The next theater season from the Penobscot Theatre Co. at the Bangor Opera House promises bad hair, great music, a holiday classic and the intrigue of a seventh mystery show. PTC announced its 2015-2016 season earlier this week. While the season doesn’t kick off until Sept. 10, season tickets soon will go on sale.
Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport said like every other season, this year’s offerings are designed to give audience members a “savory blend” of different plays and musicals.
“[We want] to give our patrons what they they like and hopefully … expand their palate a bit with the introduction of exciting new flavors,” Newport said.
She added the theater is looking forward to featuring professional Maine premieres of several plays and putting twists of “familiar favorites.”
Also new for next season, all sets will be built off-site at the former Fire Station No. 6, 4 Griffin Road. The PTC purchased the building last December for $225,000 and plans to use the site to build sets and store its large collection of costumes. It also will be used as living quarters for production apprentices. But before then, the group will need do an estimated $24,000 in renovations.
The fire station is 3 miles from the theater and, according to Newport, the open space and high ceilings of the old truck bays provide needed space to build, paint and set up sets before they go onstage. The PTC has never owned a scene shop in its 41 years; instead, the group has relied on donated or rented space in various locations.
Here’s a look at what to expect from the theater this upcoming season:
“Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash”: This musical, created by Richard Maltby Jr. and William Meade, pays homage to Cash through the songs he made famous. Musical numbers will include “Ring of Fire,” “Country Boys,” and “I Walk the Line.” Performances will run from Sept. 10 to Sept. 27.
“Doctor Cerberus”: This Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa play captures the humor and horrors of teenhood through the lens of 13-year-old Franklin Robertson. Robertson is an aspiring writer, midnight movie aficionado, junk food enthusiast and social misfit. Performances will run from Oct. 22 to Nov. 8.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”: This music-filled rendition of Frank Capra’s classic was adapted by Joe Landry and follows the life of George Bailey in the 1940s. Performances will run from Dec. 3 to Dec. 27.
“Hair Frenzy”: This play by Travis G. Baker, award-winning author of “One Blue Tarp” tells the story of good friends, bad hair, small-town life and big dreams. Performances will run from Jan. 28 to Feb. 14.
“The Last Five Years”: Written and composed by Jason Robert Brown, this tale tells the story of two lovers on separate trajectories. According to a press release from the theater, “it is a story of fleeting passion.” Performances will run from March 10 to March 27.
“Duck Hunter Shoots Angel”: This comedy by Mitch Albom tells the story of two Alabama brothers who’ve never shot a duck but fear they’ve shot an angel. Performances will run from April 28 to May 15.
The theater also has announced it will hold a seventh show next season. However, details about what it will be and who will star are being kept secret. Newport said the performance would be a musical and have multiple performances, but would not give any additional information.
PTC season subscribers have until May 1 to guarantee the same seats for next season, and new subscriptions will go on sale May 2. For more information call the box office at 207-942-333 or visit penobscottheatre.org.
