FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        February 2009
Contact: Craig Shafer
publicity@pcpa.org
805-928-7731, 4100

PCPA THEATERFEST
PRESENTS

InterPlay: The Stage Between

Now in its seventh year, InterPlay: The Stage Between gives audiences a chance to really hear a play read aloud without the adornments of a full-fledged production. PCPA continues its commitment to presenting new works in a play reading format this 45th anniversary season from March 6th through the 15th in the Severson Theatre with two new plays; Evie’s Waltz by Carter W. Lewis and Iron Kisses by James Still.

Evie’s Waltz plays 3/6 at 7pm, 3/7 at 7pm, 3/14 at 2pm, and 3/15 at 2pm.
Iron Kisses plays 3/7 at 2pm, 3/8 at 2pm, 3/13 at 7pm, and 3/14 at 7pm.
(Plays contain mature language/themes.)

Evie's Waltz, a new play by Carter W. Lewis.
Amidst a family crisis, Gloria and Clay’s life is about to go from bad to worse. Their son was suspended today for having a gun at school which he and his girlfriend – Evie – bought on the Internet. During a backyard barbecue Evie shows up unexpectedly with blood on her shoulder; and as a gunshot rings out.
"A tense, frightening thriller, that dredges up provocative issues about life in 21st-century America." —SF Examiner
Evie's Waltz features Education and Outreach Director Leo Cortez (A Flea in Her Ear, The Heart's Desire) as Clay, Resident Artist Kitty Balay Genge (White Christmas, Always Patsy Cline) as Gloria, and 2nd year acting student Michelle Ehresman as Evie. The narrator is Robert Sorey.

Iron Kisses, by James Still.
Alternately heartbreaking and funny, Iron Kisses is about the mysteries of family and about how the roles we play are as inescapable as they are comfortable. It's about people doing the best they can, how families evolve, how they grow up, and how they can surprise us - if we let them.
"It's heartbreakingly funny and tenderly observant, yet wise and complex. By the end, we inherently know 'Happiness is what you can bear.'" —Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Iron Kisses features Resident Artists Andrew Philpot as Billy and Elizabeth Stuart as Barbara.

Special ticket pricing. $15.00 for one reading; $11.25 for the second reading.
For tickets and more information call 805-922-8313 (Wed-Sun 1-7pm) or purchase online anytime at www.pcpa.org.

Beginning in April PCPA proudly presents Les Misérables. One of the greatest musicals of all time, it’s based on Victor Hugo’s landmark novel about social change and political revolution in 19th century France. It will play in Santa Maria’s Marian Theatre April 9 through May 10 then in Solvang’s Festival Theater June 11 through July 12. Boublil and Schonber’s musical is a powerful examination of justice, change and redemption. (Recommended for 12 years and up.)

Coming this summer is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Where else could six young people struggling with puberty stand out and fit in at the same time? The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, of course.  This momentous spelling championship pits the quirkiest collection of heroes against one another in the unlikeliest of hit musicals. In this charming challenge, the contestants learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. It plays June 19 – July 11 in Santa Maria before transferring to Solvang to play July 17 – August 2. (Recommended for 12 years and up.)

 Next up is the family musical, 76-trombones strong, celebrating Midwestern American traditions and foibles. Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man features con man Professor Harold Hill who plans on cleaning up the pool halls in River City by replacing them with a wholesome marching band, or so he wants us to believe. Marian Theatre performances are July 17 through August 1, then August 7 – 23 in Solvang.

In a musical story of hope, hearth, and home, The Spitfire Grill is a young woman’s search for redemption. This prize-winning quintessential American musical fuses a poignant story of reawakening with country, bluegrass, and Broadway musical traditions. The music and book by James Valcq and lyrics by Fred Alley were inspired by the 1996 Lee David Zoloff film of the same name. The Spitfire Grill plays August 7 – 23 in the Marian Theatre, then August 28 – September 13 in the Festival Theater.

Distracted by Lisa Loomer is a modern comedy cleverly exploring parenting, analysis, and the struggle to maintain focus in this era of confusion, the Internet, and Ritalin. The story follows a mother’s interactions with teachers, therapists, and neighbors as she and her husband attempt to determine if her son’s problems are rooted in ADD. Distracted plays in the Severson Theatre, Santa Maria, August 28 – September 20. (Mature language and themes.)

Besides single tickets, a number of season ticket – subscription– plans are available starting with a 4-play Choose Your Own series, and on up to a 7-play series. Subscribers get the best seats and lowest prices and can also purchase unlimited single tickets at their subscriber rate. (Number of additional Les Misérables tickets is limited). And they’ll save big this season. By taking advantage of their low subscription ticket rate, they can attend the special engagement of Les Misérables for 30% off the regular ticket price.

Visit the box office or phone (805) 922-8313 between 1 and 7pm Wednesday through Sunday to sign up for season tickets, or view the plans online at www.pcpa.org.

Information about Group Sales for 12 or more patrons may be obtained by contacting groups@pcpa.org or by calling 1-800-922-2123.

Now in its 45th season, PCPA Theaterfest is the Central Coast’s Resident Professional Theatre Company, and has infused the national theatre scene with thousands of trained actors and theatrical technicians over the years in its conservatory.

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Just the facts:

What:
PCPA Theaterfest presents InterPlay: The Stage Between
A festival of new plays in a play reading format
Evie’s Waltz by Carter W. Lewis and Iron Kisses by James Still

When:
Evie’s Waltz plays 3/6 at 7pm, 3/7 at 7pm, 3/14 at 2pm, and 3/15 at 2pm.
Iron Kisses plays 3/7 at 2pm, 3/8 at 2pm, 3/13 at 7pm, and 3/14 at 7pm.

Where:
Severson Theatre, Santa Maria, CA
on the Allan Hancock College campus.
800 S. College Dr.

Ticket Prices:
$15.00 for one reading; $11.25 for the second reading.

Box Office: (805) 922-8313, hours from 1 to 7pm Wednesday - Sunday.
(closed Monday and Tuesday unless there is a Tuesday performance)

Online tickets and information: www.pcpa.org