A Fabulous Start to Penobscot Theatre Company's 44th Season Announced

Penobscot Theatre Company kicks off its 2017-2018 Season with the Maine premiere of an a cappella play with music both traditional and timely. The Fabulous Lipitones tells the story of a contemporary barbershop quartet that loses its tenor to a strenuously high B-flat before a major national competition. A scramble ensues to find a suitable replacement, and the best candidate takes everyone by surprise. The production runs from September 7-24, beginning with two discounted previews on September 7-8. All performances will take place at the newly refurbished Bangor Opera House, 131 Main Street, Bangor.

The Fabulous Lipitones is written by John Markus and Mark St. Germain. John Markus is perhaps best known as the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning head writer of The Cosby Show. Markus wrote 67 episodes of the popular sitcom in addition to co-creating The Cosby Show spin-off A Different World. The Fabulous Lipitones is Mr. Markus's first play. Co-author Mark St. Germain is the playwright responsible for penning such familiar titles as Camping with Henry and Tom, Out of Gas on Lover's Leap, Freud's Last Session and Becoming Dr. Ruth.

With a mix of 12 original and traditional songs, UMaine's Danny Williams music directs the barber shoppers in a vocal tour de force. The Fabulous Lipitones cast is composed of DC Anderson (tenor) whose long list of credits includes work at The Goodspeed Opera House, The Guthrie Theatre and Chicago's Steppenwolf; regional standouts Dominick Varney (bass) and Doug Meswarb (baritone); and New York's Danish Farooqui (lead) in his regional theatre debut. Experienced New York-based director/actor/choreographer Michael Marotta leads the team. "This story strikes an auspicious chord," says Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport, "as it explores the many paths to perfect harmony. It's chock full of laughs and the music is guaranteed to send spirits soaring! If you liked The Plaids, you'll just love The Fabulous Lipitones."

Connecticut-based costume designer Jimmy Johansmeyer, who contributed to many of the company's earlier productions, is returning to outfit the Lipitones fabulously. The design team also includes Chez Cherry (scenic), Katie Guzzi (sound), Scout Hough (lighting), and Meredith Perry (props). Show tickets are available online at www.penobscottheatre.org or through the box office, located at 131 Main Street, Bangor; (207) 942-3333.

The Fabulous Lipitones is produced in partnership with Deb Dall Designs with generous support from Farrell, Rosenblatt & Russell, Granville Stone & Hearth; and season sponsors Bangor Daily News, Blueberry Broadcasting, Canyon Networks, The Maine Edge, Darling's, Downtown with Rich Kimball, WLBZ Channel 2, and ZONE Radio

About Penobscot Theatre Company: Penobscot Theatre Company is America's Northeastern-most professional, year round theatre company, owners of the historic Bangor Opera House,a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, producing a wide variety of plays and musicals each season. For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season visit www.penobscottheatre.org.

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