Joan of Arc was first produced by Penthos Productions at Trinity Episcopal Church, Santa Barbara, in February 1994.

Directed by John Blondell, Joan opened to rave reviews and overwhelmingly enthusiastic audience response. Although both the acoustics and sight lines were less than ideal, the show, driven by word-of-mouth, sold out the 400 seat Gothic-style venue for its entire 4 week run.

Although the authors expected a story based on the life of a medieval religious and political figure, performed in a church, would attract only a small niche, it had a very broad appeal.

Audiences included the very young, the very old, and people of every religious persuasion. Many saw the show not just a second, but also for a third time.

The show was seen by audiences and critics as spiritually uplifting, dealing boldly, yet simply, with the themes of vision and courage in a troubled time.

This production employed three Equity actors and one Equity Stage Manager under a Guest Artist Contract.

2nd Production:

Encouraged by several producers in New York City to mount the show in a theatre with a proscenium stage, Joan of Arc , again directed by John Blondell, received a theatrical premiere at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara in November 1995.

The historic Lobero is, along with the Pasadena Playhouse, one of the oldest theaters in California. The 640 seat venue is similar to a Broadway-style theatre but lacks a mezzanine.

After seeing the show up and running in the first production, the creators realized the need for two new numbers: The Dauphin's plaintive "In a Far Country" where he admits his self-doubt, and his longing for peace. And, a new version of "The Examination," for which the composer wrote a haunting plain chant about "the hammer of God against all evil," sung by a chorus of monks in and through and around a quintet of principal voices.

Once again, the show received an enthusiastic audience and critical response.

This production employed seven Equity actors and one Equity Stage Manager under a Guest Artist Contract.

For this production exquisite costumes were designed by Alexander Jaeger and professionally built in Los Angeles; they are now the property of Joan of Arc Productions, LP. Mr. Jaeger was subsequently chosen by Theater Communications Group to be the National Endowment for the Arts Designer Fellow for 1996-97. His designs for Joan of Arc were later exhibited at Lincoln Center.