FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | PRESS RELEASE

Poland Spring Preservation Society Celebrates 50 Years of Preservation with Anniversary Gala Theater Performance

Poland Spring Water – The Source, The Song, The Story brings history, music, dance, and legendary personalities to life at the historic Poland Spring Bottling Museum

POLAND SPRING, Maine:  (August 6, 2026) – The Poland Spring Preservation Society invites the community to celebrate a historic milestone with an unforgettable Anniversary Gala featuring the original theatrical production, Poland Spring Water – The Source, The Song, The Story, on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the historic Poland Spring Bottling Museum.

The special performances commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Poland Spring Preservation Society and celebrate the rich history preserved at the historic Poland Spring Bottling Museum. Through music, dance, storytelling, and appearances by famous personalities who visited the Poland Spring Resort during its golden age, this immersive theatrical experience transports audiences back to a remarkable era when Poland Spring was known throughout the world as a premier destination.

Presented by the Poland Spring Preservation Society in association with L Janus Productions, Poland Spring Water – The Source, The Song, The Story explores the people, places, and stories behind one of Maine’s most iconic landmarks. The performance celebrates the enduring legacy of Poland Spring’s historic spring water and the generations of people who helped shape its history.

“This production grew from a deep connection to the history preserved at Poland Spring,” said Ell Fanus, creator, writer, and director of the production. “From the first moment I toured the historic buildings at Poland Spring, I was transported in time. The beauty, architecture, and rich history inspired me to discover the stories woven into these remarkable places. At the heart of those stories, of course, is water – and that became the inspiration for Poland Spring Water – The Source, The Song, The Story.”

The production features a remarkable blend of local talent and professional artists. The multigenerational cast ranges in age from 15 to over 70, bringing together high school students from Poland Regional High School and Gray-New Gloucester High School, staff members from Poland Regional High School, a staff member from Poland Spring Resort, and members of the Poland Spring community.

Adding to the significance of the production, several professional performers are traveling from outside Maine to participate.

MaryAnne Dumont, originally from Maine and now based in New York City, brings extensive professional theater experience to the role of Mae West. A classically trained actor with a background in theater, dance, and original performance works, Dumont is returning to her home state to be part of this special celebration.

Nicholas De Sibio, an actor, singer, writer, director, and producer with extensive New York City stage experience, joins the production as Theodore Roosevelt. His career includes performances, directing, and creating original works for theater audiences.

Polina Kirillova Boghosian, originally from Ukraine and founder of Ballroom Dance Portland, serves as choreographer. A lifelong dancer and accomplished competitor in ballroom and Latin dance, Boghosian has created choreography for stage productions, independent films, and major community fundraising events throughout Maine.

William (Bill) Eldridge portrays Hiram Ricker, bringing a unique connection to the production as a longtime member of the Poland Spring Preservation Society and a proud West Poland resident since 1972. Active in town affairs for many years, Bill has also performed in the Society’s concert series and is pleased to be part of this fundraising event celebrating the Preservation Society’s 50th anniversary. His participation reflects the strong connection between the Society’s preservation mission and the stories being brought to life on stage.

Under the creative leadership of Ell Fanus, the production brings together her lifelong passions for theater, writing, education, and community. Fanus has written, directed, and performed in numerous original productions, including work in New York City, and served for 21 years as a gifted and talented education teacher with RSU 16, where she directed many student productions. She holds a theater and education degree from Ohio State University and a master’s degree in gifted education from the University of Southern Maine.

Note: This play is inspired by real events and presented through a creative lens. It is produced and performed independently of the Poland Spring Water Company.

The Anniversary Gala performances will take place at:

Poland Spring Bottling Museum
115 Preservation Way
Poland Spring, ME 04274

Performance Dates:
Friday, August 21, 2026
Saturday, August 22, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM
Doors open at 6:30 PM

Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door, if available. Advance reservations are encouraged, as performances are expected to sell out.

Tickets include a complimentary glass of champagne or sparkling beverage and Poland Spring water. A cash bar will also be available for guests wishing to purchase additional beverages.

Guests are encouraged to add to the celebration by dressing in early 20th-century style. Whether arriving in a full flapper-inspired ensemble, elegant period attire, or simply adding a vintage accessory such as a hat, gloves, or walking cane, guests are invited to help create an atmosphere reflecting the golden age of Poland Spring.

Come celebrate the Source, the Song, and the Story of Poland Spring in an evening filled with history, entertainment, and timeless charm.

Tickets are available at:  https://polandspringps.org/product-category/tickets/

Connect With Poland Spring Preservation Society:  

Online | Facebook | YouTube Channel | Instagram

 

About the Poland Spring Preservation Society

Founded in 1976, the Poland Spring Preservation Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the unique historic architecture of the Maine State Building and All Souls Chapel, one-of-a-kind structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Maine State Building was originally constructed for the World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago and later returned to Maine by the Ricker family of Poland Spring, who received an award for the purity of their Poland Water at the Exposition. It is one of only five remaining state buildings from the World’s Columbian Exposition and the only state building still standing from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

All Souls Chapel opened in 1912 under the vision of Sadie Ricker for guests and staff at Poland Spring.

The museum buildings are available for private parties, weddings, and events.

For more information, please contact the Poland Spring Preservation Society at PO Box 444, Poland Spring, Maine 04274, call (207) 998-4142, or email contact@polandspringmuseums.org

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Kimberly J. Poland | Poland Media Group

(401) 743-7272 | kimberly@polandmediagroup.com

###