How to resolve AdBlock issue? ‘The Miser' dances with sprightly wit
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- Published: Friday, 12 April 2019 09:06
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
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- Published: Friday, 12 April 2019 08:56
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
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- Published: Friday, 12 April 2019 08:55
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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
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- Published: Friday, 12 April 2019 08:53
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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
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- Published: Friday, 12 April 2019 08:51
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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
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- Published: Friday, 12 April 2019 08:48
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
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- Published: Friday, 12 April 2019 08:48
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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
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- Published: Friday, 05 April 2019 10:02
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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
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- Published: Friday, 05 April 2019 09:59
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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.
'Mamma Mia' auditions are set
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- Published: Friday, 05 April 2019 09:53
The Ojai Art Center Theater and Director Tracey Williams Sutton announce auditions for “Mamma Mia!” the third production of the 2019 theater season, celebrating 80 years of delivering quality entertainment to Ojai.
“Mamma Mia!” is based on the songs of ABBA, a Swedish pop/dance group active from 1972 to 1982 and one of the most popular international pop groups of all time, topping the charts again and again in Europe, North and South America and Australia. Following the premiere of the musical in London in 1999, ABBA Gold topped the charts in the United Kingdom again.
The musical includes such hits as "Lay All Your Love on Me," "Dancing Queen," "Knowing Me, Knowing You," "Take a Chance on Me," "Thank You for the Music," "Money, Money, Money," "The Winner Takes It All," "Voulez-Vous," "SOS" and the title track. More than 60 million people have seen the show, which has grossed $2 billion worldwide since its 1999 debut.Performances are from June 14 to July 14, Friday and Saturday evenings (7:30 ) and Sunday matinees (2 p.m.).
Featured Artist: Karen Lewis
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- Published: Friday, 05 April 2019 09:52
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Tarmac parking, oil, 30-by-30 inches, by Karen Lewis
Inspired by painting trips to the Santa Paula Airport, Karen Lewis will display her recent work on April 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the Ojai Studio Artists Second Saturday Tour. “I now divide my time between plein air painting, studio painting and printmaking,” Lewis says. “I work in oils on a large scale inspired by airplanes, faces, places and things.”