26-27 Season, Mainstage
Behind the Music: A Fictional History
Our final show of the 2025-2026 season is a satirical musical written by and starring Gregg Hammer and Louis Pardo. As the foremost experts of the most famous folk duo who never existed, we asked them to write a brief, entirely fictional history of their characters. The below is their official examination of Hymon & Parfunkel’s rise to stardom, profound musical influence, and fractured collaboration.
Have you ever wondered what happened to the infamous folk duo, Hymon & Parfunkel?
It all began in 1963-ish at Presidio Middle School in San Francisco, California, where the pair formed an instant bond; and, after winning their middle school talent show, decided to hit the road and try becoming professional musicians.
Their friendship—and the admirable determination of Saul Hymon to share his music with the masses—led them to sold-out concerts, magazine covers, TV appearances and a #1 single. However, those highs were matched by plenty of lows, including a terrible record deal, a rare form of addiction, a stint in an insane asylum, and making their television debut while (inadvertently) under the influence of military-grade LSD.
After the pair went their separate ways, their music careers garnered eight GRAMMY Awards collectively. All eight of those GRAMMYs are technically Bart Parfunkel’s, but Parfunkel only skyrocketed to fame after performing a song generously written for him by Saul as a parting gift. While Saul was never able to find commercial success after the split, many argue he was just ahead of his time, with many of today’s hits (and even the musical Grease) influenced in some way by the tortured genius of Saul Hymon.
While there have been attempts at reunions over the years, none have panned out. Even the well-intentioned Christmas special, “Hymon for the Holidays: A Parfunkel in a Pear Tree” remains unaired and marred by controversy. When Hymon & Parfunkel take the stage in their new musical at Village Theatre, it will be the first time they have seen each other or performed together in over 12 years… and all mysteries are sure to be revealed.
–Written by famed Hymon & Parfunkel historian, Saul Hymon
We Ain’t Ever Gonna Break Up: The Hymon & Parfunkel Musical
MAY 19–JUL 19, 2026
Originally published March 12, 2026