GUYS AND DOLLS comes to Cabrillo Music Theatre

Ovation Award Winner Nick DeGruccio returns to
Cabrillo Music Theatre to direct the classic musical comedy…

The guys are gambling, the dolls are dancing, and the audience will come up a winner when Cabrillo Music Theatre launches its 2009-2010 season with GUYS AND DOLLS. Returning is Director Nick DeGruccio, whose previous Cabrillo production of JEKYLL & HYDE led to three Ovation Awards, including Best Director. Returning with DeGruccio is Choreographer Roger Castellano, Ovation-nominated for JEKYLL. Musical Direction is by Darryl Archibald, and the production will be overseen by Artistic Director Lewis Wilkenfeld. Cabrillo’s production of GUYS AND DOLLS, created exclusively for the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, will open on Friday, October 16th, 2009 and run through Sunday, October 25th, for Cabrillo Music Theatre in the 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, and a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, Damon Runyon’s colorful characters come to life in GUYS AND DOLLS. Suave Sky Masterson wages a bet on whether he can woo the buttoned-up Sister Sarah Brown. Meanwhile, Nathan Detroit puts his floating crap game ahead of his long-suffering fiancé (of 14 years!), Miss Adelaide. The score features “Luck Be A Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ The Boat,” “I’ve Never Been In Love Before,” and the title tune.

“GUYS AND DOLLS might be the best musical ever,” says Carole W. Nussbaum, Cabrillo Music Theatre’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “It’s a perfect blend of music and dance, and of comedy and glamour. It’s no wonder that GUYS AND DOLLS has enjoyed three successful Broadway revivals, a memorable film version, and a rumored new movie version on the way.” Continues Nussbaum, “And with Nick DeGruccio at the helm, Cabrillo Music Theatre will surely ‘rock the boat’ at the Kavli Theatre, here at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza!”

Cabrillo Music Theatre’s production features another triumphant return, when Barry Pearl, of Cabrillo’s successful 1996 production, once again stars as Nathan Detroit. Pearl, a veteran of film (“Grease”) and Broadway (“Oliver,” “Bye Bye Birdie”), will be joined by Southern California theatre favorites Jeff Griggs as Sky Masterson, Alet Taylor as Miss Adelaide, and Jessica Bernard (star of Cabrillo’s recent CATS) as Sarah Brown. Featuring a cast of 30 and a full professional orchestra, GUYS AND DOLLS is a “sure bet” for the entire family, and is recommended for all audiences.

ABOUT THE STAFF

NICK DEGRUCCIO (Director) is a three-time recipient of the LA Ovation Award for Direction and has received the 2008 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Joel Hirschhorn Award for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theatre, as well as the 2009 BackStage Garland Award for Direction for an Outstanding Season of Work. Nick happily returns to Cabrillo having directed Jekyll & Hyde last season (Ovation Award for Direction). He also received Ovation Awards for his direction of The Laramie Project at the Colony Theatre and Laguna Playhouse and 1776 at Performance Riverside. Recent credits include Putting It Together, A Year With Frog and Toad for South Coast Repertory, the West Coast Premiere of The Andrews Brothers at Musical Theatre West (LA Ovation Award for Ensemble, Nomination for Direction), as well as Kiss of the Spider Woman (4 LADCC Nominations) and the LA Premieres of Thrill Me (2 LA Ovation Noms, LADCC Nom) and Dog Sees God (2 LADCC Noms, 3 LA Weekly Noms, GLAAD Media Nom) for Havok Theatre Company’s inaugural season. His other productions and Ovation-nominated works include Side By Side By Sondheim for The Rubicon Theatre and Pasadena Playhouse, the LA premiere of Side Show (Colony Theatre), Guys and Dolls and La Cage Aux Folles (Musical Theatre West), The Last Five Years in rep with I Do! I Do! (Pasadena Playhouse), The Full Monty (San Diego Music Theatre), The Spitfire Grill (Laguna Playhouse/OC Weekly Award Best Musical), Zanna, Don’t! at West Coast Ensemble (LADCC Award for Direction), Bad Apples, a World Premiere Play for The Rubicon Theatre Company, Beehive at the El Portal Theatre and City of Angels, An Ideal Husband and Putting It Together (Colony Theatre). Other directing credits include: I Left My Heart...a tribute to Tony Bennett (Welk Resort), My Way (La Mirada PAC) and Altar Boyz for The Welk Resort. For Musical Theatre Guild, he directed the L.A. Premiere of A Man Of No Importance (GLAAD Award Nomination) and Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party. Other credits: Basic Training (2nd Stage/NAACP Award Nomination for Direction), The Fantasticks (Performance Riverside), Pippin (BCLO), and Happily Ever After…After All (voiceovers by Angela Lansbury) (9 O’clock Players). Nick is an alumnus of the Lincoln Center Theatre Director’s Lab West.

ROGER CASTELLANO (Choreographer) works extensively as a Director/Choreographer of Theatrical and Special events. He has had great opportunities to work and collaborate with many Professional Regional Theatre Companies such as Musical Theatre West, Cabrillo Music Theatre, Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities, Laguna Playhouse, Fullerton Civic Light Opera, Performance Riverside, International City Theatre, The Center Theatre Group, The Phoenix Theatre in Arizona, and Music Theatre of Wichita in Kansas. He has also created original shows, parades, and special events for companies like Sesame Street Live, Sanrio Inc., The Walt Disney Company, and has worked with personalities like Reba McEntire, Stevie Nicks, Chicago, Gladys Knight, The Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins, Natalie Cole, Christopher Reeve, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Bennett, Bill Cosby and Walter Cronkite, to name a few. Theatrical Awards include: LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award Nominee for best choreographer (Jekyll & Hyde – Cabrillo Music Theatre), LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award Nominee for Best Choreographer (The Andrews Brothers, Musical Theatre West), Los Angeles Time’s Critic’s Pick (Me and My Girl, Musical Theatre West), Drama Logue’s Critic Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre, “Best Choreography” (A Little Night Music, The Center Theatre Group), Drama Logue’s Critic Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre – “Best Choreography” (La Cage Aux Folles, The Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities), Drama Logue’s Critic Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre, “Best Choreography” (Oliver – The Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities), Inland Theatre League Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre, “Best Director” (Suessical, Performance Riverside), AriZoni Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre – “Best Choreography” (A Chorus Line, The Phoenix Theatre.)

DARRYL ARCHIBALD (Musical Director/Conductor). Tours include: Disney's The Lion King (vocal coach/assistant conductor), A Grand Night for Singing, The All Night Strut, and Jerry’s Girls. Other shows include: Wicked at the Pantages Theater (substitute conductor), Smokey Joe's Cafe (El Portal Theater), Ragtime (Musical Theatre West); Swing! (Sacramento Music Circus); A Chorus Line directed by Kay Cole, and The King and I with Deborah Gibson (Cabrillo Music Theatre); Swing! (McCoy/Rigby Ent.); Merry Me A Little - revised version (Celebration Theater); The Fantasticks with Eric McCormack, Once On This Island, Li'l Abner with Cathy Rigby and Fred Willard; Merrily We Roll Along with Teri Hatcher; I Do! I Do! with Diana Canova and Harry Groener (Reprise); My Fair Lady, 1776, Little Shop Of Horrors, Camelot, and Forever Plaid (Utah Shakespearean Festival); Ain’t Misbehavin’ directed by Ken Page (CLOSBC); The Threepenny Opera, Raisin and A Christmas Carol (ICT); The Fix, Kiss Of The Spider Woman, Lady In the Dark, and Sail Away (Musical Theatre Guild). Arrangement and orchestration credits include: the prime-time television special A Hollywood Holiday Celebration (ABC), The Fountain Show and Christmas Trolley Show (The Grove Los Angeles). Upcoming productions include: White Christmas (CMT), Carousel, Two By Two, How To Succeed... (Reprise), Great Expectations (USF).

ABOUT THE CAST

JEFF GRIGGS (Sky Masterson) has a Bachelors Degree in Theatre from New Mexico State University where he studied under Tony Award-winning playwright Mark Medoff. Favorite roles in the King in The King and I, Harold Hill in The Music Man, P.T. Barnum in Barnum, Frank Butler in Annie Get Your Gun, Oscar Jaffe in Twentieth Century, Tito Morelli in Lend Me a Tenor, General Howell in Kiss Me, Kate, Jack in Reefer Madness, and Macheath in the critically acclaimed The Threepenny Opera at ICT earlier this year. He is probably best known as the villainous Jude St. Clair on Days of Our Lives. Jeff is also an accomplished artist and was honored by the President with a personal invitation to the White House for his 9/11 memorial painting, The Eyes of a Nation.

JESSICA BERNARD (Sarah Brown) returns to the Cabrillo stage, having just been seen as Jellylorum/Griddlebone in CATS. LA/Regional Credits: Guys and Dolls (“Sarah Brown,” Performance Riverside & Candlelight Pavilion), My Fair Lady (“Eliza,” Candlelight Pav), The Music Man (“Marian Paroo,” California Theater.), Pirates of Penzance (“Edith,” California/Pechanga Theaters), Oklahoma (“Laurey,” Marmac Repertory), Showgirl of 52nd Street (The Colony), The Secret Garden (Lewis Family Playhouse) and The Scarlet Pimpernel (“Marguerite”). Jessica also recently returned from singing in Hong Kong Disneyland.

BARRY PEARL (Nathan Detroit) reprises the role he first played on the CMT stage fourteen years ago, in Cabrillo’s previous production of Guys and Dolls. This is a first for the 48-year stage, TV and film veteran. Audiences may remember him from two other CMT productions: Bye Bye Birdie ("Harry MacAfee") and Anything Goes ("Moonface Martin"), as well as the characters he's most recognized for, "Doody" from Paramount Pictures’ Grease and "Professor Tinkerputt" from Imagination Island and Barney’s Big Surprise. With a Drama-Logue Award ("Dirk Nob", That Other Woman’s Child), Santa Barbara Independent Press Award ("Fagin" in the 2000 production of Oliver! for SBCLO), San Diego Playbill Award ("Ali Hakim" in the Welk's Oklahoma) and a 2008 Ovation Nomination (MTW's All Shook Up), this Carnegie-Mellon University grad recently came off the road from playing "Arnold Delvecchio" in Garry Marshall's Happy Days: A New Musical. Broadway: Bye Bye Birdie and Oliver! (original productions); TV: "House MD" (second week of this season), "ER", "Criminal Minds”, "Days of Our Lives", "Baywatch Hawaii", "Growing Pains", "Even Stevens" etc; Film: "My Favorite Martian", "Avenging Angel"; Regional and Tour: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum ("Hysterium" in Utah); and last month as "Senex" for The Norris Theatre. Grease (First National as "Sonny"), Crazy for You, ("Bela"), Chapter Two ("Leo"), The Immigrant ("Haskell"), and many, many more.

ALET TAYLOR (Miss Adelaide) makes her Cabrillo Music Theatre debut with Guys and Dolls. She was last seen in the First Ever Nudie Musical at Noho Arts Center, as well the musical Respect at the El Portal. Alet has spent the last 5 years either pregnant or performing in various productions of Mel Brooks' The Producers, including the First National Tour (Leo Co.) as Lick-Me/Bite-Me, and the Vegas production at the Paris Hotel as Hold-Me/Touch-Me. New York: NYMF's The Brain From Planet X (Yoni), The Boys From Syracuse, Sweet Adeline, L'il Abner, One Touch of Venus (City Center Encores!), Tip Toes and Louisiana Purchase (Carnegie Hall). Regional: Passion (Fosca), A Funny Thing...Forum (Philia), and The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Drood). Recordings: “Sondheim at the Movies”, “Lost in Boston IV”, “Unsung Musicals”, “Cinderella”, “Peter Pan” (Varese Sarabande). Alet has a B.A. in Psychology and is a Montessori Teacher in Early Education.

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE

GUYS AND DOLLS will open on Friday, October 16th, 2009 and run through Sunday, October 25th. Performances are Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm. A post-show discussion with cast, staff and audience will follow the Saturday, October 17th, 2:00pm performance. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks or through any Ticketmaster location or by phone (805) 583-8700. For groups of 12 or more, please call Group Sales, Cabrillo Music Theatre at (805) 497-8615. Ticket prices range from $25-$55. For ticket and theatre information, call (805) 449-ARTS (2787).

CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE’s 2009-2010 season continues with a special, added production of IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS (December, 2009), THE ANDREWS BROTHERS (February 2010), HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING (April 2010), and RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA (July 2010).

CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE performs exclusively at the Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

Cabrillo Music Theatre is the Ovation Award-winning Resident Musical Theatre Production Company at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, and a non-profit theatre organization. For over three decades, Cabrillo has been enriching the cultural life of Ventura and Los Angeles Counties and the surrounding areas by providing an extraordinary performing arts experience through live, Broadway-quality productions of musical theatre. It is Cabrillo’s mission to provide the highest quality musical experience, to foster educational opportunities, and to promote cultural and artistic enrichment to enhance the quality of life in Southern California. To this end, Cabrillo Music Theatre has established the Adopt-A-School, ADOPT-A-SENIOR, PET (Project Entertainment Troops) OUTREACH programs. Since the inceptions of these programs in 2005, over 22,000 underserved children, in-need seniors, and active military have enjoyed Cabrillo Music Theatre’s productions at no charge. With the ADOPT-A-SCHOOL, ADOPT-A-SENIOR, and PET programs, Cabrillo makes live theatre accessible to children, seniors, and active military members who otherwise may never have the opportunity to experience a live musical theatre performance. Cabrillo’s Animal rescue OUTREACH program, instituted during this summer’s production of CATS, facilitates the placement of homeless dogs and cats. For more information about Cabrillo Music Theatre’s OUTREACH programs, contact Carole W. Nussbaum, President/Chief Executive Officer at (805) 497-8613.

The Ovation Award-winning Cabrillo Music Theatre produces the timeless Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical....

CATS
Music Direction by Ilana Eden
Directed and Choreographed by Dana Solimando

Memory…. all alone in the moonlight… I can smile at the old days…. I was beautiful then…..

Cabrillo Music Theatre concludes its 2008-2009 season with the most memorable musical of all, CATS. Directed and choreographed by original Broadway cast member, Ovation Award-winner Dana Solimando, Cabrillo’s CATS marks the first time that the seven-time Tony Award winner has been produced exclusively for the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Joining Solimando on the creative staff is Music Director Ilana Eden, and the production will be overseen by CMT Artistic Director Lewis Wilkenfeld. CATS will open on Friday, July 24th, 2009 and run through Sunday, August 2nd, for Cabrillo Music Theatre in the 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

Set in a junkyard, the tribe of Jellicle Cats emerge from the darkened landscape of broken bottles and boxes. They take in the audience, and celebrate on this, their one special night of the year, in a fusion of song and dance. Based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” by T.S. Eliot, and set to music by Andrew Lloyd Webber (THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, EVITA), CATS launched the hit song, “Memory,” plus “The Rum Tum Tugger,” “Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer,” and “The Jellicle Ball.”

“CATS is THE one our audiences have been asking for, time and time again. We’re thrilled to grant their wish!” says Carole W. Nussbaum, Cabrillo Music Theatre’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “It ran for 18 years on Broadway, and is the longest running tour in American Theatre History. And our production is not a tour. As with all our shows, we audition, produce, perform and produce the entire show, uniquely for Southern California audiences.”
Cabrillo Music Theatre’s production features Melissa Lyons, (“Eponine” in the Broadway National Tour of LES MISERABLES,) plus Will North, Jo Patrick, and nineteen more of Southern California’s finest singer-dancers. Dazzling to the eyes and ears, CATS is the “purr-fect” musical for the entire family, and is recommended for all audiences.

As part of its OUTREACH programs, Cabrillo Music Theatre is expanding its OUTREACH mission to include another in-need group —homeless, abused, and abandoned dogs and cats. The Animal Rescue Program is devoted to increasing awareness for rescue missions that serve them. At its production of CATS, Cabrillo Music Theatre will designate a portion of proceeds from sale of merchandise to groups that serve these animals. Also, patrons who adopt an animal during the run of CATS will receive two complimentary orchestra tickets for an upcoming show.

ABOUT THE STAFF AND CAST

DANA SOLIMANDO (Director/Choreographer) made her Broadway debut in Cats at the Winter Garden Theatre as Rumpleteazer and is excited to be a part of the show once more. Other director/choreography credits include various productions of SWING! (2004 & 2006 Ovation Awards), Crystal Cruise Lines ROUTE 66, Too Old For the Chorus, Jesus Christ Superstar starring the late Carl Anderson (NAACP Theatre Award Nomination-Best Choreography) & Oliver! Also a performer, Dana played Tiger Lily on the Broadway A&E Video production of Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby, as well as numerous other Broadway Nat’l tours & regional productions: SWING! Sugar Babies, Grease, Oklahoma, Gypsy, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, J.C.Superstar, A Chorus Line …TV Credits: VH-1, MTV, The Today Show & General Hospital. Dana also enjoys molding young minds as a teacher for the University of California Irvine.

MELISSA LYONS (Grizabella) returns to Cabrillo Music Theatre, where she performed the title role in their production of Peter Pan. A native of Southern California, Melissa holds a B.A. in music from UCLA and is a proud member of Musical Theatre Guild. Most notably, Melissa was the final Eponine in the Broadway Touring Company of Les Miserables. She has recorded numerous voice-overs for Mattel and is the singing voice of Barbie for several films, toys, albums and commercials, including the recently released animated features “Barbie and the Diamond Castle,” “Barbie in A Christmas Carol” and “Barbie as the Island Princess.” Most recently she was seen in The Water at the Colony Theatre, and in the concert "Rated RSO: The Music and Lyrics of Ryan Scott Oliver" at Boston Court. Some of her other credits include Drood in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (MTG), Alisande in A Connecticut Yankee (MTG), The Marvelous Wonderette (El Portal), Star-To-Be in Annie (Music Circus and McCoy/Rigby), Lady Larken in Once Upon A Mattress (UCLA, dir. Carol Burnett) and the television show “Passions.”

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE

CATS will open on Friday, July 24th, 2009 and run through Sunday, August 2nd. Performances are Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm. A special mid-week performance has been added on Wednesday, July 29th, at 11:00AM. A post-show discussion with cast, staff and audience will follow the Saturday, July 25th, 2:00pm performance. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks or through any Ticketmaster location or by phone (805) 583-8700. For groups of 12 or more, please call Group Sales, Cabrillo Music Theatre at (805) 497-8615. Ticket prices range from $38 – $74. For ticket and theatre information, call (805) 449-ARTS (2787).

CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE is located at the Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

Cabrillo Music Theatre is the Ovation Award-winning Resident Musical Theatre Production Company at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, and a non-profit theatre organization. For over three decades, Cabrillo has been enriching the cultural life of Ventura and Los Angeles Counties and the surrounding areas by providing an extraordinary performing arts experience through live, Broadway-quality productions of musical theatre. It is Cabrillo’s mission to provide the highest quality musical experience, to foster educational opportunities, and to promote cultural and artistic enrichment to enhance the quality of life in Southern California. To this end, Cabrillo Music Theatre has established the Adopt-A-School, ADOPT-A-SENIOR, PET (Project Entertainment Troops) OUTREACH programs. During the production of CATS, Cabrillo has added an Animal Rescue Program. Since the inceptions of these programs, thousands of underserved children, in need seniors, and active military have enjoyed Cabrillo Music Theatre’s productions at no charge. With the ADOPT-A-SCHOOL, ADOPT-A-SENIOR, and PET programs, Cabrillo makes live theatre accessible to children, seniors, and active military members who otherwise may never have the opportunity to experience a live musical theatre performance. For more information about Cabrillo Music Theatre and its OUTREACH programs, contact Carole W. Nussbaum, President/Chief Executive Officer at (805) 497-8613.

Cabrillo Music Theatre's 42ND STREET

Come and meet those dancing feet. . . .

Cabrillo Music Theatre continues its 2008-2009 season with the grandest and most spectacular musical of all, 42ND STREET. Directed and Choreographed by original Broadway cast member and Dance Captain, Jon Engstrom, 42ND STREET features a cast of 40, a full professional orchestra, and some of the greatest songs and dances ever to hit the great white way. Joining Engstrom on the creative staff is Musical Director Steven Applegate, a recent Ovation Award nominee for his work on Cabrillo’s JEKYLL & HYDE. The production will be supervised by Artistic Director Lewis Wilkenfeld. 42ND STREET will open on Friday, March 27th, 2009 and run through Sunday, April 5th, for Cabrillo Music Theatre in the 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

Set in Depression-era New York, 42ND STREET spins the classic showbiz tale of a young hopeful hoping to join the cast of her first Broadway show. When fading star Dorothy Brock breaks her leg onstage, director Julian Marsh plucks young Peggy Sawyer out of the ensemble and makes her a star. The score, by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, features such musical classics as “Lullabye of Broadway,” “We’re In the Money,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” and the title tune.

With a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, 42ND STREET showcases the original Tony-winning choreography of Gower Champion in a brand-new production. “From the first tap, everyone will know those dancing feet have been directed and choreographed by “Mr. 42nd Street,” himself, Jon Engstrom,” says Carole W. Nussbaum, Cabrillo Music Theatre’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Jon, formerly the Dance Captain from the original Broadway production, brings all the glamour, glitz and Broadway sparkle to the stage. With 32 tappers, dressed in the original Broadway costumes, it’s the real deal,” exclaims Nussbaum.

Cabrillo Music Theatre’s production stars Southern California theatre veterans Michael G. Hawkins and Tracy Lore as Julian Marsh and Dorothy Brock. Returning to Cabrillo Music Theatre is SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS’ Cassie Silva as Peggy Sawyer. Cassie recently enjoyed a “Peggy Sawyer” experience of her own, as one of the finalists on the MTV series, “Legally Blonde; The Search for Elle Woods,” which focused on casting the next star of that Broadway production. Silva will take the stage with 31 other tappers in some of the most amazing dance showstoppers ever featured on a musical theatre stage. 42nd STREET is family-friendly entertainment, perfect for all ages.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

Jon Engstrom (Director/Choreographer) has a long association with Gower Champion’s 42nd Street. He was a featured dancer and Dance Captain of the original Broadway production. His career as a director/choreographer started with the restaging of this Tony Award winning show. Since then Jon has worked throughout the United States, Europe & Asia. Other productions that Jon has directed & choreographed for major venues include: The King and I, White Christmas, Stephen Sondheim’s Saturday Night (Los Angeles premiere), Bye Bye Birdie, The Desert Song, My One and Only, Annie Get Your Gun, They’re Playing Our Song, Damn Yankees, West Side Story, Evita, Fiddler on the Roof, Singin’ in the Rain, Meet Me in St. Louis, Mame, Guys and Dolls, The Will Rogers Follies, Hello Dolly, My Fair Lady, No, No, Nanette, Into the Woods, Anything Goes, Oliver, Oklahoma, Sweet Charity, Can-Can and Brigadoon. Jon was guest director/choreographer for Pepperdine University’s prestigious fall musical for five years in a row. Jon has also been guest director/choreographer and teacher for a number of other educational institutions. He is currently on staff at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles. Jon’s career started with a Ford Foundation Scholarship. He went on to become a soloist with San Francisco Ballet. He was an original member of Eliot Feld’s company and also guest artist with the Lar Lubovitch Company before moving on to “The Great White Way” where he was a featured dancer in five Broadway musicals: No, No, Nanette, The Pajama Game, Very Good Eddie, Whoopie! & finally 42nd Street. During that time he was also featured in two National Tours: Chicago with Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera and Jerry Orbach & Seesaw with Lucie Arnaz & John Gavin. Jon has been fortunate to work with such notable director/choreographers as: Gower Champion, Bob Fosse, Michael Bennett, Donald Saddler, Donald McKayle, Alan Johnson & Danny Daniels. Jon is a proud member of The Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

STEVEN APPLEGATE (Musical Director/Conductor) is excited to be back with CMT for the third time, following Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and his Ovation Award-nominated work on Jekyll & Hyde. Steven is an award-winning Musical Director, and his theatrical experiences have included: Godspell (1st national tour), The Rocky Horror Show (San Francisco production), Cabaret, Showboat, Jacques Brel, Secret Garden, Camelot, Meet Me In St. Louis, Candide (Colony Theatre), Rags, Joseph..., Can Can, Roberta, No No Nanette, Beauty and the Beast, Forever Plaid, Guys and Dolls (with Maureen McGovern and Jack Jones). Steven has been the guest conductor with the Dallas Symphony and the Denver Symphony, and has worked with such notables as: John Raitt, Sandy Duncan, Shirley Jones, Maureen McGovern, Cybil Shepherd, Jack Jones, Lorna Luft, Sally Struthers, Ken Page, and Susan Watson. In his spare time, Steven is a very sought-after record producer and arranger/orchestrator, and is also Director of Music for the Valencia United Methodist Church.

ABOUT THE CAST

MICHAEL G. HAWKINS (Julian Marsh) has most recently appeared as Captain Hook in the National tour of Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby, as Mervyn Kant in The Sisters Rosensweig for TheatreWorks in San Francisco, and as George Dillingham in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects Of Love at the Alex Theatre in Los Angeles. He has appeared as Georges in the critically acclaimed Los Angeles production of La Cage Aux Folles, as Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd at the Music Circus in Sacramento and as Billy Flynn in Chicago in Las Vegas. He spent a summer portraying Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls at Harrah’s in Atlantic City and was proud to originate the role of Adam in the world premier of Dale Wasserman’s new musical Western Star. Michael also had the joy of touring as Julian Marsh in the European Company of 42nd Street. His other theatrical credits include Franklin Shepard in the west coast premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, Michael in I Do! I Do! for the Music Theatre of Southern California, the Back Alley production of Jacques Brel Is…, and Roberto in Irma La Douce at the Music Center in Los Angeles. Michael has received Drama-Logue Awards for his performances of Alan in Baby, Bill Sykes in Oliver, Nick in Funny Girl, Sky in Guys and Dolls, Cliff in Cabaret, and Georges in La Cage Aux Folles. His television credits include guest appearances on “Eli Stone,” “Frasier,” “Charley Lawrence,” “Murder She Wrote,” “Wings,” “Colombo Movie of the Week,” “Cheers,” “Newhart,” “The Young & The Restless,” and the Hallmark Hall Of Fame presentation of “A Place For Annie.” Michael is a founding member of the Musical Theatre Guild in Southern California.

TRACY LORE (Dorothy Brock) was last seen here with Cabrillo Music Theatre’s production of The Will Rogers’ Follies as Betty Blake. Her credits include The Producers – Hold Me, Touch Me, All Shook Up - Miss Sandra - Ovation nominee, The Full Monty – Vicki, Me and My Girl – Lady Jacqueline, The Will Rogers’ Follies – Betty Rogers, Into the Woods - The Witch (all for Musical Theatre West); Guys and Dolls - Miss Adelaide, Me and My Girl - Lady Jacqueline (for Moonlight Amphitheatre); Thoroughly Modern Millie - Mrs. Meers (Norris Theatre); Cinderella - The Queen, The Will Rogers’ Follies - Betty Rogers, Crazy for You – Irene, Cabaret – Sally (for CLO of South Bay Cities); A Little Night Music - Mrs. Segstrom (South Coast Repertory); Mrs. Darling – Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby (New York/National Tour); The Wizard of Oz - Wicked Witch (San Diego Starlight); CHICAGO – Velma - “ariZoni award” (Phoenix Theatre). Other favorites are Blood Brothers - Mrs. Lyons, Company - Joanne, Brigadoon - Meg, Gypsy - Tessie, A Chorus Line - Cassie & Sheila, Working - Waitress, the Southern California Premiere of GUN-SHY and West Coast Premiere of GUNMETAL BLUES (Original Cast Recording), both for Laguna Playhouse. Member of Actor’s Equity and Musical Theatre Guild.

CASSIE SILVA (Peggy Sawyer) is humbled and excited to be working with Cabrillo again after her debut last season as Ruth in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. She has been training since the age of 2 and can most recently be seen on TV in projects such as the critically acclaimed Showtime series “Dexter,” “Valentine,” and MTV's “Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods.” She can also be seen in the feature films, “Walk Hard,” and as Brenda in “Hairspray.” She would love to give big hugs to all who have come to support especially and as always, "wishes everyone a million grilled cheese sandwiches."

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE

42ND STREET will open on Friday, March 27, 2009 and run through Sunday, April 5th. Performances are Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm. A special mid-week performance has been added on Wednesday, April 1st, at 11:00AM. A post-show discussion with cast, staff and audience will follow the Saturday, March 28th, 2:00pm performance. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks or through any Ticketmaster location or by phone (805) 583-8700. For groups of 12 or more, please call Group Sales, Cabrillo Music Theatre at (805) 497-8615. Ticket prices range from $38 – $74. For ticket and theatre information, call (805) 449-ARTS (2787).

CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE is located at the Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

Cabrillo Music Theatre’s “Must-See” 2009 Season concludes in July with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS.

Cabrillo Music Theatre is the Ovation Award-winning resident musical theatre production company at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, and a non-profit theatre organization. For over three decades, Cabrillo has been enriching the cultural life of Ventura County and its surrounding areas by providing an extraordinary performing arts experience through live, Broadway-quality productions of musical theatre. It is Cabrillo’s mission to provide the highest quality musical experience, to foster educational opportunities, and to promote cultural and artistic enrichment to enhance the quality of life in Southern California. To this end, Cabrillo Music Theatre has established the Adopt-A-School, ADOPT-A-SENIOR, and PET (Project Entertainment Troops) OUTREACH programs. Since the inceptions of these programs, thousands of underserved children, in need seniors, and active military have enjoyed Cabrillo Music Theatre’s productions at no charge. With the ADOPT-A-SCHOOL, ADOPT-A-SENIOR, and PET programs, Cabrillo makes live theatre accessible to children, seniors, and military men and women who otherwise may never have the opportunity to experience a live musical theatre performance. For more information about Cabrillo Music Theatre and its OUTREACH programs, contact Carole W. Nussbaum, President/Chief Executive Officer at (805) 497-8613.

The West Coast Premiere of the new musical celebrating the music and the legend of Neil Sedaka…

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO
Musical Direction by Michael Paternostro
Directed and Choreographed by Troy Magino
Love Will Keep Us Together! Laughter in the Rain! Solitaire!
Where The Boys Are! Stairway to Heaven! Oh, Carol! and so many, many more!

Fresh on the heels of its six Ovation Award wins (the most by any Southern California theatre company in 2008), Cabrillo Music Theatre continues its 2008-2009 season with the West Coast Premiere of the new musical sensation, BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO, featuring a book by Erik Jackson and Ben H. Winters, and lyrics by Neil Sedaka, Howard Greenfield and Cody Philip. BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO weaves the incomparable music of Neil Sedaka into an engaging tale of love and laughter. Troy Magino will direct and choreograph, and Michael Paternostro will serve as Musical Director. Cabrillo Music Theatre’s production will be supervised by Artistic Director Lewis Wilkenfeld. BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO will open on Friday, January 9, 2009 and run through Sunday, January 18, for Cabrillo Music Theatre in the 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Countrywide Performing Arts Center located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

Set in the Catskill Mountains in 1960 (where Sedaka got his start), BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO features such Neil Sedaka classics as “Where The Boys Are,” “Love Will Keep Us Together,” “Calendar Girl,” “Laughter in the Rain,” and the title tune. Cabrillo Music Theatre’s production also features an onstage band and brand new scenery and costumes. "It's the ultimate bubble gum-chewing, record player-blasting, alley cat-dancing, 60's show," says Carole W. Nussbaum, Cabrillo's President and Chief Executive Officer. "And it's all happening to the effervescent tunes of Neil Sedaka. What an unforgettable stroll down memory lane!" enthuses Nussbaum.

An interactive participation experience that begins before the audience has entered the theatre, Cabrillo Music Theatre’s BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO promises to take audiences on a memorable musical journey. The six-member cast includes Southern California theatre favorites Eileen Barnett, Nathan Holland, Julie Dixon Jackson, Jeff Leatherwood, Ryan Nearhoff, and Leslie Spencer Smith. Lighting Design and Sound Design are by, respectively, Jean-Yves Tessier and Jonathan Burke, both recent Ovation Award nominees for their work on Cabrillo’s SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN. Set design is by Andrew Hammer, while Debbie Roberts designs the costumes.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

TROY MAGINO (Director/Choreographer): HONORS: 2008 Dancebreak, NYC Semi-Finalist, 2007 LA Drama Critic's Circle Nomination Best Choreography (Altar Boyz), 2006 Best Director IRNE Award (Thoroughly Modern Millie), LA Stage Scene Best Musical (Altar Boyz), Best Director and Runner-up for Choreographer of the Year (Altar Boyz, ...Millie), 5 Garland Award Honorable Mentions, In Magazine’s Top Ten of LA Theatre 2006 (...Millie) DIR/CHOR: How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (USC), RadicaLove, a new musical (Annenberg); Guys and Dolls (SDMT), Altar Boyz, Thoroughly Modern Millie, High School Musical, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (MTWest), Altar Boyz (Sierra Rep.) ...Millie (Reagle Players, CFRT), CHOR: Gigi (Casa Manana), ...Millie (Welk) TV: Choreography on 12 SAG commercials, NBA All-Star Game Halftime Show. PERFORMER: 3 Broadway First National Tours, member of the original Fosse Project w. Gwen Verdon, over 20 AEA Productions, TV, Music Videos, numerous industrials and live events. WRITER: RadicaLove, a new musical (co-writer). INSTRUCTION: USC Musical Theatre (director), UCI Musical Theatre Dance, The Actor's Conference (San Diego) - Master Class and Guest Speaker, MT West Youth Conservatory, Private and Independent Instruction.

MICHAEL PATERNOSTRO (Musical Director/Keyboards) On Broadway: Guys and Dolls (Rusty Charlie/crapshoot dancer), Beauty and the Beast, Saturday Night Fever (DJ Monty), as well as the original Broadway companies of Fosse, Sweet Smell of Success, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and the 2006 Revival of A Chorus Line (Gregory Gardner). Touring: West Side Story (Action/Arab), and The Producers (Carmen Ghia). As a musician, Michael has musical directed and played the piano for BC/EFA Benefits for Guys and Dolls, Fosse, A Chorus Line, and The Producers. From the keyboard, he served as Musical Director for Havok Theatre’s productions of Kiss of the Spider Woman and Thrill Me. He has also musical directed Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti, and Guare’s Landscape of the Body. As an onstage musician, Michael has performed the roles of Sidney Cohn in On Your Toes and Oscar in 42nd Street both twice. He also assistant directed How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego.

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO has assembled an award-winning design team. The set design is by ANDREW HAMMER (James and the Giant Peach, Dreamgirls, Seussical, My Fair Lady). The Lighting Design is by JEAN-YVES TESSIER (nominated for an Ovation Award for Best Lighting Design for his debut with Cabrillo Music Theatre’s SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN). The sound design is by JONATHAN BURKE (this is Jonathan’s 16th show with Cabrillo Music Theatre, receiving an Ovation Award nomination for Best Sound Design for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN).

ABOUT THE CAST

EILEEN BARNETT (Esther) is delighted to be making her debut with Cabrillo Music Theatre. She has appeared in several Musical Theatre Guild productions next door at the Scherr Forum, including Street Scene, Grand Hotel and Out of This World. In fact, Eileen played the role of Aldonza in Man of La Mancha at the opening of that theatre. She starred on Broadway in Tommy Tune’s Tony Award-winning musical Nine, and in the national tour of Footloose. She was recently in the Havok Theatre Company’s production of Kiss of the Spider Woman. Television credits include guest starring roles on “The Ex-List,” “Brothers and Sisters,” “Still Standing,” “Knots Landing,” “Strong Medicine,” “Frasier” and a stint on “Days of Our Lives,” as the evil Stephanie Woodruff. Other theatre credits include the Los Angeles premiers of Stephen Sondheim’s Passion and Putting It Together, Radio Gals at the Pasadena Playhouse, No No Nanette, Showboat and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

NATHAN HOLLAND (Harvey) Originally from New York City, Nathan just finished a run at the Rubicon Theatre of She Loves Me in the role of the waiter. Nathan studied acting under the G.I. Bill after a stint in the U.S. Air Force (thanks to Uncle Sam and Stanford Meisner). Favorite productions include Guys and Dolls (in the role of Nathan Detroit), Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Violet (Laguna Playhouse), Steve Martin’s The Underpants at the Geffen Playhouse, Crazy for You (Bella Zangler), and Lullaby of Broadway (Al Dubin). Special thoughts go out to his brothers from the award-winning play Tracers (Baby San). Nathan may be seen on TV, hawking anything from KFC to Coca Cola to Mazda’s.

JULIE DIXON JACKSON (Lois) originated the role of “Betty-Jean” in The Marvelous Wonderettes that ran for more than 19 months at the El Portal Theatre in Los Angeles, as well as a summer engagement at the Laguna Playhouse. Julie won an Ovation and Garland Award for her performance as “Daisy Hilton” in the LA premiere of Side Show (Colony Theatre). In New York, Julie was seen as “Doris” in Cole Porter’s The Gay Divorce at Carnegie Hall and she spent a year on the National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. She has had the honor of performing in South Pacific at the Hollywood Bowl with Reba McEntire, Brian Stokes-Mitchell, Michael McKean and Jon Schuck. Other favorite roles have included "Eva Peron" in Evita (3 separate companies), "Lucy" in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Colony Theatre), Mae in the LaChiusa version of The Wild Party, "Sally Bowles" in Cabaret, "Lizzie" in Baby, "Agnes" in I Do, I Do (Pasadena Playhouse) where she also starred in Side by Side by Sondheim with Davis Gaines and Teri Ralston, and "The Narrator" in Joseph. TV appearances include “ER”, “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Shark” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”

JEFF LEATHERWOOD (Gabe) previously appeared as a member of the cowboy trio in Annie Get Your Gun in ’04. Recent credits include Edgar in Bat Boy: The Musical, Matthew in Altar Boyz, Simon Zealots in Jesus Christ Superstar, Danny in Baby, Dewey Maples in The Diviners (The Kennedy Center), and Lt. Joe Cable in South Pacific. Jeff also toured the US last year as the lead male singer/host of the Kidz Bop World Tour, an energetic family friendly show, bringing popular music to kids and adults in arenas across the country. A recent Cal State Fullerton grad, Jeff is currently working on a solo album as a singer-songwriter.

RYAN NEARHOFF (Del) is excited and grateful to be performing in his first show at Cabrillo Music Theatre. He was recently seen with fellow cast member Jeff Leatherwood in Altar Boyz and RadicaLove, both under the direction of Troy Magino. After graduation from Cal State Fullerton in 2007, Ryan was cast in the title role for the first national tour of Almost Heaven: The Songs of John Denver. While at Fullerton, he performed alongside The Doobie Brothers, Gladys Knight, and Chicago at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

LESLIE SPENCER SMITH (Marge) was last seen in the 2007 production of Smokey Joe's Cafe, a show that she will always hold dear. Most recently, Leslie appeared in The Marvelous Wonderettes at the Laguna Playhouse. She was a standby for all four roles, with performances as Cindy Lou and Betty Jean. She was also seen as Suzy and Betty Jean when the production enjoyed a long run in North Hollywood. Earlier this year, Leslie portrayed Abigail Adams in 1776, where her performance was hailed as "a winning portrayal" (Backstage West) and "golden-voiced" (Los Angeles Times). Other regional appearances include The All Night Strut, Into the Woods (Cinderella), and The Pajama Game (Babe Williams). Favorite roles include Miss Adelaide (Guys and Dolls), Polly Baker (Crazy For You), Marta (Company!), Fanny Brice (Funny Girl) and the comical Verges in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Leslie is a Vixen (background vocalist) in the Brian Setzer Orchestra. The big band's latest album, Wolfgang's Big Night Out, features Leslie's voice and was nominated for a 2007 Grammy Award. She tours with the big band and has appeared on “The Today Show,” "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," "The Rachael Ray Show," and, most recently, "Dancing with the Stars!"

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO will open on Friday, January 9, 2009 and run through Sunday, January 18. Performances are Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm. A post-show discussion with cast, staff and audience will follow the Saturday, January 10th, 2:00pm performance. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Countrywide Performing Arts Center Box Office located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks or through any Ticketmaster location or by phone (805) 583-8700. For groups of 12 or more, please call Group Sales, Cabrillo Music Theatre at (805) 497-8615. Ticket prices range from $38 – $74. For ticket and theatre information, call (805) 449-ARTS (2787).

CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE is located at the Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Countrywide Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

To schedule press interviews, photos, press comps or for additional information, please contact David Elzer/DEMAND PR at (818) 508-1754 or by e-mail at ELZERD@aol.com or visit http://www.demandpr.com/.

Cabrillo Music Theatre’s “Must-See” 2008-2009 Season continues with 42ND STREET (March 2009) and CATS (July 2009). A mini-season subscription is available for all three shows at a 20% discount off of single ticket prices.

Cabrillo Music Theatre is the resident musical theatre production company to the Countrywide Performing Arts Center at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and a non-profit theatre organization. For over three decades, Cabrillo has been enriching the cultural life of Ventura County and its surrounding areas by providing an extraordinary performing arts experience through live, Broadway-quality productions of musical theatre. It is Cabrillo’s mission to provide the highest quality musical experience, to foster educational opportunities, and to promote cultural and artistic enrichment to enhance the quality of life in Southern California. To this end, Cabrillo Music Theatre has established the Adopt-A-School, ADOPT-A-SENIOR, and PET (Project Entertainment Troops) OUTREACH programs. Since the inceptions of these programs, thousands of underserved children, in need seniors, and active military have enjoyed Cabrillo Music Theatre’s productions at no charge. With the ADOPT-A-SCHOOL, ADOPT-A-SENIOR, and PET programs, Cabrillo makes live theatre accessible to children, seniors, and military men and women who otherwise may never have the opportunity to experience a live musical theatre performance. For more information about Cabrillo Music Theatre and its OUTREACH programs, contact Carole W. Nussbaum, President/Chief Executive Officer at (805) 497-8613.

Photos by Ed Krieger

The West Coast Premiere of the new musical celebrating the music and the legend of Neil Sedaka…
Breaking Up is Hard To Do
Musical Direction by Michael Paternostro
Directed and Choreographed by Troy Magino

Love Will Keep Us Together! Laughter in the Rain! Solitaire!
Where The Boys Are! Stairway to Heaven! Oh, Carol! and so many, many more!

Fresh on the heels of its six Ovation Award wins (the most by any Southern California theatre company in 2008), Cabrillo Music Theatre continues its 2008-2009 season with the West Coast Premiere of the new musical sensation, BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO, featuring a book by Erik Jackson and Ben H. Winters, and lyrics by Neil Sedaka, Howard Greenfield and Cody Philip. BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO weaves the incomparable music of Neil Sedaka into an engaging tale of love and laughter. Troy Magino will direct and choreograph, and Michael Paternostro will serve as Musical Director. Cabrillo Music Theatre’s production will be supervised by Artistic Director Lewis Wilkenfeld. BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO will open on Friday, January 9, 2009 and run through Sunday, January 18, for Cabrillo Music Theatre in the 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Countrywide Performing Arts Center located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

Set in the Catskill Mountains in 1960 (where Sedaka got his start), BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO features such Neil Sedaka classics as “Where The Boys Are,” “Love Will Keep Us Together,” “Calendar Girl,” “Laughter in the Rain,” and the title tune. Cabrillo Music Theatre’s production also features an onstage band and brand new scenery and costumes. "It's the ultimate bubble gum-chewing, record player-blasting, alley cat-dancing, 60's show," says Carole W. Nussbaum, Cabrillo's President and Chief Executive Officer. "And it's all happening to the effervescent tunes of Neil Sedaka. What an unforgettable stroll down memory lane!" enthuses Nussbaum.

An interactive participation experience that begins before the audience has entered the theatre, Cabrillo Music Theatre’s BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO promises to take audiences on a memorable musical journey. The six-member cast includes Southern California theatre favorites Eileen Barnett, Nathan Holland, Julie Dixon Jackson, Jeff Leatherwood, Ryan Nearhoff, and Leslie Spencer Smith. Lighting Design and Sound Design are by, respectively, Jean-Yves Tessier and Jonathan Burke, both recent Ovation Award nominees for their work on Cabrillo’s SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN. Set design is by Andrew Hammer, while Debbie Roberts designs the costumes.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

TROY MAGINO (Director/Choreographer): HONORS: 2008 Dancebreak, NYC Semi-Finalist, 2007 LA Drama Critic's Circle Nomination Best Choreography (Altar Boyz), 2006 Best Director IRNE Award (Thoroughly Modern Millie), LA Stage Scene Best Musical (Altar Boyz), Best Director and Runner-up for Choreographer of the Year (Altar Boyz, ...Millie), 5 Garland Award Honorable Mentions, In Magazine’s Top Ten of LA Theatre 2006 (...Millie) DIR/CHOR: How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (USC), RadicaLove, a new musical (Annenberg); Guys and Dolls (SDMT), Altar Boyz, Thoroughly Modern Millie, High School Musical, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (MTWest), Altar Boyz (Sierra Rep.) ...Millie (Reagle Players, CFRT), CHOR: Gigi (Casa Manana), ...Millie (Welk) TV: Choreography on 12 SAG commercials, NBA All-Star Game Halftime Show. PERFORMER: 3 Broadway First National Tours, member of the original Fosse Project w. Gwen Verdon, over 20 AEA Productions, TV, Music Videos, numerous industrials and live events. WRITER: RadicaLove, a new musical (co-writer). INSTRUCTION: USC Musical Theatre (director), UCI Musical Theatre Dance, The Actor's Conference (San Diego) - Master Class and Guest Speaker, MT West Youth Conservatory, Private and Independent Instruction.

MICHAEL PATERNOSTRO (Musical Director/Keyboards) On Broadway: Guys and Dolls (Rusty Charlie/crapshoot dancer), Beauty and the Beast, Saturday Night Fever (DJ Monty), as well as the original Broadway companies of Fosse, Sweet Smell of Success, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and the 2006 Revival of A Chorus Line (Gregory Gardner). Touring: West Side Story (Action/Arab), and The Producers (Carmen Ghia). As a musician, Michael has musical directed and played the piano for BC/EFA Benefits for Guys and Dolls, Fosse, A Chorus Line, and The Producers. From the keyboard, he served as Musical Director for Havok Theatre’s productions of Kiss of the Spider Woman and Thrill Me. He has also musical directed Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti, and Guare’s Landscape of the Body. As an onstage musician, Michael has performed the roles of Sidney Cohn in On Your Toes and Oscar in 42nd Street both twice. He also assistant directed How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego.

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO has assembled an award-winning design team. The set design is by ANDREW HAMMER (James and the Giant Peach, Dreamgirls, Seussical, My Fair Lady). The Lighting Design is by JEAN-YVES TESSIER (nominated for an Ovation Award for Best Lighting Design for his debut with Cabrillo Music Theatre’s SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN). The sound design is by JONATHAN BURKE (this is Jonathan’s 16th show with Cabrillo Music Theatre, receiving an Ovation Award nomination for Best Sound Design for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN).

ABOUT THE CAST

EILEEN BARNETT (Esther) is delighted to be making her debut with Cabrillo Music Theatre. She has appeared in several Musical Theatre Guild productions next door at the Scherr Forum, including Street Scene, Grand Hotel and Out of This World. In fact, Eileen played the role of Aldonza in Man of La Mancha at the opening of that theatre. She starred on Broadway in Tommy Tune’s Tony Award-winning musical Nine, and in the national tour of Footloose. She was recently in the Havok Theatre Company’s production of Kiss of the Spider Woman. Television credits include guest starring roles on “The Ex-List,” “Brothers and Sisters,” “Still Standing,” “Knots Landing,” “Strong Medicine,” “Frasier” and a stint on “Days of Our Lives,” as the evil Stephanie Woodruff. Other theatre credits include the Los Angeles premiers of Stephen Sondheim’s Passion and Putting It Together, Radio Gals at the Pasadena Playhouse, No No Nanette, Showboat and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

NATHAN HOLLAND (Harvey) Originally from New York City, Nathan just finished a run at the Rubicon Theatre of She Loves Me in the role of the waiter. Nathan studied acting under the G.I. Bill after a stint in the U.S. Air Force (thanks to Uncle Sam and Stanford Meisner). Favorite productions include Guys and Dolls (in the role of Nathan Detroit), Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Violet (Laguna Playhouse), Steve Martin’s The Underpants at the Geffen Playhouse, Crazy for You (Bella Zangler), and Lullaby of Broadway (Al Dubin). Special thoughts go out to his brothers from the award-winning play Tracers (Baby San). Nathan may be seen on TV, hawking anything from KFC to Coca Cola to Mazda’s.

JULIE DIXON JACKSON (Lois) originated the role of “Betty-Jean” in The Marvelous Wonderettes that ran for more than 19 months at the El Portal Theatre in Los Angeles, as well as a summer engagement at the Laguna Playhouse. Julie won an Ovation and Garland Award for her performance as “Daisy Hilton” in the LA premiere of Side Show (Colony Theatre). In New York, Julie was seen as “Doris” in Cole Porter’s The Gay Divorce at Carnegie Hall and she spent a year on the National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. She has had the honor of performing in South Pacific at the Hollywood Bowl with Reba McEntire, Brian Stokes-Mitchell, Michael McKean and Jon Schuck. Other favorite roles have included "Eva Peron" in Evita (3 separate companies), "Lucy" in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Colony Theatre), Mae in the LaChiusa version of The Wild Party, "Sally Bowles" in Cabaret, "Lizzie" in Baby, "Agnes" in I Do, I Do (Pasadena Playhouse) where she also starred in Side by Side by Sondheim with Davis Gaines and Teri Ralston, and "The Narrator" in Joseph. TV appearances include “ER”, “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Shark” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”

JEFF LEATHERWOOD (Gabe) previously appeared as a member of the cowboy trio in Annie Get Your Gun in ’04. Recent credits include Edgar in Bat Boy: The Musical, Matthew in Altar Boyz, Simon Zealots in Jesus Christ Superstar, Danny in Baby, Dewey Maples in The Diviners (The Kennedy Center), and Lt. Joe Cable in South Pacific. Jeff also toured the US last year as the lead male singer/host of the Kidz Bop World Tour, an energetic family friendly show, bringing popular music to kids and adults in arenas across the country. A recent Cal State Fullerton grad, Jeff is currently working on a solo album as a singer-songwriter.

RYAN NEARHOFF (Del) is excited and grateful to be performing in his first show at Cabrillo Music Theatre. He was recently seen with fellow cast member Jeff Leatherwood in Altar Boyz and RadicaLove, both under the direction of Troy Magino. After graduation from Cal State Fullerton in 2007, Ryan was cast in the title role for the first national tour of Almost Heaven: The Songs of John Denver. While at Fullerton, he performed alongside The Doobie Brothers, Gladys Knight, and Chicago at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

LESLIE SPENCER SMITH (Marge) was last seen in the 2007 production of Smokey Joe's Cafe, a show that she will always hold dear. Most recently, Leslie appeared in The Marvelous Wonderettes at the Laguna Playhouse. She was a standby for all four roles, with performances as Cindy Lou and Betty Jean. She was also seen as Suzy and Betty Jean when the production enjoyed a long run in North Hollywood. Earlier this year, Leslie portrayed Abigail Adams in 1776, where her performance was hailed as "a winning portrayal" (Backstage West) and "golden-voiced" (Los Angeles Times). Other regional appearances include The All Night Strut, Into the Woods (Cinderella), and The Pajama Game (Babe Williams). Favorite roles include Miss Adelaide (Guys and Dolls), Polly Baker (Crazy For You), Marta (Company!), Fanny Brice (Funny Girl) and the comical Verges in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Leslie is a Vixen (background vocalist) in the Brian Setzer Orchestra. The big band's latest album, Wolfgang's Big Night Out, features Leslie's voice and was nominated for a 2007 Grammy Award. She tours with the big band and has appeared on “The Today Show,” "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," "The Rachael Ray Show," and, most recently, "Dancing with the Stars!"

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO will open on Friday, January 9, 2009 and run through Sunday, January 18. Performances are Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm. A post-show discussion with cast, staff and audience will follow the Saturday, January 10th, 2:00pm performance. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Countrywide Performing Arts Center Box Office located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks or through any Ticketmaster location or by phone (805) 583-8700. For groups of 12 or more, please call Group Sales, Cabrillo Music Theatre at (805) 497-8615. Ticket prices range from $38 – $74. For ticket and theatre information, call (805) 449-ARTS (2787).

CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE is located at the Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Countrywide Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

To schedule press interviews, photos, press comps or for additional information, please contact David Elzer/DEMAND PR at (818) 508-1754 or by e-mail at ELZERD@aol.com or visit http://www.demandpr.com/.

Cabrillo Music Theatre’s “Must-See” 2008-2009 Season continues with 42ND STREET (March 2009) and CATS (July 2009). A mini-season subscription is available for all three shows at a 20% discount off of single ticket prices.

Cabrillo Music Theatre is the resident musical theatre production company to the Countrywide Performing Arts Center at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and a non-profit theatre organization. For over three decades, Cabrillo has been enriching the cultural life of Ventura County and its surrounding areas by providing an extraordinary performing arts experience through live, Broadway-quality productions of musical theatre. It is Cabrillo’s mission to provide the highest quality musical experience, to foster educational opportunities, and to promote cultural and artistic enrichment to enhance the quality of life in Southern California. To this end, Cabrillo Music Theatre has established the Adopt-A-School, ADOPT-A-SENIOR, and PET (Project Entertainment Troops) OUTREACH programs. Since the inceptions of these programs, thousands of underserved children, in need seniors, and active military have enjoyed Cabrillo Music Theatre’s productions at no charge. With the ADOPT-A-SCHOOL, ADOPT-A-SENIOR, and PET programs, Cabrillo makes live theatre accessible to children, seniors, and military men and women who otherwise may never have the opportunity to experience a live musical theatre performance. For more information about Cabrillo Music Theatre and its OUTREACH programs, contact Carole W. Nussbaum, President/Chief Executive Officer at (805) 497-8613.

One more week for THE KING AND I

Cabrillo Music Theatre's premiere production of the 2008-2009 season, THE KING AND I, runs for one more week, closing on Sunday, October 26th. Deborah Gibson, whose successful career spans the worlds of Broadway and Pop Music, stars in the Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic. Cabrillo Music Theatre’s Artistic Director Lewis Wilkenfeld directs, while Darryl Archibald serves as Musical Director and Conductor. The production features the original Jerome Robbins choreography of the “Small House of Uncle Thomas” Ballet, recreated by Irene Cho, who performed the piece under Robbins’ supervision in THE KING AND I and JEROME ROBBINS’ BROADWAY. Heather Castillo handles additional choreography and musical staging. THE KING AND I runs through Sunday, October 26th, for Cabrillo Music Theatre in the Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Countrywide Performing Arts Center located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

East meets West in THE KING AND I, as Anna Leonowens and the King of Siam reach across cultural and social borders to find each other. Anna, a young widow, mother and teacher, sets out for a new life in the Far East, and meets her match in the King, an inquisitive and powerful monarch who is as much a boy as a man. They each find the other to be more than expected, in this warm, funny and touching tale of love everlasting. Composer Richard Rodgers and Lyricist/Librettist Oscar Hammerstein II lead an extraordinary musical journey, which includes “Getting To Know You,” “I Whistle A Happy Tune,” “Shall We Dance,” “Hello, Young Lovers,” and “The March of the Siamese Children.”
Also featured is the “Small House of Uncle Thomas” Ballet, originally choreographed by Jerome Robbins, and recreated in its entirety by Irene Cho. A unique re-telling of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” as interpreted through the eyes of a Siamese slave, the Ballet transcends dance and becomes a powerful and timeless piece of storytelling.
Though set in 1862, THE KING AND I’s clashing cultures, its struggle for knowledge, and its balance between faith and science, make this story as pertinent and as contemporary as ever. Further adding to the show’s timeless appeal is Deborah Gibson, making her Cabrillo Music Theatre debut as Anna Leonowens. “Deborah is an endlessly talented star” says Carole W. Nussbaum, Cabrillo Music Theatre’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Her signature ‘WOW’ factor will bring audiences to their feet and will resonate throughout this region for years to come.” Nussbaum goes on to say, “Cabrillo is privileged to welcome an artist of Ms. Gibson’s stature.” Gibson, a veteran of Broadway and popular music for over twenty years, will be joined by Southern California theatre veteran Daniel Guzman, as the King of Siam. They are supported by a cast of nearly 60 and a full professional orchestra to make THE KING AND I a memorable theatre experience for the entire family.

ABOUT THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM

DEBORAH GIBSON (Anna Leonowens). For more than 20 years, Deborah Gibson has proven she's an entertainer of immeasurable talent. From singer, songwriter and musician to actor and dancer, she embodies what it truly means to be an entertainer. Gibson exploded on the pop music scene at the tender age of 16. A music prodigy, she quickly became the youngest person ever to write, produce and perform a number one single, ("Foolish Beat"), a record she still holds today in the Guinness Book of World Records. To date, Gibson has sold more than 16 million albums worldwide. After conquering the pop world, she set her sights on the theater. Gibson took a star turn in the Broadway production of “Les Miserables” as Eponine. She broke box office records in the London West End production of “Grease” as Sandy, and then took the stage in the U.S. Broadway tours of “Grease” and “Funny Girl” playing Rizzo and Fanny Brice. Gibson also wowed critics as Belle in Disney's “Beauty and the Beast,” Gypsy Rose Lee in “Gypsy,” The Narrator in the national tour of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Cinderella in the national production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's “Cinderella,” Velma Kelly in “Chicago,” and Sally Bowles in the Broadway revival of “Cabaret.” Gibson is now the composer and co-lyricist on a new musical in pre-production for Broadway: "The Flunky", written by Jimmy Van Patten. Gibson continues to dazzle with entertainment magic. She has bridged the gap between Pop Music and Broadway with her one-woman show "Pop Goes Broadway." She brings the best of both worlds to the stage singing some of her biggest pop hits and reprising her starring roles on Broadway. Critics agreed "'Pop Goes Broadway' is the best show Atlantic City has seen in quite some time...it's totally entertaining" during her three-week engagement in May 2008 at The Concert Venue at Harrah's. Phil Roura of the New York Daily News said, "she has mastered her craft to the point where she just doesn't perform a song - she embraces it and delivers it with her own special stamp of approval." The "Original Pop Princess" is ready to pass the torch to the next generation of musical sensations. Her passion to mentor young performers and songwriters has led her to create "Deborah Gibson's Electric Youth", a series of performing arts camps and songwriting/recording intensives.

DANIEL GUZMAN (The King). Daniel returns to Cabrillo Music Theatre, having recently played Zach in A Chorus Line! Just completed Les Miserables (Grantaire) at The Hollywood Bowl to a sold out audience for the three night concert. Recent film: My Sister’s Keeper. Stage: The Who’s Tommy (Specialist, u/s Uncle Ernie): Montalban, LA. Tours: Camelot w/ Michael York (Dinadan, u/s Merlyn), Jesus Christ Superstar w/Carl Anderson (King Herod), Les Miserables (Montparnasse), Evita (Magaldi, u/s Che). Broadway: Cyrano: The Musical, Les Miserables. Moscow & Austria as Rum Tum Tugger in Cats directed by Gillian Lynne & Andrew Lloyd Webber. Hollywood Bowl: Les Miserables, Stephen Sondheim’s 75th: The Concert, Mame. Other: Water and Power at Mark Taper Forum (u/s Water & Power), The King and I (King): MTW, City of Angels (Lt. Munoz): Reprise, A Chorus Line (Zach): Cabrillo, Carousel (Jigger): Welk Resort, Guys & Dolls (Sky Masterson): Arvada/Las Vegas, Sweet Charity (Vittorio Vital): Arvada, Wonderful Town w/Lucie Arnaz (Valenti): Reprise, West Side Story (Bernardo): Arvada, Man of La Mancha (Dr. Carrasco): SBCLO. TV Highlights: Ally McBeal, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Diagnosis Murder, Crusade, Pacific Palisades, Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Numerous commercials, workshops and demo tapes.

LEWIS WILKENFELD (Artistic Director/Director of The King and I) celebrates the start of his third year as Artistic Director, and his lucky 13th directorial production for CMT productions during the last decade. These include Beauty and the Beast, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Music Man, Annie, West Side Story, Carousel, and The Secret Garden. His production of Bye Bye Birdie! was named Ventura County’s Production Of The Year. Additionally, Lewis’ work has won him an AriZoni Award (Beauty & the Beast, Phoenix Theatre), a Drama Logue Award (The Wizard of Oz, starring Cathy Rigby) and a Robby Award (Gypsy! at the Lawrence Welk Resort Theatre). His directing work has taken him to Ogden, UT (Children of Eden); Houston, TX (Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby); Norris Theatre, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (I’m Not Rappaport starring Ted Lange); Moonlight Amphitheatre, Vista, CA (Hello, Dolly and Sweet Charity); Brea, CA (They’re Playing Our Song and Sleuth); and Long Beach’s Musical Theatre West (A Funny Thing… Forum) and International City Theatre (1940s Radio Hour). Lewis is proud to have directed six shows for the award-winning Musical Theatre Guild in Los Angeles, including two productions to have played in the Forum Theatre in Thousand Oaks: I Can Get It For You Wholesale and Roberta. Lewis represents Cabrillo Music Theatre on the Membership Committee of the National Alliance of Musical Theatre.

DARRYL ARCHIBALD (Musical Director). Mr. Archibald’s productions include regional and national tours, regional and world premieres, and award winning productions at theaters around the country. He is currently a substitute conductor for the Los Angeles production of Wicked. Tours include: Disney's The Lion King - Cheetah Tour, where he served as vocal coach/assistant conductor, A Grand Night For Singing, The All Night Strut, Jerry’s Girls. Other shows include: Once On This Island (Reprise Theater Company), the West Coast premiere of THE FIX (Alex Theater), Li'l Abner with Cathy Rigby and Fred Willard (Freud Playhouse), Swing! (Sacramento Music Circus), the Desert Aids Project Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (Palm Springs Convention Center), The West Coast and regional premiere of Never Gonna Dance, Ragtime (Musical Theater West), A Chorus Line directed by Kay Cole, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and The Music Man (Cabrillo Music Theatre), Swing! (McCoy/Rigby Ent.), Gaveston: Favourite of the King, Merry Me A Little – revised version (Celebration Theater), Merrily We Roll Along with Teri Hatcher and I Do! I Do! with Diana Canova and Harry Groener (Reprise!), My Fair Lady, 1776, Little Shop Of Horrors, Camelot and Forever Plaid (Utah Shakespearean Festival), Ain’t Misbehavin’ directed by Ken Page, and Swing! (Civic Light of the South Bay Cities), Four Guys Named Jose… And Una Mujer Named Maria, Raisin, A Christmas Carol (ICT), An Evening With Rodgers and Hammerstein (Long Beach Symphony), Lady In the Dark, Sail Away (Musical Theater Guild), Zorba with Judy Kaye, On The Town, My One And Only (associate conductor - Reprise!). Mr. Archibald's arrangement and orchestration credits include: the prime-time television special “A Hollywood Holiday Celebration” (ABC), The Fountain Show and Christmas Trolley Show, The Grove Los Angeles), Page By Page (cast recording), Zorba, On Your Toes, Damn Yankees (Reprise!), Never Gonna Dance (Musical Theater West). Upcoming 2008 productions include: Silk Stockings (MTW), and more Wicked.

IRENE CHO (Choreographer - “Small House of Uncle Thomas”) is a Kansas City native. Irene’s association with “Small House of Uncle Thomas” began when she was cast as one of Yul Brynner’s wives and royal dancers in his last national tour and Broadway run of The King & I. As a member of the original Broadway cast of Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, Irene had the honor of dancing under the watchful eye of Jerome Robbins and helping to re-create his original choreography for “The Small House of Uncle Thomas.” In addition to Mr. Robbins, Irene was coached in the role of Eliza by Yuriko, who created the role in the original Broadway production
and also danced the role in the film. Other Performing Career Highlights: The Phantom of the Opera (original Broadway cast, Los Angeles and San Francisco companies), Funny Feet (Off Broadway), Sayonara (Papermill Playhouse), Phantom (Theatre League’s Yeston/Kopit production), Hollywood Bowl (Showboat, Carousel, South Pacific and Bernstein’s Mass), Los Angeles Opera (Rigoletto – directed by Bruce Beresford, Aida, Turandot), Joffrey Ballet Concert Group, Cleveland Ballet, American Ballet Comedy, “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” for TV, commercials, still photography work with Harvey Edwards. Family: actor Norman Large and sons, Nathan & Brandon.

HEATHER CASTILLO (Additional Choreography/Musical Staging) is excited to make her choreographic debut with Cabrillo Music Theatre on The King and I. Other choreographic projects this year have included: The Fix, Anything Goes and The Office Machine for UC Irvine, adding to Urinetown, City of Angels, Guys and Dolls, Kiss Me, Kate, La Celestina, Under Milk Wood and Connecticut Yankee in recent years. As a dancer, Heather worked for Buena Vista Special Events, Universal Studios, and Saban Entertainment to name a few. Other performer credits range from: Annie to West Side Story. Heather will finish her M.F.A. in dance in 2009 at UC Irvine.

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE

THE KING AND I will open on Friday, October 17, 2008 and run through Sunday, October 26. Performances are Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm. A post-show discussion with cast, staff and audience will follow the Saturday, October 18, 2:00pm performance. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Countrywide Performing Arts Center Box Office located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks or through any Ticketmaster location or by phone (805) 583-8700. For groups of 12 or more, please call Group Sales, Cabrillo Music Theatre at (805) 497-8615. Ticket prices range from $38 – $74. For ticket and theatre information, call (805) 449-ARTS (2787).

CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE is located at the Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Countrywide Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

To schedule press interviews, photos, press comps or for additional information, please contact David Elzer/DEMAND PR at (818) 508-1754 or by e-mail at ELZERD@aol.com or visit http://www.demandpr.com/.

Cabrillo Music Theatre’s “Must-See” 2008-2009 Season continues with BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO (January 2009), 42ND STREET (March 2009) and CATS (July 2009). A mini-season subscription is available through the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office.

Cabrillo Music Theatre is the resident musical theatre company of the Countrywide Performing Arts Center at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and a non-profit theatre organization. For over three decades, Cabrillo has been enriching the cultural life of Ventura County and its surrounding areas by providing an extraordinary performing arts experience through live, Broadway-quality productions of musical theatre. It is Cabrillo’s mission to provide the highest quality musical experience, to foster educational opportunities, and to promote cultural and artistic enrichment to enhance the quality of life in our community. To this end, Cabrillo Music Theatre has established the Adopt-A-School, ADOPT-A-SENIOR, and PET (Project Entertainment Troops) outreach programs. Since the inceptions of these programs, thousands of underserved children, in need seniors, active military and their families have enjoyed Cabrillo Music Theatre’s productions at no charge. With the ADOPT-A-SCHOOL, ADOPT-A-SENIOR, and PET programs, Cabrillo makes live theatre accessible to children, seniors, and military men and women who otherwise may never have the opportunity to experience a live musical theatre performance. For more information about Cabrillo Music Theatre’s outreach programs, contact Carole W. Nussbaum, President/Chief Executive Officer at (805) 497-8613.

Deborah Gibson to star in Cabrillo Music Theatre's THE KING AND I

Thousand Oaks, Calif…Cabrillo Music Theatre proudly kicks off the new 2008-2009 season by announcing that Deborah Gibson, whose successful career spans the worlds of Broadway and Pop Music, will star in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic, THE KING AND I. Cabrillo Music Theatre’s Artistic Director Lewis Wilkenfeld will direct, while Darryl Archibald will serve as Musical Director and Conductor. The production will feature the original Jerome Robbins choreography of the “Small House of Uncle Thomas” Ballet, recreated by Irene Cho, who performed the piece under Robbins’ supervision in THE KING AND I and JEROME ROBBINS’ BROADWAY. Heather Castillo will handle additional choreography and musical staging. THE KING AND I will open on Friday, October 17, 2008 and run through Sunday, October 26th, for Cabrillo Music Theatre in the Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Countrywide Performing Arts Center located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

East meets West in THE KING AND I, as Anna Leonowens and the King of Siam reach across cultural and social borders to find each other. Anna, a young widow, mother and teacher, sets out for a new life in the Far East, and meets her match in the King, an inquisitive and powerful monarch who is as much a boy as a man. They each find the other to be more than expected, in this warm, funny and touching tale of love everlasting. Composer Richard Rodgers and Lyricist/Librettist Oscar Hammerstein II lead an extraordinary musical journey, which includes “Getting To Know You,” “I Whistle A Happy Tune,” “Shall We Dance,” “Hello, Young Lovers,” and “The March of the Siamese Children.”

Also featured is the “Small House of Uncle Thomas” Ballet, originally choreographed by Jerome Robbins, and recreated in its entirety by Irene Cho. A unique re-telling of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” as interpreted through the eyes of a Siamese slave, the Ballet transcends dance and becomes a powerful and timeless piece of storytelling.

Though set in 1862, THE KING AND I’s clashing cultures, its struggle for knowledge, and its balance between faith and science, make this story as pertinent and as contemporary as ever. Further adding to the show’s timeless appeal is Deborah Gibson, making her Cabrillo Music Theatre debut as Anna Leonowens. “Deborah is an endlessly talented star” says Carole W. Nussbaum, Cabrillo Music Theatre’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Her signature ‘WOW’ factor will bring audiences to their feet and will resonate throughout this region for years to come.” Nussbaum goes on to say, “Cabrillo is privileged to welcome an artist of Ms. Gibson’s stature.” Gibson, a veteran of Broadway and popular music for over twenty years, will be joined by Southern California theatre veteran Daniel Guzman, as the King of Siam. They are supported by a cast of nearly 60 and a full professional orchestra to make THE KING AND I a memorable theatre experience for the entire family.

ABOUT THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM

DEBORAH GIBSON (Anna Leonowens). For more than 20 years, Deborah Gibson has proven she's an entertainer of immeasurable talent. From singer, songwriter and musician to actor and dancer, she embodies what it truly means to be an entertainer. Gibson exploded on the pop music scene at the tender age of 16. A music prodigy, she quickly became the youngest person ever to write, produce and perform a number one single, ("Foolish Beat"), a record she still holds today in the Guinness Book of World Records. To date, Gibson has sold more than 16 million albums worldwide. After conquering the pop world, she set her sights on the theater. Gibson took a star turn in the Broadway production of “Les Miserables” as Eponine. She broke box office records in the London West End production of “Grease” as Sandy, and then took the stage in the U.S. Broadway tours of “Grease” and “Funny Girl” playing Rizzo and Fanny Brice. Gibson also wowed critics as Belle in Disney's “Beauty and the Beast,” Gypsy Rose Lee in “Gypsy,” The Narrator in the national tour of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Cinderella in the national production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's “Cinderella,” Velma Kelly in “Chicago,” and Sally Bowles in the Broadway revival of “Cabaret.” Gibson is now the composer and co-lyricist on a new musical in pre-production for Broadway: "The Flunky", written by Jimmy Van Patten.

Gibson continues to dazzle with entertainment magic. She has bridged the gap between Pop Music and Broadway with her one-woman show "Pop Goes Broadway." She brings the best of both worlds to the stage singing some of her biggest pop hits and reprising her starring roles on Broadway. Critics agreed "'Pop Goes Broadway' is the best show Atlantic City has seen in quite some time...it's totally entertaining" during her three-week engagement in May 2008 at The Concert Venue at Harrah's. Phil Roura of the New York Daily News said, "she has mastered her craft to the point where she just doesn't perform a song - she embraces it and delivers it with her own special stamp of approval." The "Original Pop Princess" is ready to pass the torch to the next generation of musical sensations. Her passion to mentor young performers and songwriters has led her to create "Deborah Gibson's Electric Youth", a series of performing arts camps and songwriting/recording intensives.

DANIEL GUZMAN (The King). Daniel returns to Cabrillo Music Theatre, having recently played Zach in A Chorus Line! Just completed Les Miserables (Grantaire) at The Hollywood Bowl to a sold out audience for the three night concert. Recent film: My Sister’s Keeper. Stage: The Who’s Tommy (Specialist, u/s Uncle Ernie): Montalban, LA. Tours: Camelot w/ Michael York (Dinadan, u/s Merlyn), Jesus Christ Superstar w/Carl Anderson (King Herod), Les Miserables (Montparnasse), Evita (Magaldi, u/s Che). Broadway: Cyrano: The Musical, Les Miserables. Moscow & Austria as Rum Tum Tugger in Cats directed by Gillian Lynne & Andrew Lloyd Webber. Hollywood Bowl: Les Miserables, Stephen Sondheim’s 75th: The Concert, Mame. Other: Water and Power at Mark Taper Forum (u/s Water & Power), The King and I (King): MTW, City of Angels (Lt. Munoz): Reprise, A Chorus Line (Zach): Cabrillo, Carousel (Jigger): Welk Resort, Guys & Dolls (Sky Masterson): Arvada/Las Vegas, Sweet Charity (Vittorio Vital): Arvada, Wonderful Town w/Lucie Arnaz (Valenti): Reprise, West Side Story (Bernardo): Arvada, Man of La Mancha (Dr. Carrasco): SBCLO. TV Highlights: Ally McBeal, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Diagnosis Murder, Crusade, Pacific Palisades, Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Numerous commercials, workshops and demo tapes.

LEWIS WILKENFELD (Artistic Director/Director of The King and I) celebrates the start of his third year as Artistic Director, and his lucky 13th directorial production for CMT productions during the last decade. These include Beauty and the Beast, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Music Man, Annie, West Side Story, Carousel, and The Secret Garden. His production of Bye Bye Birdie! was named Ventura County’s Production Of The Year. Additionally, Lewis’ work has won him an AriZoni Award (Beauty & the Beast, Phoenix Theatre), a Drama Logue Award (The Wizard of Oz, starring Cathy Rigby) and a Robby Award (Gypsy! at the Lawrence Welk Resort Theatre). His directing work has taken him to Ogden, UT (Children of Eden); Houston, TX (Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby); Norris Theatre, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (I’m Not Rappaport starring Ted Lange); Moonlight Amphitheatre, Vista, CA (Hello, Dolly and Sweet Charity); Brea, CA (They’re Playing Our Song and Sleuth); and Long Beach’s Musical Theatre West (A Funny Thing… Forum) and International City Theatre (1940s Radio Hour). Lewis is proud to have directed six shows for the award-winning Musical Theatre Guild in Los Angeles, including two productions to have played in the Forum Theatre in Thousand Oaks: I Can Get It For You Wholesale and Roberta. Lewis represents Cabrillo Music Theatre on the Membership Committee of the National Alliance of Musical Theatre.

DARRYL ARCHIBALD (Musical Director). Mr. Archibald’s productions include regional and national tours, regional and world premieres, and award winning productions at theaters around the country. He is currently a substitute conductor for the Los Angeles production of Wicked. Tours include: Disney's The Lion King - Cheetah Tour, where he served as vocal coach/assistant conductor, A Grand Night For Singing, The All Night Strut, Jerry’s Girls. Other shows include: Once On This Island (Reprise Theater Company), the West Coast premiere of THE FIX (Alex Theater), Li'l Abner with Cathy Rigby and Fred Willard (Freud Playhouse), Swing! (Sacramento Music Circus), the Desert Aids Project Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (Palm Springs Convention Center), The West Coast and regional premiere of Never Gonna Dance, Ragtime (Musical Theater West), A Chorus Line directed by Kay Cole, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and The Music Man (Cabrillo Music Theatre), Swing! (McCoy/Rigby Ent.), Gaveston: Favourite of the King, Merry Me A Little – revised version (Celebration Theater), Merrily We Roll Along with Teri Hatcher and I Do! I Do! with Diana Canova and Harry Groener (Reprise!), My Fair Lady, 1776, Little Shop Of Horrors, Camelot and Forever Plaid (Utah Shakespearean Festival), Ain’t Misbehavin’ directed by Ken Page, and Swing! (Civic Light of the South Bay Cities), Four Guys Named Jose… And Una Mujer Named Maria, Raisin, A Christmas Carol (ICT), An Evening With Rodgers and Hammerstein (Long Beach Symphony), Lady In the Dark, Sail Away (Musical Theater Guild), Zorba with Judy Kaye, On The Town, My One And Only (associate conductor - Reprise!). Mr. Archibald's arrangement and orchestration credits include: the prime-time television special “A Hollywood Holiday Celebration” (ABC), The Fountain Show and Christmas Trolley Show, The Grove Los Angeles), Page By Page (cast recording), Zorba, On Your Toes, Damn Yankees (Reprise!), Never Gonna Dance (Musical Theater West). Upcoming 2008 productions include: Silk Stockings (MTW), and more Wicked.

IRENE CHO (Choreographer - “Small House of Uncle Thomas”) is a Kansas City native. Irene’s association with “Small House of Uncle Thomas” began when she was cast as one of Yul Brynner’s wives and royal dancers in his last national tour and Broadway run of The King & I. As a member of the original Broadway cast of Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, Irene had the honor of dancing under the watchful eye of Jerome Robbins and helping to re-create his original choreography for “The Small House of Uncle Thomas.” In addition to Mr. Robbins, Irene was coached in the role of Eliza by Yuriko, who created the role in the original Broadway production
and also danced the role in the film. Other Performing Career Highlights: The Phantom of the Opera (original Broadway cast, Los Angeles and San Francisco companies), Funny Feet (Off Broadway), Sayonara (Papermill Playhouse), Phantom (Theatre League’s Yeston/Kopit production), Hollywood Bowl (Showboat, Carousel, South Pacific and Bernstein’s Mass), Los Angeles Opera (Rigoletto – directed by Bruce Beresford, Aida, Turandot), Joffrey Ballet Concert Group, Cleveland Ballet, American Ballet Comedy, “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” for TV, commercials, still photography work with Harvey Edwards. Family: actor Norman Large and sons, Nathan & Brandon.

HEATHER CASTILLO (Additional Choreography/Musical Staging) is excited to make her choreographic debut with Cabrillo Music Theatre on The King and I. Other choreographic projects this year have included: The Fix, Anything Goes and The Office Machine for UC Irvine, adding to Urinetown, City of Angels, Guys and Dolls, Kiss Me, Kate, La Celestina, Under Milk Wood and Connecticut Yankee in recent years. As a dancer, Heather worked for Buena Vista Special Events, Universal Studios, and Saban Entertainment to name a few. Other performer credits range from: Annie to West Side Story. Heather will finish her M.F.A. in dance in 2009 at UC Irvine.

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE

THE KING AND I will open on Friday, October 17, 2008 and run through Sunday, October 26. Performances are Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm. A post-show discussion with cast, staff and audience will follow the Saturday, October 18, 2:00pm performance. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Countrywide Performing Arts Center Box Office located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks or through any Ticketmaster location or by phone (805) 583-8700. For groups of 12 or more, please call Group Sales, Cabrillo Music Theatre at (805) 497-8615. Ticket prices range from $38 – $74. For ticket and theatre information, call (805) 449-ARTS (2787).

CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE is located at the Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Countrywide Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

To schedule press interviews, photos, press comps or for additional information, please contact David Elzer/DEMAND PR at (818) 508-1754 or by e-mail at ELZERD@aol.com or visit http://www.demandpr.com/.

Cabrillo Music Theatre’s “Must-See” 2008-2009 Season continues with BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO (January 2009), 42ND STREET (March 2009) and CATS (July 2009).

Cabrillo Music Theatre is the resident musical theatre company of the Countrywide Performing Arts Center at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and a non-profit theatre organization. For over three decades, Cabrillo has been enriching the cultural life of Ventura County and its surrounding areas by providing an extraordinary performing arts experience through live, Broadway-quality productions of musical theatre. It is Cabrillo’s mission to provide the highest quality musical experience, to foster educational opportunities, and to promote cultural and artistic enrichment to enhance the quality of life in our community. To this end, Cabrillo Music Theatre has established the Adopt-A-School, ADOPT-A-SENIOR, and PET (Project Entertainment Troops) outreach programs. Since the inceptions of these programs, thousands of underserved children, in need seniors, active military and their families have enjoyed Cabrillo Music Theatre’s productions at no charge. With the ADOPT-A-SCHOOL, ADOPT-A-SENIOR, and PET programs, Cabrillo makes live theatre accessible to children, seniors, and military men and women who otherwise may never have the opportunity to experience a live musical theatre performance. For more information about Cabrillo Music Theatre’s outreach programs, contact Carole W. Nussbaum, President/Chief Executive Officer at (805) 497-8613.