PCPA marks return to live performances at Festival Theater
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.
