HONKY TONK LAUNDRY Washes Away Winter Blues

Move over Thelma and Louise! The Maine premiere of Honky Tonk Laundry, a boot-scootin', musical jukebox-treat hits all the right notes at the Bangor Opera House from January 31 - February 24.

This two-woman, effervescent comedy stars audience favorite Heather Astbury-Libby (The Spitfire Grill, Lumberjacks in Love) as Lana Mae Hopkins owner and proprietress of the Wishy Washy Washateria. When Lana hires Katie Lane Murphy (Laura Hodos) to help out in the laundromat, they soon find themselves up to their elbows in soap, suds, and cheatin' hearts.

Audiences will remember Florida-based actress/singer Laura Hodos as Patsy Cline in Penobscot Theatre Company's 2012 production of Always... Patsy Cline and from Honky Tonk Angels (2014) which she appeared in along with Heather Astbury Libby and Brianne Beck. "We are thrilled Laura will be joining us for this fun and fizzy romp," Producing Artistic Director, Bari Newport says. "I can't wait to hear Laura and Heather blend their magnificent, nimble voices on songs like "Long Time Gone" and "Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love." If they ever choose to market themselves as an actual country music recording duo, Hodos and Astbury-Libby will be a smash!"

Written by Roger Bean (The Marvelous Wonderettes), Honky Tonk Laundryfeatures the music of Carrie Underwood, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Sara Evans, The Dixie Chicks, Chely Wright, Dolly Parton, Pam Tillis, Gretchen Wilson, Terri Cark, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline. Warning: there will be a moment or two of yodeling.

Lana Mae and Katie Lane will be backed up by a five-piece country-n-western band made up of Gaylen Smith (bass), Chris Poulin (rhythm guitar), Tom Libby (drums), Phil Kell (guitar) and music director, Phil Burns (keys).

The stagin', dancin' and down-home comic stylins will be handled by none other than director/choreographer Dominick Varney (The Spitfire Grill, Lumberjacks in Love). "I really enjoy Dominick's choreography," Newport says. "It's always inventive, precise and thoughtfully staged. I look forward to the foot-stompin', knee-slappin' fun he comes up with for this sparkly, adorable gem."

The Wishy Washy Washateria will be brought to life by scenic designer Tricia Hobbs (Wait Until Dark) with Nashville-esque lighting by Scout Hough (Elf the Musical). Rhinestones, fringe and frizz is being designed by Connecticut based costume/wig designer Jimmy Johansmeyer (The Fabulous Lipitones) and property design is by Meredith Perry (Elf the Musical).

This Maine premiere of Honky Tonk Laundry is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Groth Associates, Advertising Specialists of Maine, University of Maine Foundation, Northeast Pain Management, Linnehan's Right Way Auto and Otelco.

Additionally, Dunnett Appliance & Mattress has generously donated a new washer/dryer which will raffled off during the run of Honky Tonk Laundry.

Ticket prices range from $28-$39. Discounts available for students, seniors, military and educators. Group rates available for groups of 8+. Tickets may be purchased by phone (207-942-3333), on-line at www.penobscottheatre.org or in person at 131 Main Street, Bangor. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, noon to 5:00 pm, and up to three hours before performance times when shows are running.

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