'The Early Evening Show' returns to Celebration Barn

PARIS — Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Celebration Barn Theater presents Mike Miclon’s ‘The Early Evening Show,” a late-night TV show spoof full of sketches, soulful music and wild improvisations that have made it the longest running variety show in Maine history, now in its 20th season.

This month’s show will feature scenes from “The Last Rat in Theresienstadt” and live music from The Ale House String Band, along with show regulars like Fritz Grobe, Shane Miclon, Collin Miclon and the Early Evening Show orchestra.

Using the music, visual art and poetry that was produced in the concentration camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia by the many prominent artists imprisoned there, “The Last Rat in Theresienstadt” tells the story of Sofia Brun, a cabaret star from Weimar, Berlin, and Pavel, the last rat to leave the camp due to his love of cabaret music (embodied by a rod/bunraku style puppet). Imprisoned in Theresienstadt, Sofia has lost everything and with it, her will to live. Pavel, a big and joyful fan, refuses to allow her to give up her singing. Regardless of what may be her final fate, he fans that flame of creativity and brings her back to a final performance in the Theresienstadt attic cabaret.

The Ale House String Band formed in 2009 at The Narrows Tavern in Waldoboro. They codified their style, chamber folk, while playing traditional tunes and covers of popular folk music. Their style is unique, melding the theory and techniques of classical music with traditional folk styles. Oren is a classically trained vocalist, Brian is a wandering soul who picked up music along the way, and April has a master’s degree in music performance. The three have an uncanny ability to improvise music on the spot and occasionally offend random Baptists.

Tickets to Saturday;s show are available for $16 for adults, $14 for seniors (60-plus) and $10 for kids 17 and under. All tickets are general admission; members receive priority seating. Lobby and concessions open at 6:30 p.m. Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended.

To purchase tickets or find more information, visit www.CelebrationBarn.com or call the Barn’s box office at 207-743-8452. Celebration Barn Theater is just off Route 117 at 190 Stock Farm Road in South Paris.