Published Mostly Weekly by the
Bangor Area Breakfast Rotary Club
www.bangorbreakfastrotary.org
January 29, 2009
The play’s the thing…
…but so are ticket sales
A
s welcome sunlight streamed through the windows of the Sea Dog
meeting room after the previous evening’s storm, Scott R. C. Levy,
managing director of the Penobscot Theatre Company, described the
current season, the renovation and remodeling of the theater’s home the Opera House on Main Street in Bangor - and plans for next
season.
Introduced by theater board president Durell Buzzini, Mr. Levy reported that the
restoration project is about done. “We used government and foundation sources for
funding. We did not tap into our subscribers,” he said.
The theater is in its 35th season. “We are doing everything we can to avoid (financial)
crisis,” he continued. “We want to sell tickets, whether you come to the plays or not!”
The current season is half over, and a “halfway” price of $45 will get you a seat for
such plays as:
DINNER WITH FRIENDS
by Donald Marguiles
March 18-29, 2009
Winner of the 2000 Pulitzer Prize. "…Margulies writes about relationships with
such intelligence and spiky humor that his comedy-drama…becomes something
quite wonderful." —Time. "…wry and keenly observed and bathed in the unspoken
sorrow that can sneak up on you in middle age…" —NY Times. "…full of life,
warmth, laughs and wisdom…" —NY Daily News. "A breezy comedy of modern
manners that turns poignant and deeply affecting by its end. Margulies touches
chords that resonate with a deep affecting humanity." —San Francisco Examiner.
MAURITIUS
by Theresa Rebeck
April 29 - May 10, 2009
Maine Premiere. Stamp collecting is far more risky than you think. This hit during
Broadway’s 2007 season, follows the story of two estranged half-sisters who discover
a book of rare stamps that may include the crown jewel for collectors after their
mother dies. One sister tries to collect on the windfall, while the other resists for
sentimental reasons. In this gripping tale, a seemingly simple sale becomes
dangerous when three seedy, high-stakes collectors enter the sisters' world, willing
to do anything to claim the rare find as their own. Comic and thrilling, a great new
American play.
Mr. Levy quoted a survey conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts that
ranked states according to theaters per capita. Maine ranks fourth, just behind New York.
The report said that total audience numbers decline. In 1992, 32 million people attended
theater productions. IN 2008, the number was down to 21 million. He also pointed out
that the House version of the Stimulus Bill includes $50 million for the NEA; the Senate
version does not. “Contact your senators about this,” he recommended.
The 2009/2010 season will include a 20th anniversary performance of “Steel
Magnolias” and “A Christmas Carol.” A play by Zora Neale Thurston, “Spunk,” will
feature six African/American actors in February 2010.
“The 2007/2008 season was the most successful season in Penobscot Theatre
history,” Mr. Levy said. The audience has increased by 40 percent since he arrived four
seasons ago.
Notes and News
Paul Miragliuolo distributed Bangor Savings Bank brochures describing the
Community Matters More project in which the bank will distribute $100,000 to 68 local
charities. Paul filled in the “other” line for Greater Bangor with “Bangor Breakfast
Charities,” and urged us to check other charities we wish to vote for and deliver to a
Bangor Savings Bank branch or to him. Voting ends March 2.
Dr. Lew Phillips announced that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will give
$255 million for polio eradication; the Rotary International raised its challenge to $200
million. The Breakfast Rotary has raised $1,800 so far. (No, we’re not aiming for $200
million, although that would be nice to achieve…) Bob Kreitzer’s Rotary Moment added
information about the polio project.
Dr. Lew talked about the Heimlich maneuver in his “Take Your Meds” notes. He
even featured a classroom demonstration by asking each of us to stand and place our fist
in the appropriate spot just above our belly button. Choking because of an obstructed
airway is a leading cause of accidental death. If a choking person is not coughing or is
unable to speak, action must be taken within four minutes. That's your cue to perform the
Heimlich maneuver immediately.
Joelle Rioux announced a Golf Tournament Sponsorship meeting following next
week’s breakfast meeting. Lisa Wahlstrom is again coordinating the advertising for the
“All That Jazz” program book and invites us to submit our business cards for our ads that
will cost $25 each. Lisa also announced that the Maine Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen
for the Cure hired its first executive director, Susan Bilancia. From the Komen website:
Sally Bilancia served as Komen Maine’s second Board President 2002 - 2004
and has served as the Director of the Komen Maine Race for the Cure since 2004.
Under Sally’s leadership, Race revenues have more than doubled in the last three years,
reaching $269,000 in 2008 and participation has reached an all-time high of 4,600.
Previously, Sally worked for the City of Bangor for nearly ten years, first as Public
Relations & Hospitality Manager for the Bangor Auditorium and Civic Center and then as
Business & Economic Development Officer.
Free! A digital converter box. Nat Bond doesn’t need it and will give it to the first
caller.
Meanwhile, other airwaves will warm up. George Eaton predicted a lovely weekend
with temperatures reaching 40 degrees. Jerry Whalen thanked George for his work as
chairman of this year’s United Way campaign and promoted the 211 service of the
United Way. Dialing 211 gives callers information for social services, like 911 directs
them to emergency services. Jerry is the next year’s campaign chair; Jay Muth is vicechair.
Jay announced the Bangor Regional Leadership Institute Laugh-In at Jeff’s Catering
on Saturday, February 7 at 6:30 pm.
Speaking of a social service, Mischelle Adams has a Brownie in her family now, and
that Brownie is selling Girl Scout Cookies. Mischelle, as her Brownie’s assistant,
circulated a sign-up sheet for us to buy chunks of this year’s batch.
Browse this: www.bangorjazz.com. Thanks to Kristy and Ken Kimball, the “All
That Jazz” event has its own web site. Bruce Roscher said it is a “work in progress,” but
the presence is there for all interconnected folks to view.
Ivan McPike gave a Sad$- he is no longer lodge master of the Hampden Mystic
Lodge 65. His Happy$ celebrates that he is no longer master of the Hampden Mystic
Lodge 65.
Les Myers- January 29, 2009