FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        October 2008
Contact: Craig Shafer
publicity@pcpa.org
805-928-7731, 4100

PCPA THEATERFEST’S 45th ANNIVERSARY SEASON
PRESENTING

Irving Berlin’s
White Christmas

Kicking off PCPA’s 45th Anniversary Season is the enduring and endearing holiday family favorite, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.

This new stage adaptation is based on the celebrated movie and tells the story of two show biz buddies, World War II Army vets, putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, and finding their perfect mates in the bargain. The marvelous Irving Berlin score includes “Count Your Blessings,” “Sisters,” and the classic title song, “White Christmas” the best selling recording of all time.

Featured in PCPA's cast is Colum Parke Morgan (Godspell, The Imaginary Invalid) playing Bob Wallace, the role originated by Bing Crosby. His buddy, Phil Davis played by Danny Kaye in the Paramount Pictures film, will be played by Michael Jenkinson (Ragtime, Hot Mikado). On the silver screen Rosemary Clooney played Betty Haynes; in PCPA’s production, that role will be handled by Elizabeth Stuart (Ragtime, The Weir), while her sister Judy will be played by guest artist Natasha Harris (Ragtime, Hot Mikado). Rounding out the cast will be resident artists Peter S. Hadres as General Waverly, Vanessa Ballam as Rita, Andrew Philpot as Ezekiel Foster, and Corey Jones as Ralph Sheldrake. And returning to the PCPA stage as guest artist in the role of Martha, the inn’s proprietress, is Kitty Balay Genge.

For this special family holiday presentation, PCPA is pleased to announce the extended offer of free tickets for military and their family, made possible by the generosity of the families of Drs. Daniel and Ronald Ng. This offer is made to active duty military, their spouses, and dependents. They may attend any PCPA performance of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas for free, subject to existing funds in this special account and ticket availability. Contact the box office for details, (805) 922-8313.

Also slated for the 2008-2009 season, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Les Misérables, The Music Man, The Spitfire Grill, and Distracted. In December, PCPA will announce the title of a Tony Award-winning musical that will play in both Santa Maria and Solvang next summer. And, still to be announced are the titles of two play readings set for the spring that will run in rotating rep in the Severson Theatre.

           In addition to single tickets, a number of season ticket – subscription– plans are available starting with a 4-play Choose Your Own series, and on up to an 8-play series. Subscribers get the best seats and lowest prices and can also purchase unlimited single tickets at their subscriber rate. (Les Misérables is limited to 2 additional tickets per subscriber at their rate). 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.

Performances: Matinees 2pm (Wed, Sat, Sun)
                      Evenings 7pm (Fri, Sat, select Sun)

Additional:      One performance Thursday Nov. 6  at 7pm
                      One performance Tuesday Dec. 16 at 7pm.

Box Office:     (805) 922-8313, hours from 1 to 7pm.
Online tickets and information:   www.pcpa.org

Photos, calendar, casting, and notes on the production at this link.

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