Exploring the Human Condition in Closer Than Ever

Dave Schroeder

Closer Than Ever, in production this month at PACA, is entirely sung, there is no spoken dialogue whatsoever and it is performed to a score performed totally live, by in-house musicians. A slice of life presented through music, Closer Than Ever's cast promises to deliver an emotional punch.

PREMIERES FRIDAY, JUL. 12

Craig Schneider has directed 14 shows in the Erie area and he doesn't plan to let a little distance keep him from directing again. Schneider, who now lives in Arizona, returns to Erie frequently to visit his mother. This month, he will be returning to the PACA stage to direct Maltby and Shire's Closer Than Ever: A Musical Revue.

This show was originally planned to be staged in April of 2020 but had to be shelved due to the pandemic. This is an entirely sung production and has no spoken dialogue. Schneider (who selected this show with PACA board approval) says "after directing Sex With Strangers, I wanted to do a 180 turn with a musical rather than a stage show."

The cast of 16 includes well-known stage singing favorites Sherree Beltz, Joe Greulich, Diane Hardner, Richard Kress, and Patrick Vahey Jr. But, Schneider points out, "this musical cabaret also includes the equally accomplished but maybe lesser known Erie voices of Carla Arnone, Riley Arthur Droney, Allexandria Coles, Holly Kress, Lydia Marks, Camellia Tatara, and Teal Weatherley, among others. You could listen to any of them sing the phone book."

The musical score has no click tracks and will be performed live onstage by Nicholas Nasibyan on electric piano and Dan Lucore on electric and acoustic bass.

Closer Than Ever has a total of 22 songs. Schneider describes each song as "a one-act of the varied experiences we have once we've lived a little." Mercyhurst Music School graduate and  professional actor-singer Patrick Philip Becker is also returning to Erie for this show. Schneider adds, "He has a very touching song about fathers ("If I Sing"), and his father will likely be in the audience. Bring a Kleenex for that song."

July 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m., July 14 at 2 p.m. // PACA, 1505 State St. // $20 // For tickets and info: tickets.eriereader.com