Can You Keep Up? A Frenzy of Activity at PACA in August

Contributed

PACA is bringing an unconventional slate of events through August, including the return of Attack of the PACA, featuring an original play written by Jack O’Connell (right), presented by Seamus Clerkin (left), and starring them both. Additionally, catch a comedy event featuring Lisa The Glam Ham and a free homage to the poetry of Shel Silverstein.

BEGINNING FRIDAY, AUG. 7

August is coming in hot, and it's more than just the reading on the thermometer. The Performing Arts Collective Alliance, familiarly known as PACA, is holding no fewer than three different events this August, kicking off with Attack of the PACA on Aug. 7 and 8 (with a special bonus date on Aug. 11). The creatively chaotic event will be a spirited celebration of all things art, including music, dramatic performances, and visuals.

Erie's own Seamus Clerkin will be staging and starring in an original play, That Great Emu War, written by his friend Jack O'Connell, who will be in Erie and co-starring for the Aug. 7 and 8 dates. If you're reading this, you're too late to get commemorative shirts, but tickets are still available – and they're free (but you have to reserve your spot).

Then, starting the following weekend, come on down to 1505 State to take in The Glam Ham: Mild to Wild, a comedy show featuring local artist Lisa Ann (voted Best Comedian in Best of Erie 2025). If you're in a particular stage of life, her work will speak to you – and even if you're not, you'll still find lots to laugh about. Perimenopausal, plus-sized, and single, Lisa Ann encompasses multitudes – her comedy is good clean fun for the first engagement and then goes right off the rails Saturday, for a no-holds-barred night of spicy fun (and both shows are being filmed).

Finally, you can look forward to The Whimsical World of Shel Silverstein on Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23 (the latter is a matinee). This funny and tender production, under the direction of Teresa Testrake, brings the wit and whimsy of the beloved author to life, through a variety of mediums like poetry and song. 

Various dates throughout August // PACA, 1505 State St. // Attack of PACA and The Whimsical World of Shel Silverstein are free productions, The Glam Ham, $18 // For tickets and info: tickets.eriereader.com

PACA is participating in Erie Gives Day on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Visit eriegives.org to donate.