2016 Cabarets / Concerts / Events
2016
2015 Cabarets / Concerts / Events
2014 Cabarets / Concerts
2012 Cabarets / Concerts
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1:00 Matinee - FEW SEATS REMAIN!
JUST ADDED
7:30 Evening PERFORMANCE!
Reserve your seats online now!
"A funny, compelling work" - The New York Times
"Witty and wise!" - Vanity Fair
A Special Benefit to Support the Work of Women Artists at Rubicon
directed by
Jenny Sullivan
starring
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The Cast of "Love, Loss and What I Wore"
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Sunday, December 2, 2012
1:00 p.m. Matinee
12:00 p.m. Pre-Show Champagne Reception
1:00 p.m. Performance
2:30 p.m. Post-Show VIP Reception with the Artists
7:30 p.m. Evening
6:30 p.m. Pre-Show Champagne Reception
7:30 p.m. Performance
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Based on the book by Ilene Beckerman, Love, Loss, and What I Wore was written by the late Nora Ephron, beloved screenwriter and novelist; and her sister, writer and producer Delia Ephron. Simply staged and modest in nature, this entertaining show has become a phenomenon with women everywhere. Told through a series of vignettes, Love, Loss and What I Wore looks at the important relationships, events and issues in our lives - mother-daughter relationships, first dates, proms, weddings, feelings about our bodies, health, etc. viewed through the prism of clothing. The New York Times described the show as "breezy and enjoyable," a story about "matters of the heart and matters of the closet."
Proceeds from Love, Loss, and What I Wore will provide seed funding for The Micheline Sakharoff Fund for Women Artists, a newly established fund to support the work of women directors, designers, actors and musicians at Rubicon. Micheline will be introduced at both performances on December 2, kicking off the campaign drive for this fund. (Ms. Sakharoff will be specially honored at the conclusion of the campaign in late spring at Rubicon's 15th Anniversary Gala on April 6, 2013 during which Ms. Sakharoff's 90th birthday will also be celebrated.)
In addition to the performance of Love, Loss, and What I Wore, all ticketholders are invited to attend a pre-show champagne reception with live music in Rubicon's Laby Hall. Attendees may purchase raffle tickets or participate in a silent auction which will include clothing and apparel from designer boutiques, accessory stores and department stores.
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| Micheline Sakharoff |
Micheline Sakharoff
is a long-time donor and supporter of Rubicon and a member of the Rubicon Board of Directors. She has been a Season Sponsor of Rubicon for 11 years and has also supported a number of specific productions, including the upcoming Our Town by Thornton Wilder, Defying Gravity by Jane Anderson, and Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett. Micheline championed and helped program Rubicon's BeckettFest, during which the entire Beckett canon was presented on stage or film throughout Downtown Ventura over a six-week period, along with workshops and seminars.
ABOUT THE CAST
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TYNE DALY is an Emmy award-winning actress best known for her starring role in the long-run series "Cagney and Lacey." Tyne's film credits include "John and Mary," "The Adulteress" and Inspector Harry Callahan's first female partner Kate Moore in the 1976 Dirty Harry film "The Enforcer." In subsequent years, Tyne devoted her energies to the Broadway stage, including winning a Tony Award for her role of Mama Rose in the revival of the musical Gypsy and taking on the challenges of the five-role, one-woman show Mystery School at Gotham's Angel Orensanz Foundation Center. In 1999, Tyne returned to television, most notably with a key supporting role as the lead character's domineering, judgmental mother on the series drama "Judging Amy." Having caught the theatrical bug, however, she also retained her footing on stage in such productions as the acclaimed Rabbit Hole (2006) and in the original cast of Love, Loss, and What I Wore (2009). In 2011, she starred as Maria Callas in Master Class at the Manhattan Theater Club on Broadway.
AMANDA McBROOM returns to Rubicon, having previously appeared in Love Letters (opposite her husband George Ball), Lady Macbeth Sings the Blues (which continued off-Broadway under the title A Woman of Will), A Delicate Balance, and in the Ovation nominated ensemble of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. Amanda also starred in the New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and European productions of Jacques Brel.... She has acted with such prestigious companies as ACT in San Francisco, the Mark Taper Forum in L.A., and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. Amanda appeared in the World Premiere of her original musical Heartbeats at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego and in subsequent productions at Theatre Three in Dallas, The Cleveland Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera House, The Mechanic in Baltimore, The Pasadena Playhouse and Sacramento Music Circus. She appeared on Broadway in Seesaw and has starred in Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music and Mame. Amanda's television credits range from "Star Trek: The Next Generation" to her most recent appearance at the Kennedy Center in the NBC special "From the Heart."
NANCY TRAVIS appeared in a stage version of Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs and was a founding member of the Off-Broadway theater company Naked Angels. She made her Broadway debut in I'm Not Rappaport and also starred in Athol Fugard's My Children, My Africa. Nancy has appeared in many films, including "Three Men and a Baby" and its sequel "Three Men and a Little Lady," plus "Air America," "Internal Affairs," "So I Married an Axe Murderer" with Mike Myers, "The Vanishing" with Kiefer Sutherland, "Greedy" with Michael J. Fox, and "Destiny Turns on the Radio" with Dylan McDermott. Others notable films include Whoopi Goldberg's comedy "Bogus," "Running Mates" with Tom Selleck, "Auggie Rose," "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," "Chaplin" opposite Robert Downey Jr. and "The Jane Austen Book Club." Nancy played a leading role in the CBS sitcom "Almost Perfect" and in 2002 she joined the cast of comedy series "Becker" as Chris Connor. Nancy has been seen guest starring on such shows as "Desperate Housewives," "Grey's Anatomy," "Hart of Dixie" and "How I Met Your Mother." In 2011, she was cast in the ABC sitcom "Last Man Standing" opposite Tim Allen.
JUSTINA MACHADO was seen as Elsa on the TV series "NYPD Blue" and as Valcho in the made-for-TV movie "No One Can Tell." She then went on to play Raquel De La Rosa on "Good Behavior" and Vanessa Diaz on the award-winning HBO series "Six Feet Under." Her film credits include "Torque," "Final Destination 2," "Full Frontal," "She's So Lovely" and as Sophia in the romantic comedy "The Accidental Husband." She has appeared in many guest-starring roles in series such as "ER," "Angel," and "Touched by an Angel." Justina has also appeared in the Los Angeles stage productions of Blade to the Heat and Black Butterfly.
AMY PIETZ played the role of Annie Spadaro in the NBC sitcom "Caroline in the City," which aired from 1995 to 1999. She was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for the role in 1999. She starred as Charlie in the ABC sitcom "Rodney" which debuted in 2004, Franny Tolchuck in "Aliens in America" in 2007, and Meredith King in "The Nine Lives of Chloe King" in 2011. Pietz has made guest appearances on "Ally McBeal," "Burn Notice," "The Drew Carey Show," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Bones," "Trust Me," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "The Office," "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "The Closer."
Click these links below for a behind-the-scenes peak of
$85 General Public / $75 Rubicon Subscribers:
Ticket includes pre-show champagne reception and reserved seating.
$150 VIP Patron (Available for the 1:00 p.m. performance only):
Ticket includes a pre-show champagne reception, premium seating, a commemorative autographed program and a private post-show wine and hors d'oeuvres reception with the actresses at the beautiful new Ventura hillside home of Doug Halter and Randy Encinas. Complementary shuttle service, generously provided by The Barber Automotive Group will be offer guests transportation to and from the post-show reception.
or call the Box Office at (805) 667-2900
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The Perry Brothers in Concert: A Benefit for Education & Outreach
with John Perry, Tony Perry, Steve Tummel, Dan Wilson, Ed McCabe and Mark Parson
Featuring
David Bowick and Mia Perry
Justine Bennett of “The Lonesome Travelers”
Jeff Kober
Stephanie Zimbalist
and
Other Surprise Guests
Comedian Cary Odes as Emcee
Directed by Jenny Sullivan
Saturday, October 6, 2012 7:30 p.m.
Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001
Advance Tickets: $30/$25 for Rubicon Subscribers and Grandes Dames Members
Door Tickets: $35
Patron Tickets: $125 per person (includes VIP tickets, private after-party, photos with The Perry Brothers, and tax-deductible donation to Rubicon)
Reserved Seating – Call Early to Book!
Buy Tickets
A percentage of all proceeds will benefit Rubicon’s Education Outreach programs
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Last Call for Tickets to Lillias White Benefit Concert!
Don’t miss this incredible Tony-Award winner in Monday night’s cabaret benefit for Rubicon’s Education programs.
Dear Rubicon Subscribers,
This Monday night, Rubicon Theatre Company is thrilled to host a one-night only Benefit Concert starring Broadway sensation and Tony-Award winner Lillias White. You still have a chance to join us for Lillias White: My Guy Cy on Monday, February 27 at 7:00 PM.
$85 per ticket
$75 for Rubicon Subscribers
*A portion of each benefit ticket is tax deductible.
In addition to the fabulous cabaret concert with Lillias White, your ticket grants you access to the elegant reception downstairs after the concert with the chance to mingle with Lillias!
Also, most of the proceeds from your ticket go to benefit Rubicon’s Education and Outreach programs, which are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. Rubicon gives hundreds of kids the opportunity to discover and express their creativity through classes, workshops and summer productions. Your support through this benefit concert helps make those programs possible.
Lillias White is an amazing talent that shouldn’t be missed! Her work has been recognized with the Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, People’s Choice Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actress in a Musical–Broadway's Prestigious Quadruple Crown–for her 1997 role as Sonja in the The Life. In 1990 she won the Obie Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Hennie in Romance in Hard Times. In addition, she won the Drama Logue Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in the national tour of Dreamgirls. Other theater credits include the Broadway productions of Fela, How to Succeed in Business…, Once on This Island, Rock n' Roll: The First 5,000 Years (Aretha Franklin), Barnum, and Carrie, as well as the off-Broadway productions of Crowns, The Vagina Monologues, Waiting for Godot, The Princess & The Black-Eyed Pea, and Dinah Was. Lillias has also starred in the national and international tours for Ain't Misbehavin, Tintypes and The Wiz.
This event is graciously sponsored by Jan and Hal Wasserman and Barbara Meister: Barber Ford, Volkswagen, Subaru, RV. Please contact the box office for tickets and information at (805) 667-2900 or rubicontheatre.org
We hope that you can join us for this spectacular, music-filled evening!
P.S. The recommended attire is “Putting on the Ritz”… think NY glitz and glam! You will not want to miss this great benefit concert!
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Broadway Cabaret Benefit
with Tony Winner Lillias White
Monday, February 27, 2012
The Event
Our Broadway Cabaret Series continues with a special benefit concert featuring Tony-Award winner Lillias White!
A festive reception with food and drink will follow the performance and offer you a chance to meet and mingle with Lillias.
Tickets Now on Sale
Call the box office today: 805-667-2900 or buy tickets online.
Where and When?
One Night Only
Monday, February 27, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA
Event Sponsored by:
• Jan and Hal Wasserman
• Barbara Meister: Barber Ford, Volkswagen, Subaru, RV
Additional sponsorships are available. Call Amber Landis-Stover for more information at 667-2912 ext. 237
LILLIAS WHITE has been recognized on Broadway with the Tony Award®, Drama Desk Award®, Peoples Choice® Award and The Outer Critics Award® for Best Actress in a Musical -- Broadway's Prestigious Quadruple Crown -- for her 1997 role as Sonja in the The Life. In 1990 she won The Obie Award® for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Hennie in Romance in Hard Times. In addition, she won The Drama Logue Award® for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in the national tour of Dreamgirls. Other theater credits include the Broadway productions of How to Succeed in Business, Once on This Island, Rock n' Roll: The First 5,000 Years (Aretha Franklin), Barnum, Carrie and Dreamgirls, as well as the off Broadway productions of Crowns, The Vagina Monologues, Waiting for Godot, The Princess & The Black-Eyed Pea and Dinah Was. Lillias White has also gone on the national and international tours for Ain't Misbehavin', Tintypes and The Wiz.
Lillias White's TV and Film credits include featured roles in the films, "Pieces of April," "The Grinch That Stole
Christmas," "Gloria," "North" and Disney's "Hercules." In 1992, Ms. White won an Emmy Award® for her role as "Seasame Street's" Lillian Edwards. Other television credits consist of recurring roles and guest spots on "Outreach," "Law & Order," "NYPD Blue" and "The Jury." In 2004 Ms. White was cast opposite Eddie Griffith in HBO's pilot "Pryor Offenses" (The Richard Pryor Story ).
Lillias White the recording artist, has an extensive list of recordings which include cast records and featured vocalist performances. Most recently she recorded "Dream Girls: The Concert," "Too Hot To Handle" (The Gospel version of Handle's Messiah) and was featured with Tony Bennett on Cy Coleman's most recent record. Lillias White CDs include "From Shubert Alley to Jazz Alley" and "From Brooklyn to Broadway". She regularly appears in concert at The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, as well as, a guest soloist on the PBS Special, such as, "A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald" and "In Performance at The White House". |
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TICKETS
Reserved Seats: $85 / person
($50 is a tax-deductible donation to Rubicon Theatre)
Subscribers: $75 / person
($40 is a tax-deductible donation to Rubicon Theatre)
VIP Patron Seats: $250 / person
($150 is a tax-deductible donation to Rubicon Theatre)
Includes: priority seating, concert ticket, reception, and name in program book.
Free to Gold Coin Members
Tickets for this event go on sale to the general public on Monday, January 30.
Buy Tickets Now
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Presenting Sponsor
Jan & Hal Wasserman
Premiere Sponsor
Barbara Meister - Barber Ford/Volkswagon/Subar
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2011 Cabarets
A Broadway Holiday
December 10, 2011
starring David Burnham
musical director Mark Vogel
The Event
Spend a wonderful evening listening to Broadway sensation David Burnham as he performs in this special one-night only concert, singing Broadway hits and holiday classics. David has starred in the mega-hit musical Wicked, The Light In The Piazza, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Rubicon’s The Best Is Yet To Come.
A festive reception with food and drink will follow the performance and offer you a chance to meet and mingle with David.
Subscriber Presale
Beginning today, November 14, at noon, subscribers have a 48-hour window (November 14 – 15) to purchase advance tickets for a Broadway cabaret with David Burnham. If tickets remain after the subscriber pre-sale period, they will be put on sale to single ticket buyers and the general public November 16.
Where and When?
Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA
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TICKETS
This event is sure to be a sell-out and tickets are going fast.
Reserved Seats: $85 / person
($50 is a tax-deductible donation to Rubicon Theatre)
Subscribers: $75 / person
($40 is a tax-deductible donation to Rubicon Theatre)
VIP Patron Seats: $250 / person
($150 is a tax-deductible donation to Rubicon Theatre)
Includes: priority seating, concert ticket, reception, name in program book and an invite to a special Sponsor & VIP luncheon with David Burnham (location and date TBD).
Free to Gold Coin Members
Buy Tickets Now
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Presenting Sponsor
Jan & Hal Wasserman
Premiere Sponsor
Barbara Meister - Barber Ford/Volkswagon/Subaru/RV
Broadway Sponsor
Rick & Shelley Baye
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August 30, 2011 - An Intimate Evening with Levi Kreis
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An Intimate Evening with Levi Kreis
August 30, 2011
Rubicon Theatre Company & Jan and Hal Wasserman present a one-night only, intimate concert with Tony Award-Winner and acclaimed pop recording artist Levi Kreis.
ABOUT LEVI KREIS
Levi released his debut album One of the Ones following an appearance on “The Apprentice”, combined with an exclusive CD premiere on Sirius/XM. Songs from his debut CD have appeared on NBC, CBS, & the CW. His sophomore release, The Gospel According To Levi, garnered film placement, and a national tour gracing over 350 cities. Levi’s third CD, Where I Belong, debuted at #42 on iTunes Top Pop Album Charts with a single premiering on FX’s “Sons Of Anarchy”, and eventually becoming the #1 music video on MTVMusic.Com. Combined releases brought three #1 music videos for The Logo Channel, including #1 Video of 2009. In 2010, Out Magazine awarded Levi a position in the 16th annual Out 100. The same year, Levi was awarded the 2010 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in the three-time Tony nominated musical “Million Dollar Quartet”.
Something has been bringing fans to the table for 5 fast and furious years. It is the feeling that Levi sings about your personal life experience with insight and sincerity…the recipe for a fiercely loyal fan base. He is currently recording his 4th endeavor, slated to release in February, 2012.
Check out Levi Kreis in action on youtube.
TICKETS
Tickets are $45 per person, order tickets online of call the box office at 805.667.2900.
TICKET PRICE
$45 per Person
SHOWTIME
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
7:30 pm
EVENT UNDERWRITERS
Shelley and Rick Bayer
Lori and Dr. Richard Reisman
Micheline Sakharoff
Helen F. Karlsberg
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2010 Broadway Cabarets
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James Barbour: The Holiday Concert
December 4, 2010
TICKETS ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC
TICKETS
Reserved Seats: $45
Rubicon Subscribers: $35
Gold Coin Club Members: Free
Buy Tickets Now
WHEN
Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.
WHERE
Rubicon Theatre Company
1006 East Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001
James Barbour has the best voice on Broadway.”
—David Richardson, WOR Radio
“James Barbour's performance is magnetic.”
—Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal
“Truly winning! Barbour displays matinee idol showmanship.”
—Matt Windam, AM New York
“James Barbour delivers a bravura star-making turn.”
—Frank Sheck, The Hollywood Reporter
“Magnetic”—Time Magazine
We are pleased to announce a special evening of holiday music at the theatre: James Barbour: The Holiday Concert. Mr. Barbour is known for his lush baritone, and for starring on Broadway as The Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Edward Rochester in Jane Eyre and Billy Bigelow in Carousel. Other Broadway credits include Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins, Cyrano and The Secret Garden. Most recently, he received Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle nominations for Best Actor in a Musical for his critically acclaimed performance in A Tale of Two Cities on Broadway, playing Sydney Carton.
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Broadway Cabarets
November 12, 2010 - Stars of Les Miserables
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Broadway Cabaret: Stars of Les Miserables
Randal Keith & Joan Almedilla
Spend a fabulous Friday evening listening to the wonderful voices of
talented Les Miserable's stars Randal Keith and Joan Almedilla as they perform for one-night-only, singing duets and solos from their favorite Broadway composers with a few final numbers from Les Miserables.
A French-themed reception will follow the concert, where you will also
have the opportunity to meet the performers.
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Hosted by the Grandes Dames Volunteer Auxiliary
Chaired by Penny Barnds and Kathie Hira
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TICKETS
Reserved Seats: $85
($50 is tax-deductible donation)
Rubicon Subscribers: $75
($40 is tax-deductible donation)
Gold Coin Club Members: Free
[ Buy Tickets Now ]
WHEN
Friday, November 12, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE
Rubicon Theatre Company
1006 East Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Janet and Mark Goldenson
Barbara Meister - Barber Automotive Group
Lori and Dr. Richard Reisman
Wilda Tipton
Jan and Hal Wasserman
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May 16, 2010 - Music of the Night
2009 - The Dramatic Dames Calendar!!!
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http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/nov/29/its-a-date/
http://www.vcstar.com/photos/2009/nov/27/80935/
Photo courtesy of Jeanne Tanner Photography
Merle DiVita is Nurse Ratched and a sheet-covered Joseph Fuqua is McMurphy in the 2010 Dramatic Dames Calendar’s February depiction of the play “One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest.” Organized as a fundraiser for Rubicon Theatre Company in Ventura, it features members of the volunteer auxiliary Grandes Dames.
With a passion for the arts, some give their all in new calendars
It's a date
When the going gets tough, the tough get naked.
Prodded by stripped-to-the-bone budgets, supporters of the arts in Ventura County have taken off the gloves — and the shirts, pants and assorted unmentionables — to help. The results are two calendars for 2010 that feature local residents posing in the buff.
The Dramatic Dames Calendar is the inaugural effort of the Grandes Dames, the volunteer auxiliary of the Rubicon Theatre Company in Ventura.
It features members of the fundraising group wearing little more than smiles and carefully placed props as they interpret scenes from plays staged by the professional theater troupe.
“A couple of years ago, we did a cookbook of the Grandes Dames’ favorite recipes. Last year, the project was cases of wine with show posters as the labels. This just seemed like a fun way to continue the theme,” said Grandes Dames President Wendy Gillett.
The Men of Ojai Calendar for 2010 is an all-new version of one last produced in 2007, said Demitri Corbin, director of what is now called the Ojai Calendar Project.
“In the beginning, it was a protest, a way of bringing awareness to the need for the city of Ojai to reinstate the arts grants it had discontinued during an earlier financial crisis,” he said.
But the inspiration to actually create the black-and-white calendar of images by photographer Attasalina Dews was a lot more colorful than that sounds, Corbin admitted.
“I was at Movino Wine Bar one night and asked some friends, ‘Would you pose nude for a good cause?’ And people said, ‘Sure!’ A few weeks passed and I forgot about it. Then a friend asked, ‘What’s going to happen with the calendar, man?’”
The selection of models was more complicated than merely finding local men willing to show some skin, he said.
Volunteers were asked to fill out an application listing their interests, then to undergo face-to-face interviews with Corbin on the topic of the calendar theme, which this year is “freedom.”
Finalists then were selected by the cheekily named Council of Fabulousness, a group of women with ties to the arts in Ventura County.
“It’s not just about looks; it’s about who makes real contributions to the community,” said Corbin.
This year, the project comes full circle with the inclusion of Movino manager and Ojai Art Center Theater producer Billy Wilds, who is featured striking what is, for the calendar, a rare indoors pose: reading on his couch at home.
In the spirit of the 2003 Helen Mirren film “Calendar Girls,” women willing to appear in the Dramatic Dames project were asked to put their names into a bucket for selection by drawing. Winners of the drawing were then paired with what Gillett considered “iconic” plays from Rubicon’s history.
They include former Ventura Mayor Rosa Lee Measures in a depiction of the William Inge play “Bus Stop,” certified financial planner Merle DiVita as Nurse Ratched from “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” and octogenarian Realtor Helen Yunker — her hair loosened from its usual bun — as Blanche DuBois in a tableau from “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
The calendar’s images were shot on the Rubicon stage by photographer Jeanne Tanner during a single, busy week in October, between performances of “Daddy Long Legs.” The women did their own hair and makeup and in some cases brought their props.
“When you see them, you really get the sense that these are gorgeous, confident women who felt the importance of taking it off for charity,” said Gillett. “We loved doing it, and would consider doing it again.”
Dramatic Dames 2010: The calendar produced by the Grandes Dames as a fundraiser for Rubicon Theatre Co. in Ventura will debut at the group’s luncheon and boutique from 11:30 a.m. Dec. 7 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Oxnard, 600 E. Esplanade Drive. It also is available by calling Rubicon development coordinator Amber Landis at 667-2912, ext. 237. Cost is $20 for advance orders, $25 after Dec. 7.
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http://www.vcreporter.com/cms/story/detail/a_tale_of_two_calendars/7475/
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A tale of two calendars
The yin and yang of local arts fundraising
By Michel Cicero 12/10/2009
Two calendars, two causes, both genders, all nude. Forget the puppies, astrology, Twilight and lighthouses calendars at the mall kiosk this year. Depending on your sexual preference (and other associated fetishes) there are but two choices (excluding the other locally focused calendars currently in stores): Hot Dames 2010 and Men of Ojai 2010.
Hot Dames, a product of Rubicon Theatre Company’s
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Photo by: Jeanne Tanner |
Grande Dames fundraising auxiliary is a full-color racy spread featuring high profile mature women posing as characters from productions past wearing little more than a prop or two. Tastefully photographed by Jeanne Tanner, the women — who include former deputy mayor Rosa Lee Measures, arts patron Sandra Laby and community icon Helen Yunker — bared all to raise money for the award-winning theatre company.
Brave as it would appear for women of a certain age to show their stuff, Seana Sesma, owner of The Wine Rack in Ventura, says all who participated are hams at heart, spending hundreds of dollars in a $20 per ticket drawing, for a chance to pose for the calendar.
That’s not to say the experience was without its challenges. “The biggest thing was letting go and being OK,” says Sesma. One of the women recently battled breast cancer and wanted women to know you can still be beautiful naked, post-mastectomy. Another woman, at 70 seized the opportunity to purchase her first thong undergarment. Helen Yunker, 88 years old and a fixture at Ventura City Council meetings for more than a decade, let down her hair for the occasion to “portray” Blanche Dubois from A Streetcar Named Desire.
Sandra Laby, who posed as Dulcinea from Man of La Mancha said she was “overjoyed” when plans for the “Calendar Girls” project was announced at a Grande Dames meeting. In retrospect, Laby, who says she would do almost anything for the Rubicon, would have preferred to have done the shoot with a drink in her belly. “It was a little scary, but the feelings that all of us had actually helped us through the group pictures. We could all feel the uneasiness that we all shared. We did lots of laughing almost like a group of school children.”
Rosa Lee Measures agreed that the shared experience was bonding. “It has been a lot of fun and has created an amazing camaraderie among a group of great volunteers,” she said.
While the women of the Rubicon withstood the bright lights of the stage sans apparel, the Men of Ojai endured elements with nary a prop to benefit arts education for children in Ojai. The Men of Ojai calendar, first created in 2007, is the brainchild of theater instructor Demetri Corbin, who originally tossed the idea around as a joke. “I started asking friends if they’d pose nude for a good cause, and people said yes,” he mused. Corbin assembled a group of female friends officially and affectionately known as the Council of Fabulousness to judge the male calendar contenders. The men were expected to have strong connections to the community and asked to give a personal definition of freedom. The result was a dozen or so men ranging in age and ethnicity but sharing a quality that Grande Dame Seanna Sesma described as “delicious.” Photographed in black and white by Attasalina Dews and Bobbi Bennett, the images are provocative and artistic, showing the men on location in and around Ojai doing what they do in their “free” time.
Nudity is not unheard of in Ojai where hot springs and other natural attractions invite it, but according to Corbin, once upon a time, it was much more public. “Everyone was nude — little kids, old people.” Even the statue at Libbey Bowl, which has since been replaced, was nude. Sometime in the 80s, he says, the attitude changed and a more buttoned up mentality took over the bucolic valley.
Corbin’s hope is that the calendar will raise much needed funds for arts education in Ojai but he’d also like it to raise a few, um, eyebrows.
The Hot Dames calendar is available for $25 at the Rubicon Theatre and the Wine Rack in Ventura. The women will be signing calendars at the Wine Rack on Wednesday, Dec. 16 from 6:30-8 p.m. The Men of Ojai calendar is available for $25 at Soultonic in Ventura, at various stores in Ojai and at www.menofojai.com.
michel@vcreporter.com
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2008 The Phantasmagorial Variety Show
Join Rubicon on April 18th for
"The Phantasmagorical Variety Show"
starring Lorna Luft
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For more about Lorna Luft
and her hit show,
"Songs My Mother Taught Me," a tribute to her mother, the great
Judy Garland, please visit www.lornaluft.com
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Hosted by
Geraldine Hughes
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Starring
Lorna Luft
Friday April 18th, 2008
7:00 p.m. Preshow Reception
7:30 Curtain
The evening will held at the
Majestic Ventura Theatre
located at 26 South Chestnut Street
$30 for non-reserved balcony seats ($45 at the door)
$65 for VIP premium floor seats ($75 at the door)
Seats Going Fast!
Purchase Tickets NOW!
On March 17, 2008, Rubicon kicked-off its annual Education and Outreach Campaign which will run through April 30, 2008. The goal of the campaign is to raise $130,000 in funds for youth programs, including student matinees, acting and playwriting classes, the young playwrights' festival and summer youth camps in musical theatre, drama and production. These programs over the years have served over 40,000 students in Ventura County. Many of these students who participate in these programs are able to do so because of the financial assistance Rubicon offers in the way of full and partial scholarships.
We hope that you will join us in supporting this great cause by purchasing tickets to our main event: The Sensationally Spectacular, Musically Magnificent, Hilariously Hysterical, Phantasmagorical Variety Show featuring fantastic musical entertainment, singers, dancers, circus acts and local talent paired with professional performers.
It is going to be an amazing celebration that will allow Rubicon's youth programs to thrive and grow so that all young artists of tomorrow can to shine today. Hope you can join us!
If you are unable to make the event and but would still like to make a contribution please contact Development and Community Relations Director Mychele Dee at 805.667.2912 ext. 237.
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2007 Grateful" The Songs of John Buchino
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Thank you to all the attendees of last Sunday evening's Rubicon benefit, Grateful: The Songs of John Bucchino!
A grand success, the evening was a tribute to incredible music, inspiring performers and an exciting theatrical future thanks to the wonderful patrons of Rubicon. For those of you who couldn't make it (and those of you who love reminiscing), here are some pictures of the event attendees (thank you to Brian McDonald for his photographic abilities):
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The gorgeous Topa Tower Club, the setting of the event.
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Director Daisy Prince and evening's honored guest, John Bucchino
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Laura Linney.
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A dancing dervish: Claire Bowman, Leeyann Neeley, and Sandra Laby
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Grateful: The Songs of John Bucchino
October 7 at The Topa Tower Club
Cocktails at 6 p.m.
Dinner at 7 p.m.
Show follows immediately afterwards
Tickets are $175 including $100 tax-deductible donation
VIP Tables of 8: $5,000
Grateful: The Songs of John Bucchino is a one-night-only celebration of a brilliant songwriter who is poised for Broadway stardom with his musical A Catered Affair. Performing his songs is a star-studded cast including:
- Joan Almedilla (Broadway's Miss Saigon, Les Miserables and Jesus Christ Superstar)
- Wilson Cruz (Broadway's Rent, TV's "My So-Called Life," "Party of Five," "Ally McBeal," West Wing," "ER")
- Laura Dean ("Fame" and Broadway's The Who's Tommy and Doonesbury)
- Jason Graae (Broadway's A Grand Night For Singing, Falsettos, Stardust, Snoopy!, and Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, numerous opera, TV and film credits including being the voice of Lucky, the Leprechaun in Lucky Charms Cereal commercials)
- Amanda McBroom (famed cabaret singer, songwriter and Golden Globe award winner)
- Sean McDermott (Broadway's Miss Saigon, Chicago, Jekyll and Hyde, Jesus Christ Superstar, Falsettos, Starlight Express, Grease, Carousel and Showboat)
- Linda Purl (Broadway's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Getting and Spending, TV's "Happy Days" and "Matlock" and film's "Mighty Joe Young," among others)
- Sara Ramirez ("Grey's Anatomy," Tony award-winner for the Broadway production of Monty Python's Spamalot)
- Andrew Samonsky (Ventura native, star of Rubicon's tick... tick... BOOM! and Nick in National Tour of Disney's On the Record)
The presentation will be directed by Daisy Prince (daughter of mega-Broadway producer, Hal Prince), who will also direct Rubicon's production of It's Only Life and directed it previously at the Lincoln Center.
Join us for an unforgettable evening!
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John Bucchino
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Already a beloved figure on the New York City cabaret scene, John Bucchino is poised for Broadway stardom. And thanks to Rubicon, you have the opportunity to experience the magic of his music in an up-close-and-personal setting.
The New York-based songwriter, whose touching ballads have been recorded by everyone from Patti LuPone to Art Garfunkle, will soon have his first show on Broadway, A Catered Affair. That high-profile production, which stars Harvey Fierstein and Faith Prince, is previewing in September
at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre. In the spring, Rubicon will present the first fully staged production of Bucchino's smaller-scale show It's Only Life, a concert version of which was performed at New York's Lincoln Center to rave reviews.
Those curious to discover this important new voice, or simply interested in a moving, entertaining night of great singing, should mark their calendars for the evening of Sunday, Oct. 7.
Grateful: The Songs of John Bucchino, the latest offering in Rubicon's Broadway Cabaret series, will take place at the Topa Tower Club, 300 E. Esplanade Drive in Oxnard.
Amanda McBroom and Jason Graae will be among the outstanding singers performing Bucchino's music at the event, which Daisy Prince is flying out from New York City to direct. The evening will also include silent and live auctions.
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Amanda McBroom
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Jason Graae
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Tickets, which are $175, include a fine dinner with wine and the show. A VIP table for eight costs $5,000. The event is expected to sell out, so do not delay. To make a reservation, call Amber Landis at (805) 667-2912, ext. 239.
If you love musical theatre and are in a position to be a sponsor, please call Mychele Dee at (805) 667-2912, ext. 227.
Many Reasons to be 'Grateful'
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An outstanding cast has been assembled for Grateful: The Songs of John Bucchino, the highly anticipated next event in Rubicon's Broadway Cabaret series. The one-night-only celebration of a brilliant songwriter who is poised for Broadway stardom will take place Sunday, October 7th at the Topa Tower Club in Oxnard.
The performers will include:
- Sara Ramirez (a star of the hit television drama "Grey's Anatomy," and winner of a Tony award for the Broadway production of Monty Python's Spamalot).
- Ojai resident Amanda McBroom (famed cabaret singer, songwriter and Golden Globe award winner).
- Linda Purl (Broadway's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Getting and Spending, TV's "Happy Days" and "Matlock" and film's "Mighty Joe Young," among others).
- Jason Graae (Broadway's A Grand Night For Singing, Falsettos, Stardust, Snoopy! and Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? in addition to numerous opera, TV and film credits including being the voice of "Lucky, the Leprechaun" in Lucky Charms Cereal commercials).
- Laura Dean ("Fame" and Broadway's The Who's Tommy and Doonesbury).
- Joan Almedilla (Broadway's Miss Saigon, Les Miserables and Jesus Christ Superstar).
- Sean McDermott (Broadway's Miss Saigon, Chicago, Jekyll and Hyde, Jesus Christ Superstar, Falsettos, Starlight Express, Grease, Carousel and Showboat).
- Wilson Cruz (Broadway's Rent, Rubicon's tick...tick...Boom! and TV's "My So-Called Life")
- Ventura native Andrew Samonsky (star of Rubicon's tick...tick....Boom!, the national tour of Disney's On the Record and numerous regional theatre performances)
John Bucchino's songs have been performed by Judy Collins, Barbara Cook, Michael Feinstein, Art Garfunkel, Patti LuPone, Yo-Yo Ma, Audra MacDonald, Liza Minnelli, Deborah Voight, The Boston Pops, The Los Angeles Philharmonic and many others.
Bucchino's first Broadway musical, A Catered Affair, is scheduled to open in New York next April, following a preview run in San Diego this fall. With a book by Harvey Fierstein and direction by Tony award winner John Doyle, A Catered Affair boasts a cast that includes Fierstein, Faith Prince and Tom Wopat. Rubicon will present the West Coast premiere of his revue It's Only Life next spring.
Grateful: The Songs of John Bucchino will commence at 6 p.m. at the Topa Tower Club Sunday, October 7th with cocktails. Dinner follows at 7, with the show beginning immediately afterwards. Tickets are $175 and include a $100 tax deductible donation. VIP tables for eight are available for $5,000.
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Did you catch the season premiere of "Grey's Anatomy" Thursday night? If you're a fan of the show, you'll be particularly interested in the next installment of Rubicon's Broadway Cabaret series, which is coming up Oct. 7th.
Sara Ramirez (Dr. Callie Torres on the medical drama) will be among the incredible perfomers singing the songs of composer John Bucchino. She is a musical theatre veteran, and the winner of a Tony® Award for her work in the Broadway musical Monty Python's Spamalot.
The outstanding cast also includes Amanda McBroom (who is currently playing the role of Edna in A Delicate Balance), Linda Purl, Jason Graae and two stars of Rubicon's tick...tick...BOOM!, Andrew Samonsky and Wilson Cruz.
A critically acclaimed fixture of the New York City cabaret scene, Bucchino is poised for stardom. His new musical A Catered Affair, starring Faith Prince and Harvey Fierstein, is currently playing at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, and will move to Broadway in the spring.
Grateful: The Songs of John Bucchino will commence at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7th at the Topa Tower Club with cocktails, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and the show beginning immediately afterwards. Tickets are $175 and include a $100 tax-deductible donation. VIP tables for 8 are available for $5,000.
For more information regarding this event, call Development Associate Amber Landis at (805) 667-2912 ext. 239.
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2007 RTC's FEBRUARY MONTH OF LOVE EVENTS
Save the dates for Rubicon's
"MONTH OF LOVE" CELEBRATION
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Never has there been a February so delicious and inviting. Never has such a tantalizing array of entertainments been at your fingertips. Sweep your sweetheart off his or her feet...
this year we've made it oh-so-easy!
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Tuesday, January 30, 2007, 11:30 a.m.
Grandes Dames luncheon at the Wedgewood Banquet Center in Ventura featuring entertainment from the World Premiere romantic musical A Time For Love, created by Broadway's dynamic duo Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire. Emmy Award-winning actor Bruce Weitz and Linda Purl from the cast of the March '07 production of The Diary of Anne Frank will also join us for a preview of this show with Director James O'Neil. Bring your friends and spouses! Business attire.
RSVP by January 24, 2007 ~ $35
Saturday, February 3, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
Opening Night Gala for the World Premiere of A Time For Love at Rubicon Theatre. A lavish post-show party with the cast and local VIP's will take place at Milano's at the Ventura Harbor. Cocktail attire.
RSVP by February 2, 2007 ~ $85
Monday, February 5, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
Broadway Cabaret Night with Grammy, Oscar and Tony award-winners Maltby & Shire at the Topa Tower Club. A fabulous line-up of stellar entertainers will sing their hearts out in an unforgettable and intimate cabaret performance featuring songs from Ain't Misbehavin', Fosse, Big, Baby and Miss Saigon and a sneak peek at the upcoming Broadway musical The Pirate Queen and others! A superb gourmet seated dinner with wines will be served. If you missed the Jason Robert Brown or Stephen Schwartz Cabaret Nights, they were two of the most special nights imaginable! Be sure to call early as seating is limited. Black tie-optional.
RSVP by February 1, 2007 ~ $175
SPECIAL!! Take Feb. 5 & Feb. 12 event for $200 - that's 2 shows and 2 dinners!
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Monday, February 12, 2007, 6:30 p.m.
A Romantic Rendezvous with Linda Purl! Renowned actress/singer Linda Purl will perform her new cabaret act at the Rubicon Theatre, followed by a stylish and scrumptious dinner at Hush Restaurant, Ventura, hosted by proprieter Rod Houck. (The new "in" hot spot.) Be among the first to hear Linda perform her new show which will also be filmed live! A perfect pre-Valentine's Day event for couples! Cocktail Attire.
RSVP by February 8, 2007 ~ $75 Dinner & Concert or $45 Concert Only
Special! Take Feb. 5 & Feb. 12 events for $200 - that's 2 shows and 2 dinners!
Monday, February 26, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
A Woman of Independent Means, a special one-person show performed by Emmy award-winning actress, Susan Clark, on Rubicon's stage. This "Grandes Dames Night Out" event is perfect for you and your girlfriends. This heartwarming story of one woman's journey through struggles, heartbreaks, survival and victory is inspiring to all. The performance will be followed by a special post-show martini reception at Rubicon with Susan Clark and author Elizabeth Haley who will be available to sign copies of her best-selling novel of the same title. Funds raised from this event will support women artists at Rubicon. Casual chic attire.
RSVP by February 22, 2007 ~ $40
DON'T MISS THESE FABULOUS FEBRUARY "MONTH OF LOVE" EVENTS!
Call the Rubicon Box Office at (805) 667-2900 to make your reservations!
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Karyl Lynn Burns and James O'Neil will perform Love Letters February 19 and 20. Photo credit: Brian McDonald.
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A Special Valentine's Day Gift to our Subscribers!
See Artistic Directors Karyl Lynn Burns and James O'Neil in Love Letters!
Monday, February 19, and Tuesday, February 20, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
Love Letters by A.R. Gurney traces the lifelong correspondence of Andrew Makepeace Ladd, III and Melissa Gardner. Their bittersweet relationship is revealed by what is written - and what is left unsaid - in their letters. Through their witty and moving wordplay, we come to know Andy and Melissa intimately, and to feel their longings, losses and triumphs. A smash hit both on and off Broadway, Love Letters is staged simply with the actors reading from scripts. KARYL LYNN BURNS and JAMES O'NEIL founded Rubicon in 1998 and serve as Co-Artistic Directors. The two have been married for twenty years and are real-life Valentines! Burns has appeared recently in Dancing at Lughnasa, Shirley Valentine and Footfalls for the company; O'Neil's Rubicon credits as an actor include Romeo and Juliet, The Little Foxes and Turn of the Screw.
Following Monday's performance there will be a Town Hall chat with Burns and O'Neil onstage. Tell us your favorite shows or even the ones you didn't like! We're interested to know what kinds of stories you would find relevant and impactful - what issues in the world concern you? Ask 'em anything you want!: how the company started, what they're planning for the 10th Anniversary Season, their shoe size - you name it! Following Tuesday's show, attendees are invited to join our artistic team for an informal chat downstairs.
Attire: Come as you are
Price: FREE to subscribers (subject to availability at the time of your call - early reservations recommended); $35 to the general public
To order your FREE tickets as a subscriber, or to purchase your tickets if you are a single ticket buyer, please call (805) 667-2900.
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NEW PERFORMANCE ADDED:
LOVE LETTERS - this Sunday, February 18 at 7:00pm
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We were overwhelmed by your response.
Our two scheduled performances of Love Letters with Rubicon founders Karyl Lynn Burns and James O'Neil have sold out!
We have added one more performance to accommodate audience demand this Sunday, February 18 at 7:00 p.m. However, tickets are going fast. Please call the box office NOW to order your tickets.
Tickets are FREE to SUBSCRIBERS; $35 to the general public.
Love Letters is a poignant, perceptive and funny story that traces the lifelong correspondence of Andrew Makepeace Ladd, III and Melissa Gardner. Their bittersweet relationship is revealed by what is written – and what is left unsaid – in their letters. Through witty and moving wordplay, we come to know Andy and Melissa intimately, and to feel their longings, losses and triumphs. A smash hit both on and off Broadway, Love Letters is staged simply with Karyl Lynn Burns and James O’Neil reading from scripts.
Call to reserve your complimentary tickets NOW
(805) 667-2900
And just in time for Valentine's Day... here's your chance to catch up on Karyl Lynn and Jim's real life love story. Check out the Time Out cover article in last week's Ventura County Star.
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Girls' Night Out!
Leave Your Hubby at Home and Join us for an Evening of Great Theatre, a Chance to Meet an Emmy Award-Winning Actress and a Bestselling Author, and a Martini Reception!
Monday, February 26, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
A Woman of Independent Means, a special one-person show performed by Emmy Award-winning actress, SUSAN CLARK, comes to the Rubicon stage for one-night only in late February. This unique performance is directed by Rubicon Artistic Associate JENNY SULLIVAN. A bestselling sensation, A Woman of Independent Means is the portrait of a woman at the turn-of-the-last-century created by author ELIZABETH FORSYTHE HAILEY. At a time when women had few choices, Bess Steed Garner inherits a legacy -- not just of wealth but also of determination, desire and the will to hang on to her prized independence.
This "Grandes Dames Night Out" event is perfect for you and your girlfriends. A Woman of Independent Means is a heartwarming and inspiring journey of struggle, heartbreak, survival and victory. The performance will be followed by a special post-show martini reception at Rubicon with Susan Clark and Ms. Haley who will be available to sign copies of her bestselling novel of the same title. Funds raised from this event will underwrite salaries for women directors, actors and designers at Rubicon.
RSVP by February 22, 2007
Attire: Casual chic
Price: $40 (includes a voucher for a martini downstairs!)
For reservations, please call (805) 667-2900.
Or click here to reserve online.
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Don't ponder for too long... Tickets are going fast!
CALL NOW TO RESERVE SEATS FOR THE FABULOUS FEBRUARY "MONTH OF LOVE" EVENTS!
Call the Rubicon Box Office at (805) 667-2900 to make your reservations!
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SEASON OF LOVE - FEBRUARY CABARET NIGHTS
Nobody likes to hear “I told you so,” and we really wish we didn't have to say it, HOWEVER we did mention that getting tickets early for Month of Love events at Rubicon Theatre was a good idea. And, I believe we mentioned it more than once.
So, we can't be held accountable for the fact that our Broadway Cabaret Night at the Tower Club on February 5th was SOLD-OUT!
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Or that both nights of Love Letters with Karyl Lynn Burns and James O'Neil on the 19th, and 20th are already full. |
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Karyl Lynn Burns and James O'Neil
(Photo by: Brian McDonald)
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We tried our best to encourage you to call. So, for your own good,
PICK UP THE PHONE RIGHT NOW AND DIAL (805) 667-2900!
There are only two special events left in the Month of Love
(A Romantic Rendezvous with Linda Purl and Susan Clark in A Woman of Independent Means)
Tickets are still available NOW, but we'd hate to think you didn't get a chance to show off your good taste and romantic acumen by taking your sweetheart to these Valentine spectaculars.
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MALTBY AND SHIRE BENEFIT
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Just Announced! Patrick Cassidy to Join Stellar Cast for Rubicon Theatre Benefit:
Broadway Cabaret Celebrates Music of Maltby & Shire at
the Topa Tower Club on Monday, February 5, 2007
February 5, 2007 – Actor Patrick Cassidy, whose Broadway credits include Aida, 42nd Street , Annie Get Your Gun and Pirates of Penzance, has just been announced as part of the lineup for Rubicon’s Broadway Cabaret Benefit at the Topa Tower Club in Oxnard at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, February 5, 2007.
Cassidy joins previously announced performers George Ball and Amanda McBroom, Joel Silberman, Kevin Odekirk, Misty Cotton, Julie Dixon Jackson, Kevin Earley, Brian McDonald and Jayme Lake. Actor Dan Gunther will serve as emcee and auctioneer.
Patrick Cassidy is the son of actors Shirley Jones and Jack Cassidy. In addition to his Broadway credits, Patrick originated the role of the Balladeer in Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins at Playwrights Horizons. He was seen as Radames in the National Tour of Aida, Joseph in the tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Frederick in Pirates of Penzance, Regionally, Patrick appeared in Conrack (Helen Hayes nomination) at Ford’s Theatre, Martin Guerre at Hartford Stage, and The End of the Day at Williamstown Theatre Festival. In Los Angeles , he played Macheath in The Threepenny Opera for Reprise! (receiving a Backstage West Garland Award for Best Actor in a Musical), Bobby in Company (with Carol Burnett), and appeared in Love Letters and Assassins at LATC. Other theatre appearances include The Robber Bridegroom, Little Shop of Horrors, Camelot and The Sound of Music. On film, Patrick appeared in “Longtime Companion,” “I’ll Do Anything,” “I Won’t Dance” and “Burning Love.” His television credits include “Dress Grey” (Emmy nomination), “Napoleon & Josephine,” “ Oklahoma City ,” “Something in Common,” “Christmas Eve,” “How the West Was Fun” and “Follow Your Heart”. Patrick has been a series regular on “Bay City Blues,” “Dirty Dancing” and “Smallville.”
In the benefit, Patrick Cassidy will sing “Earthbound,” a song written for Maltby & Shire’s upcoming London production entitled Take Flight. This event marks the first time this song has been sung publicly.
This Broadway Cabaret is a tribute to the music and lyrics of Tony Award-winner Richard Maltby Jr. and Academy and Grammy Award-winner David Shire, whose World Premiere A Time for Love previews February 1st and opens February 3rd at Rubicon Theatre Company under the direction of Joel Silberman.
Guests at the Broadway Cabaret will enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner (grilled salmon, filet mignon or a vegetarian entree) with accompanying wines at the private Topa Tower Club while being serenaded with hits from this prolific celebrated team, including songs from Ain’t Misbehavin’, Fosse, Big, Baby, Closer Than Ever, Starting Here, Starting Now, and Miss Saigon performed by a panoply of talented artists. Audience members will also hear a sneak preview from the upcoming Broadway musical The Pirate Queen, for which Mr. Maltby is lyricist.
The cost for the evening is $175 and includes the cabaret, dinner, a short live auction, and a tax-deductible contribution to Rubicon Theatre Company’s productions, new play development programs and educational outreach projects. Auction items include three one-of-a-kind theatre packages, one in Los Angeles , one in Las Vegas and one in New York - including opening night tickets for The Pirate Queen on Broadway. Proceeds help underwrite Rubicon Theatre Company’s productions, play development programs and education outreach efforts.
More about the Other Cabaret Performers
George Ball most recently he starred as Cervantes/Don Quixote in Rubicon Man of La Mancha to great critical acclaim. He appeared in Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris on and off Broadway, and in the LA, San Francisco , Boston and Dutch productions and starred in the pre-Broadway production of the musical Cowboy in New York . George originated the role of Man One in Lies and Legends: The Musical Stories of Harry Chapin at the Apollo Theatre in Chicago , and won both Drama-Logue and LA Drama Critics’ Circle Awards for his recreation of that role at Pasadena Playhouse and the Canon Theatre in LA.
Amanda McBroom has been called “...the greatest cabaret performer of her generation, an urban poet who writes like an angel and has a voice to match.” She is a renowned singer/songwriter and creator of the hit song "The Rose," made famous by Bette Midler, and the musical Heartbeats. Amanda previously appeared at Rubicon in Lady Macbeth Sings the Blues and Love Letters, and in the Ovation nominated ensemble of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. Amanda starred in the New York , Los Angeles , San Francisco and European productions of Jacques Brel.... Her extensive credits include performances at The Old Globe, Theatre Three in Dallas, The Cleveland Play House, Goodspeed Opera House, The Mechanic in Baltimore, Pasadena Playhouse and Sacramento Music Circus. Amanda appeared on Broadway in Seesaw, and has starred in Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music and Mame.
Joel Silberman has appeared in the Spoleto Festival of Two Worlds in Italy , The Chelsea Festival in London , The Four Winds Festival in Australia , and the Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall in New York . His motivational performance Keep the Music Playing, underwritten by the Nadel Foundation, has played in Santa Barbara , Las Vegas and Los Angeles . He is the recipient of The Lincoln Center Award, The Bistro Award from Backstage magazine, and two MAC Awards as Singer-Instrumentalist of the Year from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets.
Kevin Odekirk was a part of the Ovation-nominated ensemble for Rubicon’s Songs for a New World. A California native, Kevin made his Broadway debut as Marius in Les Miserables. He has performed at the Lincoln Center , in the National Tour of The Garden, and in regional productions of Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods and Chess. Kevin's film and television work includes “Clueless,” “Unhappily Ever After” and “The Prodigal Son.”
Misty Cotton played Ellen in Miss Saigon on Broadway and was The Narrator in the National Tour of Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other credits include Les Miserables, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Annie, Triumph of Love, Spitfire Grill, Oliver, Peg O’ My Heart, Anyone Can Whistle and the West Coast premiere of Side Show (LA Drama Critics Circle Award and Ovation Award).
Julie Dixon Jackson was featured in Rubicon Theatre’s production of Side by Side by Sondheim when it traveled to Pasadena . She was in the National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Her regional credits include the West Coast Premiere of Side Show at the Colony Theatre (for which she and Misty Cotton won the LA Drama Critics Circle Award), The Wild Party with the Blank Theatre Company and I Do! I Do! with Pasadena Playhouse.
Kevin Earley has been honored with the LA Drama Critic's Circle Award, two Robby’s, and an Ovation Nomination. He has appeared on Broadway in Les Miserables. His regional credits include work at theatres including the Hollywood Bowl, CLO South Bay , The Colony, Reprise! and Laguna Playhouse in shows including City of Angels, The Music Man, Carousel, Titanic, Guys and Dolls’, 1776, Follies, The Most Happy Fella’, Spitfire Grill, and the critically acclaimed Side Show.
Brian McDonald was lauded for his recent performance as The Barber in Man of La Mancha at Rubicon. Previously he starred in The Importance of Being Earnest. Other theatre credits include Saturday Night at Pasadena Playhouse and Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center . In 2002, LA Weekly honored Brian with Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance in Circle X’s production of Brecht’s Edward II. Santa Barbara audiences will remember him in Ensemble Theatre’s production of Sideman. He has taught acting to Rubicon students for the past five years and is the Founder of Rubicon’s Summer Musical Theatre Camp. Brian serves as Rubicon’s Associate Producer and Outreach Director.
Jayme Lake originated the role Veronica in the new musical The Wildest!!! at PCPA. Other credits include Songs for a New World, HONK!, Crazy for You, Wonderful Town , Little Women, Enter the Guardsmen, Quilters, and many more. Jayme’s Rubicon credits include Defying Gravity.
Dan Gunther has appeared at Rubicon Theatre in Fools and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Regionally Dan has appeared with Ensemble Theatre Company in Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Side Man, As Bees in Honey Drown, Sight Unseen, Moon over Buffalo and in the West Coast premiere of Terrence McNally’s A Perfect Ganesh (Independent Theatre Award). Dan appeared in fifteen productions at San Diego ’s Globe Theatres (formerly The Old Globe Theatre), including world and regional premieres and many Shakespeare productions. He also has numerous film and television credits.
Rubicon’s prior Broadway Cabaret events at the Tower Club have been spectacularly well received, with prior honorees including composers Jason Robert Brown and Stephen Schwartz. Seating is limited and early reservations are strongly recommended. Tickets are $175 per person. Attendees who order a Valentine’s Day package of both the Broadway Cabaret and the February 12 “Romantic Rendezvous with Linda Purl Concert” fundraising event save up to $50 on tickets for the two events together. For further details, or to order tickets, visit Rubicon’s website at www.rubicontheatre.org, or call Development Associate Amber Landis at (805) 667-2900.
Broadway Star Patrick Cassidy Just Announced to Join Singers including
George Ball and Amanda McBroom for Maltby & Shire Cabaret!
Monday, February 5, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
Broadway Cabaret Night at the Topa Tower Club.
A fabulous line-up of stellar entertainers including George Ball, Julie Dixon-Jackson, Kevin Earley, Amanda McBroom, Joel Silberman, Kevin Odekirk and (newly announced!) Patrick Cassidy will sing their hearts out in an unforgettable and intimate cabaret performance featuring songs from Ain’t Misbehavin’, Fosse, Big, Baby and Miss Saigon. We’ll even have a sneak peak of the upcoming Broadway musical The Pirate Queen! A superb gourmet dinner with wines will be served. Patrons keep telling us the Jason Robert Brown and Stephen Schwartz Cabaret Nights were two of the most special nights imaginable! Here’s your chance to see these fine entertainers up close and personal.
Be sure to call early as seating is limited.
RSVP by February 1, 2007 ~ $175
SPECIAL!! Take Feb. 5 & Feb. 12 event for $200 - that's 2 shows and 2 dinners! (see below)
Black-tie optional
Call (805) 667-2900
Or click here to reserve online
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World-Class Performers at Broadway Cabaret this coming Monday!
Monday, February 5, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
Rubicon Theatre offers a tribute to the music and lyrics of Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire with another dazzling evening in its renowned Broadway Cabaret Nights series. This is the best entertainment value on the planet! We guarantee you will NEVER hear such stellar artists in such an intimate setting anywhere. Guests will enjoy an exquisitely prepared meal at the exclusive and luxurious TOPA TOWER CLUB while being serenaded with hits from this prolific and celebrated team. Hear songs from hits such as Ain't Misbehavin', Fosse, Big, Baby, Closer Than Ever, Starting Here, Starting Now and Miss Saigon. You will also hear a sneak preview from the upcoming Broadway musical The Pirate Queen, for which Mr. Maltby is writing the lyrics. At the benefit, PATRICK CASSIDY will sing "Earthbound," a song written for Maltby & Shire's upcoming London production entitled Take Flight. This event marks the first time this song has been sung publicly.
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| George Ball in Man of La Mancha. Photo credit: Ed Krieger. |
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The roster of stellar entertainers includes GEORGE BALL, who most recently starred in Rubicon's sold-out, extended production of Man of La Mancha, and has performed both on and off-Broadway over the course of his illustrious career. |
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| Amanda McBroom in Jacques Brel... Photo credit: Timothy Swope. |
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He is joined by his wife singer/songwriter/actress AMANDA McBROOM, who previously appeared at Rubicon in Jacques Brel... and Lady Macbeth Sings the Blues. Amanda created and starred in the musical Heartbeats and also wrote the song "The Rose," made famous by BETTE MIDDLER. She has been called "... the greatest cabaret performer of her generation, an urban poet who writes like an angel and has a voice to match." |
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JOEL SILBERMAN, who is currently directing A Time for Love at Rubicon, is the recipient of the Lincoln Center Award, the Bistro Award from Backstage magazine, and two MAC Awards as Singer-Instrumentalist of the Year from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets. |
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BETS MALONE is one of the most adorable performers you will ever meet, with an incredible belt voice. She has worked with theatres including Reprise!, Musical Theatre West, Milwaukee Rep and Performance Riverside in roles ranging from Eva Peron in Evita to Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. |
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PATRICK CASSIDY, whose Broadway credits include Aida, 42nd Street, Annie Get Your Gun, Pirates of Penzance and Leader of the Pack. In Los Angeles, he played Macheath in The Threepenny Opera for Reprise! (Garland Award for Best Actor in a Musical), Bobby in Company (with Carol Burnett), and was the Balladeer in the critically hailed Assassins at LATC. |
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Rubicon Theatre's Associate Producer and Outreach Director BRIAN McDONALD was widely heralded for his recent performance as The Barber in Man of La Mancha and for his comic turn as Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest. (It's a magical treat to hear him sing - and amazingly, he's also the person producing this awesome evening!) |
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The young and lovely JAYME LAKE interned with Rubicon after completing her training at PCPA Theaterfest. Her credits include the new musical The Wildest, Songs for a New World, HONK!, Crazy for You, Wonderful Town and Quilters. |
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JULIE DIXON JACKSON was featured in Rubicon Theatre's production of Side by Side by Sondheim when it traveled to Pasadena, where she also performed in I Do!, I Do! recently. She won the LA Drama Critics Circle Award and the Ovation for her work in the West Coast Premiere of Side Show. |
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KEVIN EARLEY and his gorgeous voice appeared on Broadway in Les Miserables. His regional credits include work at the Hollywood Bowl, CLO South Bay, The Colony, Reprise!, and Laguna Playhouse. You might remember him at the recent Ovation Awards ceremony as the singer JASON GRAAE didn't want to follow :). |
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KEVIN ODEKIRK was a member of the Ovation-nominated ensemble Songs for a New World at Rubicon and appeared on Broadway as Marius in Les Miserables. |
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Darling DAN GUNTHER, one of the smartest men on two feet, has wowed Rubicon audiences with his wide-ranging character work in Fools and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Dan will serve as both emcee/narrator and auctioneer for the event. Expect three very special one-of-a-kind theatre packages in the live auction - including one pair of house seats for previews to The Pirate Queen on Broadway. |
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Rubicon's prior Broadway Cabaret events at the Topa Tower Club have been spectacularly well received, with prior events celebrating the artistry of JASON ROBERT BROWN and STEPHEN SCHWARTZ. Seating is limited and early reservations are strongly recommended. The admission price includes the cabaret, dinner, and a short live auction.
Attire: Black-tie optional
Price: $175 per person
Special Offer: Attendees who order a Valentine's Day package of both the Broadway Cabaret and the February 12th "Romantic Rendezvous with Linda Purl Concert" fundraising event (see below) save up to $50 on tickets for the two events together.
For reservations, please call (805) 667-2900.
Or click here to reserve online.
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LINDA PURL BENEFIT
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A Romantic Rendezvous with Linda Purl!
Monday, February 12, 2007, 6:30 p.m.
Renowned actress LINDA PURL will perform her new cabaret act at Rubicon Theatre, followed by a stylish and scrumptious dinner at HUSH RESTAURANT in Ventura (the new "in" hot spot). Linda's stage credits on and Off-Broadway include Tom Sawyer, Getting and Spending and Baby Dance. Rubicon audiences still speak with awe about her acclaimed performance in A Streetcar Named Desire. Many viewers became fans when they saw Linda on television in "Happy Days," "Matlock," "Robin's Hoods" or "First Mondays." And to cap off a seemingly endless list of talents, Linda is also a gifted singer who has presented solo concerts in Colorado Springs, L.A., Connecticutt, Tokyo and New York. Her CD recordings include "Out of This World" and "Alone Together." Be among the first to hear Linda perform her new show which will also be filmed live! A perfect pre-Valentine's Day event for couples!
Attire: Cocktail
Price: $75 Dinner & Concert or $45 Concert only
More Romance for Less!! There is a Special combination rate of this event coupled with the February 5th event (see above) for just $200, which means 2 shows and 2 dinners.
For reservations, please call (805) 667-2900.
Or click here to reserve online.
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2006 RTC Presents: Stephen Schwartz and Friends!
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You and your guests are cordially invited
to an evening of fine food, wine and musical entertainment
with
Stephen Schwartz and Friends
featuring songs from Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, Children of Eden, The Baker’s Wife, “Pocahontas” and more...
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with Special Guest Host
William Katt
from Pippin and TV's "Greatest American Hero"
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Be among the first to hear Stephen perform a song from his upcoming musical Snapshots.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
6:00 p.m. Hors D’oeuvres and No-Host Bar
6:45 p.m. Sit-Down Dinner with Wine
7:45 p.m. Concert
Single Tickets: $275 per person
Includes gourmet meal served at the table, complimentary wine at dinner and concert.
$275 per person (includes a tax-deductible contribution of $100)
Patron Tables: $6,000 (Table of 6)/$8,000 (Table of 8)
Patron tables include premium seating, CD signed by Mr. Schwartz, acknowledgement on program placard and tax-deductible contribution of $3,500 or $5,000, respectively)
Seating is Limited to 140 People
Please RSVP by Friday, October 20, 2006.
The Topa Tower Club is located at 300 E. Esplanade Drive, 22nd Floor in Oxnard,
just 45 minutes north of Los Angeles and 45 minutes south of Santa Barbara.
For directions or additional information, please call Amber Landis at (805) 667-2912, ext. 239 or visit http://www.rubicontheatre.org/0506fund.php.
For more information about Stephen Schwartz, visit http://www.stephenschwartz.com.
For more information about the Topa Tower Club, visit http://www.topatowerclub.com.
SCHEDULED TO PERFORM *
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Liz Brackenberry
Sister Act (Pre-Broadway); Pippin
Wilson Cruz
Rent on Broadway; “My So Called Life”
Randal Keith
Star of Broadway's Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera
Jennifer Leigh Warren
Marie Christine and Big River on Broadway
Jennifer Shelton
1st National Tour of Ragtime
and Disney's "Gepetto"
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Alice Ripley
Tony and Drama Desk Award Nominee
Side Show, Rocky Horror Show and Sunset Blvd.
on Broadway
Andrew Samonsky
Disney's On The Record, West Coast
Premiere of tick... tick... BOOM!
Manough
Songs for a New World, We Will Rock You,
and Broadway's The Lion King
Joan Almedilla
Broadway's Miss Saigon and
Les Miserables
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with
Broadway Conductor and Reprise! Musical Director
Jerry Sternbach
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* Artists subject to change
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ABOUT RUBICON THEATRE COMPANY
Rubicon Theatre is Ventura County’s premiere professional theatre company. Rubicon presents classic and contemporary comedies, dramas and musicals, for the entertainment and enrichment of area residents and visitors. Rubicon began as an actors’ and directors’ theatre and is committed to providing a nurturing environment in which experimentation and exploration are supported. Renowned actors of stage and screen have graced the Rubicon stage, including Tony®, Emmy® and Academy ® Award-winners.
EDUCATION OUTREACH
In addition to presenting an annual subscription season of productions, Rubicon offers numerous educational outreach programs: after-school and weekend classes for students ages 6 to 18, Rubicon Young Professional intern programs for those 18-22, the four-week Jack Oakie Summer Musical Theatre Camp, the Teen Acting Summer intensive, and a two-week technical camp.
NEW MUSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Through the Meister Musical Theatre Fund and the Fashion Forms Plays-in-Progress program, Rubicon supports playwrights, composers and lyricists in the creation and development of new musicals and plays for the stage. Rubicon has presented eight fully produced world premieres and staged readings and workshops of sixteen new pieces.
Thank you to Stephen Schwartz and Friends for generously donating their time to help raise funds for these important programs!
To make a contribution,
contact Producing Artistic Director Karyl Lynn Burns at (805) 667-2912, ext. 224.
Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001 (805) 667-2900,
www.rubicontheatre.org.
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2006 Concert Event with Jason Robert Brown
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UPDATE 2/20/06:
Karyl Lynn posted this message to the Rubicon Patron's E-Mail List this morning:
We only have 20 tickets left for this important event next Sunday to launch the Larry Meister Memorial Music Fund with Tony Award-Winner Jason Robert Brown and Broadway sensation Darcie Roberts ("Thoroughly Modern Millie," "Crazy For You" and "Aida").
Jason is the hottest young composer working on Broadway today, with three new projects about to go to New York. Come hear excerpts from his upcoming shows, as well as favorites from Jason's "The Last Five Years," "Songs for a New World" and "Parade." Jason is a dynamic performer. He will be available after to sign his CD "Wearing Someone Else's Clothes," which is great! *Think Billy Joel meets Broadway."
The $75 price includes hors d'oeuvres, a buffet at the elegant Topa Tower Club (no host bar), this magnificent concert and a $25 donation. Two patron/sponsor tables are still available. Join Barbara Meister and the Meister family for a not-to-be-missed evening with incredibly talented performers. You'll thank us - I promise!
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PAST FUNDRAISERS
2011 KIDS FOR KIDS
A Fundraiser for Education Programs
Saturday August 13, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Rubicon’s Students, Joe Sartee and Jennifer Ridgway invite you to join them for a delightful evening of toe-tappin’ tunes from The Great American Songbook sung by some of Rubicon’s most talented youth.
TICKETS
$30 advance registration
$35 at the door
[ Buy Tickets ]
Make your reservations online or call the Box Office at 805.667.2900
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2006 RTC's THE BROADWAY BALL:
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SAVE THE DATE
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Come fly with us to 1940s Broadway!
Rubicon Theatre Company Presents
The Broadway Ball
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Starts at 6:00 p.m.
Ronald Reagan Library
AIR FORCE ONE PAVILION
Attire: 1940s or black tie
More information to come!
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SAVE THE DATE
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Come fly with us to 1940s Broadway!
Rubicon Theatre Company Presents
The Broadway Ball
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Starts at 6:00 p.m.
Ronald Reagan Library
AIR FORCE ONE PAVILION
Attire: 1940s or black tie
More information to come!
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Rubicon's Broadway Ball is ONLY ONE WEEK AWAY!
Call Diana Dunbar at (805) 667-2912, ext. 248 to Reserve!
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Last Chance to Order Tickets for our Annual Gala
at the Reagan Library in the Air Force One Pavilion!
On Saturday, September 16, 2006 6:00 P.M. Black Tie or 40's Dress
Patrons tell us they wouldn't miss our annual gala for anything! This year's nog event includes dinner, dancing, a live and silent auction, and entertainment that is always first-rate and filled with surprises! If you haven't made your reservations yet, call now! Don't miss the social event of the season, Rubicon Theatre Company's Broadway Ball.
LATE-BREAKING ADDITIONS TO THE ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP!
JULIE DIXON JACKSON, KIRSTEN CHANDLER BENTON, BETS MALONE and KIM HUBER, Stars of the upcoming hit musical The Marvelous Wonderettes (amazing four-part harmony and hilarity a la Forever Plaid!), have just joined the entertainment line-up!
Our headliner is Las Vegas crooner BRIAN DUPREY, singing a fabulous set of songs from the 40's and 50's made famous by FRANK SINATRA.
MORA'S MODERN RHYTHMISTS will be providing Big Band dance music.
The gorgeous CATE CAPLIN, a champion ballroom dancer and the choreographer for Rubicon's upcoming Man of La Mancha, will offer a glorious dance demonstration with her partner GARY FRANCO.
The evening also includes an elegant dinner provided by KIRK MEMOLI and COMMAND PERFORMANCE CATERING, a tour of AIR FORCE ONE and more!
BOOK YOUR TICKET TO THE AMAZING BROADWAY BALL!
Space is filling up fast for this thrilling black tie event! Hurry and get your reservations and payment in to Diana Dunbar at 805-667-2912 ext. 248.
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Background on our Stellar Performers!
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About Brian Duprey...
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If you like Harry Connick, Jr. or Michael Buble, you'll love Brian Duprey. He's a modern day crooner with a rich baritone voice reminiscent of Frank Sinatra. BRIAN has performed at various hotels on the Las Vegas strip including the Bellagio, Mirage, MGM Grand, Venetian, Caesars Palace, Mandalay Bay, and more.
You may have seen Brian Duprey on FOX TV's Performing As, where Brian won $20,000 portraying his idol, Frank Sinatra. Talent judge Damon Elliott (music producer of Beyonce and Jessica Simpson) was blown away the first time he saw Brian perform. He said "it was like watching 'Young Blue Eyes' perform." Television viewers agreed and thousands flocked to FOX's website to talk about Duprey's uncanny vocal similarity .
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About Dean Mora and Mora's Modern Rhythmists
"...Mora and his Rhythmists deserve an enormous amount of
credit for reminding us that classic 20th century jazz and swing
deserve to be heard, appreciated and preserved with the same care and consideration accorded to.. .classical music."
-- Los Angeles Times
"This band swings with enough pep, vim and verve to
whip the gang at the DMV into a frenzy!
-- Atomic Magazine
Mora's Modern Rhythmists was formed in 1994 by Dean Mora (Ovation Award-Winning Musical Director of Rubicon's Lady Macbeth Sings the Blues, Jacques Brel and Side by Side by Sondheim). Dean's band got their first break in 1997, when they played the world-famous Derby nightclub, playing there regularly for the next three years, and prompting legions of dancers to rediscover some of the dance steps popular during this period, such as the Shag, the Balboa, and the Charleston.
Since then, the band has played at such venues as The Hollywood Palladium, The Avalon Casino Ballroom (Catalina Island), the legendary Blossom Room of The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the historic Biltmore Hotel and Argyle Hotel, the Wilshire Ebell Club, The Orpheum Theatre, The Jazz Bakery and The Queen Mary. Special events include the Los Angeles Conservancy's Last Remaining Seats series, the Art Deco Society's 1929 Wall St. Crash Bash and Speakeasy Soiree, the premiere party of A&E Network's The Great Gatsby, as well as numerous corporate and private functions. In the summer of 2001, Mora's Modern Rhythmists had the honor of performing at Lincoln Center in New York City as part of their Midsummer Night Swing dance series. Other clients have included Toyota, Pacific Bell, The Los Angeles Master Chorale and Steven Spielberg.
The band has also participated in music festivals, such as the Sweet and Hot Classic Jazz Festival, the SoCal Jazzfest and the Dixieland-By-The-Sea Festival.
In the concert arena, Mora's Modern Rhythmists presented an all-Duke Ellington program at the Balcony Theatre in Pasadena as part of the Pasadena Jazz Institute's Tribute to The Masters concert series, as well as being the starring ensemble in Chuck Cecil Presents..., which was held at the Performing Arts Center of Cal State, Northridge.
Mora's Modern Rhythmists has released 5 CDs to date, including My Favorite Band, Mr. Rhythmist Goes to Town, Call of the Freaks, Goblin Market, and Devil's Serenade, their first all-1920s album.
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 The Marvelous Wonderettes is a cotton-candy colored, non-stop pop musical blast-from-the-past! Featuring favorite songs from the '50s and '60s, The Marvelous Wonderettes are four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts and voices to match! The Marvelous Wonderettes is a must-take musical trip down memory lane!
KIRSTEN CHANDLER (Cindy Lou) is perhaps best known for re-creating the role of Magenta in the award-winning revival of The Rocky Horror Show (starring David Arquette). Other national tour and regional credits include the critically-acclaimed west coast premiere of The Wild Party (Madelaine True), Ragtime (Evelyn Nesbit), The Scarlet Pimpernel (Marguerite), I Love You You're Perfect Now Change (Woman 1), Sweet Charity (Charity), Into the Woods (Baker's Wife), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Jacques Brel... the title role in The Baker's Wife, the title role in the world premiere of Lulu, the west coast premiere of Last Easter (Joy), and a lot of flops she'd rather not mention. When she isn't onstage, Kirsten can be found in the recording studio; she provides the singing voice of Pocahontas for Disney's World on Ice, radio, and television, can be heard as Princess Daria in the animated feature, Princess and the Pea, and voicing the ballad "Love Will Lead You Home" in the upcoming animated feature, The Velveteen Rabbit. Kirsten and her dear husband Stan Chandler perform often as a team, and have headlined at New York's Town Hall, Disney Hall (with the California Philharmonic), and in many other prestigious venues. Together, the two have released their own debut album entitled A Quiet Thing, which received rave reviews from The Los Angeles Times, Variety and Playbill.
KIM HUBER (Missy) starred on Broadway as "Belle" in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (and originated the National Tour). Other Broadway credits include Sunset Blvd (with Glenn Close) and Marie Christine, both Original Broadway Casts. Her portrayal of "Nellie Collins" in the National Tour of Adam Guettel's Floyd Collins earned her both Barrymore and Jeff Award Nominations for Best Actress. Los Angeles audiences have seen her in the West Coast Regional Premieres of: The Last Five Years (Cathy), The Spitfire Grill (Shelby) both at the Laguna Playhouse, The Scarlett Pimpernel (Marguerite) at Performance Riverside and Saturday Night (Helen) with MTG. Favorite Roles include: Phantom (Christine), Chess (Florence), Good News! (Connie) and its 1993 cast album, Pippin (Catherine), Children of Eden (Eve/Mama Noah), Seven Brides... (Milly), and The Sound of Music (Maria) for the 5th Ave Theatre in Seattle opposite her 6 year old daughter, Paige, as "Gretl". Kim can be heard as the singing voice of "Sleeping Beauty" on "THE DISNEY PRINCESS CHRISTMAS ALBUM" on Disney Records, and is a proud member of the Musical Theatre Guild.
JULIE DIXON JACKSON (Betty Jean) was co-recipient of the Ovation and Garland Award for her performance as Daisy Hilton in the LA premiere of Side Show . She spent a year on the National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and was most recently seen as Agnes in I Do, I Do at the Pasadena Playhouse where she also starred in Side by Side by Sondheim . Within this last year she was seen as Sadie in I Love a Piano (Musical Theatre West) and Mae in LaChiusa's The Wild Party (Blank Theatre). Other favorite roles: Eva in Evita, Sally in Cabaret , Marta in Company, Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods, Lucy in You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, Lizzie in Baby and Anne in La Cage Aux Folles. Recent TV: "E.R.," "Everybody Hates Chris" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live".
BETS MALONE (Suzy) originated the role of Suzy when the production first workshopped at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. She also originated the role of Suzy Simpson in the sequel The Winter Wonderettes . Bets was recently seen in On The Town (Hildy), for which she received a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award, Guys and Dolls (Miss Adelaide-Ovation Nomination), the world premiere of Pilgrim (Marta), Grease (Rizzo), Evita (Eva) and most recently Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel) at the Sacramento Music Circus. Some other favorites include Once Upon A Mattress (Princess Winnifred), The Will Rogers Follies (Betty Blake), Ragtime (Mother), Me and My Girl (Sally), Children of Eden (Eve/Mama Noah), Honky Tonk Laundry (Lana Mae), Company (Amy), Triumph of Love (Leonide), Cabaret (Sally), Crazy for You (Polly), Romance/Romance (Josefine/Monica), A Little Night Music (Petra), 1776 (Martha), The Secret Garden (Martha), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Babes In Arms (Susie), and the spectacle musical The Ten Commandments with Val Kilmer. She is a proud member of the Musical Theatre Guild and Actors Equity.
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About Theatrical Dance Champions
Cate Caplin & Gary Franco
 Cate Caplin is a thirty-four-time regional and international champion in Theatre Arts Adagio and has appeared on television, in commercials, in feature films and in a variety of prestigious venues across the county and worldwide including The White House, the Kennedy Center, the Metropolitan Opera House, Ford's Theatre, the Hollywood Bowl, the Paris Opera House, Rockefeller Center, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Orpheum Theatre, Caesar's Palace, the Hollywood Palladium, the Los Angeles Theatre Center, House of Blues, Shanghai China's Sports Arena, Tokyo's Hakuhinkan Theatre and the Broadway stage.
Cate was a soloist with Ballet West and North Carolina Dance Theatre, and was a principal dancer with the Metropolitan Ballet and the American Dance Machine. She has toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, China and Japan.
Cate danced in the West Coast Premiere of the Broadway show SWING! and won an Ovation Award for her performance. She is a two-time Star Search Winner, three-time Southwest Regional Champion, four-times California Star Ball Champion, four-time Emerald Ball Champion, five-time US Open Champion, a multiple Gold Medalist and a three-time World Champion in Theatrical ShowDance. She also received a Garland Award for her choreography in Grand Hotel at the Colony Theatre and Women In Theatre presented her with a Red Carpet Award for her work as a producer and director.
Gary Franco has an extensive theatre and pop career which includes MTV videos, television shows, movies, commercials, European tours with Chippendales and performing as the Head waiter in the National Tour of the Broadway show Contact. Both Gary and the show received rave reviews in their 600 performances in 35 cities. Gary is a two-time Showstopper National Champion and his classical technique and partnering abilities have led him to perform in some of the most prestigious theatres in Russia, Latvia, Europe, Japan, Taiwan and throughout the United States with companies such as the Boston Ballet, lA Classical Ballet, American Folk Ballet and Disney's Symphonic Fantasy.
Cate and Gary have had the pleasure of performing in the company of world renowned celebrities including Stephanie Powers, Michelle Lee, Lucy Arnaz, Tyne Daley, Rita Moreno, Brian Boitano, Elaine Stritch, Shirley Jones, Robert Goulet, Susan Anton, Ann Margaret, Marvin Hamlisch, Katie HoImes, Kathleen Turner, Huey Lewis and the News, Jeremy Irons and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
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Space is filling up fast for this thrilling black tie event!
Hurry and get your reservations and payment in to
Diana Dunbar at 805-667-2912 ext. 248 by Tuesday, 9/12.
Tickets are $250 each
This unforgettable night will feature:
· featured entertainment by Brian Duprey "The Voice of Sinatra" who is bringing his popular Las Vegas performance to us
· dancing to the 1940's Big Band Sounds of Mora's Modern Rhythmists
· surprises from "The Wonderettes"
· professional dance displays from Cate Caplan and her dancers
· a tour of the Air Force One Presidential Aircraft
· a lavish, gourmet seated dinner
· incredible silent and live auction items
· a chance to win a $9,000 Lynn's Jewelry Studio gorgeous diamond pendant plus almost $1,000 more in shopping sprees and massages in the Treasure Chest
If you attend just one big fundraiser event this year, this is THE ONE!
Here's a sampling of a few Broadway Ball auction items you can win:
Live Auction includes:
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- One week stay in a suite at the Maui Marriott, Kaanapali Beach, Hawaii
- All expense paid trip to Broadway in New York city with airfare, show tickets, dinner and hotel plus a backstage meet and greet and backstage tour with Phantom's star!
- Gourmet Tuscan dinner for 8 served in a private home with entertainment provided by famed singer/songwriter Amanda McBroom
- Eric Clapton signed guitar!
Silent Auction includes:
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- Two nights/three days in a central coast vacation beach house
- Getaway package at the Chumash Casino w/hotel room, dinner and spa treatments
- Fabulous jewelry from Fox Fine Jewelers and Van Gundy and Sons plus gift baskets galore!
BOOK YOUR TICKET TO THE AMAZING BROADWAY BALL!
Space is filling up fast for this thrilling black tie event! Hurry and get your reservations and payment in to Diana Dunbar at 805-667-2912 ext. 248 by Tuesday, 9/12.
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UPDATE 1/22/04
2004 KENNY LOGGINS BENEFIT CONCERT
A link to the 1/22/04 InsideVC.com article on the fabulous Kenny Loggins Fundraiser:
http://www1.venturacountystar.com/vcs/music/article/0,1375,VCS_156_2593242,00.html
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"It'll be sort of like a 'Storytellers' show on VH1," says Kenny Loggins of his benefit concert Saturday in Ojai for Rubicon Theatre Company.
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Loggins, seen here performing at the Ventura County Fair on Aug. 7, 2002, released his latest CD last summer. "I Miss Us," which shipped to radio this week, is the album's new single.
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Santa Barbara's Kenny Loggins has banished his demons and recorded a new CD; now he's ready to cut footloose Saturday for a Rubicon Theatre benefit
By Mark Wyckoff, MWyckoff@venturacountystar.com
January 22, 2004
Innovative. Transformative. Surprising.
These were some of the words that came tripping off singer Kenny Loggins' tongue after he saw Rubicon Theatre Company's production of "J for J" in the fall of 2001.
The show, written by and starring Loggins' longtime friend Jenny Sullivan, was an intense, autobiographical look back at Sullivan's sometimes loving, sometimes taxing relationship with her father and retarded brother.
When the house lights went up in The Laurel Theatre, Loggins was impressed with the play, the performances by Sullivan and John Ritter (who had played her brother) and with the Rubicon itself, for having the guts to mount such a gripping, challenging new work.
Loggins, a longtime Santa Barbara resident and the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter behind hits like "Footloose" and "House at Pooh Corner," also was quite taken by the cozy confines of the 200-seat Laurel, a 1920s-era building the nonprofit Rubicon has rented as its performance and office space since forming in 1998. The intimate theater, he said, "contributed so much to the experience."
No surprise, then, that Loggins was a pushover when Sullivan, recently appointed an artistic associate at Rubicon, gave him a call asking for help in Rubicon's bid to buy the building, which went on the market last summer for $1.5 million.
Sullivan, at one time married to Loggins' 1970s performing partner Jim Messina, convinced Loggins to headline Rubicon's "Unplugged in Ojai" event, a $500-per-person fund-raiser to be held Saturday afternoon at Starbuck's Ojai Valley Ranch. A gourmet dinner prepared by Regina's Quality Catering and SeaFresh will be served, followed by an all-acoustic, under-the-stars concert by Loggins, who's in the midst of promoting his new "It's About Time" CD on All the Best! Records.
The event is the first major public fund-raiser Rubicon has held in its push to raise $3 million to buy The Laurel and renovate it, adding additional seats, more accessible bathrooms and a box-office window on the main floor.
"In the initial stages of this capital campaign, we've focused our efforts on finding major donors and philanthropists who are interested in helping," said Norbert Tan, Rubicon's managing director. "So far, it's going really well. I would say we're a third of the way there.
"We'll probably raise the goal a little bit," he continued. "We're probably looking at $4 million, including an endowment for the theater. In the next couple of months, I'm hoping we'll have some exciting news to report."
Loggins, for his part, is just happy to help. He's also psyched about the Ojai concert's all-acoustic format.
"It'll be sort of like a 'Storytellers' show on VH1," Loggins said.
Backed only by a guitarist and a bassist, Loggins said he'll perform some of the quieter tunes off his new album, such as "The One That Got Away," "Brothers" and the newest single, "I Miss Us."
"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that radio will play it," said Loggins, who turned 56 on Jan. 7. "It all depends on the climate for 'legacy' acts at adult contemporary radio. If there's a climate for it, like with the Santana thing, I'll be fine. If the social climate is leaning more toward younger acts, then I'm screwed."
Loggins, of course, was once a radio staple, scoring hits as part of Loggins & Messina ("Your Mama Don't Dance," "Danny's Song"), as a solo act ("I'm Alright," "Danger Zone") and as a songwriter (he co-wrote the Doobie Brothers' hit "What a Fool Believes").
When hip-hop and teen-pop started to crowd him off the airwaves in the '90s, Loggins took it hard.
"It's not easy waking up one day and realizing that you've been forcibly retired by pop culture," he said. "It freaks you out. You wonder, 'How do I make a living?' 'How do I get an audience aware that I'm still recording?' "
For a time, Loggins wasn't sure he'd ever record again. When he told his young son, Luke, that he was going to retire, the youngster burst into tears, convinced that if "Daddy stops singing, he'll die."
That served as a major wake-up call for Loggins, who slowly started to break free from his deep funk. Song ideas started rattling around his brain. One lyrical snippet -- "Whatever ya got to leave, you leave" -- became a mantra for him and ultimately a key part of "It's About Time," which opens the new CD, his first new studio album in more than six years.
The song -- a funky, gospel-edged slab of pop-soul -- is all about unlocking "the gates of hell" and emerging from the horror of "self-made darkness."
Santa Barbara has been Loggins' home since the early '70s. He lives near the beach, where he loves to hang out with Julia, his second wife, and their kids, 10-year-old Luke and 6-year-old Hana.
Two weeks ago, in between gym workouts and phone interviews, Loggins was hanging out in the recording studio with his 23-year-old son, Crosby. The father-and-son team have been busy at Santa Barbara's Sound Design studio recording a tune for a various-artists compilation that will be issued in Hawaii only.
"The song is called 'Fire on the Sea' and it's a reference to the volcanoes on the big island," Loggins said. "Crosby started it about six years ago and he got stuck. We finished it together about two years ago. It's like an acoustic pop mid-tempo ballad."
Loggins said his son wants to land a recording deal and is "primed to make the move," having just signed with The Fitzgerald Hartley Co., a Ventura-based artist management firm.
"Some people say he sounds like me," Loggins said. "There's a family resemblance, to be sure, but he's not inclined to be the kind of singer I am. He's more in the school of, oh, a John Mayer."
While Loggins has had a blast getting to record with his son, he's not quite sure if Crosby shares his enthusiasm.
"We're co-singing it and I'm producing it," Loggins said. "We don't always agree, but he's handling it very well. To put up with your dad at 23 is not easy. He's been having to bite the bullet a lot."
RELATED STORIES
Getting There: Rubicon Theatre Company Fund Raiser
 REAL AUDIO
It's About Time by Kenny Loggins
REAL AUDIO
I Miss Us by Kenny Loggins
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NOTE: In Karyl Lynn's 2/16/04 RTC Crossings Newsletter, she listed the wonderful "results" of this lovely, tremendously successful evening:
Kenny Loggins’ Benefit Concert
This event drew over 200 attendees and raised more than $15,000 (net). Most of the attendees were new to Rubicon. Guest Leo Bunnin, owner of area GM dealerships, matched our live auction proceeds of $8,100! A special thanks to Chair Jenny Sullivan, hosts Claire and Reid Bowman and to Cathy and Mel Sheeler for giving up their home for an evening and providing a comfortable place for Kenny and his wife to stay. We are also grateful to Sheila and Don Cluff and The Oaks (for housing and a fabulous auction item) Graham Nash, Natalie’s Fine Threads and The Garden Terrace.
2003 WINTER WONDERLAND FUNDRAISER
UPDATE 12/23/03
I received a wonderful photo album on the Rubicon-Patrons2 E-Mail List, posted by Steve Magidson (steve_magidson@consultant.com), just chock full of pictures from the Winter Wonderland RTC Fundraiser. Below are just a few of the 71 PHOTOS posted, so that we can all get a better idea of what the evening looked, and was, like:
Rubicon Winter Wonderland -- Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003
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| Steve's wife Cynde poses against the backdrop for photo ops of the guests |
Voila! The place looked spectacular!! |
Silent Auction baskets, themes representing 35 countries such as Lithuania. |
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| As guests arrived they were serenaded by beautiful guitar melodies performed by Steve Sunnarborg of the Rivera-Sunnarborg Guitar Duo |
One of several "A Winter Wonderland" scenic backdrops |
There were many decorated Christmas tress from various countries, this one had an Australian theme. |
Paul Ainsley and Cynde Magidson check out the food at one of five international stations. Catering was provided by Kirk Memoli of Command Performance Catering. |
Amanda McBroom performs her famous song,
"The Rose" |
BK, Teri, Helen, Amanda, Paul and George in the final song of the evening -- "A Winter Wonderland" |
UPDATE 12/16/03
Received the Rubicon Crossings Newsletter from Karyl Lynn today, which had a "Winter Wonderland" wrap-up:
2. “A Winter Wonderland” Wrap Up
Nearly 300 individuals were involved as either event attendees or volunteers in Rubicon’s major December fund-raising event at the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. “A Winter Wonderland” was truly a wondrous event!
During the evening’s festivities, Helen Yunker presented a check to Rubicon for the first installment of her unprecedented multi-year naming gift. (The interior of the theatre will be renamed “Helen Yunker Auditorium” when the building is purchased and rededicated.)
Howard Boroughs made an exciting "match" announcement that spurred a happy frenzy of hand-waving, check-writing and cheering and raised $116,000.l
Thank you to Helen and Howard and to the six individuals or families who made leadership gifts to the preliminary phase of the campaign, we are getting very close to achieving our first goal – to raise $500,000 toward a down payment.
Thanks to the incredible event committee, net proceeds for the auction and ticket sales portion of the event totaled $44,000.
Beyond the record-breaking numbers – the event was a great time for old and new friends to gather in a lovely setting for great food, song and story. Performers with credits ranging from the Broadway companies of "Cats," "Phantom of the Opera" and "Les Miserables" joined television and film celebrities to sing or describe auction items. Dignitaries in attendance including the Consul Generals or Honorary Consuls of Germany, Ireland, Lithuania and Norway; as well as Thousand Oaks Mayor Bob Wilson, Ventura Mayor Brian Brennan, Ventura City Council Member Christy Weir and Event Co-Chairs Rosa Lee Measures and Albert G. Harris, and Chuck and Eloise Cohen. A special thanks also to Heidi and Mike Bradbury, who also served as co-chairs.
The Ventura County Star’s Society editor Cate Brown covered the event. To read the story, visit the Star website at
www.venturacountystar.com/vcs/lifestyle/article/0,1375,VCS_230_2496888,00.html
A thank you ad ran on Sunday in the Star to “Winter Wonderland” participants, and to all who have contributed to the building campaign to date.
UPDATE 12/12/03
A link to a great article in the Ventura County Star on InsideV.com, about the Winter Wonderland Benefit:
http://www1.venturacountystar.com/vcs/lifestyle/article/0,1375,VCS_230_2496888,00.html
| Winter Wonderland event raises money for Rubicon
December 12, 2003
Efrem Zimbalist Jr., his daughter Stephanie Zimbalist, Amanda McBroom, George Ball, David Birney and Bonnie Franklin were among the bright lights adding to the luster of the Rubicon Theatre Company's $250-a-person benefit this past Sunday evening.
Held at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, a classy venue to start with, the theater's Winter Wonderland extravaganza attracted more than 300 guests from near and far and brought in more than $250,000, thanks to the generosity of special donors including Helen Yunker, Micheline and Albert Sakharoff, Cynde and Steve Magidson, Barbara and Larry Meister, Loretta and Mike Merewether and Howard Boroughs. They're evidently inclined to take their theater-going seriously.
But everyone loves the Rubicon, including its president Claire Bowman, there with her husband Reid and lots of hardworking board members such as Merle DiVita, Mary and Don Gloiston, Midge and Dave Stork, Elise and Bill Kearney, Janet and Steven Snyder and Warren Lovell as well as Grandes Dames President Dottie Novatt, there with her husband Bernie.
Founded five years ago by husband-and-wife team James O'Neil and Karyl Lynn Burns, the company has made its theatrical home for the past five years at The Laurel, which is in the historic district of downtown Ventura. The venue, a church in its former life, is now on the market, and the Rubicon is a very motivated buyer.
"It's an exciting time for the Rubicon," said Norbert Tan, Rubicon's managing director. "Our goal is to raise $3 million dollars, not only to purchase the property but also to renovate and expand."
Joining him at the party was his wife Tracy as well as numerous dignitaries including Ventura County Supervisor Kathy Long, Ventura Mayor Brian Brennan and Ventura City Council member Christy Weir plus Bob Wilson, mayor of Thousand Oaks.
During the social hour the crowd swept through the library and museum, sipped champagne, bid on auction items, noshed and admired the dozens of twinkling, holiday trees as well as each other, including Gail Lansbury, who was wearing rhinestone encrusted, Guiseppe Zanotti sandals.
"I saw them and I couldn't resist," confided Lansbury of the strappy, five-inch stilettos. She was there with her husband Bruce Lansbury as well as Susan Cooper and her husband, Mercury astronaut Gordon Cooper.
Co-chairpersons for the glamorous, wintry get together -- attended by Judie and Mel Swope, Joanne and Monroe Kaplan, Helen Karlsberg, Edith Pafford, Toni and Richard Mathews, Celine Gillibrand, Jeanne Canty, Freddie and Al Contarino, Nancy and Richard Francis, Marylyn and Terry Ragan and Patti and Gary Channer -- were Eloise and Chuck Cohen and Rosa Lee Measures and her husband Albert G. Harris.
-- For information on the Rubicon Theatre Company, call 667-2900. Cate Brown is a Star columnist. For coverage of a nonprofit event, contact her in advance at cate@bluemax.net.
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Cate Brown / Special to The Star
From left, actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr (whose long career includes the 1965 series "The F.B.I."), Rubicon Theatre Managing Director Norbert Tan, actress Stephanie Zimbalist, actor David Birney and Rubicon Theatre Artistic Director James O'Neil attended Sunday's Rubicon Theatre benefit. Stephanie Zimbalist ("Remington Steele"), Efrem's daughter, stars as astronaut Christa McAuliffe in the current Rubicon production, "Defying Gravity."
Cate Brown / Special to The Star
Actress Bonnie Franklin, who starred in Rubicon's production of "Dancing at Lughnasa" earlier this year, attended the gala with husband Marvin Minoff. Franklin, who was married in 1980 in Ventura on the deck of the weekend home she still keeps, is best known for playing the divorced working mom on the 1975-84 CBS series "One Day at a Time."
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UPDATE 12/8-9/03
Well, as we all know, unfortunately, Ted was unable to complete his trip in time to appear in RTC's fundraiser, due to bad weather, but he's safe, and that's a GOOD thing. Both Jenn and Karyl Lynn posted e-mails on the evening, which was a big success for Rubicon:
12/8/03
From Jenn (j_bernbaum@yahoo.com):
hi everyone--
i just wanted to let you know a little about the evening. when we arrived we checked-in, received our table assignment and program and were led to an area where they were taking keepsake photos. after taking our photo we were able to tour the ronald reagan library and also view the items available to bid on for the silent auction.
at 6:30pm we went into this huge winter wonderland tent where the evening festivities were held. there were several food stations featuring foods from different areas from around the world. all of the food was great. there was entertainment throughout the evening which was really nice. david birney was really funny! we had a really nice time and i think it was a very successsful evening for rubicon. karyl lynn, you should be very proud!!! it was a great evening.
There were also party favors/ table decorations...little, beautifully wrapped presents. veth, i took yours and will bring it along when we get together.
jennifer
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12/9/03
From Karyl Lynn (klburns1@aol.com):
Hi Jenn and Cindi and Veth and All:
Thanks for everybody's notes. You are all so sweet and kind. I feel the same way -- and although we were so sorry not to have him there on Sunday -- we are so glad that he didn't push himself further when he was exhausted and had been driving through the snowstorms. Mother Nature...ya' know. His safety and health is most important to us all, I know.
Despite us missing our pal, it was a great event. We are trying to raise a downpayment for the building we're in (an old church that we converted into a theatre, for anyone who hadn't been there), and we got a lot closer to the goal.
I was on headset because we quickly changed the script to make the changes, so I didn't get to really visit with people, but it seemed like people had a great time.
Stephanie and her dad read "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus," and David Birney read a fruitcake recipe that included whiskey where the person making the fruitcake gets more and more drunk. It was pretty charming. My favorite is Teri Bibb's voice - she was in "Phantom" for 7 years and just has a perfect, perfect voice. Other lovely memories.
UPDATE 12/4/03
Karyl Lynn Burns sent out a second e-mail on RTC's fundraiser, which, at the time, had Ted included to the list of artists. See below for yet MORE DETAILS on this fabulous evening!!!
For more information, or to order tickets, please call (805) 667-2900
TED NEELEY JOINS BENEFIT CAST FOR RUBICON THEATRE COMPANY'S "WINTER WONDERLAND"
Stage and screen actor Ted Neeley ("Jesus Christ Superstar") has joined a stellar cast of actors and singers for a benefit this Sunday for Rubicon Theatre Company in Ventura, California.
Actors confirmed to appear include Paul Ainsley (original Herod on Broadway in "Jesus Christ Superstar"/series regular on "Three's Company"/National Tours of "Les Miserables" and "42nd Street!"), David Birney (Broadway/"Bridget Loves Bernie"/"Serpico"), Bonnie Franklin ("Applause" on Broadway/"One Day at a Time"), Harold Gould (Broadway/"Golden Girls"/"Stuart Little"), Bob Machray (Ovation Award Winner for Best Actor for "Orson's Shadow), John Bennett Perry (Broadway/"George of the Jungle"/last week's People Magazine as "The Sexiest Father and Son" with Matthew Perry), Henry Polic, II ("Webster"/Game Shows), Bruce Weitz (Emmy Award-winning actor of "Hill Street Blues"/currently recurring on "Judging Amy"), Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. ("F.B.I." Series), and Stephanie Zimbalist (best known for "Remington Steele").
In addition to Mr. Neeley, singers who will perform during the evening including George Ball ("Jacques Brel" in New York and at Rubicon), Teri Bibb (star of "Phantom" and "Secret Garden" on Broadway), Barbara Cooper (well-known cabaret and recording artist), Tami Tappan Damiano (lead in "Miss Saigon" on Broadway), B.K. Kennelly ("Cats" on Broadway, Timon in "The Lion King" in L.A.), Amanda McBroom (author and star of "Hearbeats" and singer/songewriter - "The Rose"), Teri Ralston ("Company" on Broadway).
Lloyd Cooper (musical director for Theatre League), is musical director. Lynn Keller plays bass, and Tony Lewis plays drums.
Rubicon's major holiday fund-raiser, A Winter Wonderland, is set for this Sunday, December 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley . The event is a celebration of holiday customs and foods from many different countries, with extraordinary entertainment!
As guests arrive, they are greeted by volunteers and the strains of live classical guitar music by Steve Sunnarborg as they wander through the museum and privately view a gorgeous holiday tree exhibit representing 30 different countries. Docents will be on hand to answer questions or help guide guests.
While enjoying passed and displayed appetizers and beverages, guests may bid on silent auction items representing the holidays, or the traditions, styles and tastes of many different countries. For example, the Italy basket includes exquisite pottery, cloth napkins, dinners-for-two at several local Italian restaurants, books, a photo of Tuscany, and more. A China basket includes a trip to San Francisco, hotel accommodations and a dim sum dinner in Chinatown. A Japan basket includes robes and a gift certificate to Yamaguchi.
Passed and displayed appetizers include imported cheeses with grapes, apples, fresh figs and warm breads (English); stuffed dates wrapped with bacon (Morrocan); wild mushroom and scallion tarts with gouda cheese (Switzerland); olive tapenade on grilled baguettes garnished with diced tomato, and French chevrre (France) and chimichangas with a chipotle sour cream sauce (Mexico).
At 6:30 p.m. , guests enter the large "Winter Wonderland" Tent. Icy blue lights will shine up the tent walls. Ice burgs in the fountain will create a mist in the air. White snowflakes will drift from the ceiling above, and be projected on the walls and floor. The room will be filled with snow-covered alpine trees and frozen white manzanita trees. The stage will be surrounded by snow drifts, polar bears and penguins.
At international food stations, guests may choose from a wide variety of special foods created by Kirk Memoli of Command Performance. Foreign dignitaries from Canada, Mexico and China, among other countries, will be honored guests.
At the French station, crepes are handmade to order by the chef and filled with five types of wild mushrooms in Sherry cream sauce, chicken and baked leeks in a white wine sauce, or smoked ham and turkey gruyere. The crepes are accompanied by a fresh winter citrus, melon and berry salad. Asian countries will be represented with a menu of grilled cashew chicken with carrot and scallions in a sweet and spicy sauce, stir-fired grilled green beans, grilled shrimp and Asian noodle stir fry with pea pods and water chestnuts and won tons. At the Italian station, guests will enjoy charbroiled Italian chicken sausage served with a hazelnut cream sauce. Other items include penne pasta with roasted artichoke hearts and grilled zucchini with yellow squash, roasted walnut, orange and fresh beet salad, roasted corn and red pepper salad and fresh baked foccacia bread with olive oil and fresh herbs. United States’ specialties are sliced roast sirloin of beef served with Cognac , peppercorns and creamed horseradish, mashed red bee potatoes, fresh puree of banana squash with amaretto and brown sugar topped with toasted almonds and a harvest salad. At the Indian station, tandori chicken is offered in a tomato cream curry sauce, with side dishes of roasted eggplant and basmati rice.
Following the main course, our entertainment begins: an evening of songs and stories performed by many of your favorite artists! With apologies to Charles Dickens, we will present A Theatre Carol, with three spirits taking Ebenezer Scrooge on a musical journey through Rubicon seasons past, present and future. We begin with the joyous refrains of musicals past, including Jesus Christ Superstar, The World Goes Round, Lies and Legends, Jacques Brel and Forever Plaid.
A second spirit takes Scrooge on a journey to the present season, where we preview Side by Side by Sondheim and Will's Women.
The third holiday ghoul takes Scrooge to a season many years in the future, where audiences hear songs from Phantom of the Opera and enjoy excerpts from the new Michael Rapp musical Rasputin (which stars Ted Neeley, Amanda McBroom and James O'Neil, Rubicon's Artistic Director).
Interspersed through the evening, guests will see 1-minute video tributes to the six families or individuals who have made major gifts towards Rubicon’s purchase of a permanent home.
A dessert plate of Belgium chocolate cherry bombe, spiced apple gingerbread cheesecake and fresh pumpkin mousse with pralines is served with hot cider, coffee and tea as a short set of holiday songs and stories are presented.
This event is a major feast for the ears, eyes and taste buds!
Tickets are $250 per person ($200 is tax-deductible) or $2,500 for a patron table. Table patrons receive special seating and recognition in the program book. For tickets, call (805) 667-2900, ext. 21 or e-mail dsmith@rubicontheatre.org
Karyl Lynn Burns
Executive Director/Co-Artistic Director
Rubicon Theatre Company
1006 E. Main Street
Suite 300
Ventura, CA 93001
UPDATE 11/29-30/03
RUBICON THEATRE COMPANY is gearing up for quite an amazing evening next Sunday night, as Ted told me last week in the e-mail I posted in his section below. Here are some more details. I envy anyone who lives close enough, and can afford, to get to this event!!!
A link to the 11/29/03 Insidevc.com story on this year's Rubicon fundraiser, at which Ted will be performing selections from Rasputin:
http://www1.venturacountystar.com/vcs/county_news/article/0,1375,VCS_226_2465508,00.html
Communities in brief
November 29, 2003
VENTURA COUNTY
Rubicon fund-raiser will have winter theme
The Rubicon Theatre Company will hold its major fall fund-raiser, A Winter Wonderland, Dec. 7 in Simi Valley.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum and Library, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley.
Guests will be greeted with champagne and hors d'oeuvres while enjoying a private tour of the museum, including 30 holiday trees decorated in themes from countries around the world.
Entertainment, dinner and dessert will follow, served in a "wonderland" of snowdrifts, polar bears, and snowflake projections inside a large heated tent.
Tickets to the event are $250 per person or $2,000 for a table of eight.
For more information or to reserve tickets, call Diana Smith at 667-2912, ext. 21.
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I also received an e-mail from Karyl Lynn Burns at RTC today (11/3//03), which has much more detail on the wonderful evening they have planned:
For more information, or to order tickets, please call (805) 667-2900
“ A WINTER WONDERLAND”WALK-THRU
Rubicon's major holiday fund-raiser, A Winter Wonderland, is set for next Sunday, December 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley . The event is a celebration of holiday customs and foods from many different countries, with extraordinary entertainment!
As guests arrive, they are greeted by volunteers and the strains of live classical guitar music by Steve Sunnarborg as they wander through the museum and privately view a gorgeous holiday tree exhibit representing 30 different countries. Docents will be on hand to answer questions or help guide guests.
While enjoying passed and displayed appetizers and beverages, guests may bid on silent auction items representing the holidays, or the traditions, styles and tastes of many different countries. For example, the Italy basket includes exquisite pottery, cloth napkins, dinners-for-two at several local Italian restaurants, books, a photo of Tuscany , and more. A China basket includes a trip to San Francisco , hotel accommodations and a dim sum dinner in Chinatown . A Japan basket includes robes and a gift certificate to Yamaguchi.
Passed and displayed appetizers include imported cheeses with grapes, apples, fresh figs and warm breads (English); stuffed dates wrapped with bacon (Morrocan); wild mushroom and scallion tarts with gouda cheese (Switzerland); olive tapenade on grilled baguettes garnished with diced tomato, and French chevrre (France) and chimichangas with a chipotle sour cream sauce (Mexico).
At 6:30 p.m. , guests enter the large "Winter Wonderland" Tent. Icy blue lights will shine up the tent walls. Ice burgs in the fountain will create a mist in the air. White snowflakes will drift from the ceiling above, and be projected on the walls and floor. The room will be filled with snow-covered alpine trees and frozen white manzanita trees. The stage will be surrounded by snow drifts, polar bears and penguins.
At international food stations, guests may choose from a wide variety of special foods created by Kirk Memoli of Command Performance. Foreign dignitaries from Canada, Mexico and China, among other countries, will be honored guests.
At the French station, crepes are handmade to order by the chef and filled with five types of wild mushrooms in Sherry cream sauce, chicken and baked leeks in a white wine sauce, or smoked ham and turkey gruyere. The crepes are accompanied by a fresh winter citrus, melon and berry salad. Asian countries will be represented with a menu of grilled cashew chicken with carrot and scallions in a sweet and spicy sauce, stir-fired grilled green beans, grilled shrimp and Asian noodle stir fry with pea pods and water chestnuts and won tons. At the Italian station, guests will enjoy charbroiled Italian chicken sausage served with a hazelnut cream sauce. Other items include penne pasta with roasted artichoke hearts and grilled zucchini with yellow squash, roasted walnut, orange and fresh beet salad, roasted corn and red pepper salad and fresh baked foccacia bread with olive oil and fresh herbs. United States ’ specialties are sliced roast sirloin of beef served with Cognac, peppercorns and creamed horseradish, mashed red bee potatoes, fresh puree of banana squash with amaretto and brown sugar topped with toasted almonds and a harvest salad. At the Indian station, tandori chicken is offered in a tomato cream curry sauce, with side dishes of roasted eggplant and basmati rice.
Following the main course, our entertainment begins: an evening of songs and stories performed by many of your favorite artists! With apologies to Charles Dickens, we will present A Theatre Carol, with three spirits taking Ebenezer Scrooge on a musical journey through Rubicon seasons past, present and future. We begin with the joyous refrains of musicals past, including Jesus Christ Superstar, The World Goes Round, Lies and Legends, Jacques Brel and Forever Plaid.
A second spirit takes Scrooge on a journey to the present season, where we preview Side by Side by Sondheim and Will's Women.
The third holiday ghoul takes Scrooge to a season many years in the future, where audiences hear songs from Phantom of the Opera and enjoy excerpts from the new musical Rasputin.
Actors confirmed to date include Paul Ainsley, David Birney, Bonnie Franklin, Harold Gould, Bob Machray, John Bennett Perry, Henry Polic, II, Bruce Weitz, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Stephanie Zimbalist will be in attendance.
Renowned stage performers who will sing during the evening including George Ball ("Jacques Brel" in New York and at Rubicon), Teri Bibb (star of "Phantom" and "Secret Garden" on Broadway), Barbara Cooper (well-known cabaret and recording artist), Tami Tappan Damiano ("Miss Saigon" on Broadway), B.K. Kennelly ("Cats" on Broadway, Timon in "The Lion King" in L.A.), Amanda McBroom (author and star of "Hearbeats" and singer/songewriter - "The Rose"), Teri Ralston ("Company" on Broadway). Ted Neeley, (star of "Jesus Christ Superstar" on Broadway and film), will make a special guest appearance.
Lloyd Cooper (musical director for Theatre League), is musical director, Lynne Kellerman will be playing bass, and Tony Lewis will be playing drums.
Interspersed through the evening, guests will see 1-minute video tributes to the six families or individuals who have made major gifts towards Rubicon’s purchase of a permanent home. Honorees are: Howard Boroughs, Cynde and Steve Magidson, Mike and Loretta Merewether, Barbara and Larry Meister, Micheline and Albert Sakharoff, and Helen Yunker.
A dessert plate of Belgium chocolate cherry bombe, spiced apple gingerbread cheesecake and fresh pumpkin mousse with pralines is served with hot cider, coffee and tea as a short set of holiday songs and stories are presented.
This event is a major feast for the ears, eyes and taste buds!
Tickets are $250 per person ($200 is tax-deductible) or $2,500 for a patron table. Table patrons receive special seating and recognition in the program book. For tickets, call (805) 667-2900, ext. 21 or e-mail dsmith@rubicontheatre.org
Karyl Lynn Burns
Executive Director/Co-Artistic Director
Rubicon Theatre Company
1006 E. Main Street
Suite 300
Ventura, CA 93001
