Theater/Classical Music

02/09/2010

'Seussical the Musical' brings upbeat fun to Yucaipa theater
Horton, the faithful elephant in Dr. Seuss's "Horton Hears a Who," is at the heart of Yucaipa Little Theatre's newest production, "Seussical the Musical."

The production begins Thursday and runs through Feb. 28 - just a few day's before Dr. Seuss 106th birthday.

Video: Seussical The Musical in Yucaipa

Photo Gallery: Seussical The Musical

McHale: Skewering reality TV ... and his very-real relatives
"Chicken tetrazzini!"

Those were the first two words spoken by Joel McHale, or "that nasty man on TV" to dozens of his reality-show targets, as he brought his stand-up act to the main showroom at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula over the weekend.

Photo Gallery: Joel McHale at Pechanga

02/08/2010

Natalie Cole brings romance and pops to the Fox
Foxy romance

Who would you like to see at The Fox?
So far, Downtown's refurbished Fox Performing Arts Center has featured a pop icon -- Sheryl Crow and an iconic Broadway orphan "Annie."

And Natalie Cole, a soulful songstress with a rich musical legacy, is next on the bill this weekend.

02/07/2010

Auditions set for Redlands Shakespeare Festival
The Redlands Shakespeare Festival plans auditions for its sixth annual season 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, at the Joslyn Senior Center, 21 Grant St., Redlands. Festival directors will seek to cast a repertory company of 45-50 actors.

02/05/2010

Review: 'Annie' conquers the blues at Riverside's Fox
We now know how to bring the Republicans and Democrats to the same table to work together: Annie. Simply send in the diminutive red-haired little girl to the Congressional chambers and the White House, and they will all melt into song about how everything will be right tomorrow. The production of the Broadway musical "Annie," now playing at the Fox Performing Arts Center, imagines it working for FDR and his staff during the Depression.

Yucaipa's Little Theatre holds auditions
Auditions will be held for the recent Broadway hit, "The Wedding Singer," at 7 p.m. Feb 15 at the Yucaipa Little Theatre.

Organizers say the show follows the plot of the 1998 movie that starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, centering around the misadventures in love of Robbie Hart, the wedding singer, his friend and love-interest Julia Sullivan, and her boorish fiancée, Glen Guglia.

02/04/2010

Share your instant reviews of 'Annie' at The Fox
"The sun'll come out...tomorrow..."

Did you buy a ticket for "Annie," the first theatrical production to hit the stage at Riverside's revived Fox Performing Arts Center, opening anew after a $32 million facelift?

Joel McHale brings tasty sarcasm to Pechanga
How could anyone this mean be so nice?

You see Joel McHale each week on the E network's "The Soup," that weekly carpet bombing of all things TV, burst loose with rude quips that make you wonder if the censor was stuck somewhere in traffic. And all with that wry little "oh, yes I did" smirk of his.

Yucaipa theater presents 'Seussical the Musical'
Just in time for the 106th birthday of Dr. Seuss, Yucaipa Little Theatre will present "Seussical the Musical," opening Thursday.

The show centers around Horton the elephant, who tries to save the world of Whos. The Cat in the Hat narrates.

Valentine's Day at the casinos
Here's what's going on Valentine's Day at Inland casinos.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

Fantasy Springs is doing its best to be the kind of place where love is like breathing.

That's where John Legend will supply the romance on Valentine's Day.

'Annie' launches Broadway in Riverside this weekend
Bet your bottom dollar

The sun comes up tonight, tomorrow and Super Bowl Sunday for "Annie," the touring version of the classic stage show that launches Broadway in Riverside.

Crowd turns out for 'Annie' debut at Riverside's Fox theater
"Annie," the first theatrical production at the newly renovated Fox theater in Riverside, opened Wednesday to a packed house.

Official ticket sale information was not available Wednesday night, but no empty seats could be seen in the orchestra or balcony seating areas.

Special Section: Reviving the Fox

02/03/2010

Who needs happy hour? Pub Night offers three hours plus
By Fancy a pint and a bit 'o bawdy fun? The Riverside Dickens Festival is dishing up both at Pickwick's Pub Night.

Photo Gallery: Pub Night at the Riverside Dickens Festival

02/02/2010

Artifacts saved, for now, from historic Riverside theater
To make Riverside's historic Fox theater usable again, much of the 1929 movie palace had to be completely overhauled. But some artifacts connected with the theater survived.

Special Section: Riverside Renaissance

Special Section: Reviving the Fox

Guest soloist triumphs in Redlands Symphony concert
The first half of the Redlands Symphony Orchestra's concert on Saturday night has blurred and faded into memory, followed as it was by one of the truly phenomenal moments in the orchestra's history. Cellist Jonah Kim came to perform Dvorak's Cello Concerto, and conquered.

01/31/2010

'Ramona' puts out call for community's help
As the principal actors were announced Saturday, leaders of the Ramona Outdoor Play called on the community to pitch in to prepare for the 87th presentation of its signature play.

01/30/2010

Pasadena Playhouse closing again
The Pasadena Playhouse, which helped launch the careers of Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman and other actors, will close on Feb. 7 after its final performance of "Camelot," executive director Stephen Eich said Friday.

The historical stage and school is out of money, has $500,000 in bills due now, and owes $1.5 million in bank loans and other debts, Eich said.

Inland Valley Symphony evokes New York and Cuba in upcoming concerts
The Inland Valley Symphony, under the baton of a new conductor, will take a musical trip around the globe in the next seven days.

The orchestra has two upcoming concerts, on Sunday and Thursday.

"Around the World" comprises classical music from three composers: George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein and Antonin Dvorak (pronounced "De-vore-zhok").

01/28/2010

An esoteric take on an ancient art
Dark, beautiful and playful describe inkBoat: "Milk Traces," a dance and physical theater performance on stage at UC Riverside tonight.

The performance, starring Shinichi Momo Iova-Koga, combines traditional and experimental dance with the Japanese dance known as butoh. The art traditionally involves playful, grotesque imagery, taboo topics and extreme or absurd environments.

Bette Midler show passes the bucket for Haiti
Midler to match haiti donations

Bette Midler has had her girls from the show, "The Showgirl Must Go On," circulate among guests after the show to collect funds for relief for Haiti for the past week. Midler has pledged she will match whatever is collected. The show will have its last performance Sunday at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Joffrey Ballet's 'Cinderella' floats into Los Angeles
Joffrey Ballet's "Cinderella" doesn't have anything to do with Disney, but a dancer in the title role says it has all the fantasy and romance a child could wish for.

"Cinderella is a children's story, so we will have a younger crowd than we usually have," Yumelia Garcia said in a phone interview. "Every little girl wants to see it because every little girl wants to be Cinderella."

MainStreet Theatre Co. in Rancho Cucamonga brings Cinderella, White Rabbit together
Two fairytale worlds will collide in MainStreet Theatre Company's production of "Cinderella," opening Saturday at Lewis Family Playhouse at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center. The production continues through Feb. 13.

Dickens Festival returns with novel entertainment
The world of Charles Dickens once again spills off the page and into the streets of downtown Riverside Feb. 6-7.

This year's Riverside Dickens Festival focuses on the novel "The Old Curiosity Shop." It will feature all annual favorites, including Fezziwig's Ball (sold out, except for the observation deck), strolling street performers and Oliver's Alley for children.

Temecula has a full slate of entertainment for February
If you're looking for a better dose of fresh music than you can get from the newest season of "American Idol," the Old Town Temecula Community Theater probably has at least one performance in February to please you.

The theater has seven events scheduled for the month, nearly all with musical elements. Most are performing at that theater for the first time.

01/29/2010

Dance company holds Temecula open house
Temecula-area dance students are invited to a free dance workshop led by the Koresh Dance Company of Philadelphia. The class will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

"If you're a dancer at any level, you definitely should take time out to see this," said Bruce Beers, theater manager.

01/28/2010

Heaven is in the details of Performance Riverside's 'Singin' in the Rain'
Performance Riverside can sing about its "Singin' in the Rain," which showers the audience with much of what they expected and much more. Don't expect Gene Kelly's lithe dancing and silky singing, but surely expect downright knee-slapping good fun.

Meet Benise, the Josh Groban of Flamenco
Benise is coming to the Fox Performing Arts Center, and he's bringing the world with him. The show, "Nights of Fire," features a musical journey with dance, costumes, styles and flavors of music from around the world, and for Roni Benise, it's a homecoming.

Guest soloist performs cello concerto with Redlands Symphony
When cellist Jonah Kim planned his trip from Florida to Redlands to perform with the Redlands Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, he bought two first-class tickets: one for himself and one for his 1991 Michelle Ashley copy of a Nicolo Amati cello.

"It's great. We get to board first and get off first," Kim said in a recent telephone interview.

Hemet park bandstand projects under way
A stainless steel time capsule has been forged that will hold pictures, documents and other items relevant to Hemet in 2010 and that will be buried beneath a bandstand at Weston Park for 100 years.

All that's needed are the contents -- and the bandstand.

Both projects are under way.

The Hemet-San Jacinto chapter of Habitat for Humanity is organizing the time capsule effort.

Redlands dancing 'stars' named
Redlands Symphony backers have announced the six local performers set to participate in its 25th Silver Anniversary Gala, "Dancing with the Stars."

The event is scheduled June 5.

"Last year's gala was a major success and a great time," said Mary Carruthers, event chairperson. "We expect this year's event to be even more fun."

The performers:

01/27/2010

Red-headed orphan coming to Riverside
The red-headed orphan is heading this way. The freshly renovated Fox Performing Arts Center will host the touring NETworks production of "Annie" as its first Broadway show. There will be five performances running from Wednesday through Feb. 7.

The part of "Annie" is played by Madison Kerth, of New Orleans, returning for her second national tour.

Pink Floyd tribute with flying pig invades Inland SoCal
It's the only gig in town with a giant pig flying over the audience.

The Pink Floyd Experience rolls into San Bernardino on Thursday at the California Theatre of Performing Arts and brings with it a rocking immersive experience with of the band's greatest hits with a light show, videos and more.

Photo Gallery: Pink Floyd Experience in San Bernardino

'Annie' continues to shape new generations of girls
The Broadway production of "Annie" has a long history of popularity. Now, a new generation of Inland families will have an opportunity to experience the tough little orphan's adventures when NETworks' touring show comes to the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside.

"Annie" opens Wednesday and continues through Feb. 7.

'Mad Men,' '24' producers give insider tips to UCR theater students
Matthew Weiner and Howard Gordon, whose names are attached to such TV blockbusters as "Mad Men" and "24," visited UC Riverside on Tuesday to talk shop with theater students.

Weiner is executive producer of "Mad Men" and was executive producer for the 2007 season of "The Sopranos."

Gordon is executive producer for "24." His credits also include "The X Files," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel."

01/26/2010

Hemet Theatre, saved from fire, is still threatened
One of the Inland Empire's oldest movie theaters has been as significant a part of growing up for San Jacinto Valley residents as their first kiss, first taste of independence and first job.

And so when Oneida Montemayor-Barrera heard a rumor that the 442-seat Hemet Theatre on Florida Avenue had burned down Wednesday, "I felt like I lost someone," she said.

San Bernardino Symphony opens with Michael Jackson songs
The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra continues to prove itself to be more than a fine professional orchestra. Under the leadership of conductor Carlo Ponti, the staff and volunteers, it has become a gem for the community. At its Sunday afternoon concert, the orchestra and Ponti showcased orchestral sections, diverse and worthy music and outstanding performers. The event also served as a teaching tool for the young people in the audience.

01/25/2010

'Annie' cuts number of performances at Fox
Citing disappointing ticket sales, the company that books musicals for the newly opened Fox Performing Arts Center in Riversidehas cancelled three performances of "Annie," the first musical booked into the remodeled facility, which opened Friday.

Cancelled are "Annie's" original opening night, Feb. 2, and evening performances on Feb. 4 and Feb. 7, Super Bowl Sunday.

01/23/2010

University of Redlands organist releases CD recorded on famous organ
Art teacher and university organist Frederick Swann will release his newest recording, "The Artistry of Frederick Swann," on Sunday. Produced by Gothic Records, the CD is believed to be the first commercial recording made with the Casavant Opus 1230 pipe organ.

The instrument was dedicated in the University of Redlands' Memorial Chapel in 1928 and has since been fully restored.

01/22/2010

Sheryl Crow's Riverside performances will benefit Haiti
Sheryl Crow joined Keith Urban and Kid Rock for Friday's "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief."

She also opened the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside this weekend with a show Friday and one Saturday.

Photo Gallery: Hope for Haiti Now telethon

Play explores teens dealing with gender issues
Gay and bisexual teens find their voice and share their experiences in an original play beginning Monday in Redlands.

Fox's success depends on selling tickets
Riverside's Fox Performing Arts Center is renovated and ready to go and tonight Sheryl Crow kicks off the venue's performance lineup.

But for the new arts venue in the Inland region, concert industry experts noted that the Fox needs to follow some points for success, especially in a down economy.

Special Section: Riverside Renaissance

Special Section: Reviving the Fox

Fire officials say Hemet inferno could have done more damage
Firefighters and shopkeepers returned Thursday to the site of an inferno where three businesses were destroyed and a historic theater remained unscathed from the previous night's flames.

But the blaze that caused about $750,000 in damage and threatened the historic Hemet Theatre could have easily ripped through most of downtown's century-old buildings, Hemet Fire Chief Matt Shobert said.

Photo Gallery: Hemet fire threatens historic theater

01/21/2010

Pink Floyd Experience coming to San Bernardino
Get ready to trip. The Pink Floyd Experience is back and hopefully they're bringing the floating pink pig. The theatrical music and light show will be at the California Theater of Performing Arts in San Bernardino on Thursday at 8 p.m.

San Bernardino Symphony mixes Michael Jackson and Mozart
Conductor Carlo Ponti Jr. wants the young audience members to learn from the San Bernardino Symphony concert on Sunday. That's partly why he added a musical tribute to the late Michael Jackson to the program.

'Annie' to open Broadway season at Fox Performing Arts Center
Little Orphan Annie will visit the Fox Performing Arts Center in downtown Riverside Feb. 2 through 7 as part of her national tour.

The live stage production of the musical "Annie" will include all the memorable songs in the score, such as "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street," and of course, "Tomorrow."

Show us your Annie!
"Annie" the Broadway show is coming to the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside from Feb. 2-7. But we know there are cute little Annies throughout the Inland Empire, and we're hosting a look-alike contest to prove it.

01/20/2010

Weekend forecast for Riverside: 'Singin' in the Rain'
The audience may be singing "Singin' in the Rain" in the rain as they leave Landis Performing Arts Center after the opening of the musical "Singin' in the Rain," Performance Riverside's current production.

"It's a beast of a show," said director David Engel. "But it's what the audience expects to see."

01/21/2010

Storm brewing on Performance Riverside's stage
In 17 years with Performance Riverside, technical director Jason Graham has raised Sweeney Todd, guillotined the Marquis de St. Cyr in "Scarlet Pimpernel," and showered the actors on stage in "South Pacific."

"The guillotine was hard because we had to make it look right from every angle," said Graham in a recent telephone interview. "Without an actual decapitation," he added.

01/20/2010

San Bernardino's 200th birthday celebration set to begin
Next month will kick off the events, and now the group organizing the celebration of San Bernardino's 200th birthday has a logo to be used on street flags and other banners to mark the occasion.

01/19/2010

Riverside Philharmonic plunges into dark territory in Brahms piece
Extraordinary music, impeccable soprano soloist, top-notch musicians, excellent conductor: the Riverside County Philharmonic had assembled all the right ingredients for a superb concert on Saturday night. Why, then, an underwhelming event?

MainStreet Theatre Company's 'Cinderella' gives tale a twist
What happens when fairy tales get mixed up? You get MainStreet Theatre Company's production of "Cinderella," opening at the Lewis Family Playhouse Jan. 30 and running through Feb. 13. The show is appropriate for children ages 6 years and older.

Concert to celebrate songs through ages
A concert featuring vocal music from the Baroque to the contemporary, sung in five languages, will take place Jan. 23 at Congregation Emanu El in Redlands.

Cantor Jennifer Bern-Vogel of the Redlands synagogue will be accompanied by Cantor Ken Jaffe of Temple Ner Tamid of Downey and organist Jerry Ripley of the Redlands congregation.

01/17/2010

Tours offer peek inside renovated Fox theater in Riverside
Mary Silva and Lynda Rykaccewski rode their electric-powered wheelchairs from their home on Riverside's east side on Saturday to take in the public tours of the renovated Fox Performing Arts Center downtown.

01/16/2010

Riverside's Fox theater gets a glorious grand opening
Longtime Riverside resident Lulamae Clemons, 92, remembers seeing movies in the late 1950s at the Fox theater, which at the time she found somewhat plain and ordinary.

Friday night, she saw the meticulously renovated former movie palace the way its creators intended -- from the vintage-font, backlit lettering over the box office to the multicolored hand-stenciling on the lobby ceiling.

Video: Gala, red carpet welcome back Riverside's Fox

Photo Gallery: Gala at the Fox Performing Arts Center

01/19/2010

The Temecula Live! country music review is back
The Temecula Live! country music review is back with three shows at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater on Jan. 22 and 23. Each show will feature house band The Ranch Rockers, Temecula Live! cast and dancers, and special guest performers.

Ranch Rockers singer Gwyn Sanborn will co-host the show with Scott Southworth, host of "The Music Row" program on WLAC 1510 in Nashville.

01/15/2010

Finals of Inland Empire Youth Theatre Competition tonight
The best and brightest young people will be competing for the top spot tonight at the Inland Empire Youth Theatre Competition put on by the Riverside Youth Theatre.

Seventeen youngsters ranging in ages six to 18 will compete in three different categories.

Emerging division (6-9 years) -- Jillian Batt, of Riverside; Kailey Liddell, of Corona, and Shelby Sloneker, of Riverside.

01/14/2010

Dance company writes new chapter in 'Jungle Book'
Your kids may have seen Disney's animated-film version of "The Jungle Book," but they've probably never seen the story told all in dance.

The Lewis Family Playhouse on Saturday will host two performances of "The Jungle Book," the story of a boy who grows up in the wilderness of India, raised by animals. It's based on the book by Rudyard Kipling.

Angel Blue returns to perform with Riverside Philharmonic
The Riverside County Philharmonic continues 50 years of music-making with its concerts Saturday and Sunday, featuring soprano Angel Blue performing music by Mozart, Puccini, and Brahms.

Fox theater gala, tours set this weekend in Riverside
Riverside officials will roll out the red carpet Friday for the reopening of the historic Fox theater.

A black-tie gala in tents in front of the theater, now called the Fox Performing Arts Center, is set for Friday night. Free public tours of the renovated movie palace will be offered Saturday and Sunday.

Special Section: Riverside Renaissance

Special Section: Reviving the Fox

01/13/2010

Tile It Down A Notch
My wife and I went to lunch Saturday and stumbled upon the antidote to Gaudy Fox Marquee-itis.

01/12/2010

'Peter and the Wolf' comes to Lewis Family Playhouse
"Peter and the Wolf" is a treat for children's ears as well as their eyes.

Jim Gamble Puppet Productions, of Harbor City, brings a cast of rod puppets to the Lewis Family Playhouse to perform this classic children's story on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Theatrical production in Hemet showcases talent
When Ron Milts directs a play he doesn't let anything stand in the way, not even holidays.

Rehearsals for "Moon Over Buffalo," the latest serving of comedic farce by Play With Your Food Productions, started Dec. 1.

"To cast this slot you have to find very unique people you can trust," said Milts, of Riverside. "Because of the group I have I was able to pull it off."

01/11/2010

100 years ago today, voters brought forth a new city -- Hemet
One hundred years ago today, 177 residents went to the polls in a town that owed its existence to Edward L. Mayberry and William F. Whittier directing runoff from the San Jacinto Mountains into their Lake Hemet Dam.

01/10/2010

Photo exhibition previews reopening of Riverside's Fox
Amid the rubble of the Fox Theater renovation, Michael J. Elderman found art.

Fox theater part of the rise of the mid-size venue
Riverside's historic Fox theater used to draw cinema and vaudeville fans from all over the region.

Completed in 1929, the Hollywood-style theater showed silent movies and previewed "Gone With the Wind" in 1939. It also drew A-list performers such as Bing Crosby and Judy Garland.

'Theaters like this never make money'
Though tickets to shows at Fox Performing Arts Center are selling slowly and steadily, Riverside's newest venue is never expected to be a moneymaker, officials say.

Downtown Riverside shopkeepers eye value of Fox crowd
In the 3 ½ years since the owners of Restaurant Omakase moved into a downtown Riverside storefront with a view of Fox Performing Arts Center, they've watched and waited for its rebirth.

The wait is over.

Chef Brein Clements and wife Roryann are fully aware that theirs will be the first restaurant theater-goers see as they walk out of the venue.

Memories of Fox theater revisit myths, mystique
Janet Nicks got her first taste of romance at the historic Fox theater in downtown Riverside.

Nicks, then Janet Anderson, was all of 7 years old in 1938 when she first laid eyes on matinee idol Tyrone Power in "Alexander's Ragtime Band."

"I fell in love with Tyrone Power in that movie," Nicks, now 79, said recently. "And I loved him all my life."

Video: Long-time residents share their Fox memories

Photo Gallery: Fox Theater through the years

The road to Riverside's Fox theater's new red carpet
When city project manager Robert Wise walked into Riverside's Fox theater about four years ago, he immediately knew who had last flocked to the once-opulent movie palace.

Pigeons.

Bird droppings, heaps of construction material and the detritus from years of disuse littered the previously elegant lobby and airy, high-ceilinged auditorium.

Photo Gallery: Fox Performing Arts Center set for Grand Opening

Downtown Riverside a stage; its future at play
If downtown Riverside is a stage, it's been in need of more actors.

For years the Inland home of county government, the justice system and state administration has gone quiet after 6 p.m. -- and slept through most weekends.

01/09/2010

Mission Inn owner Duane Roberts to head Fox theater's foundation board
Mission Inn owner Duane Roberts will lead the board of trustees of the Fox Riverside Theater Foundation, it was announced Friday.

The foundation's goal is to raise $5 million for an endowment to support the historic Fox theater, which will reopen Jan. 15 as Fox Performing Arts Center, after a $32 million renovation.

Video: Mission Inn owner named head of Fox foundation

Special Section: Riverside Renaissance

01/08/2010

Santiago student trumpets in New Year
Santiago High School student Brennan Wade said his parents knew before he did that he'd been selected as a Herald Trumpet player for the Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band and that he would march in the New Year's Day parade. They told his school band director Kris Parish, and to surprise Wade, Parish told him to go call his parents during school practice one day.

Mixed signals: High-tech Fox theater marquee has haters, admirers
"Garish," "an abomination," and "like a low-class strip club marquee" were likely not the reactions Riverside officials hoped for when they put a $250,000 sign with more than 300,000 LED lights on the historic Fox theater.

The city has been fielding calls and e-mails about the marquee, some including the above comments, since it was illuminated Dec. 23.

Video: Opinions split on sign for Fox Performing Arts Center

01/07/2010

'The Music Man' will be Redlands Bowl musical for 2010
"The Music Man" will be the 2010 musical for the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival.

The production will be directed by Paul Jacques, of Riverside, the Redlands Community Music Association announced in a press release.

01/06/2010

Riverside Lyric Opera presents 'Hansel and Gretel'
The basic story could be ripped from today's news: a brother and sister hungry and lost, parents struggling to make ends meet and frantic to find their missing children.

Set it to gorgeous music, add a witch and some gingerbread, and the result is a fairy tale come to life.

Riverside Lyric Opera will present "Hansel and Gretel" this weekend in a performance sponsored by the Riverside Arts Council.

01/01/2010

LifeHouse Theater takes happily-ever-after to the stage
New take on an old story

Cinderella will slip into some glass slippers and find her happily ever after on stage at the LifeHouse Theater in Redlands beginning Jan. 9.

The community theater, which has hosted only original musicals or plays since its opening in 1993, is currently in its 16th season.

Photo Gallery: "Cinderella": A new take on an old tale

12/30/2009

Joe Sib's California life
For decades, Joe Sib has been in front of a microphone, singing with bands such as 22 Jacks and Wax and hosting his weekly "Complete Control" radio show in Southern California. Now his spoken word show has Sib on the stage solo.

12/25/2009

'Disney On Ice' comes to Ontario
Tinker Bell takes to the ice

Princesses strut their stuff and pixies put on blades when "Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy." Tinker Bell, a supporting character in "Peter Pan" takes the spotlight in this show, which finishes up its run in Anaheim this weekend before moving on to Ontario.

12/19/2009

Cal State San Bernardino's first music faculty member dies
Richard Samuel Saylor, the first faculty member hired for Cal State San Bernardino's music department, has died.

Mr. Saylor was composer who had two works included on the "Selective List of American Music for the Bicentennial Celebration" when the nation marked its 200th anniversary in the 1970s.

12/17/2009

S.O.S. (Seniors on Stage) stands for experience
The group performs monthly at Seven Hills but most of the shows are not open to the public. However, performer workshops are held at 1 p.m. each Friday and anyone can demonstrate their talent or attend the sessions as spectators.

'Disney On Ice' showcases four shows in one
'Disney on Ice' x 4

'Disney on Ice" is skating back to the Inland region with a brand new show. "Disney on Ice" presents "Worlds of Fantasy" will be at the Honda Center from Dec. 22 to 27 and the Citizens Business Bank Arena from Dec. 30 to Jan. 3.

The all new show will feature some of Disney's new characters combined with the classics.

New Year's Eve calendar, Dec. 18, 2009
RIVERSIDE COUNTY

Riverside

Decadent New Year's Eve Bash, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Club Sevilla, 3252 Mission Inn, Riverside, $25. 951-778-0611.

Harvest New Years Eve Car Show, Dec. 31, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Harvest Christian Fellowship, 6115 Arlington Ave., Riverside, Free entry, 909-687-6902.

12/24/2009

Holiday entertainment options, Dec. 25-Jan. 3, 2009
RIVERSIDE COUNTY

Corona

New York, New Year's Eve Dinner featuring The Legendary Mustangs, Thursday, 6 p.m. Fender Center for the Performing Arts, 365 N. Main St., Corona, 951-735-2440.

Riverside

Decadent New Year's Eve Bash, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Club Sevilla, 3252 Mission Inn, Riverside, $25. 951-778-0611.

12/17/2009

'Riverdance' tour stops here
"Riverdance," the show that defined Ireland to the world for more than 10 years, is coming to the California Theatre this weekend in what is billed as a farewell tour.

It began in 1994 as an "interval piece" in the Eurovision Song Contest and went on to sweep the United States and the rest of the globe, said Melissa Convery, a native of Ireland who has performed with the show since 1997.

12/10/2009

Want to get in the act at Disneyland's 'Princess' show? Here's how
Going to Disneyland is like entering the magical world of Disney films.

And with the Disney animated film "The Princess and the Frog" opening wide today, being a part of the magic is even easier.

Now through Jan. 3 at Disneyland, a daily float/parade-show hybrid, "Tiana's Showboat Jubilee!" brings some southern fun to the Mark Twain Riverboat and New Orleans Square.

Video: Join Disneyland cast aboard showboat jubilee

King High's ComedySportz team in action
Riverside's King High School ComedySportz team knows that laughing is a serious sports.

The team, students in the Wolfpack Theater's drama department, competes in improv comedy shows on campus.

The next match is Friday, 7 p.m., at King High School.

Information: http://www.mlktheatre boosters .org/index_files/Page 918.htm

Photo Gallery: King High School’s ComedySports 'Act-letes' in action

12/09/2009

Riverside actor plays an outlaw's law-abiding daddy in "Bonnie & Clyde'
Riverside actor Victor Hernandez has been along for the ride with "Bonnie & Clyde," the musical about the 1930s outlaws that is getting its world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse.

The show has been selling out performances but theater representatives say there are some tickets left for the rest of the run.

Dinner show features fine dining with a side of murder
The scene is set at a nightclub full of shady characters on St. Vincent Island in the Caribbean. The food is good, the company even better. But there's a small problem. The café's owner has been murdered and everyone is a suspect.Murder mystery dinner theater in Riverside

Photo Gallery: Murder mystery dinner theater in Riverside

Group seeks venue for performing arts conservatory in San Bernardino
Margaret Hill sat in an empty theater in downtown San Bernardino last week, dreaming aloud about the day when her town might have a performing arts conservatory.

"Being an educator, I always think of it from the school standpoint," says the assistant San Bernardino County superintendent of schools. "I see an opportunity for young people to have something to do, and to display the talents they have."

Barbara Lohman named permanent executive Philharmonic director
The Riverside County Philharmonic announced recently that temporary Executive Director Barbara Lohman has accepted the position permanently.

Lohman, a former philharmonic board member, has been in the post on a temporary basis since February. The Corona resident has worked with cultural and performing arts groups in Washington, DC, Orange County and Riverside.

Beaumont students stage 'Beauty and the Beast'
Eion Calderwood tried out for a role in "The Wizard of Oz" last year at his mom's urging.

To his surprise, he was cast as the Tin Man.

"Since then I've loved acting," the 13-year-old said.

Eion is appearing this season as Gaston in Mountain View Middle School's production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." The musical opened Friday and continues Thursday through Saturday.

12/04/2009

Philharmonic holiday soiree sees Inland support
The Riverside County Philharmonic's 7th annual Holiday Soiree took place at the home of Debbi and Jim Guthrie on Wednesday. The annual event is always held at a private home of a philharmonic supporter.

Photo Gallery: Riverside Philharmonic fundraiser

Barry Manilow brings a gift to the desert
Every night that he performs on stage, Barry Manilow has the time of his life.

"When the curtain goes up, it's so glamorous, it's so exciting," he said in a recent interview at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert. "If that didn't happen, I'd probably hang up my platform shoes."

Metal from rusted pickups blooms in Riverside exhibition
Inland Southern California is a center for car culture, and beginning Saturday, car culture with a capital "C" will be on display at Riverside Art Museum.

Sculptor Michael Kalish harvested rusted and oxidized metal from pickup tailgates and transformed them in delicate-looking rose petals.

"Michael Kalish: Rust and Renaissance" features 28 works.

Video: 'Rust and Renaissance' at the Riverside Art Museum

Choir and musicians band together for 'Messiah'
San Diego's professional chamber choir, Cappella Gloriana, and Murrieta's California Chamber Orchestra will perform the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah on Monday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church at 44651 Avenida de Missiones in Temecula.

California Chamber Orchestra's Warren Gref will conduct soloists, choir and orchestra in the holiday oratorio.

12/03/2009

Heartland Players in Yucaipa to present 'Little Women'
The Heartland Players Theater Co. will present "Little Women" for three weekends starting Friday and ending Dec. 20 at The Heartland Theatre in Yucaipa. The play is based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott; original production is written and directed by Jana Smith.

Santa, snow will arrive Friday in Lake Elsinore
Santa Claus will swoop into Lake Elsinore's historic downtown area Friday as the city celebrates its annual Winterfest and tree-lighting ceremony.

The events are scheduled from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. along Main Street from Library Avenue to Heald Avenue and will include more than 30 craft and holiday vendors along with face painting, a train ride, bounce houses and pony rides.

Performances of 'The Nutcracker' ballet scheduled throughout region
Are you beset by visions of sugarplums? Pursued by giant, sword-wielding mice? There's only one cure. "The Nutcracker," the classic Christmas ballet set to the Tchaikovsky score, is back on Inland stages.

Performances include:

Video: Rehearsal for Riverside's "Nutcracker"

Photo Gallery: Riverside "Nutcracker" Rehearsal

12/02/2009

Riverside dancer hopes solo with oxygen tank will connect with audience
About two years ago, professional dancer Adam Young was told he needed full-time oxygen and would no longer be able to dance.

His doctor also told him he might have two to three years left to live. Attached permanently to an oxygen tank and unable to dance, he became depressed.

He might not have resurfaced if not for a request from Mark Haines, an associate professor of dance at RCC.

Photo Gallery: Cystic fibrosis doesn't stop dancer Adam Young

Local professor writes children's book
California Baptist University professor John Pate has written a children's book inspired by a close friend's name, Red Skelton, strange smells and his background as a stand-up comic and comedy sketch writer for over 30 years.

"Harvel Goes to the Farm," Pate's first book, is about a moose who visits his aunt and uncle's farm, which is being attacked by voracious bugs eating all the crops.

12/01/2009

Rusted junkyard metal blooms in Riverside exhibition
Inland Southern California is a center for car culture, and beginning Saturday car culture with a capital C will be on display at Riverside Art Museum.

Sculptor Michael Kalish harvested rusted and oxidized metal from pickup tailgates and transformed them in delicate-looking rose petals.

"Michael Kalish: Rust and Renaissance" features 28 works.

Video: 'Rust and Renaissance' at the Riverside Art Museum

Klezmer music wraps up year for Golden Valley Music Society
Traditional klezmer music will be on display for the final Classics at the Merc show of 2009, presented by the Golden Valley Music Society.

"A Little Klezmer for the New Year," will spotlight the Second Avenue Klezmer Ensemble, Dec. 27, at 3 p.m. in the Club at the Merc at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

Auditions for 'Wonderland' set
Open-call auditions for "Alice in Wonderland" will be held tonight from 6 to 9 at the Heartland Players Theater Lobby for performers ages 10 through adult.

11/27/2009

George Lopez wants you on board for his talk show
George Lopez on the street

George Lopez's new late-night talk show is intended to have a street-party feel. And Turner Broadcasting Systems is taking it to the streets.

A "Lopez Tonight" party bus traveled down the East Coast for the show's launch earlier this month.

La Jolla Playhouse sets 'Bonnie & Clyde' to music
Car tunes

'Bonnie & Clyde," believe it or not a new musical, has a book by Ivan Menchell, who did the stage version of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."

Presumably this story of gun-toting, bank-robbing lovers in the 1930s has more bang bang than chitty.

11/26/2009

Riverside gets 20 tickets for all Fox shows
When you own a theater, there's always a seat for you in the house. At least, that will be the case for Riverside city officials when the Fox Performing Arts Center opens in January.

The city spent about $30 million to restore the downtown theater, which first opened in 1929 as a vaudeville and movie house, and now will host live concerts, comedians and musical theater.

Norco woman helps Colton man, a childhood friend, by giving him a kidney
Lori Bonner has been friends with John Brannon since they played in their elementary school orchestra. Now, some 30 years later, they will be united by more than a love of music and teaching. Bonner hopes to soon give one of her kidneys to Brannon, who has spent five years on dialysis with deteriorating health.

Klezmer music celebrates end of Merc's year
Traditional klezmer music will be on display for the final Classics at the Merc show of 2009, presented by the Golden Valley Music Society.

"A Little Klezmer for the New Year," will spotlight the Second Avenue Klezmer Ensemble, Dec. 27, at 3 p.m. in the Club at the Merc at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

11/25/2009

Scrooge taking his sweet time again
Ebenezer Scrooge brings his crotchety, miserly, nasty ol' presence to the holiday season in "A Christmas Carol," scheduled for eight performances at the Lewis Family Playhouse from Dec. 4-13.

Halls ringing with versions of 'Jingle Bells'
The holidays are the time of the year when artists trot out albums they recorded in July, and halls are filled with the ringing reinterpretations of "Jingle Bells."

Here are the big-name holiday concerts to catch in the Inland region.

Sara Evans

A fairy, fairy hot ticket
Are visions of sugarplums dancing in your head? They’ll dance on Inland stages soon, too. “The Nutcracker,” the classic Christmas fantasy ballet set to the Tchaikovsky score, will come to local venues starting today. Performances include:

AH, TO BE YOUNG IN CORONA...
The Young Americans performing troupe and the Corona Pops Symphony to will spotlight 150 students from the Corona/Norco School District in a special holiday show Saturday at Santiago High at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $18 at the door.

For 10 weeks, 150 Corona students have participated in at The Young Americans Performing Arts College in Corona to prepare for the show.

Check your list (twice) for these holiday events...
RIVERSIDE COUNTY

Cabazon

Christmas at Cabazon, Dec. 13, 1-4 p.m. James A. Venable Community Center, 50390 Carmen Ave., free, 951-922-1097.

Corona

CAT presents Star of Wonder, Dec. 10-13 Corona Civic Theater, 815 W. Sixth St., 951-279-2298.

Hemet

George Lopez wants you on board for his talk show
George Lopez on the street

George Lopez's new late-night talk show is intended to have a street-party feel. And Turner Broadcasting Systems is taking it to the streets.

A "Lopez Tonight" party bus traveled down the East Coast for the show's launch earlier this month.

La Jolla Playhouse sets 'Bonnie & Clyde' to music
Car tunes

'Bonnie & Clyde," believe it or not a new musical, has a book by Ivan Menchell, who did the stage version of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."

Presumably this story of gun-toting, bank-robbing lovers in the 1930s has more bang bang than chitty.

11/27/2009

They'll meet on the Beach: Brian Wilson and George Gershwin
It's like our favorite iPod mix gone real-life.

George Gershwin, the man who made classical music safe for the American mass audience. Flip the dial to "Our Love is Here to Stay."

And Brian Wilson, the sultan of the summer SoCal soundtrack. On comes "Good Vibrations."

Believe it or not, they're now collaborators... separated by genres, many decades and, well, by life itself.

11/25/2009

UCR rings in carillon recital
The UC Riverside Holiday Carillon Recital is set for 3 p.m. Dec. 12 at the university's bell tower. UC Riverside Carillonneur David Christensen is set to perform a selection of traditional and popular holiday music on the school's 48-bell carillon.

11/24/2009

'Nutcracker' production shines with new performer
The cast of California Riverside Ballet's "The Nutcracker" is especially bright this year thanks to the addition of a new young dancer.

Corona High School student, Isabel Jones will play the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The 14-year-old was recently accepted to the prestigious National Ballet of Canada summer program.

Video: Rehearsal for Riverside's "Nutcracker"

Photo Gallery: Riverside "Nutcracker" Rehearsal

11/23/2009

Church musician retires after 70 years
After 70 years of filling the sanctuary of Arlington United Methodist Church with music, Abbie Dickey has retired.

"It's time for me to do other things," said the 87-year-old, who was the guest of honor Sunday at a celebration of her life and music at the century-old church on Magnolia Avenue. She has served under 20 pastors -- from George Root in 1934 to Lily Villamin, who started in July.

Disney ice show returns Dec. 30
"Disney On Ice" will return to Inland Southern California Dec. 30.

The ice show features scenes from Disney Pixar's CARS, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Tinker Bell. The show will run at Citizens Business Bank Arena, Dec. 30-Jan. 3.

How about some teen angst with your cranberry sauce?
If you feel like a little teen heartbreak while digesting that turkey, the Orange County Performing Arts Center is cutting prices to get you into the theater on Thanksgiving.

Redlands singer snares LA Opera role
Craig Colclough, youth director and handbell-choir director at Redlands United Church of Christ, has snared a role in LA Opera's production of "The Barber of Seville."

The up-and-coming bass-baritone is currently in rehearsals for the show.

A Redlands resident, Colclough will appear as the Sergeant in "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" from Nov. 29-Dec. 19.

11/22/2009

'Lord' dances into Palm Desert
"Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance" strides into Palm Desert's McCallum Theatre for five performance Friday-Sunday, Nov. 27-29.

The show, which helped to popularize Irish step-dancing internationally, has been touring since 1996. More than 100 million people have seen the show and ticket sales top $800 million worldwide.

Holiday music series gets brassy
The Golden Valley Music Society will host its third annual Candlelight Classics in the Club at the Merc in Old Town Temecula.

This year's concerts feature the Conservatory Brass Quintet from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at Cal State Long Beach.

Performances are Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec.13 at 3 p.m.

11/21/2009

San Bernardino Symphony celebrates Schumann
The classical and the Romantic come together in the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra's concert tonight with the music of composer Robert Schumann -- all Schumann, all night.

With a composing career sandwiched between Franz Schubert and Johannes Brahms, Schumann is considered one of the great composers for piano, with works combining classical structure and Romantic expression.

'Viaggio' takes dreamy journey
Childhood dreams fill "Viaggio," a performance by iL CiRCo coming to San Bernardino's California Theatre of the Performing Arts on Sunday.

The troupe put on SeaWorld San Diego's "Cirque de la Mer" shows. It is based in San Diego but draws on the centuries-old Italian tradition of commedia dell'arte, according to its Web site.

Photo Gallery: Cirque show comes to California Theatre

11/20/2009

There's MORE to meet the eye at Luxor
The buffet at the Luxor, called More, is in the midst of remodeling. The menu won't change much, but it doesn't need to as it is considered to be one of the better buffets in town.

Angelica Bridges (pictured) has returned to "Fantasy" at the Luxor, in which she now has two specialty numbers. Additional singers have also been added to the show.

Disney adds Rockettes-style revue to 'A Christmas Carol'
Mankind is the business of "A Christmas Carol," and this Christmas showgirls are the business of El Capitan Theatre.

The Hollywood theater is staging a Rockettes-style revue to accompany the Disney adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic.

Performance Riverside launches 'Unsinkable Molly Brown'
Performance Riverside launches 'Molly Brown'

Molly Brown, a historical figure, was a major character in James Cameron's "Titanic." But although the film clocked in at 3 hours and 17 minutes, it never got around to depicting how she came to be known as "unsinkable."

11/19/2009

'Unsinkable Molly Brown' brings about unstoppable smiles
"The Unsinkable Molly Brown" can't boast of one memorable, hummable tune, but Performance Riverside's production can surely boast of a no-holds-barred enthusiasm from a spectacularly talented cast.

Passion Play joins Redlands' Easter holiday traditions
Hoping to create a new holiday tradition in Inland Southern California, Redlands Shakespeare announced this week the creation of a traditional Passion play during Easter weekend.

"The Passion of Easter" will be staged April 2-4 at the Redlands Bowl. The production will include full-scale sets, period costumes and feature a cast of more than 50 people.

11/17/2009

Eat first, solve mystery later
Who done it? West Valley High School is the culprit.

The Hemet school's arts department will present Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at 6 p.m. Dec. 2-5.

Bennett, Etheridge, Leno top Agua Caliente schedule
Just in time for Christmas, Agua Caliente Casino has released its 2010 concert schedule.

Think of it like the "Twelve Days of Christmas," but instead of six geese a-laying, five golden rings and a partridge in a pear tree, this is 12 days of showbiz with six musicians musing, five comedians laughing and a "Mr. Roboto" rock band.

Southwest Women's Chorus plans holiday concert for Temecula
The Southwest Women's Chorus will present its 10th annual holiday concert, "Christmas in the Air," at 2 p.m. Dec. 5-6 at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

The show will include carols, gospel and audience singalongs.

Also appearing: The Wings of Praise youth choir.

Youth theater group to hold talent competition
Riverside Youth Theatre is looking for its next big star. Auditions for the Inland Empire Youth Theatre Competition will take place Dec. 5 from 9 to 11 a.m. and on Dec. 7-9 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Fellowship Baptist Church at 3624 Arlington Ave. in Riverside.

11/13/2009

From the Bible to the Bonds
A theater production straight from the pages of the Bible took to the stage Friday at the Bobby Bonds Recreation Center, with more showings taking place today, Sunday and Nov. 20 and 21.

Titan Theatre Guild's annual fall production, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" tells the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis, chapters 37 to 50.

Photo Gallery: Dress Rehearsal: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Bette Midler departs from Caesars in January
Caesars Palace is losing its Colosseum headliner in a few months and has had to hustle to replace her.

Bette Midler is wrapping up her two-year run in "The Showgirl Must Go On" in January. Cher has stepped up to fill the void and has added to her contract shows in April and May.

'Unsinkable Molly Brown' offers great character with lots of gumption
Molly Brown was and is a demanding character, in real life and on stage in Performance Riverside's production of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown," opening today at Landis Performing Arts Center in Riverside.

"This is the most rigorous role I've ever played," said Stacy Huntington, who stars as Brown and whose career in theater spans more than 20 years.

11/11/2009

University of Redlands' 'Macbeth' opens Thursday
In Shakespeare's "Scottish play" (as it is known by the superstitious), weak-willed but selfish Macbeth and his bullying wife wreak havoc on anyone who crosses their paths but in the end hurt themselves more than anyone.

If they only had kids, they'd be the Jon and Kate Gosselin of the Jacobean era.

11/10/2009

'Mary Poppins' unpacks its bag of tricks in LA
"Mary Poppins" is landing in Los Angeles Friday for a three-month stay.

This touring version of the Broadway show features its New York leads, Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee, and like Mary arrives with a carpet bag full of tricks.

Co-producers Disney and Cameron Mackintosh didn't cut any corners on the tour, Lee said in a phone interview from Houston.

Photo Gallery: 'Mary Poppins on stage in LA'

Redlands Symphony honors colleague with concert
The Redlands Symphony Orchestra's concert Saturday night paid fitting tribute to longtime horn player Jim Keays, well-known to the audience that greeted his unannounced appearance on stage with a standing ovation.

Conductor Jon Robertson described Keays' character as a perfect blend of intellect and passion, a blend reflected in the concert's upbeat programming.

11/06/2009

Concert puts focus on horns
Redlands Symphony Orchestra conductor Jon Robertson said tonight's concert at Memorial Chapel will capture the essence of the Classical period, with music by Haydn, Beethoven, and two Mozarts. Even more of a treat, he says, is the focus on the horns.

"When was the last time you were able to hear a Haydn symphony with four horns?" he asked in a recent telephone interview.

Photo exhibition will chronicle Fox Theater's transformation
Riverside resident Michael Elderman thinks Riverside's Fox Theater has a story to tell.

He'll be telling its story in the form of a photographic essay exhibition, "Riverside's Fox Theater: An Intimate Portrait" at La Sierra University's Brandstater Gallery. It opens with a reception on Monday and runs through Dec. 10.

11/05/2009

CAT Corona's 'Annie Warbucks' tells rest of family tale
Remember when little orphan Annie is finally united with her new father, Daddy Warbucks, at the end of "Annie?" Ever wonder what happened next?

Find out at the Christian Arts and Theatre production of the "Annie" sequel, "Annie Warbucks," at the Corona Civic Theater beginning today.

University to host vigil prelude to annual Feast of Lights celebration
The University of Redlands will host the Feast of Lights Vigil on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Chapel.

The event, which is free and open to the public, serves as a devotional observance and prelude to the 62nd annual Feast of Lights worship celebration that will take place Dec. 4-7.

Inland Valley Symphony explores Europe musically
The Inland Valley Symphony will take listeners on a musical European tour at its season-opening concert Nov. 5 at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater with music from Spain, Russia and Germany, spanning a century of time. Guest conductor Anthony Parnther, current music director of the Orange County Symphony and many other ensembles, will direct the orchestra, which started in 1995.

11/03/2009

Fellowship group to host dancing, chanting event for peace
The Inland Communities Fellowship of Reconciliation will present The Dances of Universal Peace at All Saints Episcopal Church in Riverside Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m.

The circle dancing and chanting event is open to the public, including children ages 6 and older. Admission is $10.

Sherlock meets Broadway in Rialto Players' show
Ready for a little Sherlock-style sleuthing with a healthy slice of Broadway glitz?

Rialto Community Players is presenting the comic thriller "Postmortem" by playwright Ken Ludwig. Thomik Deverien will direct the cast including players from Yucaipa, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Riverside, Chino, Redlands and Crestline.

11/05/2009

For whom does Durang toll? Why, it's RCC
It's a Durang-a-thon.

The Riverside Community College Theatre Department will present "Durang, Durang, Durang", a trio of comic playwright Christopher Durang's works.

On the bill:

"For Whom The Southern Belle Tolls," a parody of Tennesee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie";

"Dentity Crisis," a black comedy that takes aim at psychiatry;

11/01/2009

Piano recital will benefit Redlands parolees
A piano recital of Russian music will be offered as a benefit concert to aid Step By Step, a program that helps parolees returning to Redlands.

The concert is free, with a freewill offering to be collected after the performance.

10/30/2009

'The Crucible' burns a very hot fire
This Halloween, forget the theme parks, latex masks and corny costumes. If you really want a frightening ride on an emotional rollercoaster, see Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" by the Rancho Cucamonga Community Theatre, at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center.

'The Crucible' challenges Hemet High students
Hemet High senior Tylre Kelley was elated to land the role of Abigail Williams, a manipulative, dramatic and darkly charismatic teen who leads local girls in love-spell rituals and viciously accuses women of witchcraft in Salem, Mass.

Kelley isn't at all like Abigail in real life, and that's part of what made the role so appealing, she said.

Photo Gallery: "The Crucible" dress rehearsal

10/29/2009

Children's theater group to take magical chocolate factory tour to stage
Got your golden ticket yet? Families can enjoy the excitement of finding that golden ticket and then traveling through the elusive Willy Wonka's chocolate factory in Riverside Children's Theater's latest production, "Willy Wonka" beginning Nov. 6.

The storyline was adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Tim McDonald.

Video: 'Willy Wonka' preview show

Photo Gallery: 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' preview

Forget spooky, this Halloween show is spoofy
SPOOFY, SPOOKY FUN

Who needs Halloween spooks when you can have Halloween spoofs?

Local theater group Riverside County Almanac brings back its annual Halloween show today. The dinner and variety show will be at Zacatecas Café in Riverside.

On tap for the evening are parodies of Rod Serling's "The Twilight Zone" and Ed Wood's "Plan 9 from Outer Space."

10/30/2009

Fund-raising big-band concert aids Murrieta Veterans Memorial Fund
The Robert Holts Orchestra will present "A Salute to Our Veterans, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at Murrieta Mesa High School's Gershwin Performing Arts Center.

The Big Band-style concert will also feature the Mellowtone Singers.

The event is a tax-decductible fund-raiser and proceeds go to the Murrieta Veterans Memorial Fund.

Tickets: $20-$50.

Information: (951) 461-6110.

10/29/2009

It's the truth! Lily Tomlin is coming to MGM Grand
Lily Tomlin is coming to town. The recipient of Emmy, Tony, Peabody and Mark Twain awards is bringing her comedy act to the MGM Grand Hollywood Theater Nov. 10-18.

Tickets are $58.50 and $80.50, $168.50 for "Golden Circle" meet-and-greet.

Vegas has got 'America's Got Talent'
"America's Got Talent Live" is midway through a 10-week run at Planet Hollywood. It is hosted by Jerry Springer and features this season's winner Kevin Skinner and runner-up opera singer Barbara Padilla.

Centennial students plan Poe evening

10/30/2009

Familiar favorite, mysterious debut for California Chamber Orchestra
The California Chamber Orchestra will present an enduring favorite and a challenging new piece at its next concert, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

'The Crucible' burns a very hot fire
This Halloween, forget the theme parks, latex masks, and corny costumes. If you really want a frightening ride on an emotional roller-coaster, see Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," by the Rancho Cucamonga Community Theatre, at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center.

10/29/2009

'Robin Hood' audience gets to play dress-up
LifeHouse Theater in Redlands is hosting a Harvest Party Performance of "Robin Hood" on Saturday, Halloween, at 2:15 p.m. Adults and children are invited to attend in costume.

Admission for children ages 12 and under is free with a paying adult. After the show, kids in attendance will be greeted by the "Robin Hood" cast and given candy treats.

10/28/2009

It's Christmas in October for 'Follies' fans
Inland native Susan Anton brings her wide-ranging performing talents back to the Plaza Theater stage, as "The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies" returns for its 19th improbable season this week.

That's right, improbable. Right from the start, no one thought a show featuring aging entertainers would make it. Yet the show endures two decades later, playing to packed audiences and rave reviews.

10/27/2009

Margaret Cho brings the music and the funny to Rancho Mirage
Comedian Margaret Cho is gearing up to release a musical comedy album in 2010 and the actress, who is currently starring in "Drop Dead Diva" on Lifetime, said she will perform some of the songs tonight at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage.

She collaborated with some of the most celebrated indie musicians around, including Andrew Bird and Jon Brion.

10/30/2009

Old Globe announces first musical for new stage
San Diego's Old Globe has announced a special engagement of "I Do! I Do!" starring real-life husband and wife Patrick Page and Paige Davis.

It will be in the Balboa Park's theater's new complex. The Conrad Prebys Theatre Center contains a new arena stage, Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, as well as classrooms, meeting rooms and other facilities.

10/29/2009

Diverse compositions on display at free Redlands concert
"Two Worlds" will be the theme at a concert featuring music from noted Native American and Latino composers.

R. Carlos Nakai will play the Native American Flute as Co Nguyen conducts the Redlands Symphony Orchestra at the free concert Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Memorial Chapel of the University of Redlands.

10/25/2009

Facelift in works for Banning's Playhouse Bowl
The city of Banning is looking into renovating the old Playhouse Bowl at Repplier Park.

The conceptual plan under consideration calls for a new amphitheater with 1,820 seats, about 200 more than currently exist. The stage would measure 1,000 square feet, slightly bigger than the existing stage.

10/28/2009

Classical 'Count' promises a bloody good time
There's nothing like a holiday tune this time of year. "Goblins Roasting on an Open Fire" ...or ..."Have Yourself of Scary Little Christmas" ... or... "Silent Fright"... or...ewwwww.

Video: 'Count Bachula' plays in Redlands

10/26/2009

UCR lands Kronos Quartet for November date
New-music pioneers Kronos Quartet will perform at UC Riverside on Thursday, Nov.19, at 8 p.m. in the University Theatre, it was announced this week.

10/24/2009

Mozart is freeway close this weekend
The 215 freeway connects two Inland productions of Mozart operas this weekend.

Inland Valley Opera's production of "Don Giovanni" ends its three-performance run tonight in Temecula.

On Sunday, Riverside Lyric Opera will present "The Magic Flute" in the Mission Inn.

10/23/2009

Home tour combines food, music and history
The San Bernardino Symphony Guild's fundraising home tour may not be a progressive dinner party, but it might be a feast for the ears.

Each of the four homes participating in Sunday's event will feature live entertainment, according to a press release.

Raincross Chorale looks back at 10 years of making music
For 10 years, the Raincross Chorale has been building music in the community, and on Sunday at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Riverside, the singing ensemble will celebrate with a concert of the best of the best, according to Founding Director Steve Kester.

10/22/2009

Forget spooky, this Halloween show is spoofy
Spoofy, spooky fun

Who needs Halloween spooks when you can have Halloween spoofs?

Local theater group Riverside County Almanac brings back its annual Halloween show on Oct. 30. The dinner and variety show will be at Zacatecas Café in Riverside.

10/23/2009

What, when and where the spooky action is in Southern California, Oct. 23-Nov. 1, 2009
Two more weekends, and then they put the fright wigs, rubble masks and rattles in storage.

But for now, Inland and Southern California amusement parks are going full blast with their Halloween attractions.

10/24/2009

Mozart's enduring ghost story in Temecula
Like Halloween, Mozart's "Don Giovanni" is at heart a ghost story.

Most of the Inland Valley Opera production at Old Town Temecula Community Theater isblack comedy. But there is a disturbing layer of evil in the material that occasionally surfaces amid the beauty of Mozart's music (the climactic scene quotes one of his most famous melodies, "Non piu andrai," from "La Nozze di Figaro").

10/23/2009

Attention 'Twilight' fans: Enjoy a show ... and perhaps a bite
You can't go anywhere without running into a vampire these days. You can even dine with them ... providing they don't dine on you.

The Valverde School of Performing Arts, spurred by the recent wave of vampire movies, has created an original dance drama. It's inspired by music from the motion picture "Twilight" by composer Carter Burwell. There are a few options for enjoying the show:

10/24/2009

Mozart's enduring ghost story in Temecula
Like Halloween, Mozart's "Don Giovanni" is at heart a ghost story.

Most of the Inland Valley Opera production at Old Town Temecula Community Theater isblack comedy. But there is a disturbing layer of evil in the material that occasionally surfaces amid the beauty of Mozart's music (the climactic scene quotes one of his most famous melodies, "Non piu andrai," from "La Nozze di Figaro").

10/22/2009

No strings attached 'Hobbit'
Tolkien fans can soon see a production of <em>The Hobbit</em>, probably unlike any they've seen before.

'Fred & Ginger': Now that's dancing with the stars
Big bands playing from a bandstand in a posh club, glittering gowns and sleek top hats, and graceful couples gliding across the polished dance floor -- these are the images of the glamorous era of musicals with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

They will be re-created in the new musical, "Fred & Ginger," playing for five performances beginning today at the California Theatre in San Bernardino.

Halloween Events, Oct. 23-Nov. 1, 2009
Halloween Events

Corona

The Pumpkin Factory LLC, today through Wednesday 10 a.m. 1545 Circle City Drive, Corona, free, 714-912-9703.

Lake Elsinore

Lake Elsinore Outlets Spooktacular Halloween, Oct. 31, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Lake Elsinore Outlets, 17600 Collier Ave., Lake Elsinore, free, 951-245-4989.

Steve Martin plays the banjo, seriously
Actor, author, art collector and comedian Steve Martin has added serious bluegrass musician to his ever-growing list of accomplishments.

Martin's early comedy career saw him using the banjo in bits.

Hemet's West Valley High staging '101 Dalmatians' this week
With black and white makeup and costumes, the cast of "101 Dalmatians" brings Disney's colorful classic to the West Valley High School stage in Hemet starting today.

Along with assisting director Stacey Bailey and playing a Dalmatian, Juana Rodriguez also has to oversee the onstage performance of 20 high school students and 25 spotted puppies played by 1- to 10-year-old children.

Maya Angelou will give sold-out lecture tonight
Author and poet Maya Angelou said her mission in public speaking is to provide some hope and humor. That attitude might explain why her lecture today at UC Riverside is sold out.

UCR student shares her talent...and the truth
Nobody even snickered when the proclamation of someday appearing on Oprah's TV show flowed from Whitley Porter's mouth.

Video: UCR's Truth Be Told prepares for performance

Photo Gallery: Truth Be Told rehearsal

10/21/2009

Everything you need about Greek history -- in one night
Brush up on your Greek history -- in a hurry.

Ramona High's theater arts deparment will present "The Greek Mythology OLYMPIAGANZA" on Friday and Saturday.

This one-act play is a comic retelling of the entire history of Greek mythology, complete with a version of the Iliad in five minutes flat.

10/23/2009

UCR lands Kronos Quartet for November date
New-music pioneers Kronos Quartet will perform at UC Riverside on Thursday, Nov.19, at 8 p.m. in the University Theatre, it was announced this week.

10/20/2009

Beaumont High students present "Almost Maine"

10/17/2009

Temecula Valley High drama club takes on serious subject
The drama club at Temecula Valley High School is a melting pot.

Club members say it's a place where students from all backgrounds and cliques learn to work together.

"The school has almost 3,000 students," drama and English teacher Derek Heid said. "People who honestly wouldn't talk to each other all come together here."

Actress Carol Channing promotes arts to students, parents in Corona
The arts are like fertilizer for the brain, entertainer Carol Channing told students, parents and teachers Friday evening at Susan B. Anthony Elementary School in Corona.

Channing, 88, won a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 1995, and has now committed her life to encouraging arts education in California public schools.

10/15/2009

Play depicts career women in cutthroat mode
The Riverside Arts Council and Three Theatre Group are back, following up the success of the Riverside production of "Glengarry Glen Ross" with a look at the cutthroat world of advertising in "Top Girls," now through Oct. 25 at the Mission Galleria in Riverside.

The production follows the character of Marlene, who gets a big promotion at the Top Girls advertising agency.

10/14/2009

San Bernardino's California Theatre gains historic label
San Bernardino's California Theatre of the Performing Arts has cleared the first hurdle to be named to the National Register of Historic Places.

10/10/2009

Symphony program 'accessible pieces'
Carlo Ponti believes audiences will enjoy the program on opening night of his ninth season with the San Bernardino Symphony.

The two pieces on the bill are Franz Schubert's Symphony No. 3 in D Major and Jean Sibelius' Symphony No. 2 in D Major.

Three Inland groups receive Irvine art grants
Three Inland arts organizations will receive grants to help them improve their community outreach, the James Irvine Foundation announced Friday.

The grants are $225,000 to the Riverside Art Museum, $275,000 to the Redlands Community Music Association and $350,000 to the San Bernardino Symphony Association.

In phone interviews, arts leaders expressed their gratitude.

10/11/2009

Striking The Right Note
Early drafts of the Republican National Committee's official response to President Obama winning the 2009 Nobel Prize for Peace:

"We join all Americans in congratulating the President for receiving this distinguished honor and look forward to working with him to make the world safer for generations to come."

10/10/2009

New comedy to bring out multiple personalities in actors
A cast of two will take on 20 different roles in "Greater Tuna," a comedy starting Friday in Hemet and presented by Play With Your Food Productions.

10/09/2009

Fred Willard transforms himself into Elvis for play in Upland
Fred Willard will assume the full mantle of "The King" when he stars in "Elvis and Juliet"

The play, written by his wife Mary, opens at Upland's Grove Theatre on Saturday after runs in Los Angeles and New York.

Ted Lange, who played the bartender Isaac on "The Love Boat," directs.

Disney songs turn symphonic
Sort of like "Fantasia" in reverse, popular Disney songs will become classical music in an Oct. 20 concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Cirque du Soleil brings tent show to Southern California
Cirque du Soleil is returning to its Southern California stomping ground with a new show.

Its creators say "Kooza" is returning Cirque du Soleil to its roots as well.

It premieres Oct. 16 in a big top at the Santa Monica Pier.

Mom doesn't regret dropping opera career for talented children
Natalia Hayama's tears well up with pride at any mention of the three reasons she set aside her six years of opera training, a quest for a singing career that began at age 15 in her native Moldova in the old Soviet Union.

Joy to rule at Redlands Symphony season opener
Conductor Jon Robertson had an ulterior motive when he programmed the Redlands Symphony Orchestra's season-opening concert for Saturday.

10/07/2009

Philharmonic opens 50th season in Riverside
The Riverside County Philharmonic began its 50th anniversary season Saturday with a concert featuring pianist Wendy Chen.

Chen performed Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1.

10/04/2009

From ancient times to modern, wars re-enacted in Chino
Donning historical uniforms, weapons and in some cases old-time accents, hundreds of war re-enactors are converging at Prado Regional Park in Chino this weekend to portray the lives of soldiers past and present.

10/02/2009

Philharmonic lauds late conductor as season opens
The spirit of late conductor Patrick Flynn lives on as the Riverside County Philharmonic orchestra opens its 50th season on Saturday at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium.

"This is it, this is the last season programmed by Patrick Flynn," said executive director Barbara Lohman. Flynn was working on this program the week before he died in 2008, she said.

Top Chefs and Charity Donors
Detective Glen Carr probably can solve a homicide with one hand tied behind his back. He's pretty handy with a knife and a cutting board, too.

So are his partners in crime-solving, Bob Albright, Rick Molony and Sgt. Thom Bielaszka of the San Bernardino Police Department detective bureau.

When they're not investigating killings, robberies and grand thefts, the four are amateur chefs.