For Immediate Release September 28, 1999 Contact: Collene Frashure 207-947-6618 Sparkling Comedy Opens PTC's 25th Anniversary Season BANGOR--Penobscot Theatre Company opens its 25th anniversary silver season with Moliere's sparkling comedy, The School for Wives on its Bangor Opera House stage, October 6th, 1999. Set in France during the Restoration, The School for Wives is the story of a foolish man obsessed with teaching a young girl to be the perfect wife by schooling her with maxims from the stern text The Obedient Wife. In the end, of course, true love and common sense win out but the shenanigans that occur in the meantime are the stuff of belly laughs. Translator Richard Wilbur won a Pulitzer Prize for his English translation of this classic comedy. Producing Artistic Director Mark Torres says, "Guest director, Matthew Arbour, who makes his PTC debut with The School for Wives, just staged a wonderfully successful and engaging production of Romeo and Juliet at The Theater at Monmouth this past summer." He adds, "This play is high-energy comedy, and Arbour is up to the task." The cast is led by Jay H. Skriletz as the jealous husband. Following a successful season with Acadia Repertory Theatre in such crowd-pleasing hits as Sylvia and Communicating Doors, Jay returns to PTC where, last spring, he was in residence as the director and scenic designer for Angels in America II: Perestroika. Kate Kenney, last seen at PTC in A Christmas Carol, plays the young wife-to-be. Guest artist Joshua Scharback of Boston plays the sensible young man who ultimately wins the love of the maid. Joshua most recently appeared at The Theater at Monmouth as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet and Luce in The Comedy of Errors. Other cast members include Bangor favorite Ron Adams, Ron Lisnet of A Flea in Her Ear, Monique Gibouleau of Six Women with Brain Death or Expiring Minds Want to Know, Belfast Maskers regulars Brian Ross and Jim Reitz, and Luke S. Hedger of PTC's Sunday in the Park with George and Sweeney Todd. Sets by Greg Mitchell will feature a two-story depiction of the French villa in which the play is set, while lighting design will be provided by PTC's Lighting Designer in residence, Lynne Chase. Gorgeous Restoration costumes and wigs will be designed by Ginger Phelps, PTC's resident Costume Designer. A "Pay What You Wish" final dress rehearsal will be offered on Tuesday, October 5 at 7:00 pm, and preview continue Wednesday and Thursday, October 6 and 7 at 7:00 pm. Opening Night is Friday, October 8 at 8:00 pm, and is followed by a catered reception with cast and crew. Performance times are Thursdays at 7:00 pm, Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturday, October 9 at 8:00 pm, Saturday, October 16 at 5:00 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm. A free Artistic Director's Forum will be held following the Sunday matinee on October 10. Performances will take place at the historic Bangor Opera House, a handicap-accessible theatre located at 131 Main Street in downtown Bangor. Season tickets range from $35 to $100, depending on the performance for which tickets are ordered. Season ticket holders receive preferential seating. Single tickets range from $10 (first preview) to $20 (opening night), depending upon the performance. Discounted tickets are available for students, seniors, educators, military and groups of 10 or more. The box office is open at the Bangor Opera House, Tuesday - Friday, Noon - 6 pm. Further information and ticket sales are also available by calling 207-942-3333, on the theatre's website at www.maineguide.com/ptc or via e-mail at ptcmsf@mint.net. The School for Wives is suitable for middle school-aged patrons and older, and is a perfect activity for families seeking a cultural outing together. Penobscot Theatre Company acknowledges support for this production provided by season sponsor WLBZ News Center 2 and production underwriters Ramada Inn and Bangor Daily News. PTC gratefully acknowledges the support of a longtime patron and friend who, in celebration of PTC's 25th season, contributed generously to the producing of The School for Wives. PENOBSCOT THEATRE COMPANY The School for Wives Fact Sheet DATES Thursdays - Sundays, October 6 -17, 1999 TIMES Preview Wednesday, October 6 at 7:00 pm Thursdays at 7:00 pm Fridays at 8:00 pm Saturday, October 9 at 8:00 pm Saturday, October 16 at 5:00 pm Sundays at 2:00 pm (an Artistic Director's Forum follows the matinee on Sunday, October 10) LOCATION Bangor Opera House, 131 Main Street, Downtown Bangor ADMISSION Preview Wednesday (October 6): $10.00 Preview Thursday (October 7): $12.00 Opening Night (October 8): $20, includes catered reception with cast and crew) Thursday (October 14): $17.00 Friday (October 15): $19.00 Saturdays (October 9 & 16): $19.00 Sundays (October 10 & 17): $17.00 Discounts available for students, seniors, educators, military and groups of ten or more. SEASON SPONSOR WLBZ News Center 2 PRODUCTION UNDERWRITERS Ramada Inn Bangor Daily News CONTACT INFORMATION Penobscot Theatre Company 183 Main Street Bangor, ME 04401 (207) 947-6618 administrative offices (207) 942-3333 box office (207) 947-6678 fax e-mail: ptcmsf@mint.net website: http://maineguide.com/ptc/