Lowell, MA – The Friends of MRT will host their fourth annual Merrimack Repertory Theatre Wine & Beer Tasting on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 from 6:00PM-8:30PM at the Richard K. & Nancy L. Donahue Center at Bagshaw Mills, 132 Warren Street, Lowell. Local wine and cheese cellar Tutto Bene will select their top wines from a collection of 700 Old World and New World favorites, as well as a selection of fine brews. Local beers from Lowell Beerworks will also be available. The fundraiser will be hosted at MRT’s rehearsal facilities, allowing guests to go “backstage” while increasing their knowledge of wine and beer in a casual, social environment. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Tickets are $45 per person, and can be purchased online at MerrimackRep.org or by calling 978-654-7552. Parking is available on the street and in the Lower Locks Parking Garage for $5. Proceeds from the event and any purchases patrons make support Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s mainstage productions and education programs.

The Friends of MRT is a volunteer fundraising group that hosts special events, social functions and fund drives. The Friends play a pivotal role in strengthening Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s base of support by introducing new people to MRT and making events like this possible. Members of the Friends of MRT enjoy a fun, social environment, the opportunity to network with other theatre lovers and supporters, and the valuable sense of accomplishment that accompanies volunteer work. To join the Friends of MRT or for more information, please contact Michael LaChance, Office Administrator, at Michael.LaChance@MerrimackRep.org or 978-654-7552.

Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s 2011-2012 season is sponsored by Lowell Bank. Merrimack Repertory Theatre is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

For more information about MRT or the Friends of MRT Wine & Beer Tasting, please contact Dan Berube at 978-654-7595 or Daniel.Berube@MerrimackRep.org.

For MRT show times, tickets, season information, directions, or to request a brochure, please visit merrimackrep.org or call the Box Office at 978-654-4MRT (4678).

MERRIMACK REPERTORY THEATER’S 2011-2012 SEASON

The Persian Quarter by Kathleen Cahill, September 15 – October 9, 2011

This Verse Business by A.M. Dolan, October 20 – November 13, 2011

Reduced Shakespeare Company ® in The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor, November 25 – December 18, 2011

The Voice of the Turtle by John Van Druten, January 5 – January 29, 2012

Daddy Long Legs – book by John Caird, music and lyrics by Paul Gordon, based on the novel by Jean Webster, February 9 – March 4, 2012

Mrs. Whitney by John Kolvenbach, March 15 – April 8, 2012

Ghost-Writer by Michael Hollinger, April 19 – May 13, 2012.