How to resolve AdBlock issue? Find out how to join a writers’ group at workshop Saturday, Feb. 22, 7 to 9 p.m. at Ojai Art Center
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- Published: Friday, 14 February 2020 17:02
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Ojai Scribes are, front rown, from left, Patricia Hartmann, Ann L. Boydston and Patric Peake. Top row, from left, Dena Horton and LaNette Donoghue.
A special writers’ workshop will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ojai Art Center where longtime members of the writers’ group, Ojai Scribes, will share what they have learned about writing groups.
“We want to create an opportunity for authors of all genres to connect and sign up to form new writers’ groups,” said organizer Pat Hartmann.
Nordhoff High's 'Legally Blonde' to open March 5, running to March 15
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- Published: Friday, 14 February 2020 11:25
Photo by Mary M Long
The energetic song and dance cast of "Legally Blonde" sat and stood still long enough for a photo. The fast-paced romantic comedy runs from March 5 to 15 at the Matilija Auditorium. Director Marty Babayco is shown sitting in the middle.
By John Hankins, Special to the Ojai Valley News
“Legally Blonde” was once a daydream in a law school class and, nearly 20 years later, has made its way to reality in Ojai as a full-blown musical comedy, thanks to the Nordhoff High School music department, running March 5 to 15.
'Never Not Once' unravels the past
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- Published: Friday, 14 February 2020 11:20
Photo by Jeanne Tanner Photography
Melanie Cruz, Syndey Berk and Michael Polak in “Never Not Once.”
“Never Not Once”
Rubicon Theatre Company’s production of Carey Crim’s drama about families, their secrets and separations, through Feb. 23 at 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 7 p.m. Thursdays (special College Coffeehouse Night on Feb. 20 with $20 price for students including pre-show mixer with pizza, wings and a complimentary beverage); 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays. $29 to $59. Discounts for seniors 65 and over, students, teachers, Equity members and active military. Ticket service fee $5. The play contains strong language and sexual themes and is recommended for mature audiences. 805-667-1900, www.rubicontheatre.org.
By Rita Moran, Theater critic
In an era when countless people can’t resist checking their ancestry, it’s not surprising that playwright Carey Crim’s timely drama about a bright college student delves into the sometimes disturbing results.
Students take flight in aerial showcase
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- Published: Friday, 14 February 2020 10:54
Elements of Movement Studio will hold its first-ever aerial showcase on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 3 to 5 p.m.
This free event is open to the public and will feature performances by the studio’s students and teachers.
'Harvey' hops into Ojai
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- Published: Friday, 14 February 2020 10:53
Photo by Alexander Schottky
Dr. Jim Halverson of Ojai plays Elwood P. Dowd in “Harvey.”
A whimsical imaginary friend, a man with substance problems, a family who doesn’t understand and wish to lock away their delusional brother – all create the backdrop for the thought-provoking first of the 2020 productions by the Ojai Performing Arts Theater, “Harvey,” opening March 27 at Matilija Auditorium for two weekends.
OPAT Artistic Director Richard Camp continues to bring plays to Ojai that contain a timeless relevance. He has done this again as he directs "Harvey" with Director Craig Anderson. Working together in 2018 with “On Golden Pond,” the two have teamed again and cast a talented group of actors for this adaptation.
"Craig Anderson and I are very excited to have found these dynamic actors to fill out the cast,” Camp said. “Each of them has the talent and creative drive to bring this American classic to new life in the compelling and vigorously spirited manner that we intend... and may even make you believe that invisible rabbits do exist!
“‘Harvey’ is not just a "little, lighthearted comedy," said Camp, “but one that has been compared to ‘Cuckoo's Nest’ in its handling of mental illness and alcoholism, without losing its delightful sense of humor. It won the Pulitzer Prize over Tennessee's ‘The Glass Menagerie’ in 1945 … quite an achievement.”
Cast members are:
Brittany Danyel Schottky as Myrtle Mae Simmons.
Lee Ann Manley as Veta Louise Simmons.
Jim Halverson as Elwood P. Dowd.
Susan Kelejian as Mrs. Ethel Chauvenet.
Angelica Smith as Ruth Kelly, R.N.
Alexander Schottky as Duane Wilson.
Michael Holden as Dr. Sanderson.
Paul Sulzman as Dr. Chumley.
Sindy McKay as Betty Chumley.
David Newcomer as Judge Gaffney.
Louis Graham as E. J. Lofgren.
The production will run weekends March 27 to 29, April 3 to 5, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. at Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Road, Ojai. This season, all tickets will be assigned seating so it’s best to order online to reserve seats. Opening night will have special VIP tickets that include a post-show, meet-the-actors reception. Tickets go on sale Monday, Feb. 17 at OjaiTheater.org. or call 805-646-5433.
Ojai Music Fest seeks interns
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- Published: Friday, 14 February 2020 10:52
The Ojai Music Festival's arts management internship program is accepting applications for the 74th Ojai Music Festival from June 11 to 14 with composer/conductor Matthias Pintscher as music director.
Eagles captured at photography meeting
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- Published: Friday, 14 February 2020 10:49
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Eagle photo by Bob Massey
The Ojai Photography Community opens its 2020 season of monthly events with “The Bald Eagles of Lake Casitas,” presented by wildlife photographers Sally Carless and Bob Massey on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. in Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 Santa Ana Road, Ojai. The event is free and the general public is invited to attend.
Husband-and-wife team is bringing 'Love Letters' to Ojai
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- Published: Friday, 14 February 2020 10:44
“Love Letters” will be performed Feb, 23 at the Jewish Community of Ojai, 530 W. El Roblar, Meiners Oaks.
“Love Letters” is a drama originally nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, with two characters. The play involves the reading of letters by the couple to each other, spanning their lifetimes. In the letters, they discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, and victories and defeats through the years.
Ojai Performing Arts Theater Foundation announces 4 new board members
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- Published: Saturday, 01 February 2020 17:11
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Clockwise, OPAT board members are Michael Addison, Richard Camp, Stuart Crowner and Kathleen Kaiser.
The Ojai Performing Arts Theater Foundation announces that four new members have been added to its board: Stuart Crowner, secretary; Richard Camp, artistic director; and Michael Addison and Kathleen Kaiser, board members. Crowner has been an OPAT producer for several years; Camp has been artistic director; Kaiser assisted with marketing; and Addison has directed Shakespeare plays for OPAT in the past.
'An Evening of Oscar-Winning Songs'
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- Published: Friday, 31 January 2020 11:43
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From left: American Songbook Today founder Michael Estwanik, Nichole Riffenburgh, Brett Ryback, Meredith Patterson, and Dustin Brayley.
American Songbook Today will present “An Evening of Oscar-Winning Songs” on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. at the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club, 441 East Ojai Ave., in Ojai.
This concert will celebrate American songwriters and the great songs they wrote that won the coveted Oscar, such as “Over the Rainbow,” “Moon River,” “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” “The Last Time I Saw Paris,” “All the Way,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” “You’ll Never Know,” “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” and many more.
'Shirley Valentine' life beyond the humdrum
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- Published: Friday, 31 January 2020 11:40
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Anna Kotula as Shirley Valentine
Ojai Art Center Theater presents the Tony Award-winning Willy Russell play through Feb. 16 at the center, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai. The one-woman show stars Anna Kotula. General admission is $25; seniors $20; $10 for those under 25; https://www.ojaiact.org.
By Rita Moran, Theater critic
“Shirley Valentine” offers a tempting psychological boost for any woman considering a life-changing moment from irritatingly dull to dramatically vibrant.