BANGOR, MAINE: Penobscot Theatre Company has announced its 2015–16 season, the theatre’s 42nd. The bill includes four Maine premieres, one world premiere and a selection of musicals.
“The goal with every season is to create a savory blend of outstanding theatre, and to give our patrons what they know they like and hopefully to expand their palette a bit with the introduction of exciting new flavors,” said Bari Newport, the company’s producing artistic director, in a statement. “This year, we’re looking forward to serving up great works brand new to Maine and putting our own twist on familiar favorites.”
First up, the Man in Black comes to town with the Maine premiere in Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash (Sept. 10–27). Created by Richard Maltby Jr. and conceived by William Meade, Ring of Fire is based on the life and music of singer Johnny Cash.
Then comes another Maine premiere, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s Doctor Cerberus (Oct. 22–Nov. 8), which follows 13-year-old Franklin Robertson through the humors and horrors of adolescence.
Penobscot will celebrate the holiday season with A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Dec. 3–27), a music-filled rendition of Frank Capra’s beloved movie, adapted by Joe Landry.
The world premiere of Maine-based playwright Travis G. Baker’s Hair Frenzy (Jan. 29-Feb. 14, 2016) is next. It’s billed as a comedy about “good friends, bad hair, small-town life and big dreams.” Penobscot previously produced Baker’s One Blue Tarp.
Following that is Jason Robert Brown’s musical The Last Five Years (March 10–27, 2016), about two lovers individually reliving their failed relationship.
The next Maine premiere is Mitch Albom’s comedy Duck Hunter Shoots Angel (April 28–May 15, 2016), about two duck-hunting brothers who think they’ve mistakenly shot down an angel.
A seventh show to be announced at a later date will make its Maine premiere at the end of the season.
