Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF), in partnership with Philadelphia’s Theatre Horizon, presents Penelope—a fiercely original musical that finally gives voice to one of history’s most enduring—and long-silenced—women. This one-woman tour de force reimagines Homer’s epic with a soulful score, razor-sharp storytelling, and an onstage band serving as her modern Greek chorus. No longer a footnote in her husband’s saga, Penelope takes the mic—drink in hand—to reclaim her story in an electrifying solo cabaret.
Inspired by Homer’s The Odyssey, Penelope—featuring music, lyrics, and a book by Alex Bechtel, co-written with Grace McLean and Eva Steinmetz—was recently named a Barrymore Recommended production. It previews May 28–29, opens May 30, and runs through June 8 in the Schubert Theatre at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of DeSales University.
Created by five-time Barrymore Award-winning composer, actor, writer, director, teaching artist, and multi-instrumentalist Alex Bechtel, Penelope has captivated audiences from concert stages to full productions—including acclaimed performances at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, Rockwood Music Hall in NYC, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Signature Theatre in Washington, DC, and Philadelphia’s Theatre Horizon.
According to Bechtel, “Penelope is a musical love letter to all those who wait—for someone they love, for something to believe in, and for the hope that the waiting will end well.”
Rachel Camp reprises her performance as Penelope, returning to the role after its celebrated run at Theatre Horizon. She is joined by Eva Steinmetz (co-author), who returns as director. Camp’s select regional credits include Ragtime (Arden Theatre), Into the Woods (Theatre Horizon, Barrymore Award), and productions at the Walnut Street Theatre.
A live band serves as a modern Greek chorus with Music Director Justin Yoder, also on cello, conducting the ensemble featuring Garrett Davis (percussion), Nicole Fassold-Harabaruaru (viola), Jamison Forman (piano), and Rachel Massey (violin).
If You Go
Penelope previews May 28-29, with the official opening on May 30, and runs through June 8 in the Schubert Theatre at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts (Center Valley, PA). Get tickets at pashakespeare.org; by calling 610.282.WILL [9455]; or in person at the box office.