Penobscot Theatre Opens THE SUGAR BEAN SISTERS Tonight

The historic stage at the Bangor Opera House once again transforms - this time into a ramshackle Florida swamp dwelling for the Maine premiere production of The Sugar Bean Sisters.

This deliciously quirky, offbeat, Southern Gothic comedy of romance, murder and alien abduction plays at Penobscot Theatre Company from tonight, January 30 - February 17th.

The Nettles Sisters are determined to escape spinsterhood - Willie Mae (Irene Dennis) by going to Salt Lake City to find a good Mormon husband and Faye (A.J. Mooney), by hopping on the spaceship when the "space people" return for another visit. After a disastrous daytrip to Disney World, where Willie lost her prized Eva Gabor wig on Space Mountain, Faye prepares for the return of her celestial visitors on this, the very anniversary of that fateful day.

When a disturbance in the sugarcane field reveals a strange bird-like woman (Jasmine Ireland), a chain of extraordinary events is set in motion.

Artistic Director, Bari Newport directs what the LA Weekly calls "a wildly funny script." She says, "Though certainly exuberantly wacky, in The Sugar Bean Sisters, playwright Nathan Sanders tells an autobiographical, moving story of family and faith - it is both weird and wonderful."

Steve Gormley and Philappa Harvey round out the cast as Bishop Crumley and the Reptile Woman.

The ancient, mystical, swampy world is created by Florida based set designer Sean McClelland and is enhanced by the lighting design of Tonry Lathroum, whom Newport knows from West Virginia.

The design team also includes sound design by Brandie Rita (Annie), Costume Design by Rebecca Wright (Annie, Always Patsy Cline, Ink) and properties design by Meredith Perry (Annie, Becky's New Car, Always, Patsy Cline).

Don't miss The Sugar Bean Sisters at the historic Bangor Opera House from tonight, January 30 - February 17th. Performances run Wednesdays through Sundays. Half season subscriptions (3 shows) start at only $75 and individual ticket prices range from $22-$36. Group, Senior and Student discounts available. Purchase tickets, subscriptions and gift certificates online at www.penobscottheatre.org, or through the Box Office at 207-942-3333.

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. Follow PTC on Twitter (@PTCtheatre) and become our fan on Facebook (facebook.com/PenobscotTheatre) for behind-the-scenes info, photos and fun throughout the season. For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season visit www.penobscottheatre.org.

Pictured: The Sugar Bean Sisters: A.J. Mooney, Jasmine Ireland & Irene Dennis.

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