PCPA Prepares for the 2013 Summer Season

PCPA Theaterfest's upcoming 2013 Summer Season - which runs from June 13 through September 29 - features an effervescent assortment of theatrical experiences including musicals, comedies and penetrating drama. With the Marian Theatre in the midst of renovations, the Severson Theatre will be the primary Santa Maria venue for two productions, while Solvang will host two transferring shows and two productions which will play exclusively in the outdoor Festival Theater.

Following its run at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande, which the Times called "Spectacular!" Fiddler on the Roof kicks off the summer season in Solvang and plays from June 13 through July 6. This classic family musical is a gem from Broadway's Golden Age. Follow Tevye's journey as he stands poised in the precarious balance between tradition and life's great unknowns. It is a show with a heart full of tradition, rousing choreography by Michael Jenkinson, an unforgettable score, and a story that conjures tears of sorrow and joy.

The role of Tevye will continue to be played by Erik Stein* who calls this a "dream role" akin to playing Sweeney Todd or King Lear. The memorable score features, "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "If I Were a Rich Man," "Sunrise, Sunset," and "Do You Love Me." It's original run which began in 1964 broke the record for longest running musical - over 3,000 performances - and swept the 1965 Tony Awards with nine honors including Best Musical, and Best Choreography. Its longevity, numerous revivals (regional and international), and its acclaim and popularity, are testament to an enduring story that continues to speak across generations. It's directed by Roger DeLaurier.

Next up is the hystericAl Monty Python's Spamalot, a new musical lovingly ripped off from the classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It plays under the stars in the Solvang Festival Theater only fromJuly 13 - August 10. This fresh Broadway hit is an irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend. It won three Tony Awards in 2005, including Best New Musical, and was nominated for a total of 14 awards.

While much of the play is taken from the film, several references to "Monty Python's Flying Circus" skits are embedded: The Lumberjack Song, Ministry of Silly Walks, Dead Parrot Sketch, and of course Spam. Broadway musicals skewered along the way include a spoof of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Fiddler on the Roof, West Side Story, Man of La Mancha, Les Miserables, and The Producers.

"It exploits about every opportunity that a piece of musical theater can offer, all the while laughing at itself for being a musical." - Star Telegram

Disclaimer: Spamalot pokes fun at almost everyone and everything, even Broadway musicals. It is most appropriate for children 12 and older who can appreciate the unique Pythonesque sense of humor that -without apology - can appear cheeky, impertinent, irreverent, disrespectful, and sometimes just plain rude...but to the sophisticated and discerning eye, it is silliness raised to an art form and all good fun. But, please, if you are easily offended, heed the call of King Arthur, "Run away!"

King Arthur will be played by guest artist Joseph Cannon* with PCPA residents Michael Jenkinson*, Erik Stein*, Leo Cortez, and Karin Hendricks playing Sir Robin, Sir Lancelot, Sir Bedevere and The Lady of the Lake respectively. Other cast members include Billy Breed as Patsy, and George Walker as Sir Galahad. Spamalot is directed by Michael Barnard, the Producing Artistic Director of Phoenix Theatre.

A Central Coast favorite returns in August, Always...Patsy Cline! It plays in the Severson TheatreAugust 8 - 31, then under the stars in Solvang September 6 - 15.

Reprising her role - which she played on PCPA's stage in 1997 and 1998 - is Resident Equity Artist Kitty Balay, who said, Patsy Cline was one of her greatest musical influences. It is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer. The show is based on a true story about the friendship between Patsy and her most devoted fan, Louise Seger, which began when they met one night at the Esquire Ballroom outside of Houston. It is complete with down-home humor, true emotion and the story of a relationship that any fan would dream of having with their idol. Always... Patsy Cline includes many of Patsy's unforgettable hits, including "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces," "Sweet Dreams" and "Walkin' After Midnight" ... 27 songs in all. The show's title was inspired by Patsy's hand-written letters to Louise, which she signed "Love Always... Patsy Cline."

Patsy Cline was at the pinnacle of her career when she died tragically in a plane crash on March 5th, 1963 at the age of 30. Balay said that now, 50 years after that event, she's glad that Patsy's music is still vital; but said that portraying such an iconic music star is a double-edge sword. "On one hand, I get to help bring this wonderful music to life while the audience gets to feel like they were right there when Patsy was singing those songs for the first time. That's thrilling! On the other hand, 'Country Music Legend' is a little daunting to try to live up to!" PCPA Alum, Melissa Rain Anderson (NYC actor and drama coach) will direct.

As with Spamalot, another Solvang-only production in the season will play from August 17 through September 1, the dazzling heroic and romantic drama Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand in a new translation by Ranjit Bolt. Cyrano, a master of all trades, finds triangular trouble in his love for Roxane - his adversary DeGuiche, his friend Christian and his own spectacular nose. Despite Cyrano's adept swordsmanship, and being a gifted poet and musician, when it comes to matters of the heart, his exceptionally large nose paralyzes him with self-doubt and he is unable to express his love for Roxane. Ample doses of wordplay and swordplay reveal a complex character who inspires and melts hearts. Revel in a rhapsody of words as pointed as rapiers in Rostand's poignant portrait of Panaché.

PCPA has assembled a stellar cast for this production, guest artists Derrick Weeden* as Cyrano, Cara Ricketts* as Roxane, Gregory Linington* as de Guiche, and Tobias Shaw as Christian; along with resident artists Peter S. Hadres* as Le Bret, Erik Stein* as Ragueneau and Elizabeth Stuart* as Lise and Mother Marguerite. Read more click here Artistic Associate, Roger DeLaurier directs.

Capping the 2013 Summer Season is Bruce Norris' amazing 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. Clybourne Park is the new comedy-drama that's won nearly every honor the theatre community has to bestow: the Tony Award, the Olivier Award, the Evening Standard Theatre Award, the Theatre World Award, and the Pulitzer Prize. It's a wickedly funny and fiercely provocative play about race, real estate, and the volatile values of each.

The play spans 50 years between each explosive act. Act I, is set in 1959 as nervous community leaders try to stop the sale of a home to a black family. Act II, takes place in the same house, but in present day, and the predominantly African-American neighborhood battles to hold its ground in the face of gentrification. The issues over time are strikingly similar. It's a battle over territory that will have you wondering how far we've come, or how little we've changed in the last half-century. One cast plays both sets of characters, as they unearth delicate personal issues and uncover perilous social agendas. Clybourne Park is best enjoyed by adults due to its adult language and mature themes. Artistic Director, Mark Booher directs.

Tickets are on sale for the 2013 Summer Season. Visit www.pcpa.org for tickets and more information. 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 contactingkstegall@pcpa.org or by calling 928-7731 ext 4150.

*Member, Actors' Equity Association