Two Historic Opera Houses,
Two Great Shows

Actors Equity production of
"Brilliant Traces" by Cindy Lou Johnson
February 4-7, 2010

Northern Maine's two professional theaters, Opera House Arts at the Stonington Opera House and Penobscot Theatre, have created a unique opportunity for theater lovers: a two-for-one sale of tickets for their upcoming shows, "Brilliant Traces" February 4-7 at the Stonington Opera House, and "Spunk" February 17 - March 7 at the Bangor Opera House. Buy a ticket for either show, and get a ticket to the other for free.

"We want to give Mainers more opportunities to see really great, live drama," said Scott RC Levy and Linda Nelson, the directors, respectively, of Penobscot Theatre and Opera House Arts. "Especially in the winter, especially north of Portland. We are hoping to encourage our patrons to get out and experience more great theater in our area."

Cindy Lou Johnson’s "Brilliant Traces," February 4-7 here at the Opera House, is a dark, romantic situation comedy is set "in the state of Alaska, in the middle of nowhere" in a howling blizzard: and delivers a new and heightened perspective on the Maine winter phenomenon of "cabin fever." The production will star two of the funniest of OHA's stable of New York City-based professional actors, Stephanie Dodd and Tommy Piper, last seen respectively as Helena/Flute and Demetrius/Bottom in OHA's Shakespeare in Stonington production of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" in July 2009. The fast-paced 90-minute production will be directed by Peter Richards; with scenic and lighting design by Shannon Zura, associate professor at the University of Southern Maine. New York Times' theater critic and Op Ed columnist Frank Rich has written, " [Brilliant Traces] deals with common issues of love and family, [and does] so with characters, stories and dialogue so fantastic that they could exist only within the enchanted realm of the stage."

Tickets for the Thursday, February 4 preview are $10 and Island Students Free. Regular tickets $20. Show times Thursday-Saturday 7 p.m.; Sunday February 7 2 p.m. matinee. Group discounts available, as well as free shuttle from Blue Hill for each performance. To purchase tickets or for more information on the show or the shuttle, go to box office or call the Stonington Opera House, 207-367-2788.

"Spunk" February 17-March 7 at the Bangor Opera House is George C. Wolfe's acclaimed synthesis of three tales by Zora Neale Hurston. With music by Chic Street Man, this production makes its Maine premiere during Black History Month. Featuring a 6-actor African-American cast, including Portland, ME-based blues guitarist Samuel James, this is an evening of theater that celebrates the human spirit's ability to overcome and endure. Directed by Donya K. Washington, the play utilizes the blues, choral narrative and dance to tell stories about the "laughin’ kind of lovin' kind of hurtin' kind of pain that comes from being human."

Penobscot Theatre Company is in the middle of its 36th season, performing in the theatre-owned historic Bangor Opera House on Main Street in downtown Bangor. The company offers professional theatre year-round with a focus on contemporary plays and musicals. PTC also offers the Northern Writes New Play Festival each summer and has extensive educational opportunities for students of all ages. More information on all of Penobscot Theatre’s programs can be found at www.penobscottheatre.org.