Barking
My son Aiden pictured with the family dog, Crumb
Our family puppy, Crumb, is nine months old. And he has recently discovered his favorite hobby: barking. At everything. A leaf blows by? Bark. Neighbor across the street? Bark. A squirrel thinks about existing? Bark-bark-bark.
It’s generally not angry barking. It’s this jittery cocktail of nervous energy and uncontainable excitement. His answer to the whole wide world is: YELL AT IT. Which, as you can imagine, often leaves him tangled up in his leash, startling strangers, and generally escalating himself into a frenzy.
We’re working with him — training, redirecting, teaching him that there are other ways to engage the world. Ways that don’t scare people off. Ways that actually generate the kind of life he wants: full of play, treats, and belly rubs. It takes intentionality. It takes practice.
And isn’t that us, too? The world throws noise and chaos at us, and our reflex can be to bark right back. To numb out, scroll endlessly, get wound tighter and tighter. Before you know it, you’re tangled in your own leash.
But there’s another way. For Crumb, it’s learning to sit, breathe, wag his tail, and maybe accept a biscuit instead of lunging at the mailbox. For us, it’s the intentional choice to gather our people. To make space for laughter. To create room for joy. Because in a world that constantly invites us to spiral into distraction or outrage, sitting in a room together — laughing, clapping, singing — that’s oxygen for the soul.
First Up: DISENCHANTED
And speaking of laughter, the Prima season kicks off with DISENCHANTED. I popped into rehearsal, and oh my. FUN. Light. Sassy. Playful. Delightful PG-13 ridiculousness.
It’s like if Disney and the musical Six had a naughty baby.
Here’s the insider first-glimpse at the performers in costumes!
When Belle from Beauty and the Beast comes onstage in a straight jacket, you know things are about to get gloriously off the hook. This one’s made for a date night or girls group outing. Think bubbly drinks, sweet treats, and the kind of jokes you’ll still be quoting in the parking lot after.
About That Bar…
We’ve reimagined it. New menu. New vibe. Drinks that are just as intentional as the art on stage — botanical apéritifs, zero-proof options, BYOB, and small delights that set the mood. The whole “why” and menu is explained right here.
And here’s what’s up with Prima and the liquor control board.
Beyond Laughter: Community Care
This season marks a new level of community care. Later this year, Prima will launch more adaptive performances for people with differing abilities thanks to an initial generous ignition investment from Sylvia and Ben Kauffman. Prima’s partnering with organizations like Aaron’s Acres, Schreiber, Friendship Community, and others. Because these experiences should be accessible and invigorating for everybody.
And… Something Big with Rob Bell
Also, we’re officially launching the next phase of a game-changing partnership with author Rob Bell. Lancaster as a starting point for stories that ripple outward into the world. If that stirs something in you, come be part of it. Details and RSVP are here.
So here’s the invitation: let’s not just bark at the world. Gather your people. Make room for joy. Because together, in a theatre, laughing until our sides hurt — that’s training our souls in the best possible way.
Peace,
Mitch Nugent
Founding Executive Producer, Prima