By Rachel Morin

TCT Columnist

Janet Gibson, historian and archivist at Lewiston-Auburn Community Little Theatre, has compiled an interesting history of CLT, which is celebrating its 71st season. The book covers the theater’s beginnings many decades ago through the present.

Understandably her book is not inclusive of everything, as it would take more than one book to accomplish that! The book is loaded with headshots of the actors, a large photo collection of plays throughout the seasons, clippings of special events and interesting memorabilia.

Janet’s amusing anecdotes of behind-the-scenes activity and descriptive glimpses into what happened in the early stages decades ago are entertaining reading. She has been a member of CLT since 1952, joining with the “Orchesis” dance group, led by JoAnne Prince.

The author was immediately hooked with theater life and has been active ever since, serving on the CLT Board of Directors and volunteering many years in the box office and on season ticket sales. Janet has appeared in several productions at CLT, most recently in “Crazy for You.”

She is the founder/director of the CLT Readers Theater in 2009. Readers Theater was recognized by Wal-Mart with a $1,000 grant for its community service performing at senior housing and nursing homes gratis for the past three years.

Janet spent three years researching the book and conducting interviews with many of the old-time actors and directors. The proceeds from the book will go to Lewiston-Auburn Community Little Theatre. Sales have been brisk; a limited number of books is available.

The author is going on tour with the recently published book, scheduled to appearing at:

May 14 at 9 a.m. Book signing at MeAct Festival, hosted by CLT at Great Falls Art Center, Auburn;

May 14 at 11:30 a.m. Book signing, Percy’s Burrow, Auburn Mall;

May 17 at 7 p.m. Talk and book signing, Lewiston Public Library;

June 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Book signing at the CLT Booth, Business-to-Business Trade Show, Colisée;

June 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25 and 26. Before and during intermission at every performance of CLT’s “Wait until Dark.” Schaeffer Theatre at Bates College. (Note: CLT will be performing at different sites due to renovations and construction at the theater, starting in June.);

June 23 at noon. Talk and book signing, Auburn Public Library;

The book is $20 payable by cash or check made out to Janet H. Gibson. Mailing can be arranged for $25, which includes packaging and postage. To make other arrangements to purchase the book, contact Janet Gibson by email or phone at Jgibson34@myfairpoint.net or 783-2501.