In an ongoing effort to provide greater access to performing arts in the Central Coast community, the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo is offering “choose-what-you-pay” tickets for the first time starting at just $5 each to NORTH: The Musical on January 16 at 7:00pm.
NORTH is new family-friendly production from award-winning vocalist, writer, and educator Ashli St. Armant that reflects the optimism, bravery, wonder and suspense of freedom seekers. The play follows Lawrence and his mother, Minnie, as they escape the Deep South and travel North through the Underground Railroad.
While acknowledging the realities of slavery, NORTH is about grit, community and finding magic in the most unexpected places. The musical is based on actual accounts of slave escapes through the Underground Railroad network, as well as Ms. St. Armant’s personal family history of overcoming slavery in Louisiana. It is intended for intergenerational audiences (ages 10 and up) and is setting its sights on Broadway.
“This play is bigger than me, and it’s a part of me.” says St. Armant. “I hope the audience feels the humanity in these characters because they’re alive. For myself, the creative team and the actors, we’ve all said that being part of creating this piece has changed us — we’ve all grown as people. I hope the audience feels this too.”
Ashli St. Armant is known for her award-winning work in children’s education and entertainment, including her band, Jazzy Ash and Leaping Lizards and her Audible mystery series, Viva Durant, which includes New York Times best-selling story, Viva Durant and the Secret of the Silver Buttons. NORTH is Ms. St. Armant’s debut theatrical production.
Net proceeds will benefit the PAC Outreach program serving to keep the Performing Arts Center accessible for students and the Central Coast community.
Tickets can be found at https://www.pacslo.org/events/detail/north24.