Yolanda Van Der Kolk and Rob Brown, dual Panamanian/Canadian citizens and founders of PaCT (the Panama and Coclé Theatre) have written a musical about Panama. The musical, which will give back to the country it is about, has big goals of reaching stages in Toronto, New York, and London.

Rob and Yolanda’s work has been well-received in the Coronado Community. Some may remember the Murder Mystery “Pinchin’ The Picasso” written by and starring Yolanda. The Murder Mystery was among the PaCT productions that went off with a Bang at Picasso’s Bar and Restaurant in Coronado.

You may also know Rob as the founder of the Panama Helpline – a community safety group, or a Co-Founder of IFF Panama – the International Film Festival of Panama which celebrated its 5th Edition this year.

Together Rob and Yolanda have founded and supported many charitable foundations and events in Panama. Their love for Panama and genuine desire to give back continues with PANAMÁ The Musical. Ten Per Cent (10%) of all net proceeds of this show will be donated to children’s charities in Panama, through the Rotary Club of Playa Coronado.

The musical, with lyrics by Tara and Yolanda Van Der Kolk and a story edited by Madonna McManus, shows the life of an American songwriter living in the Panama Canal Zone in 1927.

With dreams of stardom on radio, the leading lady leaves the protection of the Canal Zone. Following the passing of her father, her family is deeply in debt to the owner of a cabaret/brothel.

The story follows the leading lady’s choice – go to New York with her Panamanian boyfriend to pursue their dreams, or stay and save her younger sister from indentured service in the brothels of Casco Viejo.

Featuring hot Latin music and dance including The Charleston, The Lindy Hop, Fox Trot, the musical highlights a Bachata band on stage, creating an explosion of sound and dance. The setting, the Roaring Twenties, is lively with the juxtaposition of the strictness of the prohibition-era and decadence of Casco Viejo in Panama City – where drinking is legal, gambling is legal and prostitution is legal… the two worlds separated only by a thin wire fence.

Help the show reach it’s goals with the PANAMÁ The Musical Kickstarter campaign launching January 3, 2017 and continuing until February 3, 2017. The Kickstarter goal is to raise $20,000, which will go towards hiring a professional music director and musicians to finish the musical score.

Rob and Yolanda aim to raise $140,000 to stage a showcase production in Toronto in the Spring of 2017 and attract a commercial producer who will stage this show in Toronto, London, and New York.

The Panama Premiere is set for December 2017.