Saranac Lake, NY – It’s been a busy few weeks for Pendragon Theatre. First, the over-forty-year company has officially released performances and dates for its exciting Summer Festival lineup with discount flex passes on sale through May 1 only. Single tickets on sale after May 1. The festival will run June 28 through September 10 and includes a span of theatrical productions which encompass one American Classic, one Cult Classic, one New Play, one Fairy Tale adaptation, and one hit cabaret event.

To kick off the Summer Festival, Pendragon Theatre will present the cult classic, “The Rocky Horror Show,” with direction by Sarah Norris. Featuring a top caliber of musical theatre performers, this production will be unlike any version of “Rocky” you’ve seen before. Performances begin June 28.

Sarah, also Pendragon‘s Artistic Producer, directed last summer’s “Circle Mirror Transformation” which garnered a BroadwayWorld award for Best Lighting Design and countless other nominations. Sarah’s work has been seen around the country, featured in the BBC, New York Times, and has directed productions twice named a TimeOut NY Critics’ Pick.

Then in July, Pendragon presents a funny, heart-felt, family-friendly and totally unique Muppets cabaret. An hour-long show featuring the Muppets hits you know and love, this is not to be missed.

Next, Pendragon dives into the Camp Pendragon production of “The Sleeping Beauty, sort of,” adapted by Amina Henry and directed by Hannah-Kathryn Wall. This is not your traditional Sleeping Beauty. Award-winning playwright Amina Henry gives a contemporary twist on this classic. The production will feature over twenty local students, grades five through twelve. Camp Pendragon serves to not only give students a professional theatre experience but also give them the chance to also meet other peers in the area. Performances for “The Sleeping Beauty” begin July 28. Last Summer, Hannah-Kathryn won Best Performer for BroadwayWay World and Pendragon is thrilled to have her leading Camp Pendragon once again.

Pendragon Theatre announces summer 2023 lineup. Photo courtesy of Pendragon Theatre.

Then, Pendragon returns to a classic: “Our Town”. Written by Thornton Wilder, part of the production will be immersive as Pendragon will utilize Pine Ridge Cemetery behind the theatre to deliver the dramatic third act of the play. Performances begin August 15. With a stellar ensemble of performers, this show is not to be missed.

Finally, Pendragon concludes its Festival with a world premier, “Friends with Amenities,” written by Ahsan Ali & Lisa Jill Anderson. A romantic comedy, two strangers navigate love and romance while finding their own identity and purpose in life. The production will premiere at Pendragon Theatre and subsequently move Off-Broadway to New York City in the fall. Be the first to see it at Pendragon.

Details can be found at PendragonTheatre.org or call the box office at (518) 891-1854.

Also, a special thanks to New York’s representatives who took the time and consideration at the Capitol to meet with Pendragon‘s leaders. On March 8, Pendragon was asked to join 25 other national theatres as part of the Professional Non-Profit Theater Coalition (PNTC) in Washington D.C. to meet with Congressional leaders, talk about the significant impact of the arts in American communities and fight for ongoing state and federal support to non-profit arts organizations across the country. Another reason for this coalition is that many theatres are still struggling with pandemic recovery and a return to 2019 numbers and as pandemic funding has dried up, additional support is still needed.

Pendragon joined TheaterWorks (one of the largest educational touring theatres in North America) and The Public Theater (one of the larger, more influential theaters in the country — i.e. shows like Hamilton, Hair and A Chorus Line started there) to meet with the offices of Elise Stefanik, Kirsten Gillibrand, Joe Manchin, Jerry Nadler, Dan Goldman, Alexander Mooney and Shelley Moore Capito to continue to fight for improved funding for the arts.

About Pendragon:

Pendragon Theatre is a recent winner of three BroadwayWorld Awards including Favorite Theatre. It is a Governor of the Arts Award Recipient and has served the Adirondack community for over forty years. Visit www.PendragonTheatre.org for more information.

Photo at top: New York’s representatives met with Pendragon Theatre leaders at the Capitol on March 8. Photo courtesy of Pendragon Theatre.