I've been told that Pegasus Theater Company has been described as "feisty." It's a good description. For nearly a decade, this all-volunteer company has produced fully staged productions of challenging and sometimes controversial plays, ranging from the comedic absurd to the tragic drama, on a very modest budget.

Our goal is to provide our community and visitors with great entertainment and thought-provoking theater that is still affordable. Our primary source of income is ticket sales. We have kept our prices as low as possible, and we ensure access to all our shows through a "Pay What You Can" night for each event. I am happy to report that during the past two years, we have begun to receive significant support from private sources, foundations, and community members. Thank you!

Since we serve a unique community, somewhat distanced from the major cultural attractions in the North Bay, we try to provide a sampling of different types of theater for our local audience. In 2006 our major offerings included a European classic (Ghosts, by Henrik Ibsen), an American classic (The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams), two modern American comedies (Swimming in the Shallows, by Adam Bock, and Picasso at the Lapin Agile, by Steve Martin), and a group of playful one-act plays by contemporary playwrights, including the world premiere of Sweet Jesus, by Bay Area Playwright Nathan Sanders.

For the past two years we have produced a very popular introduction to some of Shakespeare's finest plays, including histories as well as tragedies and comedies. Billed as Speak the Speech (in 2005) and Speak the Speech . . . Again (an expanded version in 2006), this show has been welcomed and well received by adults and children in libraries in Guerneville, Windsor, and Rohnert Park, as well as at their short runs at Pegasus Theater.

In 2006 we were also pleased to produce a play by local writer Scott Kersnar, Dim Sum Parade (another world premiere). It reflected the life, hopes, and challenges of this very special community, which just may be the friendliest on the planet.

Another first was the production of our New Short Play Festival: Tapas. Over 100 entries were received for this festival and ten were chosen for our production, which was well attended and enthusiastically received. Submissions from local playwrights are already being solicited (for details see the item "Submissions Sought" on the News page).

Our second annual HollyDays show, a popular community event, sold out all five performances and featured local entertainers of all age. A third edition is planned for 2007.

We're in Monte Rio (a historical "Vacation Wonderland"), nestled in the redwoods, six miles west of Guerneville, and eight miles from the coast (Jenner by the Sea). This resort area has wonderful inns, shops, restaurants, and wineries, not to mention the Russian River and a plethora of natural wonders. Please check out our Current Season page.

Nancy Hansen