From the popularity of Netflix's The Queen's Gambit to Brit Bennet's novel The Vanishing Half to Taylor Swift's Folklore, it's clear that the strangeness of 2020 didn't turn people away from artistic pleasures. Many dove into TV, film, books, and music more deeply than ever, seeking an escape from reality or a change in perspective. In times of stress, we turn to art for comfort, distraction, and hope. Yet as we head further into 2021, it's a good time to remember that great art isn't only on our screens. Some of it is happening much closer to home.
For Prima Theatre, this year is all about taking on the challenge of creating safe and beautiful experiences for the Lancaster community. Since 2010, Prima has been striving to bring immersive, dynamic theatre to Lancaster City, and this year will be no exception. In preparation for the launch of their new show, "Sammy & Sinatra," the Prima team has had to find ways to put on a performance that is not only Covid-safe but also as energizing and intimate as a typical in-house performance would be.
"Sammy & Sinatra", which premieres in early March, is a celebration of Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra's timeless music. When planning shows for the beginning of Prima's 2021 season, Mitch Nugent, Executive Artistic Producer, says "We were looking at music that unites people, tunes that everybody knows and loves. Everyone can sing along to this music." The joy of the music is at the heart of Prima's first Covid-safe live offering, Sammy & Sinatra On the Move, which will feature performers in classy and classic attire traveling Lancaster streets in a classic car, singing live along with an upright bass.
1 of 3
2 of 3
3 of 3
"There's something uniquely powerful about live music," says Nugent. "We don't recognize the value of it until it's right there in front of us." By bringing the joyful energy of tunes like "The Candy Man" and "Feeling Good" directly to Lancaster's residents, Prima aims to bring people together. These experiences remind us of the invigorating power of live performance and human connection, something many of us are sorely missing these days.
In addition to Sammy & Sinatra On the Move, Prima is also producing a filmed version of the show that will be available for streaming with PrimaNOW, the theatre's online video platform. This version of the show will present the music in tandem with insightful stories about the two musicians' lives.
"It includes some lesser-known stories and a hopeful perspective on how it relates to today," says Nugent. "The show dives into how these two Rat Pack crooners handled racism and prejudice and how they navigated that in their lives." His hope is that the show will prove both joyful and thought-provoking for its audience.
Prima partnered with Rebecca Addington, Ville + Rue owner, a chic home decor and design boutique located in Downtown Lancaster, to create a fitting setting for these larger-than-life characters, conversations, and performances. Addington, who launched her business in the fall of 2019, was more than ready to take on the challenge of creating an environment that would shine on screen and retain the intimacy of live theatre.
"We wanted it to feel cozy and intimate and still of the era," she says. To capture the feeling of a Jazz Age cocktail lounge, she brought in metallics and velvets, transforming Prima's stage into an elegant, intimate environment for the show's songs and conversations to take place.
Partnerships like this one are another reason why engaging with local art and performances is so essential, especially in the ever-changing landscape of COVID. Both Prima and Ville + Rue are Lancaster-native, and like many other local businesses and nonprofits, both faced setbacks and nerve-wracking times amidst the pandemic. Thankfully, with the Lancaster community's support, they were able to thrive through the challenges. Their partnership on Sammy & Sinatra further represents how Lancaster community members continue to come together.
"I'm thrilled for partnerships like Prima, where, honestly, it just started with a conversation," says Addington. "I think Lancaster is so great for that."
With Sammy & Sinatra streaming on March 12th and On the Move performances beginning March 5th, Prima's performers are busy preparing for two very different shows. It's not the usual setup for a theatre, but according to Nugent, that's part of the fun.
"Neither of these shows fit what people might label as normal theatre," he says. "But for us, it's most important to create beautiful experiences, and so what one might label it doesn't really matter. It all provides a wonderful challenge to create something magical."
Between the irresistible tunes, the vibrant costumes, the beautifully immersive set, and the dedication to creating a refreshing experience for the audience, it's clear that Prima will be bringing that magic to Lancaster's streets and screens come March, in the way only live theatre can.
More details at primatheatre.org/sammy
