Peninsula Youth Theatre Celebrates the Return of Live Performance with All Together Now!

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – Peninsula Youth Theatre (PYT) joins thousands of theatrical organizations around the globe with a local production of All Together Now!: A Global Event Celebrating Local Theatre at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. A fantastic selection of songs is featured in this brand new musical revue celebrating the return of live theatre from musicals including Annie, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, Mamma Mia!, Matilda, Rent and more! There is something for everyone to enjoy.

Theatrical licensor Music Theatre International (MTI) created All Together Now! for theatres worldwide to all perform over the same weekend of November 13-14, 2021. This once-in-a-lifetime production is expected to break worldwide records for the number of performances happening over a single weekend.

All Together Now! is all about the excitement of bringing everyone back to the theatre, whether that’s cast, crew, musicians, or audience members. After the devastation the arts community experienced in 2020, this event is designed to provide hope, inspiration and excitement through the transformative power of musical theatre. Avni L., a 7th grade cast member from Palo Alto, says “All Together Now! is really special. It’s more of a celebration than it is a play, and I think that’s one of the reasons I decided to do it because it’s a celebration: Welcome back! You’re out of your cage! You’re free! Have fun!”

This dynamic energy is apparent in PYT’s studios. Throughout rehearsals, comments are shared from everyone present – cast members, volunteer producers and costumers – of how happy they are to be together in-person again, checking in with each other about what has gone on over the past year and a half of virtual life.

“This cast is so talented. We’ve got really, really, really good dancers and singers,” remarked Ellie L., a 10th grade cast member from Los Altos.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful working and heartwarming working on All Together Now!” said Jennifer Tipton, the show’s choreographer. “It’s a unique experience where we can take all of these big musical numbers from different shows, and reimagine them. Just wait till you see “Let it Go”! After not having live theatre, seeing the performers come together and how supportive they’ve been for each other has been truly special.”

PYT was able to continue serving the community over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning to virtual productions and classes. Commenting on her online theatrical experience, 8th grader Daphne E. from Sunnyvale explained that “it was still amazingly fun, but it’s not the same no matter what you do. You don’t get that full experience.”

Transitioning back to in-person school and activities hasn’t been an issue for most of the cast and crew. In fact, it is supporting the well-being of PYT’s young actors. “It makes it easier to have different places [to go],” said 8th grader Saahiti B. from Los Altos. “I feel like at home there wasn’t much of a balance between sitting at my computer for fun or sitting at my computer for school.”

The only thing that the cast might be more delighted about than rehearsing together is showing off their work to live audiences again. Ellie urges, “Support your local live theater! It’s an integral part of the community!”

All Together Now! performs at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 13 and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 14. All performances will take place at The Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View, CA. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $17 per person and are available online at tickets.mvcpa.com or through the box office at 650-903-6000. All patrons will be required to wear masks.

 

About Peninsula Youth Theatre (PYT)

Founded in 1992, PYT is a non-profit organization providing outstanding theatrical learning experiences that develop leadership, emphasize responsibility and foster teamwork in a supportive, respectful environment. PYT’s emphasis on professional production values helps children develop a deep appreciation for the theatrical arts. The team’s unique family atmosphere and policy of full participation for all skill levels and abilities allows children to develop a strong sense of self-esteem and an appreciation for artistic expression. A range of skill and performance-based classes for actors ages 4 through 18 are available. 

For more information, visit www.pytnet.org or contact Connor Day, PYT’s Director of Business Operations at connor@pytnet.org or 650-988-8798 x304.

PYT is a Home Company of the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts.