Bar Harbor’s 1932 Criterion Theatre to Reopen In June 2025

Bar Harbor's 1932 Criterion Theatre will reopen in June, 2025 after being shuttered since December 2024.

The Criterion's non-profit Board of Directors voted on April 13th to transfer the assets to Harper House Music Foundation, a non-profit public charity focused on supporting music communities and arts education.

Harper House Music Foundation was founded by longtime Bar Harbor summer residents, Stephen and Allison Sullens, who have pledged $1 million in operational, programming and preservation support. They will partner with local stakeholders to steward the Criterion going forward as a vibrant, community-centered performing arts venue. Additionally they are seeding the Harper House Music Foundation Criterion Theatre Preservation Fund, a donor advised fund established with the Maine Community Foundation to accept donations to support the Criterion and further their community and music initiatives.

“Attending Criterion shows and events has been one of our favorite things about our time on MDI over the years,” said Harper House Music Foundation Founder Stephen Sullens. “The Theatre is a true gem, and we deeply appreciate its role as a cultural cornerstone for Down East communities. Allison and I are thrilled to contribute to the Criterion’s preservation and in leading it in this next chapter.”

Year-round resident and entrepreneur Michael Boland, who previously led the Criterion’s 2014 restoration and served as a driving force behind the Theatre’s modernization, will be working with Harper House Music Foundation to help manage the ownership transition as Interim Director. Their goal is to program a full slate of events for the 2025 season, including returning shows with writer and humorist David Sedaris and comedian Bob Marley, as well as new acts, such as just announced indie pop band Lucius and reggae artist Barrington Levy. More shows and events, as well as ticket information, will be released soon at www.criteriontheatre.org.

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