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.

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Casting is Complete!

Cabrillo Music Theatre has finalized casting on SINGIN’IN THE RAIN, the splashy finale to the 2007-2008 season. Based on the classic M.G.M. movie, with choreography by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN comes to life on the Kavli Theatre stage. Theatre veteran Larry Raben will direct, and David Engel will choreograph the show, as well as star as “Don Lockwood,” the role made famous by Gene Kelly. Accomplished actor and Emmy-winning writer Randy Rogel will play the Donald O’Connor role of Cosmo Brown. The role of Kathy Selden will be played by Shanon Mari Mills, and Melissa Fahn - direct from the Los Angeles cast of WICKED - will portray Lina Lamont. Alby Potts will serve as Musical Director and Conductor. The show features songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, with screenplay adaptation by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN will open on Friday, July 25, 2008 and run through Sunday, August 3, 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.

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN takes a humorous look at the “birth of the talkies,” when the silent era of motion pictures came to an end, and movies began to talk. And sing. And dance. Woven into the show are some of the most memorable musical moments ever captured on film, and the stage production brings all of them to life: “Good Morning,” “Make ‘Em Laugh,” “You Are My Lucky Star,” “You Were Meant For Me,” and the title tune are just a few of the musical showstoppers. In addition, Cabrillo Music Theatre’s new production will feature the “Broadway Melody Ballet,” the classic dance made famous in the movie by Cyd Charisse and Gene Kelly, but rarely performed onstage!

“SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, our summer sensation, is perfect entertainment for the entire family,” says Carole W. Nussbaum, Cabrillo Music Theatre’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Cabrillo’s production puts on stage everything you love about the movie . . . including the rain!”

David Engel returns to the Kavli stage in the role of “Don Lockwood,” the role he played in Cabrillo Music Theatre’s 1999 production. Since then, David has played the role across the country to great acclaim. In addition, the multiple Ovation-Award winner has established himself as one of Southern California musical theatre’s premiere leading men. Randy Rogel, who has played Cosmo Brown in productions across the country, will bring the role to life in the Cabrillo Music Theatre’s production.

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN is the perfect family show, and is suitable for all audiences.

ABOUT THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM

LARRY RABEN (Director) is delighted to return to Cabrillo Music Theatre, where he directed 2006’s Forever Plaid. Larry is a recent Best Director nominee for his direction of Sweet Charity in Buenos Aires starring Latin American superstar, Florencia Pena. Southern California credits include: the post-Broadway premiere of Never Gonna Dance at Musical Theatre West. Also at MTW, he directed the Southern California premiere of The Thing About Men and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. He has directed numerous US and international stagings of Forever Plaid. He directed Always Patsy Cline at the Welk Resort Theatre starring Cissy King of “Bobby & Cissy” fame, and an original musical revue that he also co-authored, Hollywood’s Heyday, a tribute to the great movie musicals. In Canada, he co-authored and staged Motown at the Twilight. In New York, Larry Assistant Directed the Off-Broadway musical Catch Me If I Fall, and Breaking Up starring Matthew Modine and Allison Janney at the American Stage Company, He also directed The Velveteen Rabbit at Off-Broadway’s Promenade Theatre for Theatreworks/USA. Also an accomplished actor, Larry has just finished a year in Las Vegas playing Leo Bloom in Mel Brooks’ The Producers, a role he also played in the Broadway production. Larry is a proud member of S.S.D.C., Actors’ Equity Association and the Musical Theatre Guild.

DAVID ENGEL (Choreographer/Don Lockwood). A five-time LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award winner, David starred as Don Lockwood in CMT’s 1999 production of Singin’ in the Rain. He appeared on Broadway in Putting It Together, Seussical: The Musical, La Cage Aux Folles and both stage and film versions of The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas. He is most noted for creating the role of Smudge in the original off-Broadway production of Forever Plaid and its holiday sequel Plaid Tidings. Other stage credits include starring roles in Crazy For you, White Christmas, Kiss Me Kate, Children of Eden, The Full Monty, Dames at Sea, Never Gonna Dance, and Pasadena Playhouse’s newly re-envisioned Can-Can. He also shares an on-screen romance with RuPaul in the musical short film “Zombie Prom.” In addition to his acting career, Mr. Engel has directed and choreographed major productions of Seussical, Forever Plaid, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and collaborated with Singin’ In The Rain director Larry Raben on Toronto’s original production Motown at the Twilight.. David has directed the original commercials for Forever Plaid, The World Goes ‘Round, and created and directed the MGM/UA Home Video "Logo-Fanfare". He produced and directed a documentary as a companion to the video release of “That’s Entertainment III,” and served as the Film Sequence Director for “Judy Garland, A Tribute” at Carnegie Hall, “The Busby Berkeley Suite” with The Boston Pops, and “Carnegie Hall Celebrates the Glorious MGM Musicals.”

ALBY POTTS (Musical Director/Conductor), is pleased to be musical directing his first show at Cabrillo Music Theatre. Recent musical directing credits include “Miss Saigon” and “Kiss Me Kate” for South Bay C.L.O., “Blood Brothers” for Musical Theater Guild, and “Jingle Bell Rock” for Plan B Entertainment. Also a busy keyboardist, in the past year Alby has played on the national tours of “My Fair Lady”, “Sweet Charity”, “Annie”, and “Chicago”, and for many local Los Angeles area productions. Alby’s composing credits include his solo CD “Dreaming For Real”, the feature film scores “Season of Change” and “The Flying Dutchman”, and the song “Joy, Hope, and Peace” on George Winston’s Grammy nominated album “Montana-A Love Story”. Alby’s dance music is featured in the repertory of the Rocky Mountain Ballet Theater and LA’s Lineage Dance Company. Alby has a Bachelor of Music degree from the Boston Conservatory of Music, and a Masters of Music from Northwestern University.

RANDY ROGEL (Cosmo Brown) has won three Emmy awards (ten nominations), a Peabody Award, and two Annie awards for his work as a television writer, composer, and producer. He spent nine years on staff at Warner Bros before moving to the Disney studios. He helped create television shows such as Steven Spielberg’s “Animaniacs,” “Pinky and the Brain,” “Batman,”

and “Histeria,” and at Disney he wrote on “Tarzan,” “House of Mouse,” “The Three Caballeros,” “Cinderella,” “Peter Pan- Return to Neverland,” “101 Dalmatians II,” “The Three Musketeers,” and “Winnie the Pooh.” He is currently the head of music for a kids show on PBS entitled “Danger Rangers.” Randy's new musical recently premiered in New York at the National Alliance of Musical Theaters and is now slated for a workshop production in London this fall. As an actor and director, Randy has won five Dramalogue awards. He has played leading roles in major theaters around the country, including the Paper Mill Playhouse, Seattle’s 5th Ave Theater, Houston’s Theatre Under the Stars, the St. Louis Muni, The Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, the Seattle Repertory Theater, ACT, the Old Globe Theater in San Diego, and the Sacramento Music Circus. At the Goodspeed Theater, Randy played the lead role in the revival of their Broadway production of “Very Good Eddie” for which he won the Connecticut Critics Circle award for Best Actor. He has also performed leading roles in Singin’ in the Rain, Me and My Girl, George M, and Whoopee! Randy is a West Point graduate with ten years service as a military officer in the combat arms. He received an Engineering Degree from the Academy and a Masters Degree in International Relations from Boston University.

SHANON MARI MILLS (Kathy Selden). This is Shanon's debut performance with Cabrillo Music Theatre and she is thrilled to be part of such a wonderful production. She was last seen as "Amy" in the world premiere of Mask at the Pasadena Playhouse. Other Regional credits include: South Pacific at the Hollywood Bowl with Reba McEntire and Brian Stokes Mitchell, "Sr. Amnesia" in Nuncrackers, "Val" in A Chorus Line, "P.Burke" in Wierd Romance, Cinderella and Annie Get Your Gun at CLOSBC. Shanon was recently involved in the first annual Festival of New American Musicals playing "Hattie" in a reading of I Married Wyatt Earp. Shanon has had the privilege to work with Kristen Chenoweth, Kenny Loggins, the Doobie Brothers and Gladys Knight.

MELISSA FAHN (Lina Lamont). BROADWAY: Wicked “U/S Glinda” (original cast) and Wicked L.A. “U/S Glinda” The Pantages. Sondheim’s 75th Hollywood Bowl, Hal Prince’s 3hree, the Ahmanson, Anything Goes, “Hope Harcourt” Musical Theatre West, Li’l Abner “Daisy Mae” MTG, The Sunshine Boys ”The Nurse” (opposite Ed Asner and Harold Gould) and Milk and Honey “Zipporah” both at The Gindi Auditorium, Grease “Marty” CLO South Bay, Sweeney Todd “Johanna” & Gilligan’s Island The Musical “Maryanne” both at The Scherr Forum, West Side Story “Maria” (Best Actress Denver Critic’s Circle Nominee) and Singin’ in the Rain “Kathy Selden” both at Denver’s Arvada Center. “Coloratura Soloist” for Vox Lumiere and starring as “Christine” in their next production Phantom of the Opera. She is the voice of “Betty Boop”, “Hello Kitty”, “Edward” on “Cowboy Bebop,” “Gaz” on Nickelodeon’s “Invader Zim.” Fans know her as “Young Esmerelda” on the soap “Passions.” Melissa’s debut album “Avignon” available on CD Baby and itunes.

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN will open on Friday, July 25, 2008 and run through Sunday, August 3. Performances are Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8:00pm; Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm; Sunday, July 27 at 7:00pm; and Wednesday, July 30th at 11:00am. A post-show discussion with cast, staff and audience will follow the Saturday, July 26, 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 $36 – $64. 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 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.

Cabrillo Music Theatre will have you SINGIN' IN THE RAIN!

Cabrillo Music Theatre
Carole W. Nussbaum, President/Chief Executive Officer
Lewis Wilkenfeld, Artistic Director
Presents the final production of its 2007-2008 Season!
Singin’ In The Rain

Choreographed by and Starring David Engel
Directed by Larry Raben

What a glorious feeling… I’m happy again!

February 27, 2008…Thousand Oaks, Calif…The 2007-2008 season ends with a “splash” as Cabrillo Music Theatre presents SINGIN’IN THE RAIN. Based on the classic M.G.M. movie, with choreography by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN comes to life on the Kavli Theatre stage. Theatre veteran Larry Raben will direct, and David Engel will choreograph the show, as well as star as “Don Lockwood,” the role made famous by Gene Kelly. Accomplished actor and Emmy-winning writer Randy Rogel will play the Donald O’Connor role of Cosmo Brown. Lloyd Cooper will serve as Musical Director and Conductor. The show features songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, with screenplay adaptation by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN will open on Friday, July 25, 2008 and run through Sunday, August 3, 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.

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN takes a humorous look at the “birth of the talkies,” when the silent era of motion pictures came to an end, and movies began to talk. And sing. And dance. Woven into the show are some of the most memorable musical moments ever captured on film, and the stage production brings all of them to life: “Good Morning,” “Make ‘Em Laugh,” “You Are My Lucky Star,” “You Were Meant For Me,” and the title tune are just a few of the musical showstoppers. In addition, Cabrillo Music Theatre’s new production will feature the “Broadway Melody Ballet,” the classic dance made famous in the movie by Cyd Charisse and Gene Kelly, but rarely performed onstage!

“SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, our summer sensation, is perfect entertainment for the entire family,” says Carole W. Nussbaum, Cabrillo Music Theatre’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Cabrillo’s production puts on stage everything you love about the movie . . . including the rain!”

David Engel returns to the Kavli stage in the role of “Don Lockwood,” the role he played in Cabrillo Music Theatre’s 1999 production. Since then, David has played the role across the country to great acclaim. In addition, the multiple Ovation-Award winner has established himself as one of Southern California Musical Theatre’s premiere leading men. Randy Rogel, who has played Cosmo Brown in productions across the country, will bring the role to life in the Cabrillo Music Theatre’s production.

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN is the perfect family show, and is suitable for all audiences.

ABOUT THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM

LARRY RABEN (Director) is delighted to return to Cabrillo Music Theatre, where he directed 2006’s Forever Plaid. Larry is a recent Best Director nominee for his direction of Sweet Charity in Buenos Aires starring Latin American superstar, Florencia Pena. Southern California credits include: the post-Broadway premiere of Never Gonna Dance at Musical Theatre West. Also at MTW, he directed the Southern California premiere of The Thing About Men and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. He has directed numerous US and international stagings of Forever Plaid. He directed Always Patsy Cline at the Welk Resort Theatre starring Cissy King of “Bobby & Cissy” fame, and an original musical revue that he also co-authored, Hollywood’s Heyday, a tribute to the great movie musicals. In Canada, he co-authored and staged Motown at the Twilight. In New York, Larry Assistant Directed the Off-Broadway musical Catch Me If I Fall, and Breaking Up starring Matthew Modine and Allison Janney at the American Stage Company, He also directed The Velveteen Rabbit at Off-Broadway’s Promenade Theatre for Theatreworks/USA. Also an accomplished actor, Larry has just finished a year in Las Vegas playing Leo Bloom in Mel Brooks’ The Producers, a role he also played in the Broadway production. Larry is a proud member of S.S.D.C., Actors’ Equity Association and the Musical Theatre Guild.

DAVID ENGEL (Choreographer/Don Lockwood). A five-time LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award winner, David starred as Don Lockwood in CMT’s 1999 production of Singin’ in the Rain. He appeared on Broadway in Putting It Together, Seussical: The Musical, La Cage Aux Folles and both stage and film versions of The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas. He is most noted for creating the role of Smudge in the original off-Broadway production of Forever Plaid and its holiday sequel Plaid Tidings. Other stage credits include starring roles in Crazy For you, White Christmas, Kiss Me Kate, Children of Eden, The Full Monty, Dames at Sea, Never Gonna Dance, and Pasadena Playhouse’s newly re-envisioned Can-Can. He also shares an on-screen romance with RuPaul in the musical short film “Zombie Prom.” In addition to his acting career, Mr. Engel has directed and choreographed major productions of Seussical, Forever Plaid, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and collaborated with Singin’ In The Rain director Larry Raben on Toronto’s original production Motown at the Twilight.. David has directed the original commercials for Forever Plaid, The World Goes ‘Round, and created and directed the MGM/UA Home Video "Logo-Fanfare". He produced and directed a documentary as a companion to the video release of “That’s Entertainment III,” and served as the Film Sequence Director for “Judy Garland, A Tribute” at Carnegie Hall, “The Busby Berkeley Suite” with The Boston Pops, and “Carnegie Hall Celebrates the Glorious MGM Musicals.”

LLOYD COOPER (Musical Director/Conductor) has had a long and successful career in musical theatre. He is a three time Drama-Logue Award winner for best musical direction and recently received awards for Plan-B Entertainment’s production of Beauty and the Beast. He has served in the past as resident musical director for The San Bernardino Civic Light Opera, San Diego Civic Light Opera and Theater League. He was recently the musical director for Happy Days - A Family Musical! written by Garry Marshall and Paul Williams. Lloyd has worked on such movies as “The Prince Of Tides,” “Godzilla,” “Bewitched” and “The Holiday.” In television he has worked in the capacity of composer, arranger, and/or conductor for the music in such shows as "Father Dowling," "Matlock" and "Perry Mason." He appeared on television with David Hyde Pierce in a special episode of "Caroline In The City" and has appeared twice with ventriloquist Jay Johnson on "The Tonight Show" starring Johnny Carson. Lloyd had the great pleasure of working with Barbra Streisand and Stephen Sondheim in rehearsing and choosing music for her "Back To Broadway" album. Lloyd and his wife, singer Barbara Matteson Cooper, have a successful night club career and have recorded four albums of original music which have reached audiences all over the world. This is Lloyd’s third Cabrillo production, following Smokey Joe’s Café and Oliver.

RANDY ROGEL (Cosmo Brown) has won three Emmy awards (ten nominations), a Peabody Award, and two Annie awards for his work as a television writer, composer, and producer. He spent nine years on staff at Warner Bros before moving to the Disney studios. He helped create television shows such as Steven Spielberg’s “Animaniacs,” “Pinky and the Brain,” “Batman,” and “Histeria,” and at Disney he wrote on “Tarzan,” “House of Mouse,” “The Three Caballeros,” “Cinderella,” “Peter Pan- Return to Neverland,” “101 Dalmatians II,” “The Three Musketeers,” and “Winnie the Pooh.” He is currently the head of music for a kids show on PBS entitled “Danger Rangers.” Randy's new musical recently premiered in New York at the National Alliance of Musical Theaters and is now slated for a workshop production in London this fall. As an actor and director, Randy has won five Dramalogue awards. He has played leading roles in major theaters around the country, including the Paper Mill Playhouse, Seattle’s 5th Ave Theater, Houston’s Theatre Under the Stars, the St. Louis Muni, The Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, the Seattle Repertory Theater, ACT, the Old Globe Theater in San Diego, and the Sacramento Music Circus. At the Goodspeed Theater, Randy played the lead role in the revival of their Broadway production of “Very Good Eddie” for which he won the Connecticut Critics Circle award for Best Actor. He has also performed leading roles in Singin’ in the Rain, Me and My Girl, George M, and Whoopee! Randy is a West Point graduate with ten years service as a military officer in the combat arms. He received an Engineering Degree from the Academy and a Masters Degree in International Relations from Boston University.

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN will open on Friday, July 25, 2008 and run through Sunday, August 3. Performances are Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8:00pm; Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm; Sunday, July 27 at 7:00pm; and Wednesday, July 30th at 11:00am. A post-show discussion with cast, staff and audience will follow the Saturday, July 26, 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 $36 – $64. 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 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.

L.A. Times Review of Cabrillo Music Theatre's JEKYLL & HYDE

THEATER REVIEW
'Jekyll & Hyde'

Energetic performances and staging by the Cabrillo Music Theatre make the most of the gothic musical.
By Philip Brandes, Special to The Times March 12, 2008

Granted, Dr. Henry Jekyll's quest to find a chemical cure for mental illness would have to be considered an early misstep on the road to Prozac. But as a mirror for contemplating the conflicted good and evil in each of us, the remarkably effective Cabrillo Music Theatre revival of "Jekyll & Hyde," the Frank Wildhorn-Leslie Bricusse gothic musical, finds continuing resonance in the cautionary tale penned by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886.Credit the producers for committing the talent and resources to making the most of the creators' epic ambitions. Drawing on the show's many variants on the long road to its three-year Broadway run, this updated "2nd Edition," adapted by Broadway cast member Paul Hadobas, includes the substitution of the bawdy cabaret number "Bring on the Men" in place of the heavy-handed "Good 'n' Evil," as well as streamlined characters and story lines to improve clarity.In the title role(s), Robert J. Townsend handily demonstrates the requisite versatility and vocal chops, relying on posture and inflection to switch between the cultured, primly ponytailed Jekyll and his snarling, disheveled alter-ego, Edward Hyde.
Hyde is the more compelling character, a portal for audiences to vicariously indulge forbidden impulses within a safely defined theatrical context. Director Nick DeGruccio understands this, and his inventive staging revels in the story's darkness and eroticism. Hyde's murderous excesses are given free rein, complete with Grand Guignol-caliber effects.It's the Jekyll role, though, that showcases Townsend's singing prowess, particularly in "This Is the Moment," a song with a triumphant tone better suited to a "Rocky" installment than a harbinger of tragedy. Yet for all his nobility of spirit, Jekyll is a bit of a simp -- five murders in, he gets around to noting in his diary, "I'm convinced that I must find an antidote." D'ya think?In the critical role of Lucy, the doomed prostitute who gets caught between both personalities, Lulu Lloyd's pitch-perfect precision sometimes coasts on plot rather than emotional exploration, but she hits her stride in the show-stopping "A New Life." As Jekyll's upper-class fiancée, fine-voiced Beth Obregon heads up a polished supporting cast that includes Jack E. Curenton, Douglas Crawford and Aaron Phillips.Under musical director Steven Applegate, the live 17-piece orchestra delivers a lush rendition of Wildhorn's brooding, romantic score, while Jonathan Burke's well-balanced sound engineering ensures the singers' audibility.That's a mixed blessing given the show's Achilles' heel in Bricusse's often pedestrian lyrics. Where the best-crafted songs elegantly crystallize a moment or insight that would otherwise take ages of prose to capture (think any song from "Sweeney Todd"), the plodding verses in "Jekyll & Hyde" are mostly spoken dialogue set to melody. It's a testament to Wildhorn's compositional skills and DeGruccio's lively staging that the energy never flags.

JEKYLL & HYDE performs Thursday through Sunday, March 13th through 16th, at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Performances are at 8:00PM Thursday-Saturday, and 2:00PM Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Countrywide Performing Arts Center Box Office, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Thousand Oaks, or through any Ticketmaster location, or by phone at 805-583-8700, or at www.Ticketmaster.com.

Cabrillo Music Theatre presents JEKYLL & HYDE

Musical Direction by Steven Applegate
Musical Staging by Roger Castellano
Directed by Nick DeGruccio

This is the moment….my final test….

January 25, 2008…Thousand Oaks, Calif…Cabrillo Music Theatre presents the Frank Wildhorn/Leslie Bricusse musical, JEKYLL & HYDE. Fresh from a recent three-year Broadway run, the smash hit JEKYLL & HYDE now comes to Thousand Oaks. Cabrillo’s production will feature a thirty-member cast, including some of Southern California’s most talented musical actors, and will be directed by two-time Ovation Award winner Nick DeGruccio. Musical Director Steven Applegate will lead the full professional orchestra, and Roger Castellano will handle the musical staging. JEKYLL & HYDE will open on Friday, March 7th, 2008 and run through Sunday, March 16th, 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.

JEKYLL & HYDE shines a new light on the classic Robert Louis Stevenson tale of good and evil. Set to music by Frank Wildhorn, with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, the story is woven together with some of the most beautiful contemporary music ever written for the stage. Two of the songs, “This is the Moment,” and “Someone Like You,” have gone on to become popular standards. “Audiences who enjoy PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and LES MISERABLES will love JEKYLL & HYDE,” says Carole W. Nussbaum, Cabrillo Music Theatre’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Cabrillo’s production will surely captivate you with its fascinating blend of mystery and music.”

Starring in the title role is Southern California theatre favorite Robert J. Townsend. Robert returns to Cabrillo Music Theatre for the fifth time, having played lead roles in THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, FOREVER PLAID, ANYTHING GOES and DAMN YANKEES. Joining him are cast members Lulu Lloyd, Beth Obregon, Aaron Phillips and Douglas Crawford. JEKYLL & HYDE contains mature subject matter, and is recommended for audiences thirteen years of age and older.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM


NICK DeGRUCCIO (Director) is the recipient of the LA Ovation Award for Direction of both a Play and a Musical. LA Premieres of Thrill Me (Havok Theatre Company), Zanna, Don’t! (West Coast Ensemble, 2007 LA Ovation nomination for Direction and Production) and Beehive (El Portal Theatre, nominated for five 2006 Los Angeles Drama Critic’s Circle Awards including Direction and two 2007 LA Ovation Award Nominations), Bad Apples (World Premiere Play, Rubicon Theatre Company), The Last Five Years and I DO! I DO! in rep (The Pasadena Playhouse), The Full Monty (San Diego Music Theatre), I Left My Heart…a tribute to Tony Bennett (Welk Resort), A Man Of No Importance (LA Premiere for MTG, nominated for three 2006 Los Angeles Drama Critic’s Circle Awards as well as a GLAAD award for Production) The Laramie Project (Laguna Playhouse having directed the LA premiere at The Colony Theatre, received three LA Ovation Awards for Best Play, Best Direction, Best Ensemble and has raised over $36,000.00 for the Matthew Shepard Foundation), LA premiere of Side Show (eight Ovation Nominations including direction, voted One of the Top 10 Plays of 2002 by The LA Times), 1776 (Performance Riverside, 2004 LA Ovation Award for Direction and the production garnered five LA Ovation Awards including Best Musical), Side By Side By Sondheim (Rubicon Theatre which was moved to The Pasadena Playhouse, 2004 LA Ovation Nominations for Production and Ensemble), The Spitfire Grill (West Coast Premiere, The Laguna Playhouse, OC Award for Best Musical), My Way (La Mirada Performing Arts Center and the Welk Resort), Guys and Dolls (Musical Theatre West, nominated for four 2005 LA Ovation Awards including Direction of a Musical), The Fantasticks (Performance Riverside), Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party (Alex Theatre, MTG), Basic Training (2nd Stage, NAACP nomination for Direction), La Cage Aux Folles (Musical Theatre West, two 2004 LA Ovation nominations), The Colony Theatre Company productions of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband, City of Angels (LA Ovation Award for Best Musical Smaller Theatre), Sondheim’s Putting It Together,(West Coast Premiere, Garland Award and LA Ovation Award nomination for Direction) and Tennessee Williams’ Suddenly Last Summer, Pippin (BCLO), Two By Two and How Now Dow Jones (Musical Theatre Guild), Happily Ever After...After All (voiceovers by Angela Lansbury (9 O’clock Players), The History of The Musical Theatre in 44 Minutes and 28 Seconds (MTG, touring LA Schools).

STEVEN APPLEGATE (Musical Director) 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.

ROGER CASTELLANO (Musical Staging). JEKYLL & HYDE is Roger’s fourth production with Cabrillo Music Theatre, having directed and choreographed The Will Rogers Follies, and having choreographed The Secret Garden and The Scarlet Pimpernel. Other director/choreographer credits include Oliver!, La Cage Aux Folles, A Little Night Music (all receiving the Drama-Logue Award), Me & My Girl (Los Angeles Times Critic’s Pick for MTW), A Chorus Line (Arizona’s “ariZoni Theatre Award”), Five productions of The Will Rogers Follies, and six seasons with the award winning Music Theatre of Wichita. Credits there include The Will Rogers Follies, Footloose, Me and My Girl, Seussical, The Wizard of Oz, and Disney’s High School Musical, and performed in Once Upon A Mattress, A Chorus Line, and as Lumiere in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. (Mary Jane Teall Theatre Award - Outstanding Guest Artist).

ABOUT THE CAST

ROBERT TOWNSEND (Jekyll/Hyde). For the past year, Robert has been touring the country (with his wife Jill) as Sir Sagramore in the national tour of Camelot. He is thrilled to be back with Cabrillo Music Theatre, where he has had the pleasure of performing as Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees, Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, Frankie in Forever Plaid, and most recently as Sir Percival Blakeney in the swashbuckling The Scarlet Pimpernel. Robert's other selected credits include: National/International Tour: Grease (Kenickie/Roger); Regional: Guys and Dolls (Sky Masterson), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Trevor Graydon), Grand Hotel (Baron von Gaigern), Into the Woods (Rapunzel's Prince), The Last Five Years (Jamie), Miss Saigon (Chris), Beauty and the Beast (The Beast), Sweeney Todd (Anthony),Oklahoma! (Curly), I Love You, You're Perfect... (Man#1). Proud member of Actor's Equity Association and the Musical Theatre Guild.

LULU LLOYD (Lucy) is a proud member of Actors Equity. Recent credits include The Full Monty at Musical Theatre West and a 2006 Company Membership at Sierra Repertory Theatre where she played The Narrator in Joseph...Dreamcoat, Lizzie in Baby, Georgie in The Full Monty, Ado Annie in Oklahoma, Herself in Back to Bacharach and Elizabeth in Paint Your Wagon, among others. She has also performed in her native San Diego at The Starlight Bowl and Lyric Opera.

BETH OBREGON (Emma) returns to the Cabrillo stage, having appeared three years ago as Maria in West Side Story. Her regional credits include: Belle in Beauty and the Beast (Glendale), Marion Paroo in The Music Man (Candlelight), Julie LaVerne in Show Boat and Chava in Fiddler on the Roof (Welk), Kate in The Pirates of Penzance (MTW), Rizzo in Grease (Moonlight), Tuptim in The King & I (Poway), and Susan in Company; Mrs. Andersen in A Little Night Music; and the Snake in Children of Eden (all at Performance Riverside). She has also had the pleasure of singing for Holland America Cruise Lines, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Musical Theater Guild, as well as working her day job at the Disneyland Resort. This summer Beth was seen on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” singing backup for “Britain’s Got Talent” star Paul Potts.

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE

JEKYLL & HYDE will open on Friday, March 7, 2008 and run through Sunday, March 16. Performances are Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8:00pm; Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm and Sunday, March 9 at 7:00pm. A post-show discussion with cast, staff and audience will follow the Saturday, March 8th, 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 $36 – $64. 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/.
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Cabrillo Music Theatre is the resident musical theatre company of the Countrywide Performing Arts Center at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza is a non-profit theatre group. 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 and ADOPT-A-SENIOR programs. Since the inceptions of these programs, more than 5,000 children, seniors and others in need have enjoyed Cabrillo Music Theatre’s productions at no charge. With the ADOPT-A-SCHOOL and ADOPT-A-SENIOR programs, Cabrillo makes live theatre accessible to children and seniors 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.