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Portland Ovations Announces Community Seats Program — Providing Free Performance Tickets to Community

PORTLAND, MAINE —September 17, 2025  Portland Ovations is grateful to be able to share with the public our Community Seats program, providing complimentary and reduced-price performance tickets to partners and their constituencies across Greater Portland. Ovations believes the power of live performance cultivates community in a positive way.  “Thank you again for helping us make … Read more

Run Away with the Circus — Circus Smirkus 2025 Big Top Tour Game On! Tumbles and Flips into Cumberland Fairgrounds

PORTLAND, MAINE —July 15, 2025  Roll the dice, whirl the spinner, and join the ultimate circus showdown. The high-energy, action-packed spectacular 2025 Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour: Game On! brings your favorite board games to life with daring circus acts, playful twists, and nonstop fun for all ages. There are four chances to make your … Read more

Wabanaki musicians Jeremy Dutcher, Mali Obomsawin, Chris Newell, Ida Mae Specker, Lauren Stevens and Roger Paul Join Yo-Yo Ma October 20th on Merrill Auditorium Stage in We Are Water: A Northeast Celebration

PORTLAND, MAINE —June 27, 2025  Yo-Yo Ma and friends present an evening of songs and stories that ask how the waters of the North — from Kwenitekw (the Connecticut River) to Supeq (the ocean) and Punkik (the Arctic North) — connect us to each other and to our past, present, and future. This one-night-only concert … Read more

The 2025–2026 Season is Here!

Portland Ovations proudly announces an exhilarating new season of live performances and community-centered programs, now on sale to Ovations Members. Public ticket sales open Friday, June 27 at 11 AM. From Broadway national tours to world-renowned musicians, jaw-dropping spectacle, and genre-defying artistry, the 2025–2026 season is bursting with unforgettable experiences. Audiences can look forward to … Read more

2024-2025 Season Announcement

Get ready for unforgettable moments with high-flying acts like Cirkus Smirkus and Cirque Kalabanté, and dive into Broadway hits like “Hadestown”, “Dear Evan Hansen”, “The Cher Show”, and “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations”. Enjoy magical evenings with Champions of Magic, Angélique Kidjo, and The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra. Discover … Read more

Órla: A shining light

Maybe it was that she shared an uncommon name with a dear friend’s daughter. Maybe it was her lilting British accent. Maybe it was the sparkle in her eyes that beamed: I’m living my dream. Whatever the reason or all of them, Órla Baxendale stood out among the several engaging and lovely dancers in MOMIX. … Read more

A look back at the 2022-23 season

Ovations kickstarted our 92nd season with Garba360, a free-to-the-public lively and immersive community dance party. This unique event invited all to enjoy the spirited Indian Gujarati folk dances of garba and raas.  In October, we welcomed audiences for three performances of the timeless, award-winning musical, CHICAGO. Roxie Hart continues to razzle and dazzle along with … Read more

Here’s to a great season!

Ovations’ 91st season is officially wrapped. Wow, we did it. And by “we” – we mean all of us. Because there is no live performance without you. Over the past 10 months, across 11 venues, more than 23,000 experienced 36 live performances. Seven of these performances were free and in public spaces. Five were dedicated … Read more

2021-22 Season Reflection – An Unforgettable Season

 OCTOBER We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off our 91st season than with 5 free public performances of the vertical dance innovators, BANDALOOP, which had people captivated, lying in the streets and watching from nearby rooftops, balconies and windows, as dancers were suspended from the rooftop of the Canopy by Hilton Portland … Read more

Ovations stands with the people of Ukraine

Dear Friends, Back in 2016, Ovations brought to Portland one of the most unforgettable ensembles we’ve ever presented: the self-described Ukrainian folk-pop punk quartet specializing in ethnic-chaos known as DakhaBrakha. Three women, one man, soaring vocal ranges and harmonies, myriad of instruments that span the globe – all rooted firmly in Ukrainian culture. The band … Read more