BANGOR – Penobscot Theatre, Bangor’s professional theater company, continues its 2006-07 season with the true story of the bond between a sociology professor and one of his students in Mitch Albom’s “Tuesdays With Morrie,” Nov. 1-12.

“Many people have read the book,” said producing artistic director Scott R.C. Levy, “but when you see Jeffery Hatcher and Mitch Albom’s adaptation of this modern classic on the stage, you’ll have an even greater appreciation for life, living and the power of love.”

Levy, who directed last season’s productions of “Almost, Maine,” “A Christmas Carol” and “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” directs this telling of one man’s affection and gratitude for his venerable teacher and the lessons of living one might learn from the dying.

“There could not be better actors for this play than the ones we have acquired for this production at our Bangor Opera House,” said Levy.

Thomas Ryan portrays Morrie, the Brandeis professor who is diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Ryan has appeared in more than 30 television series and enjoyed recurring roles on such shows as “Wings,” “Melrose Place,” “Dallas” and “LA Law,” for which he was in contention for an Emmy.

Ryan’s film credits include “Diary of a City Priest,” “The Principal” and “Talent for the Game.”

Kent D. Burnham, too, appeared on “Melrose Place” as well as “General Hospital.”

Burnham returns to his home state after last season’s appearance in “Spinning Into Butter” to play Mitch, the famous sportswriter and radio personality who reconnects with his dying professor.

Burnham’s other credits include his work with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Old Castle Theatre in Vermont, and the Denver Civic and Western Stage.

The Penobscot Theatre Company’s production of “Tuesdays With Morrie” features a students-only morning matinee Nov. 7 and a “talkback” performance, after which the audience may engage the actors and director in conversation, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5.

Set and costume design is by Penobscot Theatre resident designer Lex Liang, with lighting by Jonathan Spencer, who is returning to the Penobscot Theatre after working as part of the design team for the hit musical “Wicked” in Japan and London.

Penobscot Theatre Company has acknowledged several corporate sponsors: Key Private Bank and Granville Lumber, production sponsors; Groth and Associates and Northeast Cardiology Associates, production underwriters; The Charles Inn, hospitality sponsor; and Bangor Daily News, Kiss 94.5 and WLBZ NewsCenter 2, media sponsors.

The Penobscot Theatre Company will present “Tuesdays with Morrie” at 7 p.m. Nov. 1, 2 and 9; 8 p.m. Nov. 3, 10 and 11; 5 p.m. Nov. 4; and 2 p.m. Nov. 5, 11 and 12, at the Bangor Opera House, 131 Main St.

For tickets, call 942-3333 or (877) PTC-TIXX, visit the box office, or visit www.penobscottheatre.org.