Cabrillo Music Theatre News

GUYS AND DOLLS comes to Cabrillo Music Theatre

2009-09-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE STAFF

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

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

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

ABOUT THE CAST

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE

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

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

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

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

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

2009-04-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE STAFF AND CAST

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

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

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE

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

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

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

Cabrillo Music Theatre's 42ND STREET

2009-02-06T16:48:00.000-08:00

Come and meet those dancing feet. . . .

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

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

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

ABOUT THE CAST

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

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

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

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE

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

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

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

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

2008-12-02T14:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-26T16:27:00.000-08:00

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.”

One more week for THE KING AND I

2008-10-19T15:05:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-03-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-11T19:19:00.001-07:00

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

2008-02-19T16:56:00.000-08:00

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/.
(more)

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.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - PRESS RELEASE

2007-10-12T23:46:00.000-07:00

CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE
Carole W. Nussbaum, President/Chief Executive Officer
Lewis Wilkenfeld, Artistic Director
Presents the First Show of their 2007-2008 Season!

SEVEN BRIDES for SEVEN BROTHERS
Music by Johnny Mercer
Lyrics by Gene DePaul
Additional Songs by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn
Book by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay
Musical Direction by Steven Applegate
Choreographed by John Charron

Directed by Lewis Wilkenfeld

September 19, 2007…Thousand Oaks, Calif…Cabrillo Music Theatre presents the first production in its 2007-2008 Season, the all-singing, all-dancing, all-loving SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, with book by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay, music by Johnny Mercer, lyrics by Gene DePaul and additional songs by Al Kasha and Joel Hirshhorn. Academy Award-winning songwriter Al Kasha will be consulting on this production. SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS will be directed by Cabrillo Music Theatre’s Artistic Director, Lewis Wilkenfeld, with musical direction by Steven Applegate and choreography by John Charron. SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS will open on Friday, October 26, 2007 and run through Sunday, November 4 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.

(more)

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS
Page Two

Based on the classic MGM musical set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, through dazzling dance and sparkling song, it tells the story of a husband who surprises his newlywed bride with the presence of his six uncouth brothers, each searching for a wife of his own. This tale of inevitable romance features comedy, beautiful music, and spectacular dance.

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS features songs from the movie, written by Johnny Mercer and Gene DePaul. The stage version is enhanced with new songs by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn, and a book by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay. Al Kasha, who owns a pair of Best Song Oscars for his film work, will take an active role in the Cabrillo Music Theatre production. “We’re privileged to have Al, whose work on SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS earned him a Tony nomination. You won’t want to miss his post-show discussion on opening weekend,” says Carole W. Nussbaum, Cabrillo Music Theatre’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Nussbaum goes on to say, “With talk of a return run in New York, Cabrillo Music Theatre once again gives its audiences an exclusive opportunity to experience Broadway in your backyard. Come see SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS before it heads to Broadway.”

Known for its dazzling dances, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS features such classic songs as “Goin’ Courtin’,” “Bless Your Beautiful Hide” and “The Sobbin’ Women.” The “Challenge Dance,” an iconic moment in musical film history, is a stage showstopper.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

AL KASHA (Additional Songs) is a two time Academy Award winner and four time Academy Award nominee. His first Oscar was for Best Song for "The Morning After," from “The Poseidon Adventure,” his second Oscar was for "We May Never Love Like This Again" from “The Towering Inferno.” Two additional nominations came from the Live-Action Animated Walt Disney classic “Pete's Dragon.” Two Tony nominations for "SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS" and the musical of Charles Dickens, DAVID COPPERFIELD, which he co-wrote the Libretto. Also, Grammy and Emmy nominations. In addition, he has received four Golden Globe nominations and the coveted People's Choice award, as well as the Dramalogue Award for best musical. He co-wrote with his collaborator Joel Hirschhorn … many of songs for the Charles Aznavour International "One Man Show,” which included the standard song, “The Old Fashioned Way. Amongst some of his scores they did are; "CHINA CRY," (which won the coveted Angel Award) and "Giant Of Thunder Mountain.” Mr. Kasha wrote the Animated Movie Musical, "Rudolf, The Red Nosed Reindeer," starring John Goodman and Whoopi Goldberg. He scored the theme for the Fox Television Series “Beyond Belief.” Kasha received the ASCAP Award for his “Streets Of Heaven” which reached number one on the Country/Christian charts.

(more)

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS
Page Three

Al Kasha has also enjoyed a very successful relationship with recording artists over the years, starting with six hits in a row for Jackie Wilson. As a producer at CBS Records', he wrote and produced, Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme. Additionally he wrote for such recording artists as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Lisa Minnelli , Andy Williams. James Ingram, Melissa Manchester, Irene Cara, Freddie Jackson, Sheena Easton, Julian Lennon and Donna Summer, etc.

He co-authored, with Joel Hirschhorn, three best-selling books, “If They Ask You, You Can Write A Song” for Simon & Schuster, which in Marvin Hamlisch's words, “is the definitive book on songwriting.” And “Notes On Broadway,” which has been called "the best book ever written on the making of the American musical” and “Reaching The Morning After,” by Nelson Books.

He currently is working on an animated musical feature, "The Greatest King" with fourteen time Grammy winner David Foster. He recently co-wrote the Broadway-bound musical "Ordinary Girl," based on the life of and starring Donna Summer. Al has also co-written with Ms. Summer, four new songs for the upcoming Donna Summer CD which will be released in spring of 2008.

Al Kasha is now writing the life story of rhythm-and-blues super star Jackie Wilson who he wrote and worked with for years. Two-time nominated SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS is now on National Tour.

LEWIS WILKENFELD (Artistic Director/Director of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) celebrates the start of his second year as Artistic Director, and his twelfth directorial production for CMT productions during the last decade. These include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, 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 (Disney’s Beauty and 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. At home, Lewis and his wife Serena enjoy the high-kicking and brawling antics of daughter Melody and son Jesse.

(more)

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS
Page Four

JOHN CHARRON (Choreographer). Broadway and National Tour (Associate Choreographer) of Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby (Emmy Nomination, Tony Nomination Best Revival), National Tour Suessical the Musical. Regionally over 25 musicals including The Wizard of Oz (Drama Logue Award), Beehive (Drama Logue Award), Funny Girl and Gypsy! (Robby Award Nominees) and Oklahoma!, Show Boat, The Music Man and Bye Bye Birdie at the Welk Resort Theatre in Escondido. Previous shows for Cabrillo Music Theatre include The King and I, Damn Yankees, Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma!, Bye Bye Birdie, Gypsy! and The Music Man. Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disney Seas are a few of the many theme parks for which John has choreographed. Recently, John had the pleasure of directing and choreographing Ann-Margret's Here and Now, which is currently touring the country. John has been a director/choreographer for Holland America Cruise Line for the past ten years with over 30 shows on the high seas.

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

ABOUT THE CAST

STUART AMBROSE (Adam Pontipee) has had an extensive musical theatre career, performing all around the country in dozens of theatres. Most recently, he played the role of Sir Lionel in the new national tour of Camelot, starring Michael York, and understudied the role of Lancelot for which he got to go on 8 times. Most notably, Stuart was seen in: The Ten Commandments, starring Val Kilmer at the Kodak Theatre; The Phoenix Theatre's production of Beauty and the Beast in Arizona playing the title role; 110 in the Shade at the Pasadena Playhouse, starring Marin Mazzie; and playing one of the lead roles in one of Cy Coleman's last musicals Lawyers, Lovers & Lunatics, starring Barbara Walsh and Michael McGrath and directed by Pat Birch. Other theatre credits include: 1940s Radio Hour (The Phoenix Theatre - Johnny Cantone); Floyd in a production of Floyd Collins in Hollywood. A New Brain: In concert, starring Malcolm Gets (REPRISE! Theatre - Minister); Annie Get Your Gun (Frank Butler); Carousel (Billy Bigelow); West Side Story (Tony); The Scarlet Pimpernel (Percy); and South Pacific (Lt. Cable). Stuart has also had multiple appearances on the daytime dramas Guiding Light and As the World Turns.

(more)

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS
Page Five

Singing since the age of eight, Stuart has sung on concert stages all over the world. More recently, Stuart has been seen starring with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra alongside Dick Van Dyke and Alan Menken, singing with the Indianapolis Symphony along with five time Grammy winner Sandi Patty, and in March of 2006 headlining with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra in Georgia. Stuart’s first solo album, “Making it Through,” has just been released to rave reviews. In addition to his performing career, Stuart is also a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps Reserve. A proud member of one of the best infantry battalions in the USMCR, Stuart finds military service a great escape from the "me first" attitude of Hollywood, and looks forward to serving in the years to come.

SHANNON WARNE (Milly) has been a proud member of Actor’s Equity since 2002. Shannon recently returned home after playing Nimue in the McCoy-Rigby National Tour of Camelot starring Michael York. She had the great honor of sharing the stage opposite Michael in the role of Guenevere on six occasions, including opening night in Philadelphia. Shannon was thrilled to return to Sacramento for her second Music Circus Season in 2006 as Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof. She was previously seen as Kate in The Pirates of Penzance, The Wizard of Oz, and The Scarlet Pimpernel in 2004. Recent credits include: Hippolytos (Getty Villa,), Chanel in the Los Angeles production of Bark! (Coast Playhouse), Baz Luhrmann’s production of Puccini’s La Boheme (Ahmanson Theatre), Emily in the Ovation award-winning new musical Empire (Hudson Theatre/ Rich Forum), Ronnie Boylan in Annie (McCoy-Rigby Ent.), and u/s Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls (Interact Theatre Company). Originally from Minneapolis, MN, she has been seen as Hope Harcourt (along side Jim Walton and Sandy Duncan) in Anything Goes! (Ordway Center), Meg Kincaid in Merrily We Roll Along (Guthrie Theatre), and Violet Hilton in the Midwest premiere of Side Show (directed by book-writer and lyricist Bill Russell at Park Square Theatre). Other credits include: Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Suzanne), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck), Smokey Joe’s Café (Principal), and Milk and Honey (Barbara).

ABOUT THE PRICING AND SCHEDULE

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS will Open on Friday, October 26, 2007 and run through Sunday, November 4. Performances are Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8pm; Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm and Sunday, October 28 at 7pm. 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 $22 – $68. For ticket and theatre information, call (805) 449-2787.

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.

(more)

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS
Page Six

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 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 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, over 1,400 underserved children and 300 in-need seniors 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.

# # #