Touchstone Theatre Presents the Next Episode in THE PAN SHOW Series, 10/4-10/13

Just in time for the election season, Touchstone Theatre presents the next episode in the "Pan Show" series entitled THE PAN SHOW: IN PAN WE TRUST, a musical political satire featuring the Greek god Pan. The show runs October 4-13, 2012.

The first episode of this musical series, THE PAN SHOW: A CAUTIONARY TALE, was written by Touchstone Artistic Director Jp Jordan and Touchstone Ensemble Affiliate Christopher Shorr for Touchstone's 2010-11 season. A self-proclaimed cautionary tale of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, the play starred Pan, the Greek god of good times transplanted into a contemporary setting, exploring stereotypes of race and gender and what it means to "embrace your inner goat".

Shorr explains, "The first episode was a wild romp, introducing audiences to the wacky world of Pan, to the style, and to some of the key characters. It had a message, and it satirized (or SATYR-ized) contemporary American society, but it was largely-as the tagline suggested-about sex, drugs and rock-n-roll. This new episode, IN PAN WE TRUST, is much more pointed satire. It still enjoys the same aesthetic, but we are saying a lot more about America, about politics, about the crossroads at which we perceive our country to be. Republicans weren't left out; Democrats weren't left out-all are represented. It's not that they won't be offended… but they'll probably be equally offended!"

In IN PAN WE TRUST, a ragtag coalition of nations enlists Pan to lead a mass rescue of America-from itself. It features all new songs from Jordan and Shorr, ranging from hard rock to tango; original animation by Alexander Clare, winner of Lehigh Valley Arts Wars 2011 (first place) and 2012 (third place); and a cast of returning Touchstone favorites and new faces, including the original dynamic duo of Jp Jordan (Pan) and Zach Kanner (Daphnis). Kanner returns to Bethlehem for the production from Hollywood, CA where he has been working as an independent film actor since his apprenticeship at Touchstone.

"I wouldn't say this is the darkest period in American history. We aren't in the streets shooting one another over political beliefs. But what I would suggest is that we as a country need to start thinking about how despite our differences, we are one people," Jordan states, "And yes, we aim to explore that theme through a musical comedy about a Greek fertility god."

Shorr adds, "As artists, it's our job to shine a light on aspects of our society that shouldn't stay in the dark. We've tried to do that with this play. It's like we've taken an embarrassing picture of ourselves as Americans, and we've posted it on the web for all to see. Is it embarrassing? Of course it is! But it's a picture of all of us. And maybe by sharing it, we can all laugh at ourselves together and then do something to start changing things. That's IN PAN WE TRUST."

THE PAN SHOW: IN PAN WE TRUST plays October 4-13, 8pm Thursdays and Fridays, with 8pm and 10:30pm shows on Saturdays. Tickets are $25, $15 for students and seniors. On Thursdays, Touchstone offers Pay-What-You-Will, where patrons purchasing tickets at the door may name their own price. THE PAN SHOW: IN PAN WE TRUST is for mature audiences only. The Touchstone café opens one hour prior to show time, serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for a fee and light desserts by donation.

To purchase tickets or for more information on the coming season, contact Touchstone Theatre at 610-867-1689 or visit www.touchstone.org.

Celebrating over thirty years, Touchstone Theatre produces and presents both original and classic productions, with a dedication to the renewal of theatre as a vital art form. Touchstone works to foster collaboration on a local and national level through educational and youth empowerment programs, using theatre as a community-building tool. Visit us on the web at www.touchstone.org.

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