June 2012: Arts & Entertainment

Big Stage Productions Summer Extravaganza

Photo by David Roth Photography

Big Stage Productions? newest youth theater production, Seussical, The Musical, brings to life all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzi and Jojo. Opening June 1 at the Marjorie Luke Theatre, the story centers around Horton who finds himself faced with a double challenge: to protect his friend Jojo as well as guard an egg left in his care. Underscored with music and song, the power of friendship, loyalty, family and community emerges triumphant in a story that will make you laugh and cry. Produced by Kathy Kelley, directed by Laezer Schlomkowitz, with musical direction by Dauri Kennedy and choreography by Jessica Hambright and Mikie Caberra, the double-cast roles feature Danta Gonzalez and Brolin Parris as Horton; Ali Mikles and Jasmine Helman-Cubilla as Mayzie La Bird; Lana Kanen and Maddie Sokolove as Gertrude McFuzz; Reggie Evans and Spencer Glesby (pictured) as Cat in the Hat; and Makena Shlens and Tyler Dahnke as Jojo. Performances are Friday, June 1 at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 2 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 3 at 3 p.m. For tickets, call the Lobero Theatre Box Office at 963-0761, purchase online at www.lobero.com or at the door. Got questions?? Call 708-8897.

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Circle Bar B Dinner Theatre showcases a hilarious
modern day drawing room comedy

From left, Brain Harwell as Hank Hadley, Jenna Scanlon as Spencer McCullough, Jean Hall as the zany maid, and Kathy Marden as the ?insane? mother in Regrets Only. Photo courtesy of CBBT

Featuring witty banter and irreverent dialogue the likes of Hart and Moss and Noel Coward, the Circle Bar B Theatre production of Regrets Only opens June 1 with performances through July 15. Written by Paul Rudnick and directed by Joseph Beck, it?s a heartfelt story about love, family, friendship and marriage, both traditional and non-traditional. Hank Hadley (played by Brian Harwell and based on Bill Blass) is the world?s most famous fashion designer who has just lost his partner of 20 years to cancer. After six months of seclusion, he?s ready to again hit the Manhattan ?scene? with his best friend, Tibby McCullough (Susie Couch). As they prepare to leave, the McCullough?s daughter Spencer (Jenna Scanlon) runs in to announce she is engaged and is followed by her father, Jack McCullough (Ray Wallenthin), who has a surprise of his own. The President of the United States has asked him to research a constitutional amendment on gay marriage. Add a zany maid (Jean Hall), a ?clinically insane? mother (Kathy Marden), and great fashion, and watch as the chaos ensues as they all try to sort out their opinions and feelings and what is important in life. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. (dinner at 7 p.m.) and Sundays at 2 p.m. (brunch at 1 p.m.). For reservations and more information, call CBBT Box Office at 967-1962 or check online at www.circlebarbtheatre.com

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Ensemble Theatre?s final 2011-12 production showcases the joyful story of an enduring friendship

Photo by Joseph Schuyler

Ensemble Theatre Company brings its 2011-12 season to a close with a limited run of Frank Higgins? new play Black Pearl Sings!, opening June 14 with performances through July 1. Set in 1935 Texas, Susannah, a Library of Congress song collector played by Jessica Wortham, discovers Pearl, an African-American woman played by Jannie Jones,( pictured) who is serving a life sentence in a Texas prison. In the process of recording the treasure trove of spirituals and African folk songs that only Pearl knows, a bond is formed that transcends race, class and culture. Directed by Patrick Mullins, it?s a soulful story filled with humor and gifted solo a capella renditions of musical treasures rooted in the African-American gospel tradition. ?Black Pearl not only sings, but soars,? exclaimed Broadway World. Performances are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. and a Saturday, June 23 matinee at 4 p.m. at the Alhecama Theatre, 914 Santa Barbara St. For tickets and more information, call the ETC Box Office or purchase online at www.ensembletheatre.com

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Photo courtesy of Los Pinguos

Launching the 2012 Chase Palm Park Summer Concert series on Thursday, June 28 is the South American sound of Los Pinguos (pictured) from cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, Argentian. A mixture of Latin rhythms performed with Spanish guitars, a Cuban Tres, Peruvian cajon (box-drum) and harmonizing vocals define this popular group. Vivacious and infectious, their sound has claimed fans worldwide from their hometowns to the streets of Los Angeles. Hosted by the Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation Department, the lineup for upcoming concerts on July 5, 12, 19, 26 and August 9 and 16 will showcase a broad spectrum of sound, including Caribbean, country, oldies-but-goodies, a special concert featuring the best of local youth bands, and more. Be sure to check next month?s July issue of Santa Barbara Family Life Magazine for previews of upcoming concerts. All concerts are Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Chase Palm Park on Cabrillo Boulevard at Calle Cesar Chavez, and are free. Bring your friends, family, dancing shoes and even your dog ? if on a leash; and please, no blanket/chair setup prior to noon on the day of a concert. Questions? Call 897-1946 or check www.sbparksandrecreation.com

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An Awesome Musical Gift for Dad ? and the Whole Family ? for Father?s Day

Courtesy photo

The Live Oak Music Festival, June 15 through 17, is rapidly becoming a traditiona; gift Dad looks forward to on his day, Father?s Day, which is Sunday, June 17. Nestled under the oak trees at Live Oak Camp in the Santa Ynez Valley, the three-day concert is highlighted by the Grammy award-winning Indigo Girls (pictured) along with more than 15 other main stage acts, including The Rebirth Brass Band?s New Orleans sound, the blues with Carolyn Wonderland, the guitarists/songwriters John Doe and? James McMurty, the Latin-jazz sounds of salsa pianist Oscar Hernandez, even a Chinese musical ensemble, Melody of China, and many more. There?ll be activities for kids ? including ongoing performances on a kid?s stage ? dances, arts and crafts vendors, and much more. For tickets and a complete cost breakdown of weekend, individual and day passes for adults and children (kids under 4 years old free), call 781-3030 or go online at www.liveoakfest.org

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st nicholas mindy mccready mindy mccready cliff harris cliff harris josh turner barnaby