PCPA Announces 2012-13 Season: SPAMALOT, THE WIZARD OF OZ and More

PCPA Theaterfest's upcoming 49th Season features a vibrant assortment of theatrical experiences, from established family favorites to the newest prize-winning plays and musicals. The 2012-13 season marks another bevy of comedies, dramas and literary classics, with some special innovations and renovations, from the Central Coast's resident professional theatre.

The season kicks off on November 8 with the beloved family musical adventure The Wizard of Oz. It plays in the Marian Theatre through December 26, 2012. Fly over the rainbow with Dorothy as she rides a twister into the merry and troubled land of Oz and learns that no matter how far our journeys take us – there's no place like home.

The season continues in the Severson Theatre with William Shakespeare's The Tempest February 21 - March 20, 2013. When those who conspired against him are suddenly stranded on a magical island, Prospero, the wrongly banished ruler of Milan, must decide whether to use his mystic arts to revenge or to forgive.

Adding to the coming year's excitement are venue and schedule adjustments being made to free the Marian Theatre for maintenance repairs and upgrades from January 2013 to its reopening in the fall, right on time for PCPA's 50th season in 2013-2014. (see Marian Renovation below)

With the Marian Theatre under construction, and to accommodate a full size musical, PCPA will travel for the first time to Arroyo Grande's Clark Center for its next production, Fiddler on the Roof, April 25 through May 12. This enduring family musical follows Tevye's journey as he stands poised in the precarious balance between tradition and life's great unknowns.  Fiddler on the Roof will transfer to the Solvang Festival Theater June 13 - July 6. 

Next up is the hysterical Monty Python's Spamalot, a new musical lovingly ripped off from the classic comedy "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." It plays under the stars in the Solvang Festival Theater July 13 - August 10. This fresh Broadway hit retells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people.

A Central Coast favorite returns in August when Kitty Balay reprises the title role in the popular Always…Patsy Cline! Sing along with one of the lost legends of American popular music in the juke-box musical based on the true story of Patsy Cline's friendship with Houston housewife Louise Segar that was to last until a plane crash took the singer's life. Fall in love again with unforgettable hits such as "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces," and "Walking After Midnight." It plays in the Severson Theatre August 8 - 31, then under the stars in Solvang September 6 - 15.

Another Solvang-only production in the season will be the dazzling heroic drama Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand. Cyrano, a master of all trades, finds triangular trouble in his love for Roxanne – his adversary DeGuiche, his friend Christian and his own spectacular nose. When you've uncovered the courageous heart behind the nose, you'll fall in love under the stars when it plays in the Solvang Festival Theater August 17 - September 1.

Closing the Season is Bruce Norris' Pulitzer Prize (2011) and Tony (2012, Best Play) winning Clybourne Park. You'll laugh from your belly and squirm in your seat as you enter the world of this searing satirical comedy set in a north Chicago neighborhood. Be the first to see it fresh off Broadway. Clybourne Park plays in the Severson Theatre September 12 - 29, 2013.

Tickets for the 2012-2013 Season go on sale in October.

Visit www.pcpa.org for tickets and more information.

For the best seating, lowest prices, and exclusive privileges become a season ticket holder. Subscription packages start with as few as 4 plays, or see all 7 throughout the season for the ultimate theatre experience. Also available is the VIP Monthly Membership for just $20 a month. With the VIP Membership and the 7 play subscription - besides all the mainstage productions - you also receive special invitations to behind the scenes events in the PCPA Conservatory.

Call the box office - (805) 922-8313 - between 12:30 and 7pm Wednesday through Sunday for tickets and information.

Information about Group Sales for 12 or more patrons may be obtained by contacting kstegall@pcpa.org or by calling 928-7731 ext 4150.

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