Penobscot Theatre Company's AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY Begins 4/30

Penobscot Theatre Company will present Maine's professional premiere of August: Osage County, written by Tracy Letts and directed by Bari Newport, April 30 through May 17, at the historic Bangor Opera House. It is the outrageous story of three generations of Weston women, reunited in the wake of tragedy and tugging at the ties that bind. Humor proves a thin veil for decades of deceit and disappointment, but when old resentments rise to the surface and secrets are shared, laughter is the only recourse.

Winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, August has never been professionally staged in Maine, which Newport attributes to the work's epic scale. "These days it is rare to see thirteen actors on stage as large casts quickly become cost prohibitive. This particular play not only has a large cast, but it also has a three-story, nearly fully functional house. It is thrilling to direct, thrilling to act and for the audience, thrilling to behold. It is a mystery, a comedy, a soap opera and a drama and a truly AWESOME modern American play."

Newport has assembled an exceptional ensemble, including Allen Adams, Travis Baker, Hannah Box, Kae Cooney, Danielle Kennedy, Brad LaBree, Julie Arnold Lisnet, Grace Livingston, Arthur Morison, AJ Mooney, Brendan Powers, Amy Roeder, and Richard Sewell. Los Angeles-based actress Danielle Kennedy has earned dozens of stage, film, and television credits, including most recently the film You're Not You, NBC's Parks and Recreation, and the soon-to-be released Narcos (Netflix). About Violet, the self-centered, pill-popping, potty-mouth she's playing in August, Kennedy said with a grin, "I like her! I think that means there's something wrong with me."

Kennedy will be joined on stage by fellow out-of-towners Brendan Powers of Florida, who last delighted Penobscot Theatre Company audiences as the narrator in Our Town (2014); and Richard Sewell, adjunct associate professor of theater and dance, emeritus, at Colby College. Playing Violet's three differently dysfunctional daughters are local standouts Kae Cooney, AJ Mooney, and the theatre's own director of education and Equity actress Amy Roeder.

Scenic and lighting designer Jonathan Spencer of New York City is returning to Bangor to oversee the creation of the three-story Weston home; and rounding out the design team are Kevin Koski (costumes), Brandie Rita (sound), and Meredith Perry (properties). The production will feature an original score by Jacob Augustine.

August: Osage County is produced in partnership with Maine Savings Federal Credit Union, Eaton Peabody, and the University of Maine Foundation. The theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous support provided throughout the season by the following sponsors: The Bangor Daily News, Blueberry Broadcasting, Canyon Networks, The Charles Inn, Darling's, The Maine Arts Commission, The Maine Edge, Downtown with Rich Kimball, ZONE Radio, and WLBZ Channel 2.

To purchase tickets or for more details, call the Box Office at (207) 942-3333 or go online at www.penobscottheatre.org.