Penobscot Theatre Co Closes Season with THE SPITFIRE GRILL

Penobscot Theatre Company will close its 44th subscription series with The Spitfire Grill, staging 14 performances April 26 through May 13, at the historic Bangor Opera House. Based on the popular 1996 film of the same name, this heartwarming musical is a collaboration between librettist and lyricist Fred Alley (Guys on Ice andLumberjacks in Love) and composer James Valcq. The plot follows a young woman with a mysterious past to rural Gilead where she finds more than she thought possible at the best (and only) restaurant in town.

"The music is gloriously resonant," said Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport, "and with this production, we are proud to introduce some stellar musical theatre talent to our audience!" Making their Penobscot Theatre Company debut will be Elizabeth Flanagan and Kelly Lester (AEA). Los Angeles-based Lester, whose brother Lucas Richman conducts the Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO), was a featured soloist in the BSO's Celebrating Women concert last May. Her recent theatre credits include Cabaret (La Mirada Theatre) and The Boy from Oz (Celebration Theatre). Rounding out the cast will beBrianne Beck, Scott Johnson (AEA, Guys on Ice), Ira Kramer and Heather Astbury-Libby. Music Director William Shuler will make a cameo appearance though his primary focus will be on musicians Marisa Solomon (cello), Ryu Mitsuhashi (violin), Rya Morrill (accordian) and Gaylen Smith (guitar/mandolin). Shuler last joined Penobscot Theatre Company as music director of the Marvelous Wonderettes (2012). He was also music director of the 2017 National Tour of Pippin, which stopped at the Collins Center of the Arts.

Director Dominick Varney (Lumberjacks in Love, Hair Frenzy, Guys on Ice) will bring to life a world created by scenic designer Sean McClelland of Florida (It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Woman in Black); lighting designer Jonathan Spencer (Escanaba in da Moonlight, Duck Hunter Shoots Angel, Murder for Two); and local designers Meredith Perry (props), Kevin Koski (costumes) and Katie Guzzi (sound).

Show tickets are available online at www.penobscottheatre.org or through the box office, located at 131 Main Street, Bangor; (207) 942-3333. Prices range from $27 to 38 for adults; student tickets are all $15.

The Spitfire Grill is produced in partnership with Deighan Wealth Advisors and Sutherland Weston with generous support from Maine Public and season sponsors Bangor Daily News, Blueberry Broadcasting, Canyon Networks, The Maine Edge, The Maine Arts Commission, Darling's, Downtown with Rich Kimball, News Center Maine, The Tarratine, Wave Radio and ZONE Radio.

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