Penobscot Theatre Company to Offer Free Sneak Peek At New Season

Penobscot Theatre Company invites the community to enjoy a complimentary sampling of the 2017-2018 season at Scenes & Songs, August 24 at 7:00 pm, at the Bangor Opera House. This popular event is generating even more excitement than usual this year, as attendees will be the first to experience the company's brand new seats and other interior improvements. "From our fabulous opener to our mysterious seventh show, our audience is in for a treat this season!" said Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport. "Sit back-or lean in-in in unprecedented comfort and enjoy professional, high-quality theatre in the heart of Maine."

First in the company's 44th season will be the Maine premiere of The Fabulous Lipitones,September 7-24, an a capella musical comedy that puts a contemporary twist on a barbershop quartet. Just in time for Halloween will be the regional premiere of Misery, a faithful adaptation of the Stephen King classic about an injured novelist and his "number one fan." Misery will run for four weeks, October 12-November 5. Filling the special holiday slot will be Disney's Beauty and the Beast, December 7-30; and kicking off the new year will be Escanaba in da Moonlight, February 1-18, 2018, a hunting story to beat all hunting stories by actor Jeff Daniels (Maine premiere). More serious themes will prevail in the next production in the lineup: Ugly Lies the Bone, March 15-April 1. This timely new work, a Maine premiere, deals with the ramifications of modern warfare and the promise of modern technology through the story of a young veteran. The Spitfire Grill, a folk musical adaptation of the hit 1996 film, will close the subscription series, April 26-May 13.

In keeping with the tradition of recent years, the company will unveil its "surprise seventh show" at Scenes & Songs. "We love a good mystery," hinted Newport, "so we're letting the suspense build around this highly anticipated production. I can share that it will run June 14-July 8, 2018, and not every character makes it until the end. I've said too much!"

Full season, snowbird, and student subscriptions are on sale now, offering patrons various ways to enjoy the theatre and save up to 39 percent off the price of single tickets. All subscribers are eligible for exclusive benefits, including discounted tickets to Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the surprise seventh show, and other special events.

Single tickets for Misery and all other regular shows will go on sale Monday, August 7. While subscribers may purchase their discount tickets to Disney's Beauty and the Beastnow, single tickets for this special production will not be available until October 2.

Scenes & Songs is free to the public but space is limited and reservations are required. To reserve a seat for general admission, email scenesandsongs@penobscottheatre.org or call the box office at (207) 942-3333 (limit 6 seats per reservation).

For more information about the season or to subscribe online, visit the theatre's website www.penobscottheatre.org.