PCPA presents Shane, a bold and moving stage adaptation by acclaimed playwright Karen Zacarías (Native Gardens), a California premiere playing February 12 through March 1, 2026, at the Marian Theatre.
When a quiet gunslinger rides into a Wyoming frontier town, folks take notice, especially young Bob Starrett, whose settler family welcomes the mysterious stranger into their home and life. But Shane’s presence stirs more than curiosity; it kicks up a storm between a ruthless rancher and the settlers and Native families holding their ground. As lines get drawn and bullets threaten to fly, Shane must choose between the peaceful life he longs for and the violent past he thought he’d left behind.
Playwright, Karen Zacarías states, “Shane is a really interesting moral tale about how do you outrun your past and can you?”
Reimagined for the stage, Shane offers a powerful new take on the American Western, exploring honor, sacrifice, community and the courage it takes to do what’s right.
Director’s Notes
‘…the lovely land, where that boy had a chance to live out his boyhood and grow straight inside as a man should.’ – Jack Schaefer, Shane
“In this production, we focus on a boy discovering what kind of man he wants to be,” says director Erik Stein. “We ask the question: What makes a good person? I invite the audience to wrestle with that question as they meet these complicated and flawed people through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy. My dad passed away last June. This play gave me the opportunity to reflect and remember him. In some ways, it allowed me to spend more time with him in my heart—and to thank him.”
Cast & Creative Team
The cast includes Alexander Pimentel* as Older Bob/Bobby Starrett, René Millán* as Joe Starrett, Corey Jones* as Shane, Christen Celaya* as Marian Starrett, Andrew Philpot* as Luke Fletcher, DeLanna Studi* as Winona Stephens, Amarion Tidwell as Chris Johnson, Don Stewart* as Jake Ledyard/Sam Grafton and Kevin Asselin as Ernie Wright/Stark Wilson. The Ensemble includes; Matthew Chavez, Xcellen Connor, John Piper and Gilbert Archuletta.
The creative team includes Director Erik Stein, Scenic Designer Jason Bolen, Costume Designer Tracee Bear, Lighting Designer Michael Palumbo, Sound Designer Jon Zielke, Fight Director Kevin Asselin, Stage Manager Rebekah Carriere and Production Stage Manager Jack D. Myles*.
*Member, Actors’ Equity Association
Ticket & Show Information
Tickets for Shane can be purchased online at pcpa.org or through our box office at 805-922-8313. Tickets start at $25.
Renowned playwright Karen Zacarías will attend PCPA’s final production of Shane as an honored guest.
Prologues & Talkbacks
Prologue – Sunday, February 15 at 1 p.m.
Talkback – Sunday, February 15 post-show
Pride Night
February 21, 2026 | 7 p.m. Performance | Pre-Show Reception 5:30 p.m.
PCPA Youth and Community Arts and Gala Pride and Diversity Center present PCPA Pride Night! Throughout the season, Pride Night welcomes LGBTQIA+ community members and allies to celebrate with the theatre.
To purchase Pride Night tickets, use the code PRIDE at checkout for 15% off Tier 1 or Tier 2 tickets. Tickets include an invitation to a themed pre-show reception at 5:30 p.m., featuring snacks, beverages, a Q&A with PCPA’s Resident Artists, photo stations, interactive installations, community resources and raffle prizes.