Penobscot Theatre Company Offers Free Preview Of 2016-2017 Season

Penobscot Theatre Company invites the community to enjoy a complimentary sampling of the 2016-2017 season at Scenes & Songs, August 25 at 7:00 pm, at the Bangor Opera House. "Take a seat and we'll share what's on tap for our 43rdseason," said Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport, "guaranteed fresh and made with the finest ingredients!"

First in the new lineup will be the Maine professional premiere of Calendar Girls, September 8-25, a revealing comedy that has delighted audiences worldwide. The sensational musical whodunit Murder for Two, October 20-November 6, is the first of three plays next season that have yet to be produced in Maine. The other Maine premieres are Lumberjacks in Love (from the creators of the 2015 hit Guys on Ice), February 2-19; and the delectable I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti, based on Giulia Melucci's laugh-out-loud memoir, which will close the subscription series, April 27-May 14. In the early spring slot,March 16-April 2, will be Monica Wood's poignant and timely Papermaker. "We are honored and extremely excited to stage the second production of Ms. Wood's first play. It's an extraordinary debut," said Newport.

Attendees at Scenes & Songs will get a sneak peek at the most highly anticipated shows of the coming year: the theatre's holiday production of Oliver!, a beloved musical based on Dickens's classic novel, and the "surprise seventh show" that will run June 8-July 2, 2017. "We're keeping #7 secret until our preview event on the 25th," said Newport. "Suffice to say it's a sizzling musical that will serve as the perfect bookend for a season starting with Calendar Girls!"

"There will be surprises galore at Scenes & Songs and special prizes!" added Executive Director Mary Budd. "Through our S&S Raffle, we'll be giving away prizes throughout the evening, including a season subscription, and we're going to offer a first glimpse at a planned facility improvement we know will excite our audience!" Raffle tickets may be purchased in advance for $20 each by calling the box office at 942-3333; buyers need not be attendance to win.

Full season, snowbird, and student subscriptions are on sale now, offering patrons various ways to enjoy the theatre and save up to 43 percent off the price of single tickets. All subscribers are eligible for discounted tickets to Oliver! and the seventh show, along with other exclusive benefits.

Single tickets for Calendar Girls and all other regular shows will go on sale August 15. While subscribers may purchase their discount tickets to Oliver! now, single tickets for this special production will not be available until October 3.

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 websitewww.penobscottheatre.org.