Penobscot Theatre will dare dark comedy in ‘Smell of the Kill’

BANGOR – Penobscot Theatre will produce Michele Lowe’s wicked comedy, “The Smell of the Kill.” This dark and funny look at three marriages will run Feb. 2-13 at the Bangor Opera House, 131 Main St. Half-price performances are scheduled at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, and Thursday, Feb. 3. Opening night is 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4. A pay-what-you-wish performance will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1.

Three couples meet once a month in one of their homes for dinner. After dinner, the men commandeer the dining room for a little game of golf while the wives, banished to the kitchen to clean up, engage in chat, which peels away the veneers of their marriages revealing strange and shocking truths. Revelations of philandering, dereliction of duty in the bedroom and out-and-out crime are uncovered about each of the husbands as they drunkenly shout and, occasionally, toss in a few golf balls from the dining room.

During the wives’ conversation, the audience learns that the man of the house has purchased a meat locker in which to store his hunting prizes. When the men accidentally lock themselves inside, the women are presented with a possibly life-altering dilemma. The three-way debate provides some of the best laughs of the dark comedy.

Marianne Ryan, who will play Debra, is the center director for Music Together in Dedham, an early childhood music program.

Rich Kimball, who will play Marty, most recently appeared at Penobscot Theatre in “A Christmas Carol.” He is the assistant principal at Brewer Middle School and the founder of Brewer Youth Theatre, where he has directed more than 40 shows. He is also a regular contributor to the Sports Zone Morning Show on WZON and the voice of University of Maine Football.

Chris Newcomb, who will play Danny, recently returned to the Bangor area from Portland where he worked with many production companies. He is a teacher of the gifted and talented in Brewer.

Mary Proctor, who will play Nicky, received a master’s degree in acting from Florida State University and lives in New York City. Meagan Hawkes, who will play Molly, lives in Boston where she is a working actor and on-camera and voice-over talent.

Mike Abernethy, who will play Jay, returns to Maine after four years in New York City.

The creative team for Penobscot Theatre’s production of “The Smell of the Kill” is led by director Roseann Sheridan, with costumes designed by Merope Vachlioti, lighting designed by Lynne Chase and set designed by Nayna Raymey. Firearms assistance is provided by the Bangor Police Department’s training officer, Jim Buckley.

Dates, times and tickets for Penobscot Theatre productions may be obtained by calling 942-3333 or visiting the box office at the Bangor Opera House, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The box office is open two hours before scheduled performances. Information also is available at www.PenobscotTheatre.org.

Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, students, educators, seniors, military personnel and people with disabilities.

“The Smell of the Kill” is produced in part with support from production sponsors Deighan Associates and Spectrum Medical Group; production underwriter Northeast Pain Management; and media sponsors WLBZ 2, Bangor Daily News, WEZQ 92.9 and WBZN 107.3.

The remainder of Penobscot Theatre’s season includes “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” by Eugene O’Neill and “Noises Off” by Michael Frayn.