurous spirit, Mark holds a deep appreciation for the arts, particularly live music. His love for old buildings finds a perfect match in the cherished and historic Opera House. Mark’s commitment to the Opera House reflects his dedication to preserving and enhancing the vibrant arts community that makes Boothbay Harbor truly special.
Jill Tupper, Secretary: Jill is a local attorney who retired in 2023 after practicing law in Boothbay Harbor for thirty years. Boothbay Harbor was her husband Stan’s home town and they moved back to the area in 1972. Their daughter Lara was born in 1973 and attended the local schools. Jill has always had an interest in bringing the performing arts to the community. She was a founding member of the Performing Arts Council (1981-1989); the PAC brought artists to town for evening performances in the school gym for the community and workshops in the schools during the day. She can still remember folks dancing their hearts out to a klezmer band on a snowy winter night. John Andrews was a friend and got the Tuppers involved in the Opera House from the very beginning. Jill is looking forward to working with the Board to continue the great work already in place through the hard work of so many people.
Amy Valentine, Treasurer: Amy lives with her husband Michael in Boothbay Harbor during the summer and in Bonita Springs, FL in the winter. They also spend time at camp in western Maine when possible. Amy retired in 2019 from her position as a Tax Technology leader at a global professional services firm. She led long term projects in several countries and had the opportunity to lead a practice in Hyderabad, India where she focused on recruiting, training and the deployment of professionals. She also focused on the development and retention of women professionals. Amy loves the Opera House because it brings experiences to town that she would not have thought to seek out. She says, “there is no better feeling than being in the audience experiencing these artists while surrounded by friends and neighbors doing the same.” In addition to spending time on Opera House endeavors, Amy is a member of the board of the Oceanview Condominium Association and the Kawanhee Properties Association. She is also an avid knitter and enjoys any opportunity to gather and learn with other knitters.
Opera House Staff
Cathy Sherrill, Executive Director: Cathy Sherrill has served as the Executive Director of the Opera House since 2006. She arrived at the House following a 20 year stint in development at Smith College, Deerfield Academy, Tabor Academy and Sea Education Association. Along the way she worked in film and television, and ran summer concert series for fun and served as a field assistant for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Like all small non-profits, everyone at the Opera House wears many hats. In addition to managing general operations Cathy is responsible for the day to day financial oversight of the organization, booking acts & facility rentals, press & marketing, and bar operations, while working alongside Technical Director Kevin Kiley and Box Office and Membership Manager Eric Lowe.
Kevin Kiley, Technical Director: Kevin joined the Opera House staff in November 2011, after volunteering during the Opera House’s earliest years. He may be best known for his over the top holiday decorating at the Opera House, but he works tirelessly year-round in the lighting booth and with the ever changing tech crews during concert load-ins. When not specifically busy with set design or performance load-ins, Kevin takes care of maintenance projects around the building. When not at the Opera House he teaches piano and voice in the region. For more than 30 years he has served as the house piano player at the Boothbay Harbor Inn. He is a musician, an actor and a mega talent who has toured nationally, and we are lucky that he calls Boothbay and the Opera House home.
Eric Lowe, Membership and Box Office Manager: Eric joined the Opera House team in June of 2021. Originally from Silver Spring, Maryland, Eric studied painting at the Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore. He soon got involved in the city’s underground music scene, but kept his day jobs, among them doing cardiac ultrasound at Johns Hopkins. While in Baltimore, Eric met his wife Jen, who told him stories of glorious summers spent at her grandparents’ home in Boothbay Harbor. After a few twists and turns including a spell in NYC, Eric and Jen now live in town, where Eric enjoys the walk across the footbridge to the Opera House. When there is a break in the action, Eric works on songs, goes adventuring with Jen, and muses about philosophy, current affairs, and weird old records.