Let us know what you thought about Songs for a New World [share your comments, click here]

A big THANK YOU for including this production in your schedule. It was, without a doubt, THE BEST MUSICAL ever, in fact it was Brilliant! My husband and I attended the Friday, September 3rd showing and were absolutely mesmerized by the singing - both individual and group numbers. Sorry for you that there was not more of a crowd but, as for me, I felt like a queen being blessed with a private showing, and loved it. Sincerely, Karen Dillon

....I adored your production of Songs for a New World. This is definitely a different show for those expecting a traditional musical, but once you know it's a revue rather than a musical it makes much more sense -- and the change of pace is part of what makes it fascinating. The cast was phenomenal, vocals filling the outdoor theatre in a way that you just can't duplicate anywhere else, and the band matching them was excellent as well. My sister and I had heard the Broadway CD and enjoyed it, but agreed after seeing this show on its Solvang opening night that it was infinitely better live. PCPA always puts on a superb show, but this was one of the best productions I've seen from you. Everything -- actors, musicians, staging, set and lighting design, and even environment -- just came together amazingly. Thank you once again for a wonderful experience! I can't wait to see what you guys bring to the community next. Chris

“Songs For A New World was well worth the drive up to Solvang. An all around excellent production highlighted by Erik Stein's imaginative direction and a super-duper cast of triple-threats: Karin Hendricks, Melinda Parrett, Melvin Abston, and Jerry Lee.” Steven Stanley

My husband and I have been coming to every single performance for over 10 years and this definitely tops out at one of the best. Everything about it was superior: the actors, the music, and most of all the significance and relevance of the message in the crazy world we live in today. I found myself feeling upbeat, reassured, and having enjoyed a fabulous musical offering. Bravo Eric Stein!!!!!!!!!!! Karen Musser

I was at the Saturday evening show and was really surprised. It was way better than I expected. You have to do a better job of advertising this type of show. Life decisions depicted in song. One of the better things that I've seen. I am so glad that we went to it. I am always blown away how much they put into each show even if the attendance is down. Gene Nienhouse

From the House Manager ....after the show a woman approached me with tears in her eyes and remarked, “This show is fantastic! I don’t often cry at the theatre, but this play really moved me.”

From stage management -We had a very small but very engaged house this evening. The actors reported seeing several patrons physically “rocking out” to the music! The whole house was on their feet for curtain call.

From an usher ....a patron who was seeing the show for the second time said they enjoyed the show even more the second time.

Saw the final Sunday matinee in Santa Maria before the show moves to Solvang - you REALLY don't want to miss this one! Curt Miner Broadwayworld.com

My daughter begged us to take her to see Songs for a New World. Well, we all loved it! The four actor/ singers moved all of us. We are still talking about the show and the meaning of the various songs. The four actors were so perfectly cast. Truly loved each of them. Please share this with your talented actors as well. Oh and what I didn't mention is that we were in New York for two weeks and these actors were as good as those we saw on Broadway. How lucky we are to have PCPA in our backyard! I wish you the best of luck with the show and wanted you to know how much we enjoyed it. Regards, Ilona Shakibnia

I just wanted to drop you a note to say Bravo on Songs! I was so deeply moved tonight, had a lump in my throat, and laughed and felt totally uplifted. I saw so many things, thought so many things, and felt so many things. I felt so much hope which is exactly what I think so many of us need right now. Thank you so much for your beautiful show! Everyone around me loved it and so did some ladies I heard talking after the show (and they were "mature" patrons too!) Cheers! Molly Stilliens

Patrons overheard as they exited the theatre... “It was wonderful—we thoroughly enjoyed this show.” “We just loved that there was a live band on the stage!” “That was cool!”

It's more than just a song cycle, it is a series of life changing situationts set to music... Everyone comes to certain points in their lives where they, or something in ther lives must change. [They're] all stories within themselves, but they all tie together. A nice touch was having an outstanding live band on stage, led by musical director Jordan Richardoson on the piano. "Songs" is definitely something different for PCPA, but as I've learned, if you try it you'll like it. Brad Memberto Santa Maria Times

If you need a lift - and who doesn't these days? - Songs for a New World will remind you of the resilience of the human spirit....mostly it's about pursuing dreams and letting go of dreams... This is an uplifting show, with sad stories, happy stories, and inspiring songs. It may remind you of some of the turning points in your own life. On any level, it's great entertainment. The Sunday afternoon audience gave it a standing ovation, with shouts of enthusiasm, and left the theater with smiles on their faces. Joan Crowder The Tribune

PCPA’s performance of Songs for a New World was inspired and moving. I have been a fan of the music for some time but these performers brought the concepts to a whole new level. Director Erik Stein has crafted the song cycle into a dazzling and yet intimate setting. The individual performers are exceptionally gifted but when they combine for the ensemble pieces one is simply washed into the magic. A must see for not only theatre patrons but for musicians as well. What a blessing to have PCPA in our community. Well done. Mark Robertshaw

Hi All, One of the best perks of my job is to promote the things I love best about my home town. Cara Martinez and I had the privilege of attending the opening weekend performance of Songs for a New World! Here are our personal ‘reviews’. We hope you’ll help us spread the word about this show and encourage your guests and clients to support PCPA Theaterfest and enjoy an evening or afternoon of amazing music! Many thanks and kudos to Maria Centrella, Mark Booher and the cast and production crew of PCPA! I went to the Sunday matinee of Songs for a New World, blind. By that, I mean, I didn’t read any PR ahead of time – on purpose. I wanted it to be a brand new experience and to be surprised. First of all, I took someone who doesn’t like musicals. Why he agreed to go, I’m not sure. But he LOVED the show and was very impressed not only with the performances but the lyrics and the live band! Kudos to PCPA for inspiring a new convert to musicals =) I was blown away – by the intimacy of the atmosphere. I felt like the actors were singing just to me. They were closer to us than normal, actually in the audience on platforms. Each actor was unique and had special gifts and talents to lend to the performance. There was a lot of action with the actors moving around the set effortlessly and it was just so fun to watch them, not knowing what they were going to do or where they were going to go. AND to my great joy – there was a live band on stage!! The piano player was awesome, he had a lot of interaction with the singers and the bass player of course, caught my attention with his expertise (I’m a bass player too!). The band was wonderfully talented, never missed a beat and through all the lighting changes, dance numbers and interaction with the actors – they were totally on it! This was a shorter performance than what PCPA usually offers and they truly packed a lot into this time frame. The songs were uplifting, powerful and dynamic in message and presentation. There was not a dull moment… I could relate to all the lyrics and they were really thought provoking. Some sad, some funny, but all engrossing and engaging. This show was different than any other I have ever seen in my 23 year love affair with PCPA. You will leave uplifted and hopeful for what is possible in a ‘New World’ – you will have renewed faith in humanity and be affected in ways you would never have guessed. To know what I’m talking about, you have to experience it for yourself. Please visit PCPA.org to get your tickets or call the box office at 922-8313 to get your tickets before they sell out. ~ Gina Keough

Saw this on opening night.. wonderful!! Arlene Sheller

Love, love, love it! Karin and JRB were meant to go together. And I can never get enough of Melinda! Awesome...Nice piano shaped level onstage, sometimes it's the simplest things. comment posted on YouTube

We saw the show on Sunday. We took our 12 year old son and our 17 year old Japanese exchange student. The student didn't understand the words, but loved the show and the music. This is only the 3rd show I have ever seen (I led a very sheltered life), but I think it was my favorite! I am doing my best to spread the word, we loved it!! My student is a bass player and belongs to the "light music club" at his school, so we thought he might enjoy it. Neither of them could understand the words, but they really enjoyed the music and performance! I think it's great to be able to "speak" to another culture through song and be able to "touch" everyone. They really did a great job! reply to Gina's note