Exactly what makes Maine not just a hospitable place to live but a creative, resilient, humane community is hard to know sometimes. Yes, we have had polarizing leadership, seizing on differences in hostile word and legislative deed.

But there are those who measure the world in joyful, creative, celebratory times, like the people at Maine State Music Theater, who asked L.L. Bean to sponsor this year’s production of “Kinky Boots.” And the people at L.L. Bean who said yes.

Here’s the story. A failing shoe manufacturer in danger of losing the family business because of competition from foreign producers struggles to find the “niche” to save the company, and finds it. The production is just exhilarating. As is the dancing and singing of the cast, not the least by the actor who plays Lola (who played the same role on Broadway), a drag queen who needs the right high-heeled boots to dazzle.

This is Maine. The uplifting performance, the humor, happiness, sadness and poignancy; MSMT’s resilient rebound from pandemic cancellations and L.L. Bean’s support. Go see this production.

Susan Cook
Bath