A moonlit night with Maine State Music Theatre superstars | Column

A full moon brightens up sunset at Mere Point in Brunswick. (Courtesy of David Treadwell)

The full moon reflected over the water of the Casco Bay, a fitting finale for the people who had just experienced a magical musical performance at the Mere Point Yacht Club.

But back to the beginning. I had been blown away by the extraordinary singing of “Momma Look Sharp” by Jalen Kirkman during the production of “1776” at the Maine State Music Theatre.

After writing a piece about Jalen, I asked if he’d be willing to perform at the Mere Point Yacht Club. He liked the idea, but said he’d need a pianist. I called Curt Dale Clark, MSMT’s artistic director, who suggested I contact Andrew Becker, MSMT’s assistant music director.

Andrew was enthusiastic. We agreed upon a fee and date, and the show was set. Nearly 100 people, including some friends from Thornton Oaks, packed the Mere Point Yacht Club, hopeful that my assurance that they were in for a treat proved true. Jalen and Andrew rocked the performance, exceeding even my own high expectations.

Jalen sang 10 numbers with the poise and professionalism seldom exhibited by a 23-year-old. Highlights included “A Million Dreams” (from “The Greatest Showman”); “Music of the Night” (from “Phantom of the Opera”); “Where Do We Go From Here” (from “Amelie”); and “Beautiful” (from “Beautiful, the Carole King Musical”).

Before each number, Jalen described in deeply personal terms why he chose that particular piece, what it meant to him as a young man hoping to succeed in a highly competitive field. He gave a shout-out to Curt Dale Clark for believing in him.

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Although he grew up on Birmingham, Alabama, and currently lives in New York City, Jalen said Brunswick now feels very much like home.

In addition to accompanying Jalen, Andrew performed a few solo pieces. Like Jalen, Andrew preceded each number with a personal reminiscence. As an example, he said his parents were both musical theater fans.

“When I was playing the piano and my dad walked by he would always say the famous line from ‘Casablanca,’ ‘Play it again, Sam.’ So I finally saw the movie and came to appreciate the reference. That’s just one of the reasons I love my dad.” Andrew then proceeded to play a heartfelt rendition of “As Time Goes By.”

The phenomenal 26-year-old pianist explained that he’d been trained as a classical musician before performing a moving rendition of Chopin’s “Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2.” Incidentally, before the concert Andrew said that Curt Dale Clark was great to work for as he deeply cares about each performer as an individual human being.

Several times during the evening, Jalen and Andrew would praise the other one. Jalen would say, “Man, you are so good.” Andrew would say before doing a solo, “Wow, that’s a hard act to follow!” You could tell the praise was genuine. Two young musicians at the top of their game; each inspired by the other.

After the standing ovation, several members of the audience came up to talk with Jalen and Andrew. They asked Jalen about his career plans. Some of them had lived in Montclair, New Jersey, where Andrew grew up. One of them had served as the head of the music department at Ithaca College where Andrew had earned his bachelor’s degree.

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The next morning, I met a couple from London who were visiting friends at Mere Point and had attended the show. The man said about Jalen, “That guy could perform at the West End right now.”

I received numerous emails and texts from people who had come to the show. They were deeply grateful for the opportunity to enjoy such a wonderful evening. I do hope that Jalen Kirkman and Andrew Becker will return to Brunswick next summer. Prospects look good given Curt Dale Clark’s enthusiastic comments about each of them.

In the meantime, those who enjoyed this most magical evening can will forever treasure the memory — as time goes by.

David Treadwell, a Brunswick writer, welcomes commentary and suggestions for future “Just a Little Old” columns at [email protected].

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