Staff Report

While taking advantage of a break in the weather on Thursday morning, construction crews installed six new steel lighting columns at Solvang Festival Theater, utilizing a 350-ton crane to accomplish a huge milestone in Theaterfest’s $4.7 million rebuilding project. 

The columns, each weighing 12,000 pounds and rising more than 50 feet above the theater, will provide for safer, structurally sound lighting towers for the theater and for the lighting technicians who operate from the top of the towers during performances. 

The Theater rebuilding project, which commenced in September and is slated to be completed this July, will accomplish these key elements: 

• Ensure structural integrity for generations to come 
• Upgrade electrical, lighting, and sound technology 
• Assure safety for audience, stage crew and staff 
• Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act 
• Reduce wind and noise for the audience 

Solvang Theaterfest launched the Imagine $4.7 Million Capital Campaign to renovate major parts of the theater in 2018. The community has responded generously and brought the theater to over 90 percent of its initial goal. Increased costs of construction, however, have resulted in adjusting the goal to just over $5 million. Completion of this project will bring the theater to today’s standards and ensure quality live entertainment in the Santa Ynez Valley for generations to come. 

For more information, contact Solvang Theaterfest Executive Director Scott Coe at exec.director@solvangtheaterfest.org. 

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The Solvang Festival Theater’s 60-foot tall utility poles and lighting cages were extracted one by one on Wednesday, Oct. 7, as captivated onlookers watched from Second Street in Solvang behind lines of caution tape. 

The poles were cut and lifted by a 250-ton crane high above the Theater Patron Garden’s majestic trees and transported safely to the ground on Second Street. 

The theater’s $4.7 million rebuilding project will ensure structural integrity and safety for generations to come, and includes upgrades to electrical, lighting and sound technology. 

The 10-month project will replace the 47-year-old utility poles with new steel lighting columns and completely rebuild the rear wall and walkway of the theater that surrounds audience seating, increasing the wall height to 14 feet. This will improve the audience experience by reducing wind and noise. 

Additionally, the project will provide improved access to the box office and the theater that will be code compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The project is slated for completion by July 2022. 

Solvang Theaterfest is the 501 (C ) (3) nonprofit corporation that owns and operates Solvang Festival Theater. It is managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors.
For more information, contact Solvang Theaterfest Executive Director Scott Coe at exec.director@solvangtheaterfest.org. 

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Solvang Theaterfest has received a $400,000 grant from the Hind Foundation to fund three of the theater’s six new custom-fabricated, metal lighting columns.

“We are so honored that the Hind Foundation has given its generous support to our rebuilding project,” said Ann Foxworthy Lewellen, Solvang Theaterfest board vice chair. “Our project goes hand-in-glove with the Hind Foundation’s mission ‘working together to build an enduring legacy for future generations.’”

The $4.7 million theater rebuilding project will ensure structural integrity and safety for generations to come. The planned improvements include replacing the 47-year-old utility poles with new steel lighting columns, and completely rebuilding the rear wall and walkway of the theater, thereby increasing the wall height to 14 feet. This will improve the audience and actor experience by reducing wind and noise. The project is slated for completion by July 2022.

The Hind Foundation works in partnership with community-based nonprofits whose volunteers and members engage in decisions that affect the quality of life in their communities for today and for future generations.

Solvang Theaterfest is the 501c3 nonprofit corporation that owns and operates Solvang Festival Theater. It is managed by an all-volunteer board of directors.

For more information, contact Solvang Theaterfest Executive Director Scott Coe at exec.director@solvangtheaterfest.org.

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By Serena Guentz

Noozhawk Staff Writer

About a dozen tables took over Second Street in Solvang on Monday morning as the Solvang Theaterfest held a breakfast and groundbreaking event to celebrate the start of its rebuilding project to repair and improve the theater.

Nearly 100 volunteers, donors and other community members enjoyed a breakfast that was sponsored by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation.

While the 700-seat Solvang Festival Theater, which opened in 1974 and has been home to PCPA productions each summer season since, was originally built in just 58 days, the $4.7 million rebuilding project is expected to take about 10 months.

“I’m not going to stand up here and tell you how important the Theaterfest is; you already know that,” Executive Director Steve Coe said. “How fantastic it’s going to be to have generations to come that will get to enjoy this jewel that we have in our community … How fantastic it’s going to be even better going forward.”

Before breaking ground — or in this case, breaking down the wall — Solvang Theaterfest board chair Chris Nielsen and vice chair Ann Foxworthy Lewellen spoke about the history of the theater and of the process it took to get to this point of the project.

In 2019, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians pledged to donate $100,000 toward the project if the theater could raise enough money to match that, which it did, and a check from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians was presented to Foxworthy Lewellen during Monday’s event.

The Solvang Theaterfest board of directors also announced that only $995,000 was needed to completely fund the project. More than $500,000 has been raised since the rebuilding campaign and goal of $1.5 million was revealed in June.

“I can’t help but think back to the 1970s, how excited [the original founders of the Solvang Festival Theater] must have been to start this project,” Foxworthy Lewellen said. “They must have just been ecstatic about seeing their dream coming true, and that’s really the way I feel this morning.”

Since the outer wall of the theater will be torn down and rebuilt, Foxworthy Lewellen and Nielsen made the first holes by taking a sledgehammer to the wall, followed by board members and other attendees who wanted to take a swing.

The theater rebuilding project is designed to improve safety and overall audience experience with “higher and acoustically designed outer walls,” the theater’s website stated.

Accessibility and ADA compliance also will be improved with new stairs and access ramps, as well as increased accessible audience seating.

Additionally, the current wood utility lighting poles will be replaced with new metal columns, and there will be improved placement of a new control booth and sound and equipment rooms.

“We’re really excited,” said Gabi Robbins, a former volunteer at the theater, along with her husband, Peter Robbins, who also is a former Theaterfest board member. “We’ve been patrons since ’75, when they had all the fun fundraisers when they would auction off costumes.”

Gabi Robbins said that those fundraisers involved auctioning off costumes from the theater to rent for costume balls that would take place shortly after.

A banner is displayed in front of the theater with the names of donors and an explanation of the project.

“I can tell how important the Theaterfest is to all of you, just by the grins and smiles I saw as we were busting into that wall,” Nielsen said at the end of the event. “We look forward to, 10 months from now, doing something special then also.”

Noozhawk staff writer Serena Guentz can be reached at sguentz@noozhawk.com. 

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Solvang Theaterfest has received a $400,000 grant from the Hind Foundation to fund three of the theater’s six new custom-fabricated, metal lighting columns.

“We are so honored that the Hind Foundation has given its generous support to our rebuilding project,” said Ann Foxworthy Lewellen, Solvang Theaterfest Board Vice-Chair. “Our project goes hand-in-glove with the Hind Foundation’s mission – ‘working together to build an enduring legacy for future generations’.”

The $4.7 million Theater rebuilding project will ensure structural integrity and safety for generations to come. The planned improvements include replacing the 47-year-old utility poles with new steel lighting columns, and completely rebuilding the rear wall and walkway of the theater, thereby increasing the wall height to 14 feet. This will improve the audience and actor experience by reducing wind and noise. The project is slated for completion by July of 2022.

The Hind Foundation works in partnership with community-based nonprofits whose volunteers and members engage in decisions that affect the quality of life in their communities for today and for future generations.

Solvang Theaterfest is the 501c3 nonprofit corporation that owns and operates Solvang Festival Theater. It is managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors.

For more information, contact Solvang Theaterfest Executive Director Scott Coe at exec.director@solvangtheaterfest.org.

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Staff Report

PCPA returns with live performances in the outdoor Solvang Festival Theater with a musical concert written by Erik Stein July 21 through Aug. 7.  All performances are at 8 p.m. 

“Together: A Musical Journey,” with musical direction by Michael Wilkins, is directed by Katie Fuchs-Wackowski and features PCPA resident artists Kitty Balay, Andrew Philpot, Yusef Seevers, Erik Stein, Emily Trask and George Walker, and guest artist Annali Fuchs-Wackowski. 

After more than a year apart, “Together” is a celebration of being able to share experiences — through story and song — again in the same room. It is a new live and in-person concert that revels in the simple fact that life is better when we live it together. Seven actors and musicians take the audience on a musical journey that celebrates our shared experiences and the stories that have yet to be told — tales of the like-minded and adventures of those that dance to a different beat. This concert was created exclusively for PCPA’s audiences to rejoice as a community, and to relish being together. 

The show’s music ranges from Irving Berlin and Gershwin to Justin Timberlake and Carole King along with Broadway tuners from Crazy for You, Beautiful, and Company. 

The theme of the live connection was the inspiration for Stein’s new piece. 

“I read an article that outlined an experiment that showed that when people are in a room together sharing an experience, their hearts start to beat in the same rhythm,” Stein said. “If our hearts can overcome differences and actually beat together, our brains should be able to as well. All of us in a room together sharing an experience is truly essential.” 

Director Katie Fuchs-Wackowski feels privileged to be at the helm of this original piece. “It is a piece created for the here and now, and highlights the creative skills of both our local designers and performers.” she said.

Katie Fuchs-Wackowski added the show follows a theme that celebrates the common threads that link humanity together through a tapestry of individual voices and songs we know and love.

“The piece explores how, through  our connection with one another, we find the ability and strength to prevail and overcome,” she said.  

For more information visit https://www.pcpa.org/plays/Together/ 

Ticket prices for “Together” start at $35. Visit www.pcpa.org or call the box office 805-922-8313. 

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Staff Report

PCPA is elated to announce the return of live performances this summer, and will present two powerful productions that celebrate its return to sharing stories and music together. 

“Together: A Musical Journey” and “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” will be performed at the outdoor Solvang Festival Theater, with the season going from July 21 through September 5.

“Together: A Musical Journey,” written by Erik Stein, musical direction by Michael Wilkens and directed by Katie Fuchs-Wackowski, will play in the theater from July 21 through August 8. All performances are at 8 p.m. 

After more than a year apart, “Together” is a celebration of being able to share experiences — through story and song — again in the same room. It is a new live and in-person concert that revels in the simple fact that life is better when we live it together. Seven actors and a musician will take the audience on a musical journey that celebrates our shared experiences and the stories that have yet to be told – tales of the like-minded and adventures of those that dance to a different beat. This concert was created exclusively for PCPA’s audiences to rejoice as a community, and to relish being together. 

The theme of the live connection was the inspiration for Stein’s new piece. 

“I read an article that outlined an experiment that showed that when people are in a room together sharing an experience, their hearts start to beat in the same rhythm,” he said. “If our hearts can overcome differences and actually beat together, our brains should be able to as well. All of us in a room together sharing an experience is truly essential.”

Director Fuchs-Wackowski feels privileged to be at the helm of this original piece. 

“I am very excited to be working on this incredibly unique project: a musical journey specifically created to celebrate being back together after this long, hard year apart,” she said. “It is a piece created for the here and now, and highlights the creative skills of both our local designers and performers.” 

The cast features resident artists Kitty Balay, Andrew Philpot, Yusef Seevers, Erik Stein, Emily Trask and George Walker, and guest artist Annali Fuchs-Wackowski. 

The second production welcomes back guest artist Karole Foreman (“Fences,” “Caroline, or Change”) to play the legendary Billie Holiday in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.” 

“Lady Day” plays in the theater from Aug. 19 through Sept. 5. The time is 1959. The place is a seedy bar in Philadelphia. The audience is about to witness one of Billie Holiday’s final performances. More than a dozen of the jazz legends’ songs are interlaced with salty, often humorous reminiscences in this riveting portrait of Holiday and her music. Holiday’s accompanist is Jimmy Powers played by guest artist Stephan Terry who also serves as Musical Director for the show.  

Director Wren T. Brown says Holliday’s music continues to soar and stir audiences six decades later. 

“I am excited to direct ‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’ because it affords me the opportunity to explore and examine the life of one of the most transcendent artists of the 20th century,” Brown said. “Through her singing, Billie Holiday used everything that happened in her life to inform her art. Many of the songs she performed and recorded have become standards and have caused audiences to feel her heart and soul, in a manner unlike any other artist. Sixty years after her death, at a time in America when race, gender, and the opioid crisis are being discussed loudly on a daily basis, Billie Holiday’s life and career are a great example of what it means to not just survive but triumph in the face of lifelong abuse and struggle.”  

“Lady Day” contains adult themes and language. 

Ticket prices, which went on sale June 8, are $35-$50. Visit www.pcpa.org or call the box office at 805-922-8313. Box Office hours are Wednesday through Sunday 3 to 7 p.m. The Solvang Box Office will open July 14 with hours from 4 to 7 p.m. on non-show days and 4 to 8 p.m. on show days. 

 Performances are subject to change. The latest COVID guidelines will be posted on the web site as performance dates near. 

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By Lois Brown

Solvang Theaterfest Board Member

Good causes during the pandemic range from stocking local food banks to rebuilding the Solvang Festival Theater. 

“There has never been a better time to support efforts to feed our most vulnerable residents,” said Erica Flores, People Helping People’s communications and development director “and yet, this is no time to forget the soul nurturing magic of live performance right here in the Valley.” 

Flores has recently joined Theaterfest’s Board of Directors because she sees the value of supporting the full range of community needs.

The beloved 700-outdoor-seat theater was built 46 years ago and has housed thousands of professional theater performances and countless live concerts over the years. It brings tourists to Valley businesses and provides a venue for other local nonprofits to gather and raise funds for their own good causes. But now—due to all that wear and tear—it urgently needs a major restoration.

When Lois and Sonny Brown, Valley residents for over 12 years, learned their planned cruise to the Greek Isles had been cancelled and was unlikely to be rescheduled in the near future, they decided to replace their disappointment with the joy of giving. 

Lois is on the Theaterfest board of directors so they didn’t have far to look for a worthy cause, and settled on a naming opportunity in support of the $4.7 million rebuilding campaign. 

“We have always loved serving local wines at the bar in the Patron’s Garden before PCPA performances and live music concerts,” Lois Brown said, “so we will be lending our names to that bar. What better way to use cancelled travel funds than to pass along the joy of live performance to future generations.”

During the pandemic year, Lily Carey was able to give generously to a number of nonprofits, including Direct Relief International, UCSB Arts & Lectures, local Rotary and Theaterfest. Carey sees all types of performance arts as “necessary for everyone’s sanity.”

But she has an additional reason to support live theater: Her grandfather, Harry Carey — who appeared in movies alongside John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart — was a playwright and acted in New York theater before coming to Hollywood. So Carey looks with special affection at the PCPA performers who take the stage of Solvang Festival Theater each summer. 

“The performers are fantastic,” she said. “Even judged against performers in major cities, they are amazing,” she continued. “Besides, this wonderful outdoor theater is the gem of the Valley — as a community we have to do whatever it takes to be sure it will continue to thrive.”

Valley residents Bill and Kelley Brennan were vacationing in New Zealand last March when borders began to close due to the pandemic. Having to leave New Zealand early was a huge disappointment, but the travel company did come through with a refund. As more and more activities closed here at home, the Brennans had time to reflect on the many summer evenings they’d enjoyed over the years at the Solvang Festival Theater — sitting under the stars, sipping wine, catching up with friends and neighbors. 

“It just seemed right to put this travel refund toward helping to rebuild the theater, doing our part to ensure professional live theater and music for future generations of Valley residents and tourists,” Kelley Brennan said.

Paul and Suzi Matthies were expecting to visit France and to take several trips to Seattle and Connecticut to see their children and grandson. 

“But it’s a great feeling to realize the travel budget we couldn’t use this year due to such a terrible thing as a global pandemic can be re-channeled to do good in our community,” said Suzi Matthies, noting they had supported the local YMCA, Theaterfest, Santa Ynez Valley Community Kitchen at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley, Bethania Church Weekly Food Distribution, and Atterdag at Home.

Community residents have stepped up in big ways and small to support local nonprofits this year. When the 2020 summer PCPA program had to be cancelled, Star Patrons, who participate in a drink-and-dine reception before each play, almost universally donated their program costs back to the Solvang Festival Theater to help offset the loss in revenue due to COVID-19 closing. 

These nonprofits — and all the nonprofits in the Central Coast community — urge residents to be as generous as they are able. Whether to feed the hungry or support those programs and venues that make our area special — it is needed more than ever. 

Theaterfest is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation whose goal is to provide a unique live performing arts venue that promotes the highest quality experience for artists and audience members in a space that is safe and accessible to all. To learn more about the campaign to rebuild the theater, please email development@SolvangTheaterfest.org. 

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Staff Report

During its regular meeting on Feb. 1, the Solvang Planning Commission unanimously approved the Development Plan for Solvang Festival Theater’s Capital Campaign Project. While making the motion to approve, Commissioner Scott Gold stated that the theater’s Development Plan was “an appropriate, pretty project for locals and tourists alike. (The theater) represents a lot of history and brings a lot of joy for a lot of people.” 

After nearly five decades of enjoyment, the theater requires a renewed investment from the community to sustain the legacy as a cultural and community anchor for decades to come. The current “IMAGINE! Building the Future” capital campaign has reached 61% of the $4.7 million goal. 

The theater’s renovation project, slated to begin construction this September and be completed in July 2022, will now go to the city’s Planning Department for review in March and will also be subject to review by the Design Review Committee before land use and building permits are issued. 

The project will strengthen and modernize the theater, address aging infrastructure, and improve accessibility, technical capability and audience amenities. It includes a complete replacement of the rear wall, increasing the height an additional 8 feet with cantilevered panels to help deflect wind, capture more warmth and buffer external noise. Acoustically engineered paneling on the new wall will also enhance internal sound for audience and performers. 

The current utility poles that support the lighting platforms, erected during the original construction in 1974, will be replaced with new steel lighting columns that will be safer for the audience and performers and will support an enhanced lighting system. 

Additionally, the project includes new ADA compliant stairwell access to the theater and to the box office for staff and patrons.
“This theater is a magnificent jewel,” says Chris Nielsen, Solvang Theaterfest Board chair, “and we want to provide a theater that our predecessors will be proud of and generations to follow will be equally as proud of as well.” 

For more information, please visit the theater’s website at www.solvangfestivaltheater.org 

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