PCPA Theaterfest's 2009-2010 Season concludes with
Invierno
a world premiere!

Invierno
By José  Cruz González
Aug. 27 – Sept. 19, 2010 – Severson Theatre
Mature themes/Adult language

PCPA proudly presents a newly commissioned work from José Cruz González, the author of The Heart’s Desire. Playing August 27 through September 19 in the Severson Theatre, Invierno is inspired by Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale and set in the present day and in 19th century rancho California. Our story begins sadly – with love turned to obsession and destruction wrought by jealousy – the state is imperiled, friendships fractured and families torn apart. But it ends gracefully, with the healing that comes with the passage of time and awakened faith. In the opening scene we discover a young couple, in turmoil in their relationship, who mysteriously find themselves 200 years in the past and participating in a story that is not entirely their own, but strangely familiar.

Invierno is Directed by Mark Booher with Scenic Design by Tim Hogan, Costumes by Juliane Starks, Lighting by Jen ‘Z’ Zornow, and Sound by Chris Luessmann. The cast features Catalina Maynard* as Paulina, Richard Gallegos* as Don Leon, Evans Eden Jarnefeldt as Don Patricio, Andrew Philpot* as Caspian, Leo Cortez as Alejandro, Peter S. Hadres* as Vaquero, Leah Dutchin as Hermonia, Sabrina Cavalletto as Young Woman, and Cody Craven as Young Man.

Playwright José Cruz González said that the play retains Shakespeare’s examination that begins with the pain of mistakes, turns into regret and sorrow over a loss, and ultimately ends with forgiveness. “It’s all about that and, that miracles can happen,” González observed. At the center of the play is Don Leon who wrongly accuses his wife of an adulterous affair with his best friend which sends Leon down a spiraling path of despair. Observing this is a young couple from the present day who like-wise are attempting to resurrect their love for one another.

Director Booher said that the play offers a story about the fracture of relationships brought about by misplaced jealousy and the destruction that ensues when we betray our fidelity to truth in our relationships with family, with friends, with nature, and with the Divine. “The beauty of this play lies in its conviction that our faults are redeemable, though they will exact a price,” Booher explained.

Invierno plays in a newly configured Severson Theatre which affords a deeper thrust stage with seating on three sides.The larger playing area allows for the construction of large scale scenery including an old adobe home and centuries old oak tree.

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 8 throughout the season for the ultimate theatre experience. Call the box office to receive a subscription brochure or email: boxoffice@pcpa.org.

For tickets call 805-922-8313 between 1 and 7pm Wednesday through Sunday, or purchase single tickets for the current season online anytime 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-PCPA-123.

Now in its 46th 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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The Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts (PCPA) of Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California supports a unique, fully-accredited vocational training program for aspiring actors and theatre technicians. PCPA is the only training program of its kind offered by a community college in the United States.