KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine (September 11, 2019) – The audience gathered for a Kennebunkport Historical Society (KHS) lecture by Board member Albert Black about The Kennebunkport Playhouse on September 3 was pleasantly surprised by a special guest appearance from international recording artist, actress and KHS member Jane Morgan Weintraub. Mrs. Weintraub’s brother, Robert Currier, founded The Kennebunkport Playhouse to bring summer theater and entertainment to the community. The Playhouse was located on River Road across from the Cape Arundel Golf Course before it burned to the ground the evening of October 29, 1971. The cause of the fire was determined to be arson.

“The Society was deeply honored to have Mrs. Weintraub in attendance,” said KHS Executive Administrator Kirsten Camp. “The Kennebunkport Playhouse lecture was part of our series A Walk Through History, and nothing brings history alive for people more than firsthand accounts about places and events. Mrs. Weintraub graciously shared memories of her brother Bob and the annual performances she gave each summer at the Playhouse. It was a real treat for the audience.”

Legendary stars like Joan Fontaine, Myrna Loy, Diana Barrymore, Russell Nype, and Van Johnson thrilled local audiences with their Playhouse performances through the years. Mrs. Weintraub was a regular, wowing theater goers each summer with her one-woman show, dancing and singing her popular hits like Fascination, which was released in 1957 and remained on the charts for 29 weeks. Her career spanned six decades and included live performances, radio, TV and appearances on Broadway. Weintraub received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011.

Diane Lent will present the next lecture, Haunted Kennebunkport, in the Society’s A Walk Through History series on October 1 at the Town House School located at 135 North Street. The lectures are free and open to the public.