RING OF FIRE, THE LAST FIVE YEARS & More Set for Penobscot Theatre Company's 2015-2016 season

Penobscot Theatre Company proudly announces its 42nd Season, offering four Maine premieres, a world premiere, a holiday classic, and beloved musicals. The season will kick-off September 10 and extend into early summer 2016, longer than usual to accommodate a blockbuster seventh show as yet to be announced.

"The goal with every season is to create a savory blend of outstanding theatre," said Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport, "to give our patrons what they know they like and hopefully to expand their palette a bit with the introduction of exciting new flavors. This year, we're looking forward to serving-up great works brand new to Maine, and putting our own twist on familiar favorites."

Coming up at the historic Bangor Opera House:

Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade, (September 10-27) pays homage to the legendary Man in Black, not as a straightforward biography but through the songs he made famous, including "Ring of Fire," "Country Boy," and "I Walk the Line." A MAINE PREMIERE

Doctor Cerberus by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (October 22-November 8) captures the humor and horrors of adolescence through the story of 13-year-old Franklin Robertson, aspiring writer, midnight movie aficionado, junkfood junkie, and social misfit. A MAINE PREMIERE

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play adapted by Joe Landry (December 3-27) is an interactive, music-filled rendition of Frank Capra's cinematic classic that enfolds the audience in the life and times of George Bailey, taking patrons back to the 1940s to experience the magic of the season.

Hair Frenzy by Travis G. Baker, award-winning author of One Blue Tarp, (January 28-February 14) is an uproarious new play about good friends, bad hair, small-town life, and big dreams. A WORLD PREMIERE

The Last Five Years written and composed by Jason Robert Brown (March 10-27) is an intimate portrait of two lovers on separate trajectories, a story of fleeting passion The New York Daily News called "graceful, gripping, and break-your-heart beautiful."

Duck Hunter Shoots Angel by Mitch Albom (April 28- May 15) is a rare comedy with a poignant message, replete with lovable characters, hilarious dialogue, and an ending sure to open hearts and restore faith. A MAINE PREMIERE

While keeping the specifics under wraps, Newport confirmed that a multi-week run of a seventh show, a musical and another Maine premiere, will cap the theatre's 42nd season. "Suffice to say, we have big plans for summer 2016. Trust us: It'll be nothin' but a good time."

Season subscribers will be the first to hear about the surprise seventh show and all other special offerings, getting first dibs and savings on the best seats. "The benefits of subscription are many," said Newport, "and we're thrilled that more and more are recognizing the value. Our subscribers receive discounts of 5-43 percent versus the cost of single tickets, so if you're inclined to see two or three shows a year, it just makes sense! We've worked hard to build flexibility into our subscription packages, so they work even for our busiest patrons."

Current subscribers have until May 1 to guarantee the same great seats enjoyed this season. New subscriptions will be on sale May 2. For more information, please call the box office at 207-942-3333 or go online at www.penobscottheatre.org.

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