Ray Routhier

Staff Writer

Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.

Local & State

Coast Guard searching for man, 3 children

by Rob Wolfe and Ray Routhier October 5, 2019October 5, 2019

They made a distress call from a 14-foot boat off Kennebunkport before losing touch, officials say.

Arts & Entertainment, News

TV legend Ed Asner gives Eastport his theatrical blessing

by Ray Routhier October 1, 2019October 1, 2019

The ‘Lou Grant’ and ‘Mary Tyler Moore Show’ star will play the title role in ‘God Help Us!’ at the Eastport Arts Center on Oct. 12 and 13.

Do This

With musical at Merrill, Carole King’s not so far away

by Ray Routhier September 30, 2019October 1, 2019

The Broadway National Tour of ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’ comes to Merrill Auditorium in Portland on Friday and Saturday.

Arts & Entertainment, Business, Local & State

Comedians give it up for new club in downtown Portland

by Ray Routhier September 23, 2019September 22, 2019

Empire Comedy Club will officially open in January above the Empire Chinese Kitchen on Congress Street.

Arts & Entertainment, Do This

‘Lord of the Rings’ soundtrack to showcase Kotzschmar’s majesty

by Ray Routhier September 23, 2019September 24, 2019

Guest organist Jens Korndoerfer says he picked music for Friday’s concert in Portland that would showcase the organ’s power, including works by Wagner and Strauss and songs from ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies.