Penobscot Theatre Company to Bring Joplin Tribute Back to Bangor for New Year's Eve

Penobscot Theatre Company is thrilled to announce the reprise of A PIECE OF HER HEART: A TRIBUTE TO JANIS for two performances only, 6:00 and 9:00 pm, on New Year's Eve. This one-woman show featuring vocal powerhouse Karen Irwin of New York City capped the theatre's season last June, attracting sell-out crowds and leaving audiences wanting more.

"This concert piece is the perfect way to usher in the new year!" said Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport.

Originally from Indianapolis, Irwin moved to New York last summer where she's been preparing for a national tour of the Joplin tribute, which she co-wrote and co-produced as a musical journey through her own personal transformation as inspired by her musical idol. Janis Joplin used her gravely voice and no-holds-barred, blues-inspired performance style to triumph over her personal and social adversities, forever changing the world of music and blazing a wide trail. With anecdotes and Joplin songs including "Mercedes Benz," "Piece of My Heart," and "Bobby McGee," Irwin delivers a sizzling performance. Beginning in 2016, the production will be retitled "Janis, Me & Bobby McGee."

Co-produced by Bill Myers, the show will feature drummer Alex VanBergeijk of Indianapolis and standout local musicians Jeremy Shirland on guitar, Colin Graebert on keys, and Gaylen Smith on bass. Smith recently co-starred in Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash at Penobscot Theatre Company.

Tickets, which have been available to subscribers, will go on sale to the general publicNovember 17. They are $42 each or $37 for subscribers. No other discounts apply. To purchase tickets or for more details, call the Box Office at (207) 942-3333 or go online at www.penobscottheatre.org.

A PIECE OF HER HEART: A TRIBUTE TO JANIS is produced in partnership with BerryDunn's Bangor team. 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 Edge, Downtown with Rich Kimball, The Wave, WLBZ Channel 2, and ZONE Radio.

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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