RTC - and specifically Co-Founders Jim O'Neil and Karyl Lynn Burns (who is also a Ted list member) have 
              been very generous with their permission for me to use materials from their website.  Check it out, it's 
              great!

   

Those of us who were lucky enough to catch Ted in "Waiting For Godot", or Ted and Joseph in "Murder In The First", as well as the JCS Benefit performances in Ventura, got a look at the lovely Laurel Theatre and RTC. Rubicon is a wonderful, progressive, daring and innovative theatre company that is thriving in Ventura, California. This company is definitely one to watch! Check out some of their accomplishments below.  Keep up the great work guys!

 

RTC "QUICK FIND" INDEX

Since RTC's accolades and accomplishments grow by leaps and bounds, I've added an index here for faster navigation on this page.  Click on any section listed below, and the link will take you right to that section of this page!  Enjoy!

CURRENT EVENTS

CURRENT PRODUCTION(S)

CURRENT SEASON AND BROCHURE

UPCOMING SEASON PREVIEW

CLASSES / PRIVATE COACHING

SUMMER YOUTH THEATRE PROGRAMS

CALIFORNIA RUBICON INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL (RITF)

RTC'S CURRENT THEATRE TRIPS

FUNDRAISERS

DONATION CAMPAIGNS

THE GRANDES DAMES

PREVIOUS SEASON BROCHURES

FEBRUARY MONTH OF LOVE EVENTS

SEASON OF LOVE - FEBRUARY CABARET NIGHTS

CONCERTS / CABARETS

TICK...TICK...BOOM

TRIPS

AWARDS

    OVATION AWARDS

    INDY AWARDS

    ROBBY AWARDS

    DOTTIE AWARDS

    PEACE AWARD

WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

FIRST RAY BRADBURY FESTIVAL

THE "MORRIE" "FIASCO"

SHOW OF JUSTICE

BECKETTFEST

RUBICON ARTISTS OUT AND ABOUT / MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

FEATURE ARTICLES / MISCELLANEOUS PICTURES 

 

 

RTC'S CURRENT / UPCOMING EVENTS / PAST GLORIES


RTC's CURRENT EVENTS:

PLEASE HELP RTC!!!

 

UPDATE 6/10/09:  I've just received this e-mail from Karyl Lynn Burns, Co-Founder of RTC:

From: Karyl Lynn Burns
Subject: Rubicon Theatre Village Campaign Update
Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 4:41 AM

Dear Fellow Villagers:

Today we start our first formal e-mail update to those of you who expressed interest in receiving periodic updates about Rubicon’s It Takes a Village campaign.   

The good news: nearly 600 people (including some who wished to be anonymous) have given a total of $191,346. We have an additional $3,752 in pledges, with a grand total of $195,090 committed to the campaign. We are now about 19.5% of the way to our goal of $1 million!
The challenge:  We are still fighting cash flow needs and MUST raise an additional $200,000 towards the goal in the next two to three weeks.
Thank you to you whose names are listed at the bottom of this e-mail for being early believers in this new grass-roots way of raising support.  The idea is “many hands make light work.” Instead of 80% of the funds coming from 20% of the people, the goal is for everyone to participate to the extent of their ability. We are asking all who benefit from Rubicon's presence in our community to consider making a gift of at least $1 a day - or $365 a year. It's also possible to make a monthly pledge of $31 or more. If we all do what we can, we WILL achieve the goal. We will be the people who would not let our community’s non-profit professional theatre falter in these difficult times and who ensured it was here for the next decade and for future generations!
Examples and Ideas
·        Rubicon Board Member Marion Witte of the Angel Heart Foundation came up with the idea of Village Elders – the goal was to find 10 people to give $10,000 each once we reached the $100,000 mark. It’s the main reason we’ve seen significant growth in the past two weeks. We are thankful to those who have joined the Elders program so far: Marion (leading by example, thank you!), Lori and Richard Reisman, Barbara Meister and Barber Automotive Group (in memory of Larry Meister) and an Anonymous contributor who gave in honor and in memory of a recently departed friend Lillian Ludlam, who loved theatre. We are still looking for at least six more individuals to become Elders (Young Elders are welcome, too J). If you are able to join this group, please call us.
·        Stephen Kipp contributed $3,650 -- the recommended village donation amount of $365 for EACH person on his 10-member staff. Stephen announced this generous gift at a performance of Fiddler on the Roof  in which he hosted his clients for the show and a reception.
·        At a local salon, the hairdressers encouraged their customers to give and raised $365 in a day to donate to the cause.
·        One villager e-mailed friends and raised approximately $2,000. Would you like to do the same? Just cut and paste this address into your e-mail. Invite friends to join you and help us reach our goals. Here’s the hyperlink:
·        A supporter of Rubicon’s education programs has organized alums of the outreach programs to put on a benefit at the theatre in August. Look for details soon.
·        Gourmet chef Linda Hale and her husband Scott are going to prepare a primo meal in their home with a goal of raising $5,000 towards the campaign.
 
Rally Comments
Here’s a sampling of a few of the comments from attendees at the Town Hall Rallies.  We’ll send you a few with each e-mail so that we can remind each other of why we all care…
 
Why Rubicon Matters to Me…
“Great art!  Great family!  Great home to create in!” – Jenny Sullivan
“A place to belong and meet friends.” – Wanda Woessner
“Rubicon matters on many levels.  It is wonderful to have professional theatre in our community.  Most important is the Rubicon’s Education Outreach programs.  Serving our youth at a time when arts education is lacking in our schools is vital and timely.” – Tom and Debbie Golden
“Great art.  Local.” – Mike Merewether
“We love having quality theatre in our own town!!!  And we love the community feeling of having Rubicon in Ventura!” – Scott and Linda Hale

Why Rubicon Matters to the Community
“Exposes youth to theatre; brings people to Ventura.” – Carolyn Dolen
“Without the Rubicon and its great professionalism, rather than enriching our community it will begin the slow decline which we have so beautifully climbed out of with its growth.” – Karen Lee Hoffberg
“Our community needs local events of quality.” – Howard Brandwein
“A vibrant beat of artistic creation.” – Jeanne Scott
“The Rubicon offers quality entertainment close to home.  It’s Los Angeles-caliber performances in a community we all share and love.” – Nancy Kaye Swanson
 
It Takes a Village Contributors to Date – June 9, 2009
"Michita," Carol "Mike" Aalbers, Lynda and Rick Aldridge, Jean Archer, Christine Arenas-Magie and Paul Magie, Lila M. Atkisson, George Backman, George Ball and Amanda McBroom, Dr. and Mrs. Edward J. Banman, Rachel Bar, Phil and Sandy Bardos, Penny and Ray Barnds, Greta Bartsch, Donna and Jerry Beatty, Dr. Norma Beck,Victor and Natalia Berezovska, Sam Bern, Barbara and Bernard Bobitch, Henri and Therese Boisvert Tte, Jo Bowker, Barbara and Raymond Boyd, Marylee and Robert Bragulla, Bob and Mary Braitman, Howard J. Brandwein, Arlene Brooks, Earl R. Brooks, Shelly and Steve Brown, Peggy Bryant, Jenean Bugiada, Leo and Melinda Bunnin, Christina M. Burck, Diana and Robert Burdick, Donna and Jack Burger, Karyl Lynn Burns, Pat and Cathy Busch, Linda Carson, Patty and Gary Channer, K. Charnofsky and R. Sturgeon, Patti and Bill Chertok, Betsy and Dick Chess, Susan Clark, Ed Clark and Jane Delahoyde, Bijian Fan and Jerome Clifford, Victoria Coddy, Eloise and Chuck Cohen, Mary Ann Cohen, John and Jacqueline Cole, Doris and Ken Collin, Linda Collins, Frances A. Connelly, Al and Freddie Contarino, Ginny Costis, Alison B. Coutts-Jordan, Bill Crowe and Ann Gross, Mar lena Roberts Daly, Ronald and Deborah David, Lisa and Clay Davis, Nicholas Deitch, Bradford Dillman, Carolyn Dolen, Barbara and Gerald Donckels, Kathleen and Terry Dooley, Gun Dukes, John T. Dullam, John R. Edwards, Jack Ellison and Dixie D. Adeniran, H.E. and Frances Elson, David Elzer, Katherine Emerick, Ph.D., Jim and Kay Engel, David Engel, Mr. and Mrs. Garold Faber, Jodi and David Farrell, Warren and Ardelle Faue, Susan Ferguson, Norman Flam, Dr. Hany Fouad, Jonathan Fox, C.D. Franciscus, Cindy Frankey, Bonnie Franklin and Marvin Minoff, Arlene and Morrie Friedman, Harold and Harriet Friedman, Peter and Sandy Gaal, Mr. Michael D. Gainsborough, Mary and Jim Galbraith, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Galt, Jr., D. June and Gay Garabedian, Muriel Garcia, Bob and Brenda Garrison, Lynn and Al Geller, S. Lynne and Duane L. Georgeson, Mrs. Kin Gere, Sheldon Getzug, Kay Giles and Michael Mariani, Morty Glasgal, David and Maryellen Glyer, Debbie and Tom Golden, Diane and Peter Goldenring, Janet and Mark Goldenson, Bruce Goldenson and Tricia Keen, Leonard Goldman, Martie and Gary Golter, Mary Goodenough, Lea and Harold Gould, Richard Gould, MD, Judy and Art Goulet, David and Diane Grimes, Sol and Patty Grossman, Katherine and Dan Gunther, Louis and Melinda Haffner, Scott Hale Lighting, Pearl and Roy Hammerand, Margie and Ron Hanock, Whitney Hansen, Wm. and Diane Harkins, Jessica and Harvey Harris, Julie Heim, Linda Henderson and Ernie Scherb, Mr. Don Henninger, Phil and Carol Hershey, Thom as and Patricia Hester, Karen Lee Hoffberg, H.W. and C.S. Hoover, Doris Horton, Carol Howe and Lucien Lacour, Eric Hvolboll, Jon and Ann Ives, Michael Jackowitz, Phyllis Johnson, Dianne Johnson Selbrede, Dr. and Mrs. D. Gordon Johnston, Ed and Carol Jones, Dorothy and Robert Jones, Emily Jones, Marilyn Juday, Donna Kacerek, Kaila Kaden, Lydia and Marty Kaplan, Joanne and Monroe Kaplan, Alex Karras, George Kaub, Bill and Elise Kearney, Betty and Tom Kennedy, Kipp Financial Group, Ronald S. Kopp, Jasmine Kova, Lee and Linda La Frenz, Nicole and Phillip Laby, Haady Lashkari, Michael Learned and John Doherty, Harriet and Eric Leibovitch, Stanley and Barbara Leiken, Dr. Morris and Judy Leventhal, Linda Levitz, Jack and Ione Lollar, Tracy Long and Donald Taylor, Judge David W. Long and Shirley Critchfield, James Locher, Dalina Lowdermilk-Klan, Michael Lurie, John and Eleanor Lynn, Cynde and Steve Magidson, Louise M. Malcomb, James Malone, Margaret Martin, John and Pat Masterson, Stephen Maulhardt and Nancy Maulhardt Huff, Frank and Patricia McCallick, Gladys McDonald, Stephen McMorrow, Rosa Lee Measures and Al Harris, Barbara Meister/Barber Automotive Group, Elsie Mendelsohn, Loretta and Mike Merewether, Murray Meyers,  Carol Mickle and Jodi Sullivan, Marvin Miller and Kathlyn Roberts Miller, Margaret and Jerry Miller, Mr. and Mrs. M. Miser, Lee and Peg Molesworth, Susan Molnar, Katherine Montes, Teddi and Jerry Morris, Ted and Dale Muegenburg, Julie and Jack Nadel, Ted Pounder and Paulita Neal, Beatrice Alicia Nichols, Henry and Bobbie Offen, Eileen Ogle, Patrick O'Hara, Cherie Olson, James O'Neil, Sandi and Greg Orloff, Frances Page, Barbara and Owen Patotzka, William and Celia Patterson, Catherine Penprase, Diane and Steve Perren, Helen Pidduck, Mrs. Pamela Pinkham, Gene Pitman, Wilma S. Poe, Theodore Polk, James and Stella Port, Amy Povah, Keith Powell, James and Susan Prosser, Sheila and Robert Rakestraw, H.D. Ranzenhofer, Lori and Richard Reisman, Ann and Rodney Resnick, Corinne J. Rhoads, Rita Richardson, Jon Lawrence Rivera, George Roberts and Janice Standing-Roberts, Patricia Robinson, Bob Robinson, Alyce and Robert Robinson, Duane O. Rodgers, Donal F. Rodrigues, Diane Ronneberg, Linda Roos, Sharon and George Rose, Margaret Rothschild and Richard Palmer, Nancy and Bill Russell, Micheline Sakharoff, Pat Salem, Sam and Mary Saputo, Roy and Sharon Schneider, Charles and Jane Schneider, Charles and Mary Schwabauer, Jeanne Scott, Catherine Scott Burris, Dr. Don and Millie Seidman, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Selfridge, Lyndon R. Shaftoe, Robert Shaw, Mrs. Susan Shields, Tamar Shulem, Joel Silberman, Dr. and Mrs. Leonard Skaist, Signe and Bruce Smale, Rebecca and Jeffrey Smith, Cynthia and Jim Snell, Gary and Maureen Soporito, Paula Spellman, Lane Stalbird, Lisa Stephens and Dennis Hopkins, Rich Stewart and Harriet Clune, Eric and Missy Stoen, Midge and Dave Stork, Kathy and Bill Strnad, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Sullivan, Jenny Sullivan, Nancy Kay Swanson, Judith and Melvyn Swope, Lee Tannen, Shirley Thayer, Timothy Tice, Ed and Dee Tingstrom, Delorine and Reid Tompkins, Warren and Jane Totten, Margaret and Dennis Travlos, Ruth and Jim Uphold, Allen and Kay Urban, Suzanne and Edward Vadnais, Mary Ann and William Bang, Michael Velthoen, Cindi Verbelun, Les and Judy Vielbig, Vicki Vierra, Phil Ward, Roz Warner and Michael Hogan, Jan and Hal Wasserman, Jerry and Brenda Watkins, Bill Whitlock and Art Mendoza, Jim Whitney, Gary and Cheryl Wilde, Julia Wilkerson, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Willis, Marion Witte, Wanda Woessner, Gail and Ed Wohlenberg, Joanne Wolf, Eunice M. Wood, Robert and Kathleen Wulf, Keith York, The Young Family, Helen Yunker, Margaret M. Zangrilli, Alfred Zaske, Myrna and Sy Zimmerman and David Zippel.
 

 

UPDATE 5/16/09:  I've just received this e-mail from Karyl Lynn Burns, Co-Founder of RTC:

From: Karyl Lynn Burns
Subject: TIME SENSITIVE: Please come TOMORROW for Rubicon Rally/Town Hall GRASSROOTS EVENT. We need YOU!
To: joneil8539@aol.com
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009, 12:04 AM

Dear Artists and Friends:

Please forgive the group e-mail, but time is of the essence. We are really feeling the trickle down effects of the economy. We have had a wonderful season thus far with Will Rogers America!, Rubicon Family Christmas, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Fiddler on the Roof. Our past and present are beautiful and we have great joy just thinking of the many exquisitely talented artists and devoted donors who have stood on and behind this stage. But at present we are truly in peril and need your help.

Could you pretty please come to Rubicon
TOMORROW (SATURDAY) for a one-hour event from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with teas and cookies after? It is a Rally and Town Hall. Many of our board members, our wonderful Ventura Mayor Christy Weir and others will be there. The goal is to jumpstart a positive, grass-roots effort to help us muddle throught these very challenging times.

Our MD Ken is going to present the financial facts and figures past and present, we'll brainstorm as a group, we'll have some surprise and fun entertainment, refreshments, etc. We have launched a campaign called "It Takes a Village." In general, the idea is that in these times the handful of people who have sustained the company just can't. (The traditional fundraising model is 20% of the people give 80% of the funds. Now, instead of a small group of people doing a lot, we're trying to engage many, many people in the community who care about Rubicon to each do a little. It's the old adage of "many hands make light work."  We are suggesting $1 a day, or $365. Or if that's challenging, we are asking people to consider $30 a month on a credit card. We're doing home parties, bake sales, you name it.

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP. Can you come to the rally tomorrow? Your presence and enthusiasm will help create a synergy that is needed right now. Second, if you know of folks who you can invite to come to the rally, please ask them to join you. Third, if you know someone who can give financially who cares about theatre, please encourage them to do so.

Here's what will happen at the event. We will have a discussion of "Does Rubicon matter to you?"/"Does Rubicon matter to the community?" Then our Managing Director will do a quick Power Point of "here's where we've been financially and here's how the times have changed." Then we'll have Doug Halter, who some of you know, talk about the new model. Then we'll have rally kits with ideas (and hopefully some fun "RTCV" stickers - "Rubicon Theatre Company Villager." Then, some artists you know - Manough from Songs for a New World, Rick Cornette from You Can't Take It With You, our development coordinator Patrick O'Hara - maybe a few others - will do a "Villager People" presentation where they will parody "YMCA" and turn it into "RTCV". (We had to do something a little creative and entertaining.)

Anyway, we really NEED YOU. Please come and help communicate that Rubicon matters to you and encourage folks to help with this campaign.

If any of you from out-of-town would like to stay for the opening gala of Spit Like a Big Girl at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, just call me on cell. There's a party after at Milano's at the Harbor. Call me on cell if you have any question - (805) 407-7797.

Thanks!

/klb

P.S. Attached is an information sheet. I am also including a card for people who want to help in case you want to e-mail to anyone you know.

P.S.S. Come from the Seaward exit as there is a bike race downtown. Call me if you need to know how.


============================================
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Rubicon Rally and Town Hall Meetings
If you care about Rubicon and the future of our region, we are looking for first-time volunteers – no prior experience necessary – as well as those who have volunteered before.
Tomorrow, Saturday, May 16 from 3 to 4:00 p.m.

As you know from announcements at Rubicon’s recent acclaimed production of Fiddler on the Roof, our annual campaign this season is “It Takes a Village.”
With the current economy, now, more than ever, it really does take an entire village – villagers of every age and background and every walk of life to sustain a non-profit theatre company. We are trying to explore ways to think “out of the box” and create a new grass-roots model of support, but we need you!
If you care about Rubicon and the future of our region – please join us!
Come meet our “It Takes a Village” Chairs Sandra Laby and Doug Halter; visit with Rubicon founders Karyl Lynn Burns and James O’Neil; see friends, neighbors and associates; and say hello to adults and young people whose lives are positively impacted by Rubicon’s presence in our community.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how a non-profit theatre functions, hear a status report on the finances of Rubicon, and ask any questions you may have. Then help us brainstorm about how to go forward in these challenging times. 
WHO?               YOU – anyone and everyone from Ventura, or from cities from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles who loves great theatre. Anyone interested in the arts in general, the cultural life of our community, Rubicon’s impact on economic development, or the education and outreach programs Rubicon provides for our region’s youth.

WHAT?             RUBICON RALLY AND TOWN HALL MEETINGS

WHEN?            Saturday, May 16 at 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 
WHERE?          Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main Street
                        Come in the Laurel Street door and into the theatre
A light dinner will be served downstairs in the rehearsal room on the 13th, tea and cookies on the 16th.
WHY?               Because you are key to the future of Rubicon and the arts! Come be a part of the village! 
RSVP to Patrick O'Hara at pohara@rubicontheatre.org or at 805.667.2912, extension 237.
 We need you!  Remember, even if you’ve never volunteered or served on a committee before, this is an inclusive, grass-roots effort! There are ways you can make a difference!  Attendees are under no obligation --  please come and learn more.


 

 

 


As you know from announcements at Rubicon’s recent acclaimed production of Fiddler on the Roof, our annual campaign this season is “It Takes a Village.”

With the current economy, now, more than ever, it really does take an entire village – villagers of every age and background and every walk of life to sustain a non-profit theatre company. We are trying to explore ways to think “out of the box” and create a new grass-roots model of support, but we need you!
If you care about Rubicon and the future of our region – please join us!
Come meet our “It Takes a Village” Chairs Sandra Laby and Doug Halter; visit with Rubicon founders Karyl Lynn Burns and James O’Neil; see friends, neighbors and associates; and say hello to adults and young people whose lives are positively impacted by Rubicon’s presence in our community.
 
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how a non-profit theatre functions, hear a status report on the finances of Rubicon, and ask any questions you may have. Then help us brainstorm about how to go forward in these challenging times.
 

  RSVP to Patrick O'Hara at pohara@rubicontheatre.org or at 805.667.2912, extension 237.
We need you! Remember, even if you’ve never volunteered or served on a committee before, this is an inclusive, grass-roots effort! There are ways you can make a difference! Attendees are under no obligation-please come and learn more.

1006 E Main Street Ventura CA United States, 93001


 
RUBICON THEATRE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2008-2009


ROSA LEE MEASURES
Honorary Chair
Harris Measures Management Consultants, Former Deputy Mayor, City of San Buenaventura

DR. RICHARD REISMAN
President of the Board of Directors
Ventura County Obstetric & Gynecologic Medical Group
Medical Director, Community Memorial Hospital Centers for Family Health

MIKE MEREWETHER
Vice-President
Partner Emeritus, Tolman & Wiker Insurance

DR. ROSALIND WARNER
Secretary
Physician, Ventura, Thousand Oaks Secretary, Saticoy Country Club Board of Directors

WILLIAM P. CORDEIRO, Ph.D.
Treasurer
Director, Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics, California State University, Channel Islands

CLAIRE BOWMAN
CEO, Via Alegre Educational & Counseling Services, Owner/Operator, Starbuck’s Ojai Valley Ranch

ANN DEAL
Founder & CEO, Fashion Forms

HARRIET FRIEDMAN
Community Volunteer

DIANE GOLDENRING, RDH, MSED, GKC
Philanthropist

ANTHONY T. HIRSCH, MD
Pediatrician
President, Ojai Film Society

JACQUELYN KILPATRICK, Ph.D.
Chair of English, Performing Arts and Communication
California State University, Channel Island

ROY SCHNEIDER
Partner/Attorney-at-Law
Myers, Widders, Gibson, Jones
& Schneider, LL

MARION WITTE, CPA
President. Angel Heart Foundation

EX OFFICIO
STEVE MAGIDSON
Immediate Past President

KEN WESLER
Managing Director

PENNY BARNDS
President, Grandes Dames

RON HARRINGTON, ESQ
Legal Advisor

 
 April 2009

HELP! MORE THAN ANY OTHER TIME IN OUR HISTORY,
RUBICON THEATRE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT.

We cannot stress this enough. With the economy as it is, the individuals and companies who have supported us through large monetary gifts over the years have taken a serious financial hit and are presently unable to support us at the level they have given in the past.

Our ticket prices cover less than half of what our shows actually cost us to produce. If we charged full price, our $49 tickets would rise to cost over $100 each.

As in the musical Fiddler on the Roof, it is going to take our village of Ventura to solve this problem.

We know you have been hit too; we all have. That’s why we have launched a campaign to raise $1 million through a gift we all can afford:  $365. For just $1 a day, you can ensure that Rubicon Theatre Company will continue to produce the wonderful shows that you have enjoyed for the past eleven years.  

We need 2,400 gifts to achieve our goal, and we need them now. We can do this…together.

However, without your support, we will not be able to continue.

Please give today, and please ask your fellow villagers to join you in giving.

Sincerely,
 
To make a contribution:
Please contact Patrick O’Hara at 805.667.2912 ext.237 (preferred)
 
Rubicon Theatre Company
1006 E. Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001


1006 E Main Street Ventura CA United States, 93001


Festival Director Clark Sayr
May 24 and 25, 2009

Who says young people have no imagination? Certainly not us!!! Rubicon Theatre Company invites you to experience the joys and sorrows of the human spirit as seen by 8 High School students in our 3rd Annual Young Playwrights' Festival. Inspired by the New York Young Playwrights Festival and founded by Clark Sayre, professional playwrights, actors and directors work with aspiring young writers to present a collection of original one act plays.

Tickets:
Reservations for this event are strongly encouraged.
Please call the Rubicon Box Office at 805.667.2900.

Single Tickets: $5 Donation
VIP Festival Pass: $25 Donation

VIP Festival Pass includes admission to all three performances, reserved center section seating and your choice of a glass of wine at My Florist Cafe or 10% off your meal and a free dessert at Tutti’s Off Main. Both restaurants are within minutes of the theatre in downtown Ventura. No Reservations necessary. Pick up your coupons when you arrive for the performance and present them to your server when you arrive at the restaurant of your choice.

This year's line-up of staged readings will be presented as follows:

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 7:00 P.M. PERFORMANCE

A Piece of Cake
By Sarah Lee

Jad, a timid cello virtuoso, has two hindrances to following his dream of being a professional cellist: himself and his jealous cello teacher, Glenn. Will Jad be able to overcome his self-doubts and gain enough confidence to escape Glenn's suffocating grip?

Murphy's Law
By Tatjana Mutinelli

George is unhappy. Even his bright and cheery dog Murphy can’t lift his master’s spirits, for rooted deeply in his past is an unresolved matter with his daughter. When Murphy begins to show an interest in another dog George is forced to learn a lesson that may be the key to ending his sorrowful and bitter life.

Front Steps
By Whitney Crowder

On the front steps of a dysfunctional home six year old Abby finds herself facing the prospects of a broken family as her father packs his bags. With the help of her warmhearted and optimistic best friend, Terrance, and his uniquely precious view on life, Abby is able to gather the strength to face her biggest fears.

MONDAY MAY 25, 2009 2:00 P.M. PERFORMANCE

Inaction
By Alex Pear

Denise is a mild-mannered, hard-working student living and studying in a quiet American college town. There, she and her friend Roger take interest in a suspicious campus research facility that is producing more than is believed. When Denise uncovers the truth, she faces a conflict beyond her wildest dreams and one that she cannot avoid.

Cell City
By Mikey Brand

After graduating from college, Alice moves to the city to begin her exciting new life. There she meets the rebellious Madi whose critical views of society lead Alice to question her own beliefs. Change, loss and identity are at the core of this interesting glimpse of life.

Heartstrings
By Evan Bell

Adam and Emily seem to have the perfect sibling relationship; happily living together in an apartment in California, until a mysterious traumatic event causes Adam to shut himself off from the outside world. In her attempt to connect with her brother tensions hit a boiling point, and deep-held emotions and secrets are forced to the surface. Parental advisory: this play contains mature content that may not be suitable for children.

MONDAY MAY 25, 2009 7:00 P.M. PERFORMANCE

Goodbye Butterfly
By Quinn Sosna-Spear

Jack, is a young man suffering from delusions. Dissatisfied with his mediocre life he seeks out the help of a therapist who, in her attempt to “cure” Jack, shows him his contentment with life as it is. This is an absurdly humorous look at the search for clarity in an insane world.

Diner Talk
By Cathryn H. Betz

The slow pace and regularity of a small town diner is interrupted when a young waitress, Meg, comes in with a black eye. Valerie, an older waitress who's seen it all, offers motherly advice and helps Meg come to a decision about the abusive relationship in which she's trapped.


 

If you are interested in participating in this program either as a playwright, mentor, director or actor please email Education Outreach Director Brian McDonald at bmcdonald@rubicontheatre.org.

To make a donation or to sponsor Rubicon's Education Outreach Programs, please call Brian McDonald at (805) 667-2912 ext. 234.

 

 

 

RTC's CURRENT PRODUCTION(s):

 

Sponsored by Barbara Meister—Barber Automotive Group / Loretta and Mike Merewether
Co-Sponsored by Elise and Bill Kearney / Sheeler Moving & Storage

July 9 - August 2, 2009

[ Get Tickets Online l Calendar]

Devised and directed by David Zippel
Musical Direction by Billy Stritch
Musical Supervision and Vocal Arrangements by Billy Stritch
Orchestrations by Don Sebesky
Choreography by Lorin Latarro
Assistant Musical Director Christopher Marlowe

Featuring David Burnham, Jason Graae, Sally Mayes, Julia Murney, Billy Stritch
and Tony Award winner Lillias White

In a career spanning seven decades, Cy Coleman created a glittering string of standards and popular music classics, as well as hundreds of hits for stage like City of Angels, Sweet Charity, Barnum, The Life, Little Me, On the Twentieth Century and Will Rogers Follies. Tony Award-winning writer and director David Zippel pays homage to Coleman with an elegant new musical revue performed by six singers accompanied by an eight-piece swing band. The sparkling score includes as-yet unpublished Coleman works, as well as songs made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Barbara Streisand.

For tickets, please call the box office at 805.667.2900.


RTC'S CURRENT SEASON AND BROCHURE

 

  

 














NOTE: The Tempest is now scheduled to close the 2009-2010 "Miracle" season.

 

NOTE: The Tempest is has been replaced in this season by:

 

Sponsored by Barbara Meister—Barber Automotive Group / Micheline and Al Sakharoff

September 3 - 27, 2009

[ Reserve Tickets l Calendar l Study Guide ]

Written by Joanna McClelland Glass

Starring Harold Gould, who is a favorite of Rubicon audiences from his performances in Old Wicked Songs, Defying Gravity and Tuesdays with Morrie.

Trying is the story of the internationally known Francis Biddle, Attorney General under President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Chief Judge of the Nuremberg trials. The play is set in 1967 when Biddle is 81 years old and trying to put his life in order. From old money and sharply cantankerous, he struggles with the inevitability of his age and failing health. His wife has forced upon him a new secretary named Sarah, who is all of 25 years old, and the two struggle to find a way to communicate. This richly scripted story illustrates how two strangers, at two dramatically different places in their lives, can unexpectedly and forever influence each other. Trying was inspired by playwright Glass' own experience as Biddle's personal secretary from 1967-68 and world-premiered at Chicago's Victory Gardens Theater in 2004.

For tickets, please call the box office at 805.667.2900.


NOTE
: A second listing for this show can be found on the web here:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producerevent/57774?prod_id=3100



 



 

 

 

RTC's UPCOMING SEASON PREVIEW:

 

TO HEAR A DISCUSSION OF THE UPCOMING 2009-2010 RTC  "MIRACLE SEASON," CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:

http://www.rubicontheatre.org/sound/audio_season.php

SHOW LIST HERE:

https://www.tickets.rubicontheatre.org/public/load_screen.asp



Lee Trevino:  "The harder I work, the luckier I get."



 

SEASON:


October 17 - November 8, 2009

Daddy-Long-Legs
By John Caird and Paul Gordon
MUSICAL PREMIERE

Directed by John Caird

DADDY-LONG-LEGS was first suggested to John Caird by his wife Maoko and is based on the Jean Webster Novel written in the early 1900's about an orphan girl who is sent to college by a mysterious benefactor whom she is required to write a letter to once a month telling of her life.   She will never know the benefactors identity so she invents one for him along with his name , "Daddy Long Legs".   Jean Webster has written a fiercely original protagonist in Jerusha Abbot who is years ahead of her time in her wry take on life, love and politics. Her novel consists entirely of Jerusha's letters and Paul Gordon and John Caird's adaptation stays true to this part of the storytelling.  But they have also created the character of Daddy-Long-Legs himself and he too has his own unique voice  -- although his identity will ultimately take Jerusha completely by surprise. 


December 5 - 27, 2009

A Rubicon Family Christmas (concert)
CONCEIVED AND DIRECTED BY BRIAN MC DONALD

The halls are decked with holly. The stockings are hung by the chimney with (with care, of course) and the presents are under the tree. All is in readiness for "A Rubicon Family Christmas!" Join stunningly talented singers and a jolly fellow in read for a gloriously entertaining evening of song, dance and story. This magical musical collection of your favorite carols and holiday hits will dazzle and inspire.

 

January 30 - February 21, 2010

This Is How It Goes
By Neil LaBute
Co-Production with The Ensemble Theatre in Santa Barbara
Directed by Jonathan Fox

High school sweethearts — the star of the high school track team (Cody) and a cheerleader (Belinda) — marry. He becomes a successful businessman; she's a stay-at-home mom. A high school acquaintance (Man) returns to town and rents the room over their garage and upsets the delicate balance of their relationship, raising questions about who they want to be, who they are, and what made them that way. The play's title refers to Man's frequent breaking of drama's Fourth Wall as he addresses the audience in between scenes. He prefaces his remarks to set up the next scene with "This is how it goes..." or his remarks on the preceding action with "This is how it went...". Deeply in love with Belinda, or at least the Belinda he remembered, he proves to be an unreliable narrator. Occasional scenes prove not to have occurred as he relates them and get re-acted in a style that the audience might find more reasonable or plausible.

 


March 13 - April 3, 2010

The Miracle Worker
By William Gibson
Directed by Jenny Sullivan

The title originates in Mark Twain's description of Sullivan as a "miracle worker." derived from Helen Keller's autobiography, "The Story of My Life," this play tells the relationship between Keller, a deaf and blind child, and Anne Sullivan, the teacher who introduced her to education, activism and international celebrity by winning the struggle to teach her to communicate with sign language to communicate. 

 


April 24 - May 16, 2010

Address Unknown
Based on a book by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor
Directed by Moni Yakim
Starring Jim O'Neil

(The title is actually a mistranslation of the term "Adressat unbekannt," which is marked on the last envelope. The correct translation of "Adressat" is "addressee," not "address"; which is much more in keeping with the plot of the story.) This is the story of two German friends and business partners, art dealers in San Francisco. Martin, a gentile, returns with his family to Germany, exhilarated by the advances in the old country since the humiliation of the Great War. The Jewish partner, Max, remains in the States to keep the business going. The story is told entirely in letters between them, from 1932 to 1934, the technique used in 84 Charing Cross Road.




September 4 - 26, 2010

The Tempest
By William Shakespeare
Directed by James O'Neil
Featuring George Backman, Alison Brie, Joseph Fuqua and Jamie Torcellini


"We are such stuff as dreams are made on." Lyrical, enchanting, full of grace and grandeur, Shakespeare's final romance is regarded by many to be his finest. Years before the play begins, Prospero, the Duke of Milan, and his daughter Miranda, were stranded on a fantastical island inhabited by sprites, fairies and monsters. There, Prospero develops magical powers which he now uses to shipwreck a boat and separate its regal voyagers, among them the King of Naples and his son Ferdinand. Miranda, now a teenager, is naïve to the ways of the world and has never beheld a young man - until she sees the handsome Ferdinand. "O brave new world that has such people in't!" she cries. Don't miss this exquisitely told tale of transgression and redemption, exile and return.

 

 

 

RTC's 2008-2009 ACTING CLASSES:

 

 

WINTER 2009 Acting Classes
Registration begins November 5, 2008

 

Course Descriptions

Acting (Ages 5-7)
When: 7 Saturdays     Cost: $175
January 10 - February 21, 2009 10:00am - 11:00am
Final Presentation on Saturday, February 21 at 11:30am

Instructors: Stefoni Burgi and Jessica Gordon

Download Registration Form
Register Online

A perfect introduction to the world of theatre! Students play imagination games and learn the elements of storytelling. This is an excellent class for young readers. On the last day of the workshop, family and friends are invited to a presentation of the students' work.



Acting (Ages 8-10)
When: 7 Saturdays     Cost: $225
January 10, 2009 - February 21, 2009 11:00am - 12:30pm
Final Presentation on Saturday, February 21 at 11:30am

Instructors: Stefoni Burgi and Jessica Gordon

Download Registration Form
Register Online

This is an introductory class that exposes students to scripted scenes and monologues. Students will learn memorization techniques, stage presence, listening and working together with a scene partner as they work on contemporary scripted material. Preliminary exposure to acting is beneficial but not necessary. This is an excellent class for young actors who are ready to take the next step. On the last day of the workshop, family and friends are invited to a presentation of the students' work.


Acting (Ages 11-13)
When: 8 Mondays    Cost: $275
January 26, 2009 – March 23, 2009 3:30pm - 5:30pm
No Class on February 16, 2009
Final Presentation on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 7:00pm

Instructor: Brian McDonald

Download Registration Form
SOLD OUT

These fast-paced classes are challenging and great fun. In a nurturing environment, students learn self-assurance while acquiring intermediate acting skills. Script analysis and character development are taught through monologue and scene work as well as theatre games, voice and movement exercises and improvisation. Individual attention is given to each student and the class culminates in a final presentation for parents, family and friends.



Acting (Ages 14-18)
When: 8 Tuesdays    Cost: $275
January 20, 2009 – March 24, 2009 3:30pm - 5:30pm
No Class on March 17, 2009
Final Presentation on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 7:00pm

Instructor: Brian McDonald

Download Registration Form
Register Online

These fast-paced classes are challenging and great fun. In a nurturing environment, students learn self-assurance while acquiring intermediate acting skills. Script analysis and character development are taught through monologue and scene work as well as theatre games, voice and movement exercises and improvisation. Individual attention is given to each student and the class culminates in a final presentation for parents, family and friends.



Acting (Ages 19+)
When: 8 Mondays    Cost: $300
January 26, 2009 – March 23, 2009 6:00pm – 9:00pm
No Class on February 16, 2009
Final Presentation on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:00pm

Instructor: Joseph Fuqua

Download Registration Form
Register Online

This very popular class looks to further student's skills or try acting for the first time. Students focus on script analysis, character development, memorization techniques and stage presence while learning how to free the voice and body for individual expression. Contemporary scenes and monologues are chosen by the instructor for each student based on their personal needs and wishes. This is a fast-paced three-hour course that meets for 8 Mondays culminating in an informal final presentation for family and friends.


 

 

Policies and Procedures

Please note: Instructors may be subject to change.

Making a Reservation:
A 20% non-refundable deposit is needed to secure a reservation. The balance of the tuition is due by the first day of class unless other payment arrangements have been made with our Finance Department.

Financial Assistance:
Limited financial assistance is available for qualifying students. Please download the scholarship application form. All applications must be received at least 2-weeks prior to the start of the class.

Payment Plans:
Please contact Kaila Kaden in our Finance Department at (805) 667-2912 ext. 233 to ask about payment plan options.

Cancellation Policy:
Students may withdraw from a class free of charge two-weeks prior to the first day of class. Cancelations must be done in writing or via email to outreach@rubicontheatre.org. Withdrawing from a class after the drop-class deadline will result in a refund minus the 20% non-refundable registration fee. Students withdrawing from a class after the start date must do so in writing and a refund will be subject to approval.

Cancellation of a Class:
If for any reason a class should be cancelled by Rubicon, you will receive a full refund for the class or have the choice to apply that tuition to another class or education program.

Auditing a Class:
If you wish to audit a class, please contact the Education and Outreach Department at 805-667-2912 ext. 230. Classes may be audited once for which there is a $20 fee that can be applied to your tuition if you choose to enroll in the class. Auditing a class allows you to experience the class as an observer.

 

To make a donation or to sponsor Rubicon's Education Outreach Programs,
please call Outreach Director, Brian McDonald at (805) 667-2912 ext. 234.

 

 

 

 

RTC's SUMMER YOUTH THEATRE PROGRAMS:

 

A Summer of fantastic fun perfect for the entire family!
A Midsummer Night's Dream
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Footloose: The Musical

top_oakie 

Rubicon's Summer Youth productions are high-quality exciting entertainment for the entire family. This year's productions will be presented in various locations around the county from Ventura to Camarillo so be sure to check the location and performance time for each show.

Advanced reservations are encouraged as many of these performances quickly sell out. Tickets are $15/Adults and $10/Kids 12 and under for all productions and can be purchased online by clicking a link below or by calling the Rubicon Box Office at 805.667.2900.  

 

Program Overview
For the past 6 summers young people ages 9-22 have been coming to Rubicon to participate in Rubicon's youth theatre programs. These highly acclaimed programs offer students the chance to work with working professionals six days a week, six hours a day to focus on the process and performance of a musical or drama in a professional setting. In this nurturing and safe environment young artists reach their individual potential through risk-taking and positive criticism. The programs culminate with a fully staged production and public performances.

We are so excited and hope to see you this summer as we present our most ambitious youth program to date!

Sincerely,
Brian McDonald
Director of Education
Rubicon Theatre Company

 

 



 



RTC's CALIFORNIA RUBICON INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL:

 

 

header

 

NOTE:  EVERYONE, YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THIS GROUNDBREAKING EVENT ON THE RUBICON THEATRE COMPANY WEBSITE HERE:

http://www.rubicontheatre.org/galas/ritf.php

http://www.rift.org/  

 

 

THE RITF PREVIEW SEASON BROCHURE

(Most of this information is also obtained in the information posted just below the brochure pictures)

 

 

 








 

 

 
header
 

dear friends

Three years ago, true to form, Rubicon Theatre Company presented a festival in which esteemed actors and artists from around the world came together to present the entire canon of Samuel Beckett. Among them was Michael Colgan, Artistic Director of Ireland's Gate Theatre. Energized and inspired by the gathering, it was an exhilarating time.

Then it happened. A group of us were at the Bella Maggiore Inn, enjoying the kind of extended conversation that happens with close friends after a wonderful meal. You can see where this is going. Michael said, "This would be the perfect place for an annual international theatre festival." Michael left for Dublin the next day-but that simple statement started to keep us up nights. Beautiful Ventura's splendid outdoor summer activities by day and stimulating theatre by night; what could be better?

Welcome now to the Preview Season of the Rubicon International Theatre Festival. Artists from France, Israel, Ivory Coast, the United Kingdom and Venezuela will tell love stories, confront the emotional ravages of war, dream of the future and offer an infusion of joy.

Please join us this July-it is with you that we can know a more literate, empathic and passionate world community. See you at the Festival!


Linda Purl, Festival Director

 
calendar 1
calendar 2
cyclone

by Luis Marques
directed by Vagba Obou de Sales
sponsored by Elizabeth Grossman and
The Larson Charitable Foundation
and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie

Somewhere in Africa a 26-year-old rebel guerilla colonel is held captive in a prison cell. It is the first safe haven he has known since being captured from his village as a child. A court-appointed female attorney unearths the man trapped behind a lifetime of violence. "A piercing face to face encounter played by the two grand actors of the Ivory Coast." -- Le Figaro

Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura

cyclone

adapted by Oren Neeman
from "Confession" by Yonatan Ben-Nachum
translated by Ami Dayan and Mark Williams
directed and performed by Ami Dayan
sponsored by Shelley and Rick Bayer, Sandra and Jordan Laby and City of Calabasas

In present-day Madrid, an Israeli scholar is detained for stealing a confidential file which tells the story of a Catholic priest and a beautiful young Jewess during the Spanish Inquisition. The priest is required to "purify" the woman. He visits her daily, drawn to her intelligence and charm. Their friendship ultimately becomes an all-consuming love affair. "Dayan is a master." -- Variety

Ventura College Theatre, 4667 Telegraph Road
(7/21 only) Calabasas Civic Center Amphitheatre, 200 Civic Center Way

 
 
cyclone

by Samuel Beckett
directed by Judy Hegarty Lovett
produced by Gare St Lazare Players, Ireland
sponsored by Micheline and Albert Sakharoff and the Irish Arts Council

Internationally renowned for their fresh and accessible interpretations of Beckett's prose, Gare St Lazare presents acclaimed actor Conor Lovett in this new adaptation. The narrator, expelled from the family home upon the death of his father, takes refuge on a bench by a canal. There he meets a woman who takes him home. "One could hardly come up with a better human instrument to intone Samuel Beckett's comic prose than Conor Lovett" -- L.A. Times

Ventura College Studio Theatre, 4667 Telegraph Road

cyclone

directed By Erwan Daourhas
starring Julien Cottereau
winner 2007 Moliere Award - Best Actor
sponsored by Bunnin Automotive

An 11-year veteran of Cirque du Soleil, Cottereau is a virtuoso clown and mime artist who has been likened to Harpo Marx, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Imagine-Toi draws us into a special universe populated with astonishing characters performed by the acrobatic, elastic Cottereau, who also creates his own animal sounds and other effects. A wonderful event for all ages! "Fantastic, delirious, amazing, fabulous, incomparable, hilarious, elegant, unique, marvelous, fairy-like, shining, funny..." -- Recalls

co-sponsored by Hogan Family Foundation
étant donnés and French Cultural Services

Ventura College Theatre, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura

 
 
cyclone

musical director Ron Abel
sponsored by Joan Payden and John Scardino
sponsored by Wells Fargo Foundation

London cabaret artist Giselle Wolf sings songs from the heart about love hoped for, won and lost. Her repertoire includes American standards, showtunes, jazz and French favorites. "Giselle Wolf is an interpreter whose consummate skills can deliver these messages of love, joy, sadness, regret, loss and just being human."
-- Glynn MacDonald, Shakespeare's Globe, London

Elk's Lodge, 11 South Ash Street, Ventura

 
 
cyclone

by Gustavo Ott
directed by Lourdes Solarzano
sponsored by Danny Villanueva

From Teatro de las Americas, this hilarious play looks at a young urban husband and wife and their meticulously planned program to have a baby. In the midst of the procedures, each finds that they must deal with "baggage" -- especially when it shows up at their door! In Spanish with supertitles.

Bell Arts Factory, 432 North Ventura Avenue, Ventura

cyclone

Staged by James O'Neil
Special Concert by Stephen Bishop
Sponsored by Barbara Meister and Family

A star-studded evening of international performers that celebrates cross-cultural currents in both words and music with a live concert performance by singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop. Five actors from around the world speak Shakespeare's eternal question "To be or not to be..." in their native tongues accompanied by piano underscoring. A catered reception with international foods and a no-host bar is included with orchestra tickets. Many of RITF's Artistic Advisory Council members will be present for this exciting event. Festive attire suggested.

Majestic Ventura Theatre, 26 South Chestnut Street, Ventura

cyclone
sponsored by Scott and Rachelle Adler


Renowned Kabuki scholar Professor Lon Gordon gives a colorful lecture/demonstration based on historical and personal notes made during his unique three-year apprenticeship with the Grand Kabuki Theatre of Japan.

Elk's Lodge, 11 South Ash Street, Ventura


These selections celebrate Jalaluddin Rumi (1207-1273,) one of humanity's most passionate and exalted mystic poets. His poems are sharp, dazzling, electric messages directly from Rumi's heart to our own, a testament to Love's immensity.

Ventura Book Fair, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 450 East Harbor Blvd., Ventura


Festival apprentices have been immersed over a three-week period in an array of international theatre disciplines. This evening showcases their talents and new discoveries.

time warnerElk's Lodge, 11 South Ash Street, Ventura sponsored by Time Warner Cable


Matinees and Weekdays: $42 * Friday and Saturday nights: $47 * Opening Ceremony: $250, $125, $42
Tu Ternura Molotov: $10
Patron Passport (Premium seating all shows plus Opening Ceremony reception -35% discount): $315
Festival Passport (Seating all shows plus Opening Ceremony reception- 15% discount):$200
Senior 65+ discount: $5 per ticket * Select student matinees: $25
For tickets and information, call 805.667.2900 or visit: www.ritf.org

 

Artistic Advisory Council:
Arvin Brown * Kate Burton * Susan Clark * Martha Coigney * Bruce Davison * Olympia Dukakis
Sheldon Epps * Miguel Ferrer * Peter Goldfarb * Julie Harris * Peter Hunt * Stacy Keach * Joe Mantegna
Donald Margulies * Alfred Molina * Jerry Patch * Roger Rees * Michael Ritchie * Craig Slaight * Tony Taccone
Richard Thomas * George White * Michael York
 

 

 

 
If you would like to view this e-mail online, click here.

Please join us for the
OPENING CEREMONY
of the
RUBICON INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

sponsored by Southern California Gas Company a Sempra Energy Utility in partnership
with the City of Ventura

A star-studded evening with performances by international artists,  
launching ten days of plays from around the world
featuring...

Oscar ® and Grammy ® Award Nominee
STEPHEN BISHOP
LIVE IN CONCERT

plus the Inaugural presentation of
The Gordon Davidson Award
for Distinguished Creative Contribution to the Art of the Theatre
Honoree: Gordon Davidson

Founding Artistic Director of Center Theatre Group

***********

Friday, July 18
7:00pm reception        8:00pm performance
Majestic Ventura Theatre, 26 South Chestnut St., Ventura

$250 Patron Seating (includes reception)
$125 Festival Seating (includes reception), $42 Balcony Seating

Tickets (805) 667-2900 or www.ritf.org

***********

Rubicon International Theatre Festival
2008 PREVIEW SEASON
July 12-27, 2008

Featured Community Preview Event: July 12, 13
Your Molotov Kisses/Tu Ternura Molotov (Venezuelan playwright Gustavo Ott)
a production of Teatro de las Americas of Ventura.
Sponsored by Danny Villanueva

Opening Ceremony
Special Concert by Stephen Bishop July 18
Sponsored by Barbara Meister and the Meister Family Foundation

Eye of the Cyclone (Ivory Coast) July 16-19
Sponsored by Elizabeth Grossman and the Larson Charitable Foundation;
Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie

Conviction (Israel/USA) July 19-21
Sponsored by Shelley and Rick Bayer; Sandra and Jordan Laby; City of Calabasas

First Love (Ireland) July 23-27
Sponsored by Micheline and Albert Sakharoff; Irish Arts Council

Imagine-toi (France) July 24-27
Sponsored by Bunnin Automotive Group; Co-Sponsored by Hogan Family Foundation and French Cultural Services

Cabaret (United Kingdom) Giselle Wolf July 25
Sponsored by Joan Payden; John Scardino

***********

Festival Tickets (805) 667-2900 or www.ritf.org
Matinees and weekdays $42
Friday and Saturday nights $47
Featured Community Event: Tu Ternura Molotov $10 all seats

Patron Passport $315
Includes premium seating at all shows, including Opening Ceremony with reception - 35% discount.

Festival Passport $200
Includes all shows, and Opening Ceremony with reception/15% discount

(Senior 65 plus discount $5 per ticket and select student matinees $25 - Call Box Office for details.)


 



 

Rubicon International Theatre Festival
In the summer of 2008, as part of the Rubicon Theatre Company's tenth anniversary celebration and continuing commitment to its expansive mission, Ventura, California's "New Art City", will see the launch of an annual, international theatre festival. Situated on the water's edge Ventura is truly a gem of the Pacific Rim, a retreat midst surf, sand and mountains. Join us won't you? Come play, enjoy and celebrate with us the complexities of the human spirit as we strive to stimulate participation in the greater dialogue and thus in the creation of our society's values in a way that only the live theatre can do....  

 

RUBICON INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

Mission
To produce an annual festival in Ventura, California which offers a fusion of distinguished international theatre productions and new works created for the festival.

Vision
The festival is a forum where citizens of the world can come together, immerse themselves in multiple productions over a concentrated period of time, and viscerally experience "the road not taken." They savor new adventures, discover new vistas, and examine their perceptions of the human condition. The personal experience of theatre illuminates universal themes and stimulates social dialogue, deepening human connections and fostering greater understanding between individuals and cultures.

Objectives
To create bridges for the advancement of cross-cultural understanding, an imperative in an increasingly fragmented world.

To bring a diverse public into the ambiance and the beautiful setting of Ventura, California, on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, where they will experience the many attractions of the area and the multiple productions of the festival.

To cultivate future generations of engaged and informed citizens through performance, education and outreach programs.

FACILITIES AND VENUES

The Festival will be using numerous sites all within close proximity to Ventura's downtown cultural district. Among them are Ventura's expansive State owned and operated Fairgrounds situated on the water's edge.

Existing Fairground venues
- Pacific Arena, an outdoor rodeo arena with a capacity of 1800.
- Morgan Arena, an outdoor arena with a capacity of 300.
- Fairgrounds Anacapa Hall and San Miguel Hall, two 20,000 square foot buildings ideal for alternative spaces each with a capacity for 400- 500.

In addition there is room for two tents. Full infrastructure is already in place with easy marked access from the 101 freeway. The Amtrak train station is also at the Fairgrounds. We intend to secure the use of the Fairgrounds as an in kind donation from the State.

Within 10-15 minutes walk of the Fairgrounds
- Rubicon Theatre, a 200 seat proscenium theatre and home of the Rubicon Theatre Company
- Majestic Theatre, 900 seat proscenium with cabaret style seating in place

Within ten minutes drive of downtown
- Adobe Olivas, a county run turn of the century Spanish adobe with out door gardens abutting its expansive façade. Capacity 200.
- RITF's ability to present international theatre troops in a setting that takes full advantage of the natural wonders of the farthest West will make our festival distinctive, our identity unique and be a crucial element in our success.

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Education and outreach is a cornerstone of the Festival mission. As such we are strongly committed to providing unique training opportunities for students of all ages through the festival. Our components to achieve this are:

Apprentice Program
This program is comprised of 20 students age I8 and up, who want to expand their theatre education and experience. Lectures are given by visiting Artists and classes taught by Festival Faculty. Apprentices will learn about the different aspects of running a professional theatre company by training in each of the various departments under Festival Staff (props, costumes, box office, scene shop, stage management, etc.) on a rotating basis. As such they will be closely involved in the day-to-day operations.

International Theatre Panel Discussion
Visiting theatre professionals will gather to discuss the place, purpose and responsibility of theatre in our world in two panel discussions. These lively debates will be open to the public.

Theatre Talks
A seminar series open to the public, given by visiting theatre professionals on a variety of topics relating to all aspects of the theatre.

The Celebration Parade
Banners, masks, musical ensembles, giant puppets and floats reflecting the theme of each year's Festival will be created in a workshop under the tutelage of local and international artists. This parade workshop, known as Celebration Headquarters, will host ongoing sessions open to the public in the months leading up to the Parade and Festival. During the spring semester, artists will also be available to mentor the building of parade entries at local schools. These unique entries will be constructed from both found and donated materials and shall exclude the use of motorized vehicles, live animals, words and placards. The Parade will travel Ventura city streets and journey to the Fairgrounds where it will merge with street performers, musicians and Festival booths. Held on the Saturday of opening weekend to the Rubicon International Theatre Festival, it will serve to kick off the season's events.

World class international theatre presentations coupled with the expansive spirit and restorative beauty of the West, Los Angeles adjacent RITF will provide a unique experience and powerful purpose for audience and artist alike. We look forward to seeing you in 2008.

"No impersonal representation of a culture can fully communicate its reality to others who have never known its substance. Through personal relations - our curiosity can be fulfilled by a sense of knowledge, cynicism can give way to trust, and the warmth of human friendship be kindled."
         -- President John F. Kennedy

Founders: Karyl Lynn Burns, James O'Neil, Linda Purl

Festival Director: Linda Purl

Executive Director: M. Edgar Rosenblum

Artistic Advisory Board
Arvin Brown (Former Artistic Director Long Wharf) Kate Burton Martha Coigney (Honorary President ITI) Peter Goldfarb (Vice President ITI International) Julie Harris Peter Hunt Donald Margulies Jerry Patch (Co-Artistic Director Old Globe Theatre/Former Director Sundance Theatre Festival) Roger Rees (Artistic Director Williamstown Theatre Festival) Michael Ritchie(Artistic Director CTG) Craig Slaight (Young Conservatory Director/Associate Artist A.C.T.) Tony Taccone (Artistic Director Berkeley Rep) Richard Thomas George White (Founder Eugene O'Neil Theatre)

We look forward to your joining us in the summer of 2008!  

 

LOCATION

Ventura, California - one hour north of Los Angeles, set along the scenic California coast line.

DATES

 

July 16-27, 2008 - Debut Season

July 9-19, 2009 - Inaugural Season

VENUES

 

Facilities as part of the Ventura County Fairgrounds (2009)
- Pacific Arena
- Anacapa Hall
- San Miguel Hall

Off site facilities:
- Helen Yunker Theatre
- Ventura High School
- Ventura Black Box
- Rubicon Theatre

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

France, NEWIreland, NEWIsrael and Ivory Coast

   

 

 

Rubicon International Theatre Festival

Three-Week Intensive
Professional Apprenticeship Program
for Actors
Led by Master Juilliard Faculty & International Artists

The Rubicon International Theatre Festival, led by Artistic Director Linda Purl, presents its Preview Season July 17-27, 2008 in the beautiful beach town of Ventura, California, one-hour north of Los Angeles, offering a powerful fusion of distinguished artists and international productions from across the globe.

The festival unveils its
Professional Apprenticeship Program
this season as well - from July 8-28, 2008.

  • Led by Juilliard Master faculty & world renowned directors Moni Yakim and Mina Yakim
  • From The Leqoc School in Paris & Cal State Northridge & Cal State Channel Islands-Luda Popenhagen and Ron Popenhagen
  • Master of Asian Theatre Styles from the University of Illinois- Lon Gordon
  • With master classes & seminars by international artists from the festival
  • And culminating in a performance for festival attendees & industry professionals

Students and artists invited to apply for this three-week intensive international theatre training program include current undergraduate and graduate students as well as high school students entering their senior year or first year of university theatre training who are looking for advanced training and powerful connections to launch their careers. The program will rigorously explore fundamentals of Acting, and Vocal, & Movement styles including Commedia, Clown, Mask, & Kabuki, From the disciplines of Grotowski, Decroux, Adler, Lecoq, and Shakespeare.

Housing (private rooms) & classes are on the beautiful campus of Cal State University at Channel Islands. Tuition for the 3 week program is $1,950 including housing & breakfast. $1,500 without housing/breakfast. A limited number of scholarships are also available.

Deadline for Applications Extended!

Do You Know:

* An actor who would benefit from working with Juilliard teachers & international artists this summer?
* A talented student actor entering their senior year or graduating high school this spring?
* A college theatre student or graduate student looking for advanced training and powerful connections?

This Apprenticeship Program will give them a great advantage as they launch their careers!

Also seeking volunteers to assist the Apprentice Program and the International Festival in General.

 

For Apprentice Program & Volunteer Info,
contact Joe Peracchio, Associate Producer at (805) 667-2912 ext. 238,
or at jperacchio@rubicontheatre.org

 

Please visit www.RITF.org for more information and application.

Click here to download the application.


#######################################################################################################

A SPECIAL EVENING TO SUPPORT RITF!

 

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
and support
RUBICON INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

Patron Tequila is Honored to Sponsor:
The Rosarito Beach Cafe's
"20th Reunion Dinner for the Arts"

Chef/Owner Sandy Smith, and the original staff of the former Rosarito Beach Cafe, wishes to extend an invitation to you to join them in celebrating their 20th anniversary.

Twenty years ago, (or close enough), a small, eleven table cafe in the downtown altered the course of dining in Ventura forever. In retrospect, perhaps they were ahead of their time. But now, twenty years later, their focus on regional Mexican cuisine, quality ingredients, and of course, those fresh hand-rolled tortillas make perfect sense. Join the staff of the Rosarito Beach Cafe as they "do it one more time" to benefit the arts.
When: The evening of May 5th - Cinco de Mayo Cocktails 6:30 Dinner at 7:30
Where: Jonathan's at Peirano's, 204 East Main Street
What: A twelve item tasting menu from the original menu,
matched with wine, and of course, it wouldn't be
Rosarito without those tortillas.
Cost: $100.00 per person - advance payment requested. All proceeds benefit The Rubicon International Theater Festival, and Art City.
How: For Reservations, contact Rubicon Box Office at (805) 667-2900. All credit cards accepted.

A Special Thanks to Our Gracious Hosts and
Owners of Jonathan's - Jocelyn and Jason Collis

 

 

 

 

 

RTC's CURRENT THEATRE TRIPS:


Meeting Up with Friends in Vegas

 
Pack your bags, See a show, Meet the stars!

Rubicon is offering three unique getaways over the next few months – adventures that are not available through your travel agent. Our trips, especially designed for theater lovers, will combine rest and relaxation with the excitement of seeing great shows and meeting their performers and creators.

Our first excursion, to Las Vegas, is coming up in just a few weeks. The air-conditioned motor coach – which will also take us around to various locations in Vegas in cool comfort – will leave Aug. 1 and return Aug. 4. We will stay at the luxurious Luxor Hotel and see three shows: Cirque du Soleil’s O at the Bellagio; The Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian; and Monty Python’s Spamalot at Wynn Las Vegas.

We will also meet two of the shows’ performers: Tony Award-winner Anthony Crivello, who sings the title role in Phantom, and Randal Keith, one of the gifted comic actors in the Spamalot ensemble.

The two men have much in common. Both have played the Phantom – Keith starred in the hit musical’s first national tour – and both are familiar faces to Rubicon regulars. Crivello starred in Mating Dance of the Werewolf, while Keith played the Innkeeper and Governor in Man of La Mancha.

The Vegas Phantom, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, is a one-act, 95-minute version of the musical which received strong reviews for both its streamlined script and its star. Las Vegas Weekly praised Crivello’s “powerful pipes,” adding that he creates “a compelling Phantom, his portrayal transcending terror to reach a tenderness that gives the piece its poignancy.”

The show does not stint on production values: Crivello noted in a recent interview that the budget is an astonishing $38 million, and the famous falling chandelier is two stories high. If you worry the love story will get lost amidst the glitz, fear not: Crivello reported that “Something must be going right because some woman at the end of my curtain call last night yelled out, ‘Marry me!’ ”

 

Karyl Lynn Burns, Rubicon’s co-founder, will be our escort.
Cost of the trip is $885 double occupancy; the single-room rate is $1,035.

To reserve a spot, call Amber Landis at (805) 667-2912, ext. 239,
or e-mail her at alandis@rubicontheatre.org.

An Affair in San Diego

If you’re planning to drive down to San Diego and see the Broadway-bound musical A Catered Affair with Faith Prince and Harvey Fierstein, good luck. The show is expected to easily sell out, and the Old Globe Theatre is offering it only to its subscribers.

But you can see the much-anticipated show by joining Rubicon on a two-night trip to San Diego Sept. 28-30. And you’ll get a chance to meet its composer, John Bucchino. His smaller-scale musical It’s Only Life will have its first full production next spring at Rubicon Theatre.

A Catered Affair is an adaptation of a 1956 film starring Bette Davis. Set in the Bronx in the 1950s, it concerns a couple who must decide whether to spend their life savings on a family business or to launch their only daughter's marriage with a lavish catered affair. John Doyle, renowned for his recent Broadway revivals of Sweeney Todd and Company, directs.

We will travel on an air-conditioned motor coach and stay at the historic Hotel del Coronado. Hang around the pool during the day, or enjoy an optional bus trip to beautiful Balboa Park.

 

Rubicon co-founder Karyl Lynn Burns will be our escort.
Cost of the trip is $910 per person double occupancy,
with a single-room rate of $1,356.
Reservations must be made by Sept. 14.

For more information, call Amber Landis at (805) 667-2912, ext. 239,
or e-mail her at alandis@rubicontheatre.org.

 

Join Linda Purl in London

Linda Purl, director of the upcoming Rubicon International Theatre Festival, and Jim O’Neil, Rubicon’s co-founder and Artistic Director, will lead an exclusive group on a theater tour to London and Budapest October 25 through November 4, 2007.

London is a great theater city, of course, and we’ll see four shows there and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal National Theatre. (For lovers of royalty, we’ll also enjoy a private tour of the House of Lords.)

What you may not know is the Hungarian capital, renowned for its beautiful architecture and Roman ruins, is home to 40 theater companies! We will take in several shows and enjoy talks by some of the city’s leading theatre critics and the President of its Theatre Institute.

The cost, including air fare and accommodations in first-class hotels,
is $6,500 double occupancy.

For more information, call Mychelle Dee at (805) 667-2912, ext. 237,
or e-mail her at mdee@rubicontheatre.org.

 

 

 

Europe 2007
Rubicon's International Theatre Tour

You are Invited!

Dear Friends:

Rubicon Theatre Company and Rubicon International Theatre Festival invite you to travel with us to London and Budapest for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In October of 2007, Linda Purl and James O’Neil of Rubicon will lead a U.S. Delegation to Europe for an exclusive theatre and cultural tour. Delegates will be taken backstage and behind the scenes to encounter European culture head on.

 

Budapest, Hungary

Photo of the Parliament in Budapest, Hungary

Rubicon has been issued a very special invitation from the Theatre Institute of Hungary to travel to Budapest in October of 2007. Boasting Roman ruins, splendors of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and 40 resident theatre companies, it is their keen desire for a Delegation from the US to experience the wonders of their capitol and to attend multiple theatre productions.

The invitation includes private city tours and informative talks from their leading theatre critic and President of the Theatre Institute that will give us a context for our travels both historical and contemporary and a bird’s eye view to the changing landscape in Eastern Europe. Experiencing the cultural crossroads of Budapest this trip will offer an insightful look at life in the heart of Europe.

London, England

In London we will enjoy four great theatrical performances accompanied by illuminating discussions with London’s key theatre figures. We’ll take a behind-the-scenes look at the renowned National Theatre, and we’ll be treated to a private tour of Parliament’s House of Lords by personal invitation of Lord Falkland, Premier Viscount of Scotland.

At deluxe accommodations near the theatre district, we will gather in the morning to critique the play seen the night before and preview the play of the day. In the afternoon, relax or take included theatre-related tours. Final selection of plays will be made closer to our time of departure to ensure seeing the best of what is being offered during our stay.

Experience firsthand the arts advantage and join our Rubicon Delegation as we travel abroad in October of ‘07. We look forward to traveling with you on this international adventure!

Linda Purl & James O’Neil

 

 

Your European Experience

What’s Included

  • Accommodations in first class hotels (or the best available).
  • Prices based on two persons sharing a room with private bath.
  • Bus transfers and luggage handling.
  • Tours as listed in final itineraries.
  • Services of experienced tour directors and local guides.
  • Pre-trip information.
  • Plenty of relaxation

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare from your home to the starting point of the program and back home at the end of the program. Our recommended travel professionals will be glad to assist you in making your air reservations.
  • Elective trips are not on our announced itinerary. Should you decide not to take part in any of our scheduled features, we will not be able to offer you a refund.
  • Passport and visa fees.
  • All personal items and other items not specifically mentioned as included in the itineraries.
  • Personal travel insurance, which we consider essential to protect you in case you need to cancel your program participation or to cover medical treatment and emergency evacuation when you are abroad.

 

 

The Particulars

Accessibility/Mobility

Once we have a frank assessment of your needs, we will be glad to work with our hosts to find out what aspects of the program would be accessible to you and what you may have to forgo. We can also attempt to find out what special accommodations might be arranged for you at additional cost. Please call to make an inquiry. Anyonerequiring extraordinary assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide such aid.

Single Travelers

A limited number of single spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis for an additional fee. We welcome with enthusiasm those who wish to travel alone. Our staff will make every effort possible to incorporate each participant into the life of the group. We provide some assistance to single travelers who want to share accommodations.

Physical Requirements

In order to fully enjoy the trip, we recommend that all participants be in good mental and physical health. Activity level will be moderate, involving walking and stair climbing.

 

 

Make Your Arrangements

Tour Costs

Details and prices in this invitation are based on information available as of June 15. They are subject to change. Please note that all prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Space is limited. 20-30 member Rubicon Delegation travel fee $6,500 (includes a $1,000 tax-deductible donation to Rubicon International Theatre Festival).

Reservations

Reservations for Rubicon Delegation 2007 are now being accepted and honored in order of receipt. Use the attached form.

A provisional deposit of $750 per person per program, submitted with the attached reservation form, reserves a place. If you make a provisional deposit, we will automatically send you the detailed brochure as soon as it is available. Deposits are provisional, pending your acceptance of the final brochure terms. Balance of payment is due on receipt of final invoice, 90 days prior to departure.

Mail the attached registration form with a deposit of $750 per person to Rubicon International Theatre Festival, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001. Or Fax your reservations with your credit card information to our office at (805) 667-2903.

Or call (805) 667-2900 to charge your deposit on your credit card during regular business hours Monday – Friday, 10:00 – 5:00 pm PST.

To reserve on the Web, go to www.rubicontheatre.org and then go to the Web page for the program.

Cancellations and Refunds

The provisional deposit is 100% refundable until the final program brochure is mailed. Once you have received the final brochure, you will have two weeks to cancel. After that time, you will be subject to cancellation policies governing program. Trip cancellation insurance is available for all programs and is highly recommended. Our recommended travel professionals will be glad to assist you in acquiring appropriate travel insurance.

 

Europe 2007
October 25th - November 4th

Registration Form

Passenger One, Name (as on your passport)              Passenger Two, Name (as on your passport)


Address (Passenger One)                                           Address (Passenger Two)



Phone Number                                                            Email


Dietary Needs Room Preference


Other Special Needs


Emergency Contact (Name & Phone)


 

Please send this form with your $1500 ($750 per person) refundable deposit to
RITF, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001

Credit cards accepted ~ Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Questions? Call Mychele Dee at (805) 667-2912 ext. 237 E-mail: mdee@rubicontheatre.org

* Air flights are not included in the package. Please contact Susan Holden at ProTravel International, Inc.
(310) 271-9566 susan.holden@protravelinc.com, if you need help arranging your flights.

 

 

LAS VEGAS 

 Meeting Up with Friends
Pack your bags, See a show, Meet the stars! in Vegas

Rubicon is offering three unique getaways over the next few months - adventures that are not available through your travel agent. Our trips, especially designed for theater lovers, will combine rest and relaxation with the excitement of seeing great shows and meeting their performers and creators.

Our first excursion, to Las Vegas, is coming up in just a few weeks. The air-conditioned motor coach - which will also take us around to various locations in Vegas in cool comfort - will leave Aug. 1 and return Aug. 4. We will stay at the luxurious Luxor Hotel and see three shows: Cirque du Soleil's O at the Bellagio; The Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian; and Monty Python's Spamalot at Wynn Las Vegas.

We will also meet two of the shows' performers: Tony Award-winner Anthony Crivello, who sings the title role in Phantom, and Randal Keith, one of the gifted comic actors in the Spamalot ensemble.

The two men have much in common. Both have played the Phantom - Keith starred in the hit musical's first national tour - and both are familiar faces to Rubicon regulars. Crivello starred in Mating Dance of the Werewolf, while Keith played the Innkeeper and Governor in Man of La Mancha.

The Vegas Phantom, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, is a one-act, 95-minute version of the musical which received strong reviews for both its streamlined script and its star. Las Vegas Weekly praised Crivello's "powerful pipes," adding that he creates "a compelling Phantom, his portrayal transcending terror to reach a tenderness that gives the piece its poignancy."

The show does not stint on production values: Crivello noted in a recent interview that the budget is an astonishing $38 million, and the famous falling chandelier is two stories high. If you worry the love story will get lost amidst the glitz, fear not: Crivello reported that "Something must be going right because some woman at the end of my curtain call last night yelled out, 'Marry me!' "

Karyl Lynn Burns, Rubicon's co-founder, will be our escort.
Cost of the trip is $885 double occupancy; the single-room rate is $1,035.

To reserve a spot, call Amber Landis at (805) 667-2912, ext. 239,
or e-mail her at
alandis@rubicontheatre.org. 

 

 ##########################

 

An Affair in San Diego

If you're planning to drive down to San Diego and see the Broadway-bound musical A Catered Affair with Faith Prince and Harvey Fierstein, good luck. The show is expected to easily sell out, and the Old Globe Theatre is offering it only to its subscribers.

But you can see the much-anticipated show by joining Rubicon on a two-night trip to San Diego Sept. 28-30. And you'll get a chance to meet its composer, John Bucchino. His smaller-scale musical It's Only Life will have its first full production next spring at Rubicon Theatre.

A Catered Affair is an adaptation of a 1956 film starring Bette Davis. Set in the Bronx in the 1950s, it concerns a couple who must decide whether to spend their life savings on a family business or to launch their only daughter's marriage with a lavish catered affair. John Doyle, renowned for his recent Broadway revivals of Sweeney Todd and Company, directs.

We will travel on an air-conditioned motor coach and stay at the historic Hotel del Coronado. Hang around the pool during the day, or enjoy an optional bus trip to beautiful Balboa Park.

Rubicon co-founder Karyl Lynn Burns will be our escort.
Cost of the trip is $910 per person double occupancy,
with a single-room rate of $1,356.
Reservations must be made by Sept. 14.

For more information, call Amber Landis at (805) 667-2912, ext. 239,
or e-mail her at
alandis@rubicontheatre.org. 

 

 ##########################

 

WINNIPEG, CANADA

Please join us in April, 2006

when

Miss Daisy Drives to Canada!


The Rubicon Theatre will be escorting interested patrons on a special trip to our sister theatre company, the Winnipeg Theatre Company in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada from April 17-April 23, 2006.

Be there when Rubicon's award-winning original production of Driving Miss Daisy opens on April 22, 2006. The cast and Rubicon co-founders Karyl Lynn Burns and Jim O'Neil will be on hand to greet us!

Besides our visit to the Manitoba Theatre Company, highlights of this action-packed week will include a performance of "The Marriage of Figaro" opera, a private tour of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet during a rehearsal, visits to all the historic sites of Winnipeg and sumptuous dining. Tours will include the St. Boniface Museum, Manitoba Museum, McPhillips Street Casino, Millennium Express, Circle of Life Thunderbird House where we will learn about the largest urban Aboriginal communities in Canada, and a special  Ukrainian feast with lavish entertainment.

You'll also have free time to sample the shopping, art galleries and the dazzling array of fine restaurants. Complete orientation materials and recommendations will be provided.

Accommodations will be at the beautiful Fort Garry Hotel in the heart of Winnipeg and will include a complimentary full breakfast each morning. The hotel features a wonderful spa for optional extra pampering.

Air travel will be on United Airlines via Los Angeles to Chicago and then Winnipeg outbound. The returning flight will fly via Winnipeg to Denver and then Los Angeles.

Round-trip coach transfer from Ventura to LAX will be included and from Winnipeg to the Fort Garry Hotel.

PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST HAVE A VALID U.S. PASSPORT TO TRAVEL TO CANADA.

Because of a favorable exchange rate between the U.S. and Canadian dollar, we can offer you this memorable trip for only $2050 double occupancy or $2300 single occupancy. (This includes a tax-deductible donation.)

 

Here's What's You'll Get:

    • Round trip coach transportation between Ventura and LAX
    • Round trip coach transportation between Winnipeg Airport and Fort Garry Hotel
    • Round-trip airfare on United Airlines. (Please note - there are no direct flights to Winnipeg. One plane change will be required)
    • Insider's Tour of the Manitoba Theatre Company
    • Attendance at Driving Miss Daisy's Opening Night on April 20th
    • Attendance at a Manitoba Theatre Company youth production
    • Attendance at "The Marriage of Figaro" opera
    • A private behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet by a ballet alumnus and attendance at a rehearsal of "Swan Lake"
    • A guided city tour through the historic Manitoba sites
    • Tour of the St. Boniface Museum with afternoon high tea served by costumed interpreters
    • Tour of the Manitoba Museum
    • Tour of the McPhillips Street Station Casino
    • Visit to the multi-media theatre the Millennium Express
    • Tour of the Circle of Life Thunderbird House, a place of spiritual recognition and fulfillment based on the culture and values of Canadian Aboriginal peoples.
    • A farewell party featuring a Ukrainian dinner and entertainment at the Club Regent Casino.
    • Full breakfasts each morning at the Fort Garry Hotel

Reservations required with full payment by: February 10, 2006!

Please contact: Diana Dunbar, Development Director at 805-667-2912 ext. 248 or e-mail her at:  ddunbar@rubicontheatre.org for further information and a complete, detailed itinerary.

LEAVE THE DETAILS TO US!

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS RESERVE NOW!

DON'T MISS THIS FABULOUS TASTE OF WINNIPEG!

  

UPDATE:  5/16/04

Hey Everyone!  GUESS who attended the Driving Miss Daisy Gala on 4/10/04???  Check out the pictures below!  Unfortunately, I can't tell you is in all of these pictures with him, but doesn't he look wonderful?

 


Teddie with Steve & Cynde Magidson

With Chris Reynnolds

Photos courtesy of Steve & Cynde Magidson (steve_magidson@consultant.com) and RTC.


UPDATE:  4/19/04
:


Today I received this great news via e-mail from Karyl Lynn:

 

Critically Acclaimed Production of Driving Miss Daisy Featuring Emmy® Award-Winning Actress Michael Learned Extends Run at Rubicon Theatre

 

Ventura, California  - Rubicon Theatre Company's critically acclaimed production of Alfred Urhy's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Driving Miss Daisy, originally slated to close May 9, will extend for five additional performances -- through Saturday, May 15, 2004. Performances for the final week are Wednesday at 7 pm, Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm, with a matinee on Saturday at 2 pm. There is no Sunday performance. All performances are at Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main Street  in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District. For tickets call (805) 667-2900. Mention this e-mail to receive $2 off per ticket (may not be combined with other offers).

 

Critics Rave

"Talented actors drive Miss Daisy. . . subtle, engaging performances... " hailed the Los Angeles Times.

 

The Ventura County Star proclaimed, "Get yourself down to The Laurel in downtown Ventura to see a superb interpretation of this memorable play."

 

"Sensitively directed...first-rate. . . a mini-masterpiece...Ms. Learned does marvelous work," states the Santa Barbara News Press.

 

"My heart is still fluttering from the beauty and impact of this flawless production," writes the reviewer from The Tolucan Times, "a mind expanding, highly rewarding, unforgettable experience....mesmerizing. The thunderous applause and standing ovation could have been felt in Los Angeles!"

 

Driving Miss Daisy chronicles the twenty-five year relationship between a wealthy, sharp-tongued Jewish widow and her soft-spoken black chauffer. Set in the South beginning in 1948, this exquisitely crafted play is a poignant and humorous testament to friendship between people from contrasting worlds.

 

Under the direction of Rubicon Artistic Director James O'Neil, the cast features four-time Emmy® Award-winning actress Michael Learned as Daisy Werthan. Ms. Learned is often recognized for her series work as Olivia Walton on the much-lauded TV series "The Waltons" and as the star of the series "Nurse." Lance Nichols, who last appeared at Rubicon in The Boys Next Door, plays Hoke Coleburn, the black chauffer who befriends Daisy. Rounding out the cast, playing Daisy's son Boolie, is Eric Lange. Mr. Lange recently appeared as Mitch in Rubicon's acclaimed production of A Streetcar Named Desire.

 

Rubicon Theatre Company's production of Driving Miss Daisy takes place during the 50th Anniversary Year of Brown Versus the Board of Education, the Supreme Court decision that mandated public school desegregation. The production also takes place near the 50th anniversary of seamstress Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on a bus to a white person.

 

Says O'Neil, "This production is a potent reminder of several landmark events in the history of the civil rights movement. However the play's great power is that it is also a very personal story, about how racial prejudices (and differences of religion and age) are overcome over time through friendship."

 

Driving Miss Daisy opens Saturday, April 10 and continues through Saturday, May 15, 2004. Regular ticket prices are $30 to $45, depending on the performance, with discounts for groups, seniors, students and military. For tickets or information, call Rubicon Theatre Company (805) 667-2900, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted.) Rubicon Theatre Company is in residence at The Laurel, located at 1006 E. Main St., Ventura, CA  93001 (corner of Laurel and Main) in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District.

 

Rubicon Theatre Company is Ventura's premiere non-profit professional theatre company.  Founded in 1998 by James O'Neil and Karyl Lynn Burns, the mission of the company is to present a diverse season of classic and contemporary comedies, dramas and musicals for the entertainment, enrichment and education of residents and visitors to the region. Rubicon Theatre Company performs in the intimate 200-seat theatre Laurel, a renovated church originally built in the 1920s. Rubicon was declared the "anchor" of Ventura's Downtown Cultural District by City Council proclamation.

 

# # #

 


 

 

RTC'S FUNDRAISERS

 

The Phantasmagorial Variety Show

Join Rubicon on April 18th for
"The Phantasmagorical Variety Show"
starring Lorna Luft

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
 

Hosted by
Geraldine Hughes

 

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.

 

 

RTC's THE BROADWAY BALL:

 

SAVE THE DATE

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!

 

 

SAVE THE DATE

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!

Rubicon's Broadway Ball is ONLY ONE WEEK AWAY!
Call Diana Dunbar at (805) 667-2912, ext. 248 to Reserve!

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.

 

Background on our Stellar Performers!

About Brian Duprey...

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 .


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.


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.


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.

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:

    • 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:

    • 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.

 

 

 

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

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.
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.


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."

 

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

- - - - - - - - - - 

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.

- - - - - - - 

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

 

 

 

RTC'S DONATION CAMPAIGNS

How You Can Help
[ Larry Meister Memorial Fund ]
[
Bequests ]

Your support, though subscriptions and donations, is the key to our success. Even with many sold-out performances, the cost of your ticket accounts for less than half of the cost of operation this season. We depend on your generous contribution to continue producing professional theater in our community.

The Rubicon Theatre Company is a non-profit organization and contributions are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
The Rubicon's Federal Tax I.D. # is: 77-0495901.

We are grateful for our individual and corporate partners who recognize the benefits of professional theater in our community. In return, Rubicon Theatre ensures that these donations are spent to fulfill the theatre's mission. We thank all our donors for their gifts this year.

For questions or information about donation to Rubicon, please contact: Mychele Dee, Development and Community Relations Director, (805) 667-2912 ext. 237.

The Larry Meister Memorial Musical Fund
[ How You Can Help ]
[
Bequests ]

With the blessings of Barbara Meister and the Meister family, Rubicon Theatre Company has inaugurated a special fund in honor of Rubicon founding board member, philanthropist, business person and community superstar Larry Meister. The fund will support the production and development of mainstage musicals, and also support musical training and education outreach programs.

Bequests
[ How You Can Help ]
[
Larry Meister Memorial Fund ]

Bequests support the Rubicon's programs after your lifetime. They may be cash, securities, real estate, or other property. We are very grateful for your consideration. Your will can include:

  • a specific dollar gift
  • a set percentage of your estate
  • specific assets
  • the remaining assets after providing for heirs.

Bequests can be with no restrictions or for a single purpose.

Unrestricted gifts are easier for us, to move money quickly where it's most needed.

If you prefer your gift go to a particular use, please describe the use as broadly as possible. Give us a call before drafting this part of your will to assure the provisions can be implemented as you desire.

If your estate plan is in order and you'd like to let us know, click our Estate Intention Form.

Unrestricted Bequests
Restricted Bequests
Bequests for Endowments

Unrestricted Bequests
Unrestricted bequests are for the Theatre's general and best use at the discretion of the Board of Directors:

 

"I give, devise, and bequeath to Rubicon Theatre (the sum of $) (percent of my estate) (the following property) (the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate). The property comprising this gift may be used to further the charitable purposes of Rubicon Theatre at the discretion of its Board of Directors."

Restricted Bequests
You may define the usage of your bequest. A restricted bequest might read:

"I give, devise, and bequeath to Rubicon Theatre (the sum of $) (percent of my estate) (the following property) (the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate). The property comprising this gift shall be used for (state the purpose). If, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, or their successors, the need for funds for the charitable purpose described above no longer exists at some future date, the Directors, or their successors, are authorized to use these funds in the best interest of the Theatre."

Bequests for Endowments
Endowments are monies for investment. Rubicon's endeavors are funded by the interest.

Restricted Endowment
Unrestricted Endowment

Unrestricted Endowment

"I give, devise, and bequeath to Rubicon Theatre (the sum of $) (percent of my estate) (the following property) (the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate). The property comprising this gift may, for investment purposes, be merged with the general investment assets of Rubicon Theatre. The gift shall be entered into the Theatre's books and records as The Fund and shall always be so designated. The spendable income therefrom, but not the principal, shall be used to further the purposes of Rubicon Theatre in such manner as the Board of Directors may direct."

Restricted Endowment

"I give, devise, and bequeath to Rubicon Theatre (the sum of $) (percent of my estate) (the following property) (the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate). The property comprising this gift may, for investment purposes, be merged with the general investment assets of Rubicon Theatre. The gift shall be entered into the Theatre's books and records as The Fund and shall always be so designated. The spendable income therefrom, but not the principal, shall be used for (state the purpose) . If, in the opinion of the trustees of the Theatre, the need for funds for the purpose described above no longer exists at some future date, the Board of Directors, or their successors, are authorized to use these funds in the best interest of the Theatre."

 

For more information regarding Rubicon funds and donation, please contact Mychele Dee at 805-667-2912 ext. 237 or e-mail at: mdee@rubicontheatre.org.

 

 

 

THE GRANDES DAMES


"No one has ever become poor by giving." - Anne Frank

.and Rubicon has become quite rich in the generosity of its beloved Grandes Dames. The Grandes Dames is Rubicon's 300 member auxiliary group which supports the activities of non-profit Rubicon Theatre Company through service and fundraising. Founded in 1999 by Rubicon patrons NancyGregory, Sandra Laby, Rosa Lee Measures, Barbara Meister and Dottie Novatt, the group is now governed by an active volunteer Board of Directors who meet monthly under the direction of President Penny Barnds.

Joining the Grandes Dames is a wonderful way to meet fellow theatre lovers and be the first to hear about upcoming productions and backstage news. Men are always welcome! Our Grandes Dames help by providing actor meals, ushering, being part of mailing teams, putting up posters, passing out post cards, working in the box office, helping arrange luncheons, assisting with fundraising for Rubicon and numerous other fundamental theatre functions. Grandes Dames receive preference in their chosen volunteer areas, and have their own luncheons where they are entertained by our talented performers.

Grande Dames Luncheons in the past have featured performances by Rubicon favorites like Linda Purl and Stephanie Zimbalist as well as Broadway stars from Wicked, Les Miserables, Into the Woods, Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and many more.

Luncheons for 2008 are scheduled for Monday, January 14th at 11:30 am, Tuesday, April 29th at 11:30 am, and Tuesday, June 10th at 11:30 am.

Grandes Dames Annual membership dues are only $40.

To join please contact Development Associate Amber Landis at 805.667.2900 ext.239

 

Holiday Lunch and Boutique

No, it doesn't seem possible, but the holiday season is fast approaching. Wouldn't it be nice to get your gift shopping started early, so that you can cross at least one task off your lengthy to-do list?

The Grandes Dames - Rubicon Theatre Company's amazing and invaluable support group - are offering just such an opportunity. You are cordially invited to their annual Holiday Luncheon and Boutique, which will take place Nov. 13th at Courtyard by Marriott, 600 E. Esplanade Drive in Oxnard.

It's a chance to not only do some early shopping, but also to have a delicious meal, enjoy some wonderful music - and support Rubicon Theatre Company.

Beginning at 10 a.m., a variety of lovely gift items will be on sale, including jewelry, clothing, handicrafts, fine wine and gourmet teas. The luncheon starts at 11:30, followed by a performance by the amazing Daniel Tatar (see below) and more chances to shop.

The $35 cost for Grandes Dames, $45 for general public includes lunch (for the main course, you can choose between chicken piccata or vegetarian lasagna), entertainment, tax and tip. Reservations must be made no later than Wednesday, Nov. 7.

To reserve a spot, call Amber Landis at (805) 667-2912, ext. 239.

Or simply mail your check to:
Amber at Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura 93001.

Direct from Pasadena Playhouse

Daniel Tatar, a co-star of the Pasadena Playhouse's world premiere musical Ray Charles Live, will serenade the guests at the Grandes Dames Nov. 13th Holiday Luncheon and Boutique. Tatar plays Ahmet Ertegun, co-founder of Atlantic Records, in the new stage biography of the legendary singer, which runs Oct. 31 through Dec. 9 at the historic theatre.

A guest star on the hit television series "Gray's Anatomy," Tatar has received critical acclaim for his many theatrical performances, including The Last Five Years at the Pasadena Playhouse and Baby at UCLA's Freud Theatre (part of the Reprise series). Critics have called him "charismatic ... likeable and charming ... dark-haired and adorable with a powerhouse tenor voice ... an actor who can sing and a singer who can act."

You can check him out at his website, www.danieltatar.com.
Or, better yet, experience him in person Nov. 14th.  

###############   THE JEWEL CLUB    

Go Behind-the-Scenes as a Gold Coin or Jewel Club Member!

Rubicon's special VIP Membership program gives special benefits to the theatre's devoted benefactors. As a Gold Coin or Jewel Club member, you share once-in-a-lifetime experiences, receive discounts on season tickets (depending on the level) and enjoy an exclusive Gold Coin or Jewel Club Hotline. Your three-year membership helps Rubicon plan for future programs, assists in the long-term stability of the company and ensures the continued level of outstanding artist and production values you expect. Three Jewel Club membership levels are offered - Diamond, Emerald and Ruby, and Rubicon has recently introduced the "All Access" pass to everything Rubicon, the Gold Coin Club.

To decide which Jewel Club Level is right for you, please contact
Amber Landis at (805) 667-2912 ext. 239.

For more information about the Gold Coin Club, call
Mychele Dee at (805) 667-2912 ext. 237.

GOLD COIN CLUB
($10,000 a year for three years)

Members Receive -

  • Entry into every Rubicon event, including:
    • 2 Fundraising Ball Tickets
    • 2 Opening Night season subscriptions or any series of your choice
    • 2 tickets to all special events and performances
  • Access to a new Exclusive Hot Line for Gold Coin members

Plus all the Diamond Jewel Club level benefits.

 

DIAMOND LEVEL
($5,000 a year for three years)

  • Gold Jewel Club pin with a diamond inset
  • 75% discount on two season subscriptions
  • 75% discount on two additional subscriptions
  • Season program listing at the Diamond Level
  • Two vouchers for two tickets (four tickets total) to give as a gift or keep for yourself
  • Access to purchase additional "house seats"
  • Cast-signed posters of every show
  • Complimentary concessions per show (show your Jewel Club pin at concessions)
  • Plus day trips, Directors' Previews and the Jewel Club Hotline

 

EMERALD LEVEL
($2,500 a year for three years)

  • Silver Jewel Club pin with an emerald inset
  • 50% discount on two season subscriptions
  • Season program listing at the Emerald Level
  • One voucher for two tickets to the production of your choice in our 10th anniversary season
  • Six complimentary concession vouchers
  • Plus day trips, Directors' Previews and the Jewel Club Hotline

 

RUBY LEVEL
($1,000 a year for three years)

  • Silver Jewel Club pin with a ruby inset
  • Season program listing at the Ruby Level
  • Two complimentary concession vouchers
  • Invitations to show-related day trips and tours
  • Invitations to Directors' Previews
  • Exclusive Jewel Club hotline with subscription priority seating

 

 

RTC'S PAST 
SEASONS / EVENTS / ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 

 

PREVIOUS RTC SEASON BROCHURES

Here are some of RTC's Previous Season Brochures:


2000 - 2001

2002 - 2003

2003 - 2004


2004


2004-2005

                                  

2005-2006

    
                          2006-2007                                                                2007-2008

 


The Eye SpyLA Link for the 2004-2005 RTC Interim Season: 

http://eyespyla.com/www/thebuzz.nsf/0/5f0d10d3d63bff5088256fd7000595eb?OpenDocument

 

RTC's 2007 FASHION FORMS PLAYS-IN-PROGRESS SERIES

Old Friends in New Plays

A theatre truism: you never really know if a play works until you perform it in front of an audience. True to that time-honored concept, two promising new dramas will be featured during Rubicon’s 2007 Fashion Forms™ Plays-in-Progress series, which gets underway Sunday evening.

Each play receives an initial reading, which is followed by a structured talkback session in which audience members provide feedback on various aspects of the script. The playwright and director then have a week to rewrite the material based on what they have learned. The revised work then receives a second reading, to help the creators determine whether their changes were effective.

Jonathan Feldman’s HisStory concerns a filmmaker who becomes obsessed with the story of a man whose college roommate went on to become President of the United States. A prolific screenwriter (he wrote several episodes of the HBO miniseries “From the Earth to the Moon”), Feldman says his new work is about “the essential human need to make sense of our time here by crafting the past into digestible stories.”

HisStory will be read by an all-star cast including Robert Sean Leonard (“House”), James Pickens, Jr. (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Holland Taylor (“The Practice”) and Suzanne Cryer (“Two Guys and a Girl”). Leigh Silverman, who has been acclaimed for her work on and off-Broadway and in regional theaters, will direct.

Entertaining Chazz, the first play by legendary actor and Montecito resident Bradford Dillman, tells a story of a family gathering in which secrets are revealed and lives are changed. Set on a Santa Cruz estate in 1938, the script mixes sophisticated dialogue with intense emotions.

Entertaining Chazz will be directed by Rubicon Artistic Associate Jenny Sullivan and read by an ensemble of Rubicon veterans, including Joseph Fuqua (who played the title role in Hamlet), Rudolph Willrich, and Gary Best.

HisStory will be read at 7 p.m. July 15 and July 22.
Entertaining Chazz
will be read at 8 p.m. July 17 and 2 p.m. July 23. Admission to all readings is FREE, but tickets are required.

To make a reservation, call the box office at (805) 667-2900, or go to www.rubicontheatre.org! (Subject to availability)

 

 

RTC's FEBRUARY MONTH OF LOVE EVENTS:

 

Save the dates for Rubicon's
"MONTH OF LOVE" CELEBRATION


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!

 

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!

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!

 



Karyl Lynn Burns and James O'Neil will perform Love Letters February 19 and 20. Photo credit: Brian McDonald.

A Special Valentine's Day Gift to our Subscribers!
See Artistic Directors Karyl Lynn Bu
rns 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.

 
NEW PERFORMANCE ADDED:
LOVE LETTERS - this Sunday, February 18 at 7:00pm

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.

 

 


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.

 


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!

 

 


CONCERTS/CABARETS/FUNDRAISERS


Grateful" The Songs of John Buchino

 

 

 

Rubicon's Grateful

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):

 
The gorgeous Topa Tower Club, the setting of the event.
 
Director Daisy Prince and evening's honored guest, John Bucchino
     
 
Laura Linney.
 
A dancing dervish: Claire Bowman, Leeyann Neeley, and Sandra Laby

 

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!

The Bucchino Stops Here

John Bucchino

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.

 
Amanda McBroom
Jason Graae

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'

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.

 

Sara sings!

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.

 

 

RTC's 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!

Or that both nights of Love Letters with Karyl Lynn Burns and James O'Neil on the 19th, and 20th are already full.

Karyl Lynn Burns and James O'Neil
(Photo by: Brian McDonald)

 

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.

 




MALTBY AND SHIRE BENEFIT

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