Penobscot Theatre Company Heads Into Summer with THE FULL MONTY

Penobscot Theatre Company is capping its 43rd season with a feel-good musical that has charmed audiences worldwide: The Full Monty (book by Terrence McNally and music and lyrics by David Yazbek) will open in previews June 15 and run through July 9, with 21 performances at the historic Bangor Opera House.

Based on the cult hit film of the same name, The Full Monty earned ten Tony Award nominations and a host of other honors when it burst onstage in 2000. The story follows six unemployed steel workers who decide that taking it all off might be the surest way to earn the money and respect they have been missing. As they conquer their fears, self-consciousness and prejudices, the men come to discover that they are stronger as a group, and the strength that they find in each other gives them the individual courage to "let it go."

"This production features songs you'll go home humming and one of the best closing numbers ever, but it's the relatable characters that are the heart of this show," said Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport. "These guys could be our brothers, our partners, our friends; and they're grappling with the same stuff we all face. You can't help but cheer as they strip away their doubts and despair and start leaning into life's curveballs!"

Director and choreographer Ethan Paulini of New York has been involved with nine prior productions of The Full Monty in various capacities; and his work has been seen at Cape Repertory Theatre, Arkansas Repertory Theatre and elsewhere. Intimately familiar with the piece and eager to bring Monty to new life for Northern Maine, he is leading a stellar cast including visiting artists Reggie Whitehead (AEA) of Miami in the role of "Horse" and Ronald L. Brown (AEA), who toured nationally the past few years, most recently with The Sound of Music; Heather Astbury-Libby; Brianne Beck; Drew Campbell; Aimee Gerow; Daniel Kennedy; Ira Kramer; Benjamin Layman; AJ Mooney (dance captain); Zach Robbins; and Dominick Varney. Rounding out the ensemble are Allen Adams, Grace Livingston-Kramer; Cory Osborne, Alekzander Sayers; Charisse Shields, Gaylen Smith and Michelle Wilke. Music director and pianist Phil Burns is leading Joseph Dupuis on guitar/bass, Carl Ferm on woodwinds, Tom Libby on drums, Lori Wingo on trumpet, and Jim Winters on trombone. The production will feature designs by Christopher Annas-Lee (lighting), Katie Guzzi (sound), Tricia Hobbs (scenic), Kevin Koski (costumes), 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 Full Monty is produced with generous support from Changing Seasons Federal Credit Union and Darling's and from season sponsors Bangor Daily News, Blueberry Broadcasting, Canyon Networks, The Maine Arts Commission, The Maine Edge, Downtown with Rich Kimball, Wave Radio, WLBZ Channel 2, and ZONE Radio.

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