Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, 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 a 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” features music, lyrics and a book by Alex Bechtel, co-written with Grace McLean and Eva Steinmetz. The production was recently named Barrymore Recommended. 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.

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. The show has had acclaimed performances at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and Rockwood Music Hall in New York City; Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival; Signature Theatre in Washington, D.C.; and Theatre Horizon in Philadelphia.

“‘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,” said Bechtel.

Rachel Camp reprises her performance in the title role, returning after a celebrated run at Theatre Horizon. She is joined by co-author Eva Steinmetz, who returns as director. Camp’s regional credits include “Ragtime” (Arden Theatre), “Into the Woods” (Theatre Horizon, Barrymore Award), and productions at Walnut Street Theatre. Steinmetz, artistic producer at Philadelphia’s Pig Iron Theatre Company, has directed and co-written works at the Wilma Theater, FringeArts, and Off-Broadway at WP Theater and New York Theatre Workshop.

A live band performs onstage as a modern Greek chorus, conducted by music director Justin Yoder, who also plays cello. The ensemble includes Garrett Davis (percussion), Nicole Fassold-Harabaruaru (viola), Jamison Forman (piano), and Rachel Massey (violin).

The creative team features scenic and prop design by You-Shin Chen, lighting design by Thom Weaver, costume design by Nikki Delhomme, and sound design by Damien Figueras. The production stage manager is Randi Alexis Hickey.

“Penelope” previews today, May 28– May 29, opens May 30 and runs through June 8 in the Schubert Theatre at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. A Barrymore Recommended production, this limited engagement includes just 12 performances. Tickets are available at pashakespeare.org, by calling 610-282-WILL (9455), or in person at the box office.

Production sponsors for “Penelope” are Keith and Stefanie Wexler. The co-sponsor is The Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation.

The festival’s 2025 season sponsors are Marilyn McDonald, MD, and Joe Folger. Associate season sponsors include Mary Bongiorno; Linda Lapos and Paul Wirth; Kathleen Kund Nolan and Timothy E. Nolan; Yvonne Payne and Edward Spitzer; the Szarko Family; and the Harry C. Trexler Trust.

Questions? tina.slak@pashakespeare.org