Spring musical will be on stage through April 14
Photo by Holly Roberts
Juniors and leads Sydney Roe (Marion the Librarian) and J.D. Kaser (Harold Hill) perform in Wednesday’s dress rehearsal for “The Music Man,” which opened April 11 and runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday through April 14 at 7 p.m. each day. Freshmen (Haleigh Tinker and Harrison Love, not pictured) share the lead roles on alternate show dates.
“The Music Man” opened Thursday at Ojai’s Villanova Preparatory School and continues April 12 to 14 at 7 p.m. each day at the school’s outdoor theater.
For the school’s spring musical, the actors transport the audience to small-town Iowa in early 20th century America.
Lola Haag to perform at Ojai Underground
Submitted photo
Lola Haag
Award-winning jazz singer Lola Haag returns to The Underground Exchange, 1016 W. Ojai Ave. on Friday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. with a new selection of some of her favorite jazz and blues songs.
Her quartet features Jimmy Calire on piano, Grandville "Danny" Young on bass and Larry Perpoli on drums.
‘The Miser' dances with sprightly wit
Photo by Stephen Adams
Harpagon played by Cecil Sutton in “The Miser.”
By Rita Moran, Theater critic
Wit and wisdom are fruitful partners in Moliere’s bounty of memorable plays. What they convey about life, as the French writer piercingly observed it, was true in the 17th century when he lived and has remained timely ever since.
Happily, The Ojai Art Center Theater’s sophisticated staff and bountifully skilled actors have quite a romp with the material they are bringing to colorful life through April 28.
Ojai artists pop-up shop set for April 14
Ojai artists pop-up shop held second Sundays, beginning April 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 509 Drown Ave., between Oak Street and Grand Avenue.
Custom-designed chiffon scarves, ceramics, pottery, fountains, stained glass, fine art paintings, handmade body butters, scented eye pillows and more. Meet the artists and buy direct from the loving hands that create art and designs.
Featured Artist: Pamela Grau
Submitted art
Pamela Grau’s “Things Happen,” mixed media, 12-by-12 inches, 2018
“My journey as an artist began 50 years ago looking outwards, painting landscapes, still life and figures,” says Pamela Grau. “Lately, my gaze has turned inwards, looking to bring my experiences of spiritual realms into physical form.” Joined by her sister, Los Angeles fashion designer Claudia Grau, she will open her studio from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 13 as part of the Ojai Studio Artists Second Saturday Tour.
Acting Camp at Ojai Art Center
Submitted photo
David Nelson Taylor
A summer program geared to teach young people the principles of acting will take place twice a week June 18 through July 25 at the Ojai Art Center Theater. Led by acting teacher David Nelson Taylor, this will be a six-week intensive workshop where students will be taught to develop sensory awareness, learn stage directions and explore movement to convey story.
“While the students will learn a wide range of skills the core focus will be a deeper understanding of the work of creating and embodying a character,” Taylor said. “Creating a backstory, justifying words and actions, and developing a rich emotional life will be the primary takeaway.”
Arthur Szyk lecture to be held April 13
Photo submitted
Arthur Szyk
The Jewish Community of Ojai will present a lecture by Rabbi Irvin Ungar on the art of Arthur Szyk, one of the most prolific artists of the first half of the 20th century. The free lecture, open to the public, will take place Saturday, April 13, at 2 p.m. at 530 W. El Roblar, Meiners Oaks.
OACT wants your ideas for next season
Artistic director Richard Camp is seeking suggestions for productions in the 2020 Season at the Ojai Art Center Theater. Submissions will be accepted through June 30.
“Directors, producers, actors, stage managers,” said Camp, “what do you think would be a creative, unusual, exemplary, unique, remarkable, fun, intriguing, dramatic, ecstatic (pick an adjective) addition to the season?"
Cliff Beach plays funk
Photo submitted
Cliff Beach
Funk musician Cliff Beach is playing a show at Ojai Deer Lodge on April 19 with Quimica, beginning at 9 p.m.
Beach, a highly decorated singer and songwriter, is continuing his music career and success with the release of his single “Save My Soul.” As an artist, Beach has been nominated for three LA Music Awards, one Hollywood Music in Media Award, one Independent Music Award and is the winner of two Silver Medal Global Music Awards.
Expert will speak of artist Arthur Szyk on April 13
Image submitted
Artwork by Arthur Szyk
The Jewish Community of Ojai will present a lecture by Rabbi Irvin Ungar on the art of Arthur Szyk, one of the most prolific artists of the first half of the 20th century. The tireless force behind the Szyk renaissance, Ungar is the foremost scholar and expert on the art of Szyk. The free lecture, open to the public, will take place Saturday, April 13, at 2 p.m. at 530 W. El Roblar, Meiners Oaks.
Szyk often said, “Art is not my aim, it is my means.” Yet, his contemporaries praised him as the greatest illuminator-artist since the 16th century. He saw himself as a fighting artist, enlisting his pen and paintbrush as his weapons against hatred, racism and oppression before, during and after World War II. He was the leading anti-Nazi artist in America during the war. His “Passover Haggadah” has been acclaimed as “worthy of being considered as one of the most beautiful books ever produced by the hand of man.”
Gifted director brings laughter to Ojai stage
Submitted photo
Paul Sulzman
By Adanna Moriarty
Molière’s comedy “The Miser” has remained relevant to audiences since 1668 when it was first performed in Paris. Ojai Art Center Theater’s second production of its 80th season brings to life a classic art form in this Commedia dell’Arte (comedy of the profession) performance directed by Paul Sulzman.
“The Miser” runs weekends from April 5 to 28, with Friday and Saturday night performances at 7:30 and Sunday matinees at 2. Box office opens 45 minutes before each show. Ticket prices are $25 general admission, $20 seniors and Art Center members, and $10 for those under 25. You can purchase online at OjaiACT.org or call 805-640-8797. Celebratory gala after opening night on April 5.