CALENDAR GIRLS, OLIVER! and More Slated for Penobscot Theatre's 2016-2017 Season

Penobscot Theatre Company announces its 43rd Season, a fresh array of plays of musicals to be staged at the company's historic home, the Bangor Opera House. The season will kick-off just after Labor Day and extend into June with a surprise seventh show, to be announced at a later date.

"We're thrilled to invite all those who appreciate great story-telling to join our family of subscribers next season," said Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport. "Come one, come all, and enjoy the magic of theatre all year long!"

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Subscriptions will be on sale to the general public starting April 11. With packages starting at $105 per adult ($45/student), the full subscription series includes:

Calendar Girls by Tim Firth (September 8-25, 2016), based on the Miramax film, tells the true story of a women's group in England that raises big money and lots of eyebrows by baring more than their souls. MAINE PROFESSIONAL PREMIERE

Murder for Two with book and music by Joe Kinosian and book and lyrics by Kellen Blair (October 20-November 6, 2016) is the first of three plays next season that have yet to be produced in Maine--a highly theatrical musical whodunit that will have audiences guessing and laughing and tapping their toes until the very end! MAINE PREMIERE

Lumberjacks in Love by the creators of the 2015 hit Guys on Ice, Fred Alley and James Kaplan, (February 2-19, 2017) is an uproarious musical full of singing and surprises even beyond dancing lumberjacks! MAINE PREMIERE

Papermaker by acclaimed novelist Monica Wood (March 16-April 2, 2017) is a timely drama about family, loyalty, and the dignity and tragedy of mill-town life. I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti adapted by Jacques Lamarre from the memoire by Giulia Melucci (April 27-May 14, 2017) involves the preparation of a pasta dinner -- from scratch on stage -- while regrettable, relatable tales of a young woman's spoiled romances unfold. A MAINE PREMIERE

Among the most prized benefits of subscription are discounted tickets to the theatre's holiday extravaganza, and this year's offering is the musical classic Oliver!, playing December 1-24, including four student matinees.

"With music, lyrics and book by Lionel Bart and such spirited, timeless songs as 'Food, Glorious Food,' and 'Where is Love,' who could ask for more?" said Newport. "But more is just what we're delivering! We'll have a bonus seventh show that will extend into June -- a real crowd-pleaser -- so stay tuned, and if you want to be first to know what's happening, subscribe!"

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A variety of flexible and affordable subscription packages are available, including three-show subscriptions for those who live elsewhere for a portion of the year, and FlexPasses, four- or six-packs of tickets patrons may use to see what they like when they like.

"We understand that people are busier than ever these days, so our subscriptions are designed with flexibility in mind," said Executive Director Mary Budd. "Subscribers are always free to change their tickets once at no charge for another performance if something comes up. Life happens, we get it!"

For the coming season, the theatre is pleased to offer Opening Night subscribers the added benefit of a complimentary beverage at its concession stand, which features craft beers and notable wines; and the first 25 new subscribers will receive a $25 gift certificate from the popular downtown eatery 11 Central. For more information, call the box office at 207-942-3333.

Penobscot Theatre Company is America's Northeastern-most professional, year round theatre company, owners of the historic Bangor Opera House,a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, producing a wide variety of plays and musicals each season. For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season, visit www.penobscottheatre.org.