Penobscot Theatre Company Launches 42nd Season with RING OF FIRE Tonight

Penobscot Theatre Company is set to kick-off its 42nd season with Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash, created by Richard Malby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade. The show will feature 38 hits from the legendary Man in Black, brought to new life by five musician/actors playing multiple instruments. It will run tonight, September 10, through September 27 at the historic Bangor Opera House.

"This production is wonderfully fresh and loads of fun!" raved Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport. "It's not an impersonation or bio piece, but a full-on celebration of Cash's amazing career. He was a real trailblazer in American music, a cross-over artist before that was even a thing, and for him it wasn't about selling records. It was always about the music. We're thrilled to have five stellar musicians, who share Cash's voracious appetite for extraordinary music-making, burning up our stage."

Michele Colvin (The Wizard of Oz, The Honky Tonk Angels) is directing in collaboration with musical director Andrew Crowe who will also perform (vocals, drums, guitar, mandolin, fiddle). Joining Crowe on stage will be Ira Kramer (vocals, guitar, mandolin); Ashley Lewis (vocals, guitar, tambourine); Jeremy Sevelovitz (vocals, guitar, bass); and Gaylen Smith (vocals, bass, banjo, guitar). Comprising the design team are Scout Hough, lighting; Tricia Hobbs, scenic; Sheridan Kelley, projections; Kevin Koski, costumes; and Brandie Larkin nee Rita, sound.

"We're excited to incorporate projections into the design of this show," said Newport, "for an additional layer of story-telling."

Throughout his career, Johnny Cash expressed affinity with the downtrodden, and was renowned for the free concerts he performed for prison populations. In the same spirit, on September 24 at 12:30 pm, Penobscot Theatre Company will perform scenes from Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash at the Charleston Correction Facility. The theatre has invited local law enforcement officials, firefighters, and other first responders to attend a special preview performance, September 9, at 7:00 pm, along with their families, free of charge (space permitting).

Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash is produced in partnership with Northeast Pain Management. 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, ZONE Radio, and WLBZ Channel 2.

To purchase tickets or for more details, call the Box Office at (207) 942-3333 or go online at www.penobscottheatre.org.

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