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Theater/Classical Music

09/02/2010

San Bernardino museum to host classical concert
Time for music

Here's a little something different for Labor Day weekend: classical music in the open air.

The San Bernardino Symphony Trio will perform a selection of pieces ranging from Baroque to modern on Sunday at the San Bernardino County Museum's amphitheater. The musicians are concertmaster Todor Pelev (above), Ana Marie Maldonado and violinist Tom Sender.

Music fills Temecula theater in September
There are a few more sunrises and sunsets before the last performance of "Fiddler on the Roof" at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

The classic musical -- revolving around a tradition-loving father -- will be presented by the Temecula Valley Players today and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

The Lovemaster unleashed in Ontario
That's right, baby. The Lovemaster is coming to Ontario.

Comedian Craig Shoemaker and his creepy sexually charged character The Lovemaster will perform Sept. 9-12 at the Ontario Improv.

Redlands bowl expanded outreach in 2010 season
When Redlands Community Music Association president Marvin Hudson asked the Redlands Bowl audience how many had voted online for the organization to receive a $50,000 grant from Pepsi, about 80 percent of the crowd stood up.

To the association's executive director, Beverly Noerr, that huge community support reflected the energy of the entire 2010 Summer Music Festival season.

08/31/2010

Temecula theater seeks choreographers for special showcase
Choreographers who live or work in Riverside or San Diego counties can compete for the chance to create a dance for professional performers and a $500 commission.

The Old Town Temecula Community Theater is taking applications, seeking six choreographers to work with members of BARE Dance Company, theater manager Bruce Beers said.

08/29/2010

'Thriller' dance record created in downtown Riverside
More than 1,000 turned out to California Riverside Ballet's "The Thrill is On" event Saturday afternoon.

Photo Gallery: 'Thriller' dance record

08/26/2010

Corona Symphony to perform U.S. composers
The Corona Symphony Orchestra will spotlight U.S. composers in its "American Horizons" concert Saturday.

It will feature the overture to "Candide" and symphonic dances from "West Side Story" both by Leonard Bernstein; "Voyage for Strings" by John Corigliano; and four dance episodes from "Rodeo" by Aaron Copland.

Music, light, space spotlight new Culver Center
The long-awaited Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts is about to open, but first there's one last performance leading up to the gala opening celebration that will include three days of festivities.

The performance, "An Evening of Light, Space and Sound," will take place at 8 p.m. during downtown Riverside's Artswalk on Thursday.

Comedian Brian Regan to perform tonight at Pechanga
Comedian Brian Regan to perform tonight at Pechanga

Brian Regan will hit the stage tonight at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula.

Regan's comedy is a "balance of sophisticated writing and physicality," as he promotes on his website www.brianregan.com

Bill Maher gets real at Morongo
Bill Maher brings more than 30 years of stand-up comedy and a successful career as a host of his own shows on Comedy Central, ABC and HBO to Morongo Casino Resort and Spa on Saturday.

'Fluffy' Iglesias coming to Ontario Improv
Comedian Gabriel Iglesias has something in common with the police officer who just pulled him over -- doughnuts.

He jokes about the time he was caught making an illegal turn out of a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts drive-thru and was let go for making the cop laugh. "Do you know why I stopped you? Yes, you smelled these!"

Come dance to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" in Riverside
Anyone who's ever wanted to dance like a funky ghoul is invited to join in a performance of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Saturday in front of the historical Riverside County Courthouse.

"Thriller" dance event kicks off Riverside's new Ghost Walk season
Believe it or not, Halloween is just around the corner. And for downtown Riverside, that means it's almost time for Ghost Walk.

08/19/2010

Fast-talking Eddie Griffin at Ontario
Fast-talking loudmouth characters -- whether it be his character in "Norbit" or Eddie Sherman on TV's "Malcolm & Eddie" -- are what comedian Eddie Griffin does best.

Redlands Bowl season will end with a bang
The Redlands Bowl Summer Series will present its finale tonight with fireworks, an award-winning piano soloist and a closing symphony concert from the Redlands Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Frank Paul Fetta.

Fetta will lead the orchestra in selections, including Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 and the Dvorak Carnival Overture. "That's going to be a spectacular overture," he said.

08/18/2010

CAT of Corona's festival wraps with 'The Foreigner'
Youth theater group Christian Arts Theater will wrap up its sixth annual Summer Theater Festival this weekend with the comedy, "The Foreigner."

Musical revue "Route 66" was performed last weekend, and "The Emperor's New Clothes" played the weekend prior.

Local child actresses play 'Alice' big and small at Yucaipa Little Theatre
Follow Alice down the rabbit hole Thursday when Yucaipa Little Theatre hosts its production of "Alice in Wonderland." The special production is designed as a workshop for the many first-time performers in the young cast.

"We brought in a variety of teachers to introduce the cast to different aspects of the theatre," director Christine Presley said.

08/14/2010

Symphony group educates youth
The San Bernardino Symphony will soon be taking its sounds to the classroom as part of the annual Music in the Schools program. The symphony program has been teaching third-graders about orchestra music for 19 years. Last year it expanded to include fourth-graders as well.

Riverside Fox announces fall/winter lineup adds
The Fox Performing Arts Center's fall and winter season just got even better. Operator Bill Malone announced several additions that include some big-name headliners. Here are the new names.

08/13/2010

Actor Davi added to lineup for Ramona Bowl fundraiser
Actor Robert Davi will appear at the Ramona Bowl's "Dinner in the Grove" fundraiser on Aug. 21 at the Hemet ranch of Don and Luciana Marabella.

08/12/2010

Beloved music and musicals on stage in Temecula
"Beauty and the Beast" kicks off the latest round of performances at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. The kid-friendly ballet will be on stage at 7 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Saturday.

That's just the start of the lineup at the 361-seat proscenium theater, and at a smaller "black box" performance space in The Merc, the adjacent historical Mercantile building.

Folk festival brings old Russia to Redlands Bowl
The Redlands Bowl audience will be taken away to old Russia when Nikolai Massenkoff presents his Massenkoff Russian Folk Festival on Tuesday night.

"My mission is to take people on a cultural ride of Russia," said Nikolai Massenkoff, who heads the show and supplies its rich vocals. "For a couple of hours they're in Russia. They're like tourists."

'Little Mermaid' hitting open air of Redlands Bowl
"The Little Mermaid" brings an underwater world into the open air.

Inland Pacific Ballet performs today and Saturday at the Redlands Bowl.

"We're very excited about bringing it to the bowl," said Victoria Koenig, co-founder of Inland Pacific Ballet. "We've never performed it outside."

08/11/2010

Youth theater groups delves into story of Jonah
Youth theater groups delves in story of Jonah

Youth group LifeHouse Theater in Redlands is taking on the complex story of Jonah in its new musical, "Pursued -- A Jonah Story."

The show opens Aug. 21 and will run through Sept. 19 with performances Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

08/10/2010

Lewis Black on the sarcastic attack at Pala
Conservatives and those who offend easily, beware. Comedian Lewis Black considers himself a socialist, so fair warning -- and a bit of a foul-mouthed one at that.

Black is probably best known for his sarcastic appearances on "The Daily Show" and in such films as "Accepted" and "Man of the Year." He is also a best-selling author and has written more than 40 plays.

08/09/2010

Sarcasm follows Lewis Black to Pala
Sarcasm follows Black to Pala

Lewis Black's sly wit and stinging sarcasm will take the stage Saturday at Pala Casino Spa Resort.

Black has been seen on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," in films, including "Man of the Year" and "Unaccompanied Minors," and on numerous HBO comedy specials.

08/06/2010

Beloved music and musicals on stage in Temecula
Put on a happy face. Go see "Bye Bye Birdie."

The Fine Arts Network and Actors Contemporary Theatre present the popular '50s-era musical at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

That's just the start this month at the 361-seat proscenium theater, and at a smaller "black box" performance space in The Merc, the adjacent historic Mercantile building.

08/05/2010

Great dates: Get into Inland museums
A trip to the museum doesn't have to turn into your fifth-grade field trip. Here are a few exhibits and spots that are local and give a date some interactivity.

Fender Museum

Marine Corps band to perform Tuesday at Redlands Bowl
The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band will give a rousing patriotic show Tuesday night at the Redlands Bowl.

Their performance is part of the 87th Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, the oldest continuous music festival in the United States to charge no admission fee. It was founded in 1923 to make live music available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

Famous arias to ring through Redlands Bowl
Three gifted singers will perform some of the world's most famous arias in "A Magical Night of Opera" tonight at the Redlands Bowl.

"We like to present this because it's all the wonderful highlights -- all the best moments from all the operas," said conductor Frank Paul Fetta, who will lead the San Bernardino Symphony in tonight's music. "It's like an evening of eating all desserts."

Brazilian vocalist to perform in Calimesa
Brazilian vocalist Rudy Micelli is set to perform as part of the Calimesa Concert Series at 4 p.m. Aug. 14 at Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church, 391 Myrtlewood Drive.

Micelli is also scheduled to perform at the church's annual camp meeting in the church auditorium.

The show marks the first time Micelli has put on a full concert in Calimesa, a town he has visited with other groups.

08/04/2010

'Emperor's New Clothes' comes to Corona Civic Theatre
'Emperor's New Clothes' comes to Corona Civic Theatre

Christian Arts Theater is kicking off its sixth annual Summer Theatre Festival today with the "Emperor's New Clothes," which runs through Sunday. The production will be performed at the historic Corona Civic Center Theatre.

Youth theater groups goes back to classics
Youth theater group goes back to classics

A true princess would notice something as small as a teensy-tiny pea under her mattress - or so the story goes. Riverside Youth Theatre is taking the classic tale "The Princess and the Pea" and giving it a makeover for the group's sixth annual Summer Theatre Festival that opens Thursday.

'The Little Mermaid' swims the Redlands Bowl
See Arial, Flounder and friends in two final performances of Inland Pacific Ballet's "The Little Mermaid" at the Redlands Bowl outdoor amphitheater Aug. 13 and 14 at 8:15 p.m.

Called an "underwater 'Lion King'" "The Little Mermaid" integrates life-size puppetry with dance and aerial trapeze flying in a magical undersea world.

08/02/2010

Weekend of comedy concerts a good fit for San Bernardino theater
From crowd control innovations to expected TV residuals, organizers say they were thrilled with last weekend's Laugh Out Loud Comedy Festival in San Bernardino.

"It went flawless," Emil Marzullo, executive director of the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, said in a phone interview Monday morning.

Photo Gallery: Laugh Out Loud Comedy Festival at the California Theatre in San Bernardino

08/03/2010

Redlands Symphony brings 'Peter and the Wolf' to life
The symphony concert is the flagship of the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, and Friday night's concert by the Redlands Symphony Orchestra delivered on that responsibility.

Under the direction of Frank Paul Fetta, the orchestra presented a program that happily reflected the festival's classical music foundation.

07/31/2010

Comedy festival fills street in front of California Theatre
A parade of stand-ups took the stage Friday in San Bernardino for the taping of Showtime TV specials.

The LOL Comedy Festival kicked off at 8 p.m. at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts with headliner Tom Arnold.

Seats were reserved but that went out the window when the projection crew moved audience members to the front rows to fill in empty seats.

Photo Gallery: Laugh Out Loud Comedy Festival at the California Theatre in San Bernardino

07/29/2010

Summer program marks milestone with classic musical
Riverside Community College is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of the Summer Theatre Conservatory with "Anything Goes, a hit Broadway musical dating back to 1934.

The show opens Thursday and runs through Saturday.

It includes a Cole Porter score includes some famous numbers such as "It's De-Lovely," "Friendship," "I Get A Kick Out Of You," "All Through The Night," and "You're The Top."

Comedy festival set for San Bernardino Friday and Saturday
Comedians will be telling jokes inside and outside the California Theatre in San Bernardino Friday and Saturday.

Cloris Leachman - still laughing
Cloris Leachman knows how to laugh at life, at least judging from a phone interview this week.

The award-winning actor was constantly in stitches looking back on her 84 years on this earth and a show business career nearly as long.

She will share it all with audiences Aug. 6-8 at the Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga.

Singer brings sweet dreams of Patsy Cline
The songs of a great country singer will echo through the Redlands Bowl Tuesday night as Nancy Walker performs her tribute to Patsy Cline.

Walker will sing such favorites as "I Fall to Pieces," "Lovesick Blues" and "Crazy," perhaps the singer's best-loved song.

Bowl concert will feature 'Peter and the Wolf'
A 14-year-old violin soloist will play before the Redlands Symphony Orchestra, and "Peter and the Wolf" will come to life in tonight's "Musical Tales" concert at the Redlands Bowl.

The show will begin with "Peter and the Wolf," conducted by Frank Paul Fetta and narrated by local businesswoman and former Redlands Mayor Carole Beswick. "She's a very entertaining woman," Fetta said.

Arnez J is part athlete, part comic
With the physicality of Jim Carrey, Arnez J has been dubbed "the black Jerry Lewis." His charisma on stage is unforgettable, and he's coming to the Ontario Improv for three nights, tonight through Sunday.

Check out their moves on tour
So you think you can dance? Or is it better if you just watch others who can? Avoid embarrassing yourself, and check out the So You Think You Can Dance - Live Tour. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m.

Meet the headliners of the LOL festival
Louie Anderson

Born in: Minnesota

Started in stand-up: Won Midwest Comedy Competition in 1981.

Topics: Family life, self-esteem issues

Notable TV: Host "Family Feud," created cartoon series "Life with Louie"

Movies: "Coming to America," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"

San Bernardino is ready for the Showtime spotlight
Showtime's LOL Comedy Festival at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts will be filmed for the cable network's Laugh Out Loud Comedy Series, and there's hope that the ambitious two-night festival in San Bernardino will become an annual event.

California Theatre to host two-day comedy extravaganza
Tom Arnold, Louie Anderson and Jon Lovitz are among the headlining comedians at a two-day comedy festival today and Saturday at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino.

Showtime's LOL Comedy Festival will be filmed for the cable network's Laugh Out Loud Comedy Series, and there's hope that the ambitious festival will become an annual event.

'Emperor's New Clothes' gets modern makeover
Cyndie Monroe, artistic director of Christian Arts and Theater, thinks people need a really good laugh right now. With that in mind, the youth theater group has lined up three very different comedies for its CAT of Corona Sixth Annual Summer Theater Festival, which kicks off Aug. 6.

Corona community choir hits the right notes
Angela Rosser took the inspiration of her high school choir experience, her music degree and her experience as a music teacher to create Corona's Circle City Chorale, a community choir, which gave its first performances on July 10 and 11 at Corona's United Methodist Church.

Rosser has hopes to grow the 30 current members to 75 or 100 in the near future.

07/24/2010

Concert showcases work of Riverside opera program
Opera music has a new voice in Riverside. For the third year, the city of Riverside held a weeklong opera program for youth and adults at the César Chávez Community Center.

The program culminates with a free public concert at 3 p.m. today at the community center's auditorium.

The summer workshops began Monday with daytime rehearsals for youth and evening sessions for adults.

Video: Children learn opera's beauty first hand

Photo Gallery: Opera Program Culminating Concert Rehearsal

07/23/2010

Review: 'Music Man' pumps joy into Redlands Bowl
River City may have trouble with a capital "T", but Redlands has talent with a capital "T" as local actors, singers, dancers, musicians, and technicians stormed the Redlands Bowl with almost non-stop, unrestrained entertainment in Meredith Wilson's "Music Man," the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival's Broadway musical offering for the season.

Children learn musical theater from a pro
Musical theater for kids

Children interested in musical theater can learn some moves from an expert.

As part of the Redlands Bowl Children's Summer Music Festival Workshops series, well-known performer, producer and director Paul Jacques will lead a class, "The Music Man" Musical Theatre Workshop, at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Redlands Community Center.

Youth present an afternoon of opera in Riverside
Riverside Lyric Opera and the city of Riverside are reprising their summer opera program for youth and adults.

A week of training culminates in a free concert at 3 p.m. Saturday at Cesar Chavez Community Center Auditorium, 2060 University Ave.

The program will include excerpts from Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado" and Offenbach's "Tales of Hoffman."

'The Music Man' at the Redlands Bowl
'The Music Man' at the Redlands Bowl

Producer/director Paul Jacques will bring Meredith Willson's "The Music Man" to the Redlands Bowl at 8:15 tonight and Saturday night.

San Bernardino throws parties for LOL Comedy Festival
The City of San Bernardino is planning a party around the LOL Comedy Festival, two nights of standup at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts that will be recorded for Showtime.

Celtic Crossroads puts a modern spin on tradition
Celtic Crossroads started out four years ago as a street show by college students in Ireland.

Now they're an international touring band, performing traditional Irish music with a boisterous modern spirit Tuesday night at the Redlands Bowl.

07/21/2010

Junior University brings 'Robin Hood' to stage
Heroic outlaw Robin Hood and his Merry Men will rob the rich and give to the poor beginning at 8:30 tonight at the Perris Hill Bowl in San Bernardino.

The show, produced by Junior University Musical Theater, will run through Aug. 7.

"Robin Hood" has a cast of more than 75, primarily ages 9 to 21. Many cast members are veterans of Junior University; the rest are new to theater.

Riverside Fox announces fall season
Classical music superstar Sarah Chang is among an eclectic mix of musicians and comics coming to the Fox Performing Arts Center in its first fall season.

The historic Riverside movie theater opened as a live performance venue in January after a years-long, $32 million renovation.

In a Wednesday press release, manager William P. Malone announced 10 performances by nine artists.

07/18/2010

Inland performing arts school to start classes on Aug. 2
The Inland Conservatory for the Performing Arts will hold its first classes starting Aug. 2 in an industrial area of Rancho Cucamonga, but organizers say they still hope the dance, music, art and theater school will find a permanent home in San Bernardino.

Photo Gallery: Inland Conservatory for the Performing Arts open house

'Dream' comes true in the Temecula wine country
As the sun set Friday over the hills of Temecula Wine Country, an Athenian duke, enchanted fairies and young lovers came out to dream, sing and light up the stage in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

In its fifth season, the nonprofit theater group Shakespeare in the Vines produced the show as the second of three plays this summer at the Frangipani Estate Winery. Performances continue tonight and end July 24.

Video: "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Photo Gallery: "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

07/15/2010

Role of lifetime, Captain Hook
For the past 25 years, Vil Towers has made his living as a stage actor. But this month, he's had the chance to play the role he's dreamed of since he was a child.

Towers, of Norco, is living out his childhood dream of playing Captain Hook -- a character he describes as the greatest villain of all time -- during the two-week run of "Peter Pan" at the Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga.

Sebastian Maniscalco's road show reaches Ontario
When it comes to comedy, Sebastian Maniscalco is living proof that experience is the best teacher.

"My stuff's based off everyday situations and observations of human behavior," Maniscalco said in a recent phone interview. "So the more I live my life, the more material I get."

Maniscalco will appear at the Improv Comedy Club in Ontario July 22-25.

'Music Man' marches into Redlands Bowl
It will be the summer of 1912 all over again when director Paul Jacques brings his production of Meredith Willson's "The Music Man" to the Redlands Bowl next week.

"It's the Bowl's most requested musical," Jacques said in a recent phone interview.

There's a hot flash of genius to 'Menopause' musical
"Menopause the Musical" will bring 90 minutes of good-natured irreverence to the California Theatre of the Performing Arts beginning Tuesday.

Since the show's debut in Orlando, Fla., about a decade ago, nearly 11 million women have attended a performance somewhere in the country.

Inland quartet to play at Hemet-area church
HEMET Wayne Abravanel and his quartet will play at the Hemet Center for Spiritual Living at 2 p.m. Aug. 1

The church is at 40450 Stetson Ave. Hemet.

Cost is $15 per person. Information: 951-658-5157, hemetcsl@verizon.net or hemetcrs.org

Abravanel has played in the Palm Springs area since he moved to from New York 15 years ago.

--Brian Rokos

07/14/2010

Celtic concert at Redlands Bowl revives deep memories
Ken O'Malley and The Twilight Lords pay tribute to the traditions of Ireland with songs both old and new Friday at the Redlands Bowl.

The concert is part of the 87th Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, the oldest continuous music festival in the United States to charge no admission fee. It was founded in 1923 to make live music available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

Concert features three local performers
"Music for a Summer Afternoon" will offered at 4 p.m. Aug. 1 at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Mezzo-soprano Kate Butler will present vocal selections, featuring "The Seed of a Dream," a song cycle by Lori Laitman for mezzo-soprano, piano and cello.

Museum group plans musical program at San Jacinto historic mansion
Rob Lindquist will sing songs from the late 1880s to early 1900s accompanied by Jane Atherstone playing an 1876 vintage square grand piano at the Estudillo Mansion on Monday as part of the San Jacinto Museum Association monthly meeting, according to a news release.

Music Review: Glenn Miller Orchestra brings back 1940s
Gasoline at 17 cents a gallon, cigarettes at 18 cents a pack, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra playing on your furniture-sized radio. The memories all came back to the Redlands Bowl audience last weekend as the 21st century incarnation of a quintessential mid-20th century Big Band sound filled the outdoor amphitheater, and set the place hopping and swinging.

07/09/2010

"Waterology" musical Monday in Temecula
The Rancho California Water District on Monday will host the musical production "Waterology" about water pollution and conservation.

The free event is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Community Recreation Center, 30875 Rancho Vista Road. There will be crafts and other activities in addition to the musical.

--Jeff Horseman

07/08/2010

Redlands Theatre Festival starts Friday
Outdoor summer theater blossoms in the hills of Redlands as the Redlands Theatre Festival opens for a six-week run of five different plays in repertory.

Productions ranging from the fun and silly to the poignant to a fresh Tony Award-winning Broadway musical will offer audiences a complete live theater experience, according to artistic director Ron Adams.

Riverside production moves 'Merchant of Venice' to California
As part of a national endowment three years ago, UC Riverside professor and playwright Robin Russin traveled to Venice, Italy, to study the history of Shakespeare's famous character, Shylock, in the controversial romantic comedy "The Merchant of Venice."

Redlands Bowl swings to Glenn Miller this weekend
Two nights of swing

When the Glenn Miller Orchestra performed at the Redlands Bowl in 2008, the audience was so large that this season the band is coming back for two nights.

Beverly Noerr, executive director of the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, said the extra performance will spread out the crowd.

Navy Band Southwest brings patriotic tunes to Redlands Bowl
The Navy Band Southwest will return to the Redlands Bowl on Tuesday night for a rousing evening of music.

"It's just a privilege to serve the country by being musicians," said Musician First Class Evan Vis.

Training offered on string instruments to all ages in San Jacinto
The Diamond Valley Arts Council is hosting a Summer Strings Institute at its Esplanade Arts Center, 2181 W. Esplanade Ave., San Jacinto, though July 9.

Training is offered daily from 1-3 p.m. to intermediate and advanced level violin, viola, cello and string bass players of any age. Fees are $75-$150 based on student's ability to pay.

07/07/2010

Summer music students to perform in San Jacinto
Summer Strings Institute students will perform in concert at 3 p.m. Friday at the Esplanade Arts Center in San Jacinto.

Some 23 students who play stringed instruments have been in a class since June 28 designed to improve their skills and enable them to become part of a community/college orchestra, according to a news release.

Three more performances of 'Alice in Wonderland' at Ramona Bowl in Hemet
The Ramona Bowl Summer Youth Theatre program is performing Disney's "Alice in Wonderland."

Director and choreographer Stacey Bailey said well-known tunes such as "I'm Late" and "A Very Merry Unbirthday" will be included. The musical director is Joyann Gongaware.

07/04/2010

Thousands attend Concert for Heroes at Riverside National Cemetery.
Patriotic music filled the air and a fireworks display lit up the sky Saturday night at Riverside National Cemetery as thousands of military veterans and their families packed the amphitheater and surrounding grounds at the 10th annual Concert for Heroes.

Photo Gallery: Concert for Heroes

07/03/2010

Patriots Concert honors Inland military armed forces
The second annual Fourth of July Patriots Concert will honor the military of the Inland region with a concert, awards ceremony, children's activities and more at White Park in Riverside at 5 p.m. Sunday.

"Last year there were about 2,000 people," said Kyle Hoffman, co-chair of the event. "We're hoping this year will be even better."

07/01/2010

Dmitri Matheny Group makes jazz a family-friendly party
The Dmitri Matheny Group is having a party Tuesday night at the Redlands Bowl, and everyone's invited.

The concert is part of the 87th Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, the oldest continuous music festival in the United States to charge no admission fee.

Get in the mood for the Glenn Miller Orchestra, July 9-10
Anyone who'd like to hear a "Moonlight Serenade" can enjoy the music of The Glenn Miller Orchestra July 9-10 at the Redlands Bowl.

The concert is part of the 87th Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, the oldest continuous music festival in the United States to charge no admission fee. It was founded in 1923 to make live music available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

Review: Scholarship winners shine at Redlands Bowl
The Redlands Bowl's sizeable audience was blessed with a genuine treat Tuesday night as eight young musical artists performed in the concert of Young Artists Auditions winners.

Photo Gallery: Young Artists Auditions Winners

06/30/2010

Review: Nearly seamless opening for Redlands Bowl season
Orchestra members in white dinner jackets, moonlit summer sky, classy picnics on the grassy banks of the outdoor amphitheater, standing room only -- the scene was primed for a consummate pops concert, and the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival's season-opening event Friday night did not disappoint as the San Bernardino Symphony presented a concert titled "Symphony, Songs, and Cinema."

06/28/2010

Review: Nearly seamless opening for Redlands Bowl season
Orchestra members in white dinner jackets, moonlit summer sky, classy picnics on the grassy banks of the outdoor amphitheater, standing room only - the scene was primed for a consummate pops concert, and the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival's season-opening event on Friday night did not disappoint as the San Bernardino Symphony presented a concert titled "Symphony, Songs, and Cinema." Frank Fetta conducted the orchestra and Irish tenor Anthony Kearns in the polished, well-timed concert of pleasant musical fare.

Moreno Valley dance studio strives for perfection among students
Since it opened 26 years ago, Dancing Images Center in Moreno Valley has morphed into much more than a studio.

It's a wholesome hangout, sanctuary and training ground where students and staff consider themselves one big family and can socialize, eat, nap and share problems.

Above all, they dance -- often for hours every day.

Video: Moreno Valley dance studio rehearsals

Photo Gallery: Moreno Valley dance studio rehearsals

Redlands Bowl showcases student talent in annual concert
Eight young artists will perform Tuesday night at the Redlands Bowl. They are the winners of the 2010 Young Artists Auditions, in which up to $5,000 in scholarships is awarded each year.

The scholarships are funded by the Redlands Community Music Association. Tuesday night, the audience will be treated to at least one song from each winning performer.

06/26/2010

Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival opens with 'Star Wars'
The Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival reached for the skies Friday night with music from "Star Wars" and high notes by a renowned tenor.

The opening night of the festival's 87th season featured Frank Paul Fetta conducting the San Bernardino Symphony in movie themes and vocals by Anthony Kearns, a member of the Irish Tenors.

06/25/2010

Redlands Bowl concert to be taped by KVCR-TV
KVCR-TV will be on hand for tonight's opening of the Redlands Bowl.

The concert begins at 8:15 p.m. in Smiley Park. It will feature Frank Paul Fetta conducting the San Bernardino Symphony in well-known themes from movies.

The guest artist is Anthony Kearns, a member of the Irish Tenors, the trio that was launched on PBS.

06/24/2010

Temecula theater to host 'Beauty and the Beast'
Temecula theater to host 'Beauty and the Beast'

Beauty will dance her way into the heart of Beast in the classic Disney tale "Beauty and the Beast" at the Old Town Temecula Theater today through Sunday.

Performed by Svetlana's Dance Academy and the Inland Valley Classical Ballet Theater, the original ballet will be set to a mix of familiar classical composers.

Musical takes story from the streets
Is a home really just four walls, a roof and a door?

"Fuselage: the Musical" is making its debut in San Bernardino to challenge and inspire its audiences to change their idea of what exactly defines the concept of "home."

Epps brings Def Comedy to Ontario Improv
Epps brings Def Comedy to Ontario Improv

Mike Epps was a teenager when he started his standup comedy career, and has since worked his way up the ladder into movies and television.

Catch his act this weekend in Ontario.

06/23/2010

Artist Spotlight: Performance artist Koyote The Blind performs art form he calls "The Telling"
Koyote The Blind, portrayed by performance artist Ricardo Flores, is a mesmerizing figure who spins words, sounds and gestures together in a presentation of poetic auditory dance.

Photo Gallery: Artist Spotlight: Koyote The Blind

06/22/2010

Anthony Kearns guest-stars in Redlands Bowl opening
The Redlands Bowl opens its 87th Summer Music Festival series June 25 with a show from acclaimed tenor Anthony Kearns and the San Bernardino Symphony.

Live show Saturday to benefit San Bernardino performing arts academy
A live performance Saturday of "For His Glory" will benefit the newly formed Inland Conservatory for the Performing Arts in San Bernardino.

The Cirque du Soleil-style gospel show was to have been put on last December, but was postponed at the last minute. Tickets for that show will be honored Saturday, organizers said.

06/20/2010

Concert will showcase Hemet-area talent
When Gregg Hepner, pastor of Pilgrim Congregational Church in Hemet, heard some of the outstanding musical talent of youth in the San Jacinto Valley, he wanted others to hear them, too.

"A member of the church, Russ Jacobs, suggested we do a concert to highlight these young people," said Hepner.

06/19/2010

Broadway in Riverside holds open house at Fox theater
Broadway in Riverside is holding an open house at the Fox Performing Arts Center on June 26 to promote its second season in the Inland Empire.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Fox theater in Riverside will open its doors to the public for tours of the lobby and theater house.

Visitors to the Come Take a Seat event will have a chance to try out seats before purchasing tickets or season packages.

06/17/2010

Learn about your life from Dr. Laura -- live at Pala
Listen up

If you can take advice tougher than Dr. Phil, visit Dr. Laura Schessinger's live show at Pala Casino. The radio call-in personality is particularly good at telling women to get over guys.

Audience members must be 21 and older.

7:30 p.m. Saturday. Pala Events Center, 35008 Pala-Temecula RoadPala. $30-$75. 877-946-7252.

Redlands Bowl season starts June 25
Hitting some high notes

Irish tenor Anthony Kearns will dip into the Mario Lanza songbook on June 25, opening night at the Redlands Bowl, kicking off a two-month season of classical music, big bands, musical theater and even a little country music. The theme is "Feel the Magic."

Summer camps begin for young musicians in Temecula
About 100 of the Temecula Valley's youngest musicians, singers and dancers are expected to attend the Musician's Workshop summer camp starting Monday.

Children 6 to 18 can choose from six camps ranging in price from free to $225 per week.

Young opera singers hope to soar to musical heights
Some graduating seniors are looking forward to summer days at the beach or lazing by a pool.

Murrieta Valley High School graduate Kara Sainz will be attending the 2010 Aspen Music Festival and School to prepare for her undergraduate studies at The Juilliard School in New York in the fall.

Riverside to fix auditorium, find new manager
When Riverside's Municipal Auditorium reopens after seismic repairs and other improvements, it likely will have a new operator for the first time in more than a decade.

The auditorium, which dates from 1929, closes Aug. 1 for earthquake safety improvements and other upgrades that could take up to 18 months.

Temecula violinist to play Carnegie Hall
Antonio Pontarelli has shown off his musical skills by winning "America's Most Talented Kid," performing on Serj Tankian's solo album and sharing the stage with Ray Charles.

Now the 19-year-old singer/songwriter/electric violinist from Temecula can add another line to his resume -- performing at New York's famed Carnegie Hall.

Gospel tryouts set for June 26 in Temecula
Auditions for the third annual Temecula Gospel Fest will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 26 at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St.

Anyone interested in auditioning should register at www.temeculagospelfest.org. Those with appointments will audition first, followed by walk-ins and late entries.

06/16/2010

Theater review: Aida is a must-see, must hear experience
Performance Riverside's current production of Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida" had some hiccoughs: Rob Sean Thompson as Radames spoke too fast at the start, Brenda Jill Castillo as Amneris delivered a mostly unintelligible opening song, some complicated set changes seemed on the edge of catastrophe, singers' faces sometimes disappeared out of the light, actors had their backs to much of the audience for their duets, a costume malfunction (not of the Janet Jackson variety) tripped up a dancer.

Photo Gallery: Performance Riverside's "Aida"

Comedy is rocket science with Shayla Rivera
What do you get when you cross rocket science with humor? Shayla Rivera, a former NASA aerospace engineer-turned-comedian. Rivera is returning to the Pechanga Resort and Casino at the Comedy Club for the "Handle Your Business" tour.

A veteran will be honored at Riverside's Patriots Concert
This year's July 4th Patriots Concert in Riverside will include a new award honoring a military veteran who lives in Riverside or San Bernardino counties.

Applications for the Col. Lewis Lee Millett Sr. Veterans Community Service Award will be accepted through Sunday, Collette Lee, co-chairman of the event, said in a news release.

06/15/2010

Jay does it his way at The Show
Let's cut to the chase. Jay Leno, who appeared Saturday night at The Show at Agua Caliente Resort and Casino, did not talk about Conan O'Brien. Or his abortive 10 p.m. show on NBC. Or his embattled return to "The Tonight Show." Or O'Brien's ascension to basic cable.

Photo Gallery: Jay Leno at The Show

06/12/2010

SB's California Theatre taps comedy, Broadway, more
Some laughs will bring a higher profile to San Bernardino's California Theatre of the Performing Arts.

The venue will host the Showtime LOL Comedy Festival July 30 and 31, which will be taped and feature sets from Tom Arnold, Louie Anderson and Willie Barcena and other comics yet to be announced to be aired on the cable network.

06/10/2010

Class clown chasing his stand-up comic dreams
So, have you heard the one about the class clown who wanted to be a comic?

Yeah, I mean this kid growing up in Murrieta is always getting in trouble with those can't-they-take-a -joke teachers because he thinks he's so funny.

He's got friends like Brenda Romo telling him, even in elementary school, that he should be doing standup.

So Kevin Millard is.

Hemet theater show is comic, bittersweet
Audience members will find that "The Clean House" can hide a lot of dirt as Play With Your Food Productions serves up a bittersweet comedic dessert theater show starting Friday.

The play revolves around several key women. Matilde, who comes to America from Brazil after the death of her comedian parents, is hired as a live-in maid for Lane, a successful doctor who lives her life in a very orderly fashion.

06/09/2010

'Aida' puts a new spin on a classic love story
Don't expect any elephants. That's the message from Gary Krinke, co-director for Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida" at Performance Riverside, opening today at the Landis Performing Arts Center on the Riverside City College campus.

Don't expect Giuseppe Verde's opera, either.

French Valley students get a taste of the Bard
Students at Dorothy McElhinney Middle School are embracing the Bard this year, performing works of Shakespeare that are often reserved for high school or college students.

06/10/2010

The Show-time for Jay Leno again
Jay Leno played The Show at Agua Caliente Casino on June 12, 2009, and is returning there exactly a year later.

Leno is a famously hardworking comedian. In a phone interview, he described his day as, "You tell a few jokes, try and make a living. That's the gig, y'know?"

He plays a lot of clubs in addition to his television duties for NBC, but he said he has good memories of The Show.

06/08/2010

Beaumont High brings Hollywood star power to groundbreaking of $2 million theater project
Professional actors James Morrison and Michael O'Keefe attended Monday morning's groundbreaking of a $2 million theater project at Beaumont High School.

Morrison co-starred in the TV series "24" and O'Keefe's role in the 1979 film "The Great Santini" earned him an Oscar nomination.

06/06/2010

Bill Cosby wraps up first season for Riverside's Fox
Bill Cosby chatted with Riverside audiences about the seven stages of man -- from conception to death in no particular order -- on Saturday.

The 72-year-old comedian gave two performances with 90 minutes between at the Fox Performing Arts Center.

He walked onto the stage with no introduction but to a loud round of applause, wearing a sweat shirt bearing the words "Thank You."

Photo Gallery: Bill Cosby in Riverside

Dates set for 2011 Ramona Outdoor Play
Hemet

Dates set for 2011 for 'Ramona'

The 88th season of the Ramona Outdoor Play will skip Easter weekend and conclude the day before Mother's Day, Ramona board president Andrew Kotyuk said.

06/05/2010

Temecula teen can make cello sing
At 16, Tiffany Christensen already plays the cello like a professional.

One reason might be that she started playing at 6.

"My parents decided to get me and my brother into music and I thought the cello was interesting," Tiffany said. "I like the sound. It translates more emotion."

Raincross Chorale performs Haydn Mass on Sunday
The Raincross Chorale wraps up its season at 3 p.m. Sunday with "Lord Nelson's Mass."

The performance of Joseph Haydn's 1798 work will feature a full orchestra as well as chorus.

Soloists will be Clarissa Shan, soprano; Loydene Keith, alto; Jonathan Osbrink, tenor; and Phill Bremenstuhl, baritone.

Fundraiser looks at the bright side of Inland SoCal
An organization devoted to making the Inland area more literate will also make it more lighthearted this weekend.

The Inlandia Institute's "Inlandia Laughs" features performances by Karen Rae Kraut, Juan Felipe Herrera, Angela Lloyd, Karen Wilson, Jim Cougan and Mike Cluff.

The event includes refreshments and a silent auction.

06/04/2010

Raincross Chorale performs Haydn Mass on Sunday
The Raincross Chorale wraps up its season at 3 p.m. Sunday with "Lord Nelson's Mass."

The performance of Joseph Haydn's 1798 work will feature a full orchestra as well as chorus.

Soloists will be Clarissa Shan, soprano; Loydene Keith, alto; Jonathan Osbrink, tenor; and Phill Bremenstuhl, baritone.

Hemet's centennial play concluding public run this weekend
Michael Tennant said he knew "Remembering When: A Story of Mr. Whittier's Hemet" was a success when he heard audience members were noting that names of characters in his play could be found on the city's street signs and that they were visiting the stock farms where horses once raced.

"When they leave, they see Hemet in a different light," the playwright said this week.

06/03/2010

Bill Cosby, America's defining comedian, has date at Fox and Jazz fest
Bill Cosby's return to Jell-O commercials serves as a reminder of how easily the comedian's stories of family life goes down.

Inland residents can get up to four servings of Bill Cosby: two shows at the Fox Performing Arts Center this weekend and two days at the Playboy Jazz Festival next weekend at the Hollywood Bowl.

Riverside County Philharmonic's new music director 'can't imagine my life without music'
A 34-year-old conductor with roots in three countries will be the Riverside County Philharmonic's next music director.

Tomasz Golka will succeed Patrick Flynn, who died suddenly in September 2008. Flynn spent 20 years with the orchestra.

Search committee chairman Constance Bailey made the announcement Wednesday evening during the orchestra's annual business meeting at Riverside City Hall.

Video: Riverside Philharmonic selects new conductor

West Valley High in Hemet staging annual dance concert
West Valley High School is performing its annual dance concert at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday at the school, 3401 Mustang Way in Hemet.

Cost is $6 for general admission. The show will feature performances by the dance team, introduction of next year's team and several numbers from the Dancers Studio. There will also be solo and small group numbers.

Information: 951-765-6420.

06/01/2010

Symphony ready to raise funds with dance gala
Like nearly every reality series on television, an Inland version of Dancing with the Stars is getting a sequel.

"It's all for a terrific cause, but besides that, it's a heck of a lot of fun," said Redlands Symphony Association executive director Paul Ideker about the 25th anniversary Redlands Symphony gala. .

05/31/2010

Thousands attend 'Star Wars in Concert' in Ontario
"Star Wars in Concert" crammed the universe of George Lucas into the Citizens Business Bank Arena for two shows Sunday.

Inland residents spent $39 to $79 to hear excerpts from John Williams' scores for the six Lucas movies. An 86-piece orchestra and 60-member chorus performed in the midst of a high-tech light show featuring films clips, green lasers and a three-story screen surrounded by LED drapes.

Photo Gallery: 'Star Wars' In Concert

05/29/2010

Young opera singers hope to soar to musical heights
Some graduating seniors are looking forward to summer days at the beach or lazing by a pool.

Murrieta Valley High School graduate Kara Sainz will be attending the 2010 Aspen Music Festival and School to prepare for her undergraduate studies at The Juilliard School in New York in the fall.

05/28/2010

Perris Library to host Sunday concert
A concert featuring music and instruments of the Philippines is set for Sunday at the Perris Library.

The free 2 p.m. performance by the Rondalla group of UC Riverside is sponsored by the Gluck Fellows Program of the Arts. Refreshments will be provided.

The library is at 163 E. San Jacinto Ave.

--Julissa McKinnon

05/27/2010

Music to fill the air in Temecula theater
The Old Town Temecula Community Theater is heavy on musicals in June, including "The Pirates of Penzance." That very model of the modern much-loved musical will play at the theater for six performances.

Corona youth theater group tells 'Tom Sawyer' tale
Adventures with Tom Sawyer

Who doesn't like a story with pirates, treasure, adventure and true love?

Youth group Christian Arts and Theatre will present "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" at the Corona Civic Theater tonight through June 6.

'Esther!' is old favorite, with new twist
'Esther!' is old favorite with new twist

Lifehouse Theater is bringing back an old favorite with the musical comedy "Esther!" The show opens Saturday and continues through June 27.

05/26/2010

'Star Wars in Concert' brings big sights and sounds to Ontario
The Force behind "Star Wars in Concert" is the power of John Williams' music, according to Anthony Daniels.

The actor who played 3-CPO in all six of the theatrical "Star Wars" films narrates the show, which will be in Ontario on Sunday for two performances.

"I have seen these movies without (Williams') music, because I put my voice onto a mute copy," Daniels said in a phone interview.

05/20/2010

Shows provide discounts for Las Vegas residents
SHOW TICKETS

If you have friends or family living in the Las Vegas area, they can prove helpful for price breaks on some shows in town.

"The Lion King" is celebrating its first anniversary with an offer of two-for-one tickets for locals through June 20.

'Movie trailer guy' Pablo Francisco performs in Ontario
In a world where nachos cost $9.50...

Comedian Pablo Francisco, known as the "movie trailer guy," has that weird commercial-announcer voice down pat and uses it to discuss a lot of unexpected things.

Francisco is not coming to a theater near you. He's already here, performing through Sunday at the Improv in Ontario.

Inland Valley Symphony puts young musicians in the spotlight
Four young musicians, winners of the Inland Valley Symphony's 2010 Young Artist Competition, will perform as soloists with the Inland Valley Symphony at their Young People's Concerts.

Among them, they claim section-principal positions with several orchestras, at least 22 prizes in major competitions, and numerous solo appearances in the United States and abroad.

Concerts bring 'Star Wars' magic to Ontario
A force to be reckoned with

A symphony orchestra performing with a large chorus and C-3PO himself will condense George Lucas' "Star Wars" saga into two hours on May 30.

'Celebrate Dance' showcases RCC student work
About six months of creative work will come to fruition next weekend at the annual student dance performance at Landis Performing Arts Center on the Riverside City College campus.

"Celebrate Dance" will showcase the work of 10 student choreographers and more than 50 student dancers on May 27-29.

Photo Gallery: Celebrate Dance 2010 Annual Student Concert Rehearsal

05/19/2010

Where scholars mix with swords: Redlands Shakespeare Festival workshops
Now in its sixth season, the Redlands Shakespeare Festival celebrates the most remembered works of William Shakespeare -- including "Romeo and Juliet," "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Hamlet" -- through May 30.

'Operatic Journeys' set Saturday at Cal State San Bernardino
The Moreno Valley Master Chorale and the Lyric Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Viorel Gheorghe, will present "Operatic Journeys" with soprano Camelia Voin, alto Ann Cravero, tenor Andrew Crane and bass Wayne Shepperd at 8 p.m. Saturday at Cal State University San Bernardino Theater for the Performing Arts, 5500 University Parkway. They will perform arias, choruses and ensembles from operas by Mozart, Bellini, Donizetti, Bizet, Offenbach, Verdi, Saint-Saens and Delibes. Adults $15; seniors and students $10. For information, call 951-485-8414.

05/18/2010

Redlands Symphony makes Gershwin fascinating
Soloists ruled the night at the Redlands Symphony Orchestra's season-closing concert, and not just pianist Jose Menor, who performed Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F.

Section principals' virtuosity made possible the programming of Gershwin's demanding works, which included "Catfish Row" from "Porgy & Bess" and "An American in Paris."

05/17/2010

Moreno Valley teen finds expression through dance
As far back as he can remember, Delleon McLin has danced. Starting out doing praise dances in the church at age 2, he eventually added liturgical, lyrical and modern dance styles to his movements.

He enjoys learning ethnic dances from Africa and regularly performs self-choreographed numbers at multicultural festivals throughout the Inland Empire.

05/14/2010

High school play has two unique features -- student director and writer
There were a couple of months last summer when Steve Bessette, waiting to enter his senior year at Chaparral High School, did not think it would get done.

Hemet students sought for 'Alice in Wonderland' auditions
Auditions for "Alice in Wonderland" will be at 8 a.m. May 22 in the West Valley High choir room, 3401 Mustang Way, Hemet.

05/13/2010

Redlands Symphony presents all-Gershwin evening
George Gershwin may have been an immigrant to the United States, but his music is pure American, according to conductor Jon Robertson, who will conduct the Redlands Symphony Orchestra in a concert of all-Gershwin music at 8 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Chapel on the University of Redlands campus.

These Las Vegas shows show a little flesh
In an effort to avoid embarrassment when booking shows, here is a list of Las Vegas shows that are topless. My research in topless shows included four that are questionable. These four are male shows and I doubt that males being topless would cause embarrassment to anyone, although the gyrations of the dancers might. Those four are Chippendales, the show at the Rio, Men, the show at the Sapphire, Men of X at Hooters, and Thunder From Down Under at the Excalibur.

Cirque du Soleil will bring Michael Jackson show to Mirage
Cirque du jackson

It seems as if every other show in town is a Cirque du Soleil production. But it also seems there is always room for one more -- especially if the one more is based on the music of Michael Jackson.

Redlands Symphony hosts return of Jonah Kim, more, in new season
The Redlands Symphony has announced the season will open Oct. 9 with the return of cellist Jonah Kim playing Elgar's "Cello Concerto". The program, conducted by maestro Jon Robertson, also includes Wagner's "Die Miestersinger" and Tchaikovsky's "Symphony No. 5".

In the announcements, the group noted it is celebrating its 60 years of bringing music to the people of the Inland Empire.

San Jacinto production is a gold standard on forbidden love, 'Romeo and Juliet'
Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? Starting Friday, he will be in San Jacinto for the opening of the Inland Stage Company's production of Shakespeare's classic, "Romeo and Juliet."

Co-starring with Paola Cifuentes as his Juliet, John-David Wiess brings a youth and maturity to the role from the most produced Shakespearean play.

05/12/2010

Firm hired to build $24.4 million garage for Riverside's Fox theater
The Santa Ana firm that headed the $32 million renovation of the Fox Performing Arts Center will build a multi-use parking garage next door, the Riverside City Council decided Tuesday.

'Ramona' directors already working on 2011, seek larger audiences
Coming off a season in which only about 7,100 people paid to attend the Ramona Outdoor Play, officials have set an attendance goal of 10,000 for 2011.

The 7,100 for five performances at the amphitheater in Hemet was the lowest total in more than 10 years for the play, which concluded its 87th season May 1.

05/09/2010

Redlands Symphony's final event of the season set for May 15
The Redlands Symphony presents its final concert of the season on Saturday performing the work of the great American composer, George Gershwin, with soloist Jose Menor at the piano, making his American debut. Maestro Jon Robertson will conduct. The concert begins at 8 p.m., with Robertson leading a preconcert conversation that begins at 7:15 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

05/08/2010

Regional premiere highlights Performance Riverside schedule
Performance Riverside has finished putting together its 2010-11 season with a regional premiere.

It will be the first theater company to present "Curtains" in Inland Southern California, the organization announced Thursday in a press release.

Opera reset in San Bernardino
Mozart is coming to San Bernardino.

Not only is the theater department of Cal State San Bernardino staging the boy genius' "Cosi fan Tutte," but they are setting the famous opera within the orange groves of the 1960s Inland Empire and San Bernardino's historic Harris' building.

Tennessee Williams' plays coming to Menifee campus
Two productions of playwright Tennessee Williams' work will be staged this weekend and next week in the Lab Theatre at Mt. San Jacinto College's Menifee Valley campus.

05/04/2010

Review: San Bernardino Symphony delivers a big, bold program
Planets and stars neatly lined up for the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra's season-ending concert Saturday night: exciting and accessible programming, outstanding musicianship, and commanding leadership by conductor Carlo Ponti came together for an invigorating concert that truly celebrated the best of American classical music.

05/07/2010

Original play at King High combines danger, suspense, old-fashioned fun
There's a damsel in distress, a gunslinger, a hero, a villain and a whole lot more in the original WolfPack Players production, "The Girls of the Golden Well" that opened Thursday in Riverside.

Martin Luther King High School theater program's spring show will play at 6:45 p.m. today, Saturday, May 13, 14 and 15.

Photo Gallery: WolfPack Theatre's, 'The Girls of the Golden Well'

05/06/2010

Enjoy the Bard's greatest hits at the festival
This year's Redlands Shakespeare Festival is billed as "The Season of Remembrance." But it could just as easily wear the title "Shakespeare's Greatest Hits."

The sixth annual festival will present three of Shakespeare's most beloved plays -- "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" -- for almost three weeks this month at the Redlands Bowl.

05/05/2010

Thank you for the ABBA tribute music, California Theatre
Before there was Eurotrash, there was ABBA.

The Swedish quartet was actually a pretty classy act despite the '70s excess of their costumes.

They were hip, then square in the '80s, then hip again in the '90s. And in the wake of "Mamma Mia," they entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March.

Hemet activist Tami Wilhelm jumps into causes at the spur of the moment
Tami Wilhelm is so well-known around Hemet that when she walks into the Royal Club Café downtown, the waitress asks her if she wants "the usual" -- a Spanish omelet or blueberry pancakes.

Wilhelm, 52, is part of old Hemet, not official Hemet. She's not on any city boards or commissions or councils.

Banning man to play Charlie Chaplin
Steve Ibanez joined the San Gorgonio Ballet in 2008 to broaden his horizons as a theater actor and was recently cast in the title role of "Remember Charlie: A Tribute to Charles Chaplin."

"I'm excited about playing him and being in such a notable role," said Ibanez, who also works full-time as a manager at the Armani Exchange at the Desert Hills Outlet Stores in Cabazon.

05/02/2010

Free jazz series continues Wednesday in Riverside
Jazz guitarist Jacques Lesure will lead a quartet in a free concert Wednesday at La Sierra University. The 7 p.m. concert, part of the school's Pierce Street Jazz series, will be held at 11500 Pierce St.

What would Shakespeare say? A local woman knows
Christine Parker has been hooked on Shakespeare since her college English professor jumped up on his desk and delivered the first scene of "Hamlet."

"I was converted by my first professor and by many subsequent trips to the Shakespeare festival in Ashland, Oregon," said Parker.

05/01/2010

Today's 4 p.m. staging of Ramona is the season finale
People planning to take in the outdoor play "Ramona" in Hemet this weekend should be aware that there is just one performance day. The play begins in the Ramona Bowl at 4 p.m. today. Unlike previous weekends, there is no performance Sunday.

Though attendance has been decent during the play's run, the amphitheater is so big that seats will be available at show time.

Ramona Bowl bus repaired thanks to Hemet-area merchants
A bus that shuttles cast members in the Ramona Outdoor Play received a new lease on life this season thanks to San Jacinto Valley merchants.

The 19-seat bus had been donated some years ago by Riverside Transit Agency. It conked out during the Renaissance Faire last summer at the Ramona Bowl.

"This bus was falling apart," bowl board member Lori Van Arsdale said.

04/29/2010

Live show makes Groucho's humor timeless
When the Marx Brothers' "Duck Soup" opened first-run at the Fox theater in Riverside on Nov. 26, 1933, it shared the bill with a 20-minute short by torch singer Ruth Etting called "Bye-Gones."

When it returns to the renovated Fox Center for the Performing Arts on May 7, the double feature will be more lavish.

San Bernardino Symphony performs program of American music
Two-hundred years after Spanish padres trekked into the region we now know as San Bernardino, and 119 years after James Guthrie founded the San Bernardino Symphony, both accomplishments will be celebrated with performances of definitively American music Saturday.

Performance Riverside mines 'Pirates' for comic gold
Perhaps the only weak links in Performance Riverside's production of "The Pirates of Penzance" are Gilbert and Sullivan, the librettist and the composer of the 130-year-old operetta. In this incarnation of the totally silly play, the company's singing, dancing, acting, and all manner of visual stimuli totally entertain and engage the audience.

Local shows fill Temecula's May calendar
Mother's Day falls in May, so perhaps it's appropriate that the first show to play the Old Town Temecula Community Theater in May is called "We Are Family."

Visit 'Treasure Island' for adventure, friendship, growing up
Visit 'Treasure Island' for adventure, friendship, growing up

Relive the classic story of adventures on the high seas, pirate battles and coming of age with MainStreet Theatre Company's "Treasure Island" at the Lewis Family Playhouse at the Rancho Cucamonga Cultural Arts Center.

Arts Walk to feature Def Poetry Jam alums
THE ART OF RHYME

Even though UC Riverside's Sweeney Art Gallery is closed during its relocation to the Culver Center, which opens later this year, the downtown art space is still participating in Riverside's monthly Arts Walk.

Comedy takes UCR playwright back in time
At first blush, the lusty tale of a female playwright in London circa 1700 seems to have little in common with a suspected terrorist and the founding fathers of the CIA.

But author Charles Evered says the Restoration-era comedy "Celadine" completes his trilogy of plays about espionage.

'Ramona' cast and crew help ailing Hemet boy have role in play
Generations of boys and girls in the San Jacinto Valley have played rock Indians, who, arms raised, materialize from behind boulders on the hill high above the amphitheatre to the oohs and aahs of the audience watching the Ramona Outdoor Play.

Almost all make the considerable hike to their hiding places on foot, ready to emerge at the key moment of the blessing of the child scene in the play.

Photo Gallery: Oscar's Inner Strength

04/28/2010

Hemet student finds meaning in music
While most high school seniors are focusing on finals, prom and graduation, Talia Alofaituli is dealing with the loss of her mother, who passed away after a long illness.

04/27/2010

West Valley High in Hemet performing one-act plays
West Valley High School will present its "Night of One Acts" at 6 p.m. May 4.

This is an evening of short scenes and plays presented by the acting and theater workshop classes at West Valley. The productions are directed by Juana Rodriguez.

The cost is $5. The school is at 3401 Mustang Way, Hemet. Information: 951-765-6420.

--Brian Rokos

04/26/2010

Riverside County Philharmonic closes book on an era
The Riverside County Philharmonic said goodbye to its 50th season, to its performance home of 50 years, and to the programming influence of the late Music Director Patrick Flynn in a Saturday night concert that featured music composed no earlier than 1944.

Photo Gallery: Riverside County Philharmonic

04/25/2010

Changes beckon as Philharmonic wraps up its 50th season
The Riverside County Philharmonic is wrapping up its 50th anniversary season this weekend at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium. Supporters celebrated at a reception in the Riverside Art Museum prior to the concert, which featured American music and guest artists Time for Three. The orchestra will begin its next 50 years in October with some changes. It will be based in the Fox Performing Arts Center for its 2010-2011 season, and its board of directors expects to announce the hiring of a conductor in June. The orchestra will perform a special family version of Saturday's concert today at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 to $20. Information: 951-787-0251 or visit www.thephilharmonic.org

Photo Gallery: Riverside County Philharmonic

Hemet High staging rock musical 'Aida'
What's difficult for the teacher is coming more easily for the students.

Ron Murray, in his 15th year at Hemet High School, is directing "Aida," a two-act rock musical based on an Italian-language opera. The play, with music composed by Elton John, opens Thursday night.

Photo Gallery: Hemet High School rehearses for "Aida"

04/20/2010

Review: Soloists provide spark in Redlands Symphony concert
Sparkles of wonderful musicality amid a fog of undistinguished performance characterized the Redlands Symphony Orchestra's April 17 concert, directed by assistant conductor Co Nguyen. The well-balanced accessible program of Rossini, Schubert, Schumann, and Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodaly should have provided an easy-listening experience, but instead blurred into a bland sameness.

04/23/2010

Performance Riverside's 'Pirates of Penzance' promises 'whole lot of ridiculous fun'
"It's a whole lot of ridiculous fun."

That's Patricia Scarborough's unequivocal assessment of Performance Riverside's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance," opening tonight.

04/22/2010

Sail the seven seas with MainStreet Theatre Company's 'Treasure Island'
Sail the seven seas with MainStreet Theatre Company's "Treasure Island"

MainStreet Theatre Company will wrap up its fourth season of theater for young audiences with the Robert Louis Stevenson tale "Treasure Island" at the Lewis Family Playhouse in the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, running May 8-22.

Tribute show captures the flash of Elton John
When "Rocketman" comes to the California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino this weekend, expect a show that's both an earful and an eyeful.

For five performances, Elton John impersonator Joel Mason will re-create the showmanship of the performer's concerts in the '70s and '80s -- the outrageous costumes, the flashy stage persona, the wild wardrobe of eyeglasses.

Grant gives Temecula a week of dance
The Old Town Temecula Theater hosts dance troupes several times per year, as part of the "Temecula Presents" performing arts series. The theater typically asks troupes to offer a free dance workshop to local dancers, whether students or professionals.

Riverside Philharmonic's concerts to wrap up more than a season
Two eras come to an end for the Riverside County Philharmonic at this weekend's concerts as the orchestra looks forward to its future in a new venue and with new leadership.

The Philharmonic will spend its next season in the new Fox Center for the Performing Arts as its home for an uninterrupted 50 years, the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, is to close for a lengthy renovation.

04/20/2010

Old Town Temecula changes up for review after years in the making
The long road to revising Temecula's Old Town planning rules nears an end Wednesday when the city Planning Commission will consider changes to the Old Town Specific Plan.

Work on the changes dates back to 2007, when the public raised questions about what Old Town would look like in the decades to come.

04/21/2010

'Grease' set to go on at Redlands High
Pink Ladies, leather jackets and hot cars -- it begins Thursday at Redlands High School Performing Arts Department.

The '50s musical "Grease" will be on stage through the weekend. It is a collaboration between the San Bernardino County high school's vocal music department, the instrumental music department and the theater arts company.

The three Ramona Bowl rows with shade at 4 p.m. performance time
I have a cool tip for selecting Ramona Outdoor Play tickets. Shrewd purchasers can buy seats, if they are available, that will be in the shade.

Shows the past weekend, when high temperatures were in the lows 80s, began at 2 p.m. The remaining performances -- this upcoming Saturday and Sunday, plus Saturday, May 1 -- begin at 4 p.m.

04/20/2010

Murrieta library hosting open mic night for teen poets
The Murrieta Public Library will host an open mic night for teen poets this evening.

Students in grades eight through 12 can read their original poetry or favorite poems by other authors. The material must be "appropriate to an open, public forum," according to a library press release.

The event starts at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The library is at Adams Avenue and Kalmia Street.

04/19/2010

Performance Riverside has a plan to fill a funding gap
Musical theatrical producer Performance Riverside will hold more fundraisers, seek new grants and raise ticket prices by $2 to $5 to cover the loss of $200,000 in underwriting.

04/18/2010

Fundraiser luncheon, show in Riverside will honor King of Pop
California Riverside Ballet, The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire and Performance Riverside have collaborated on a fundraising event dedicated to the late King of Pop.

"King of Pop, King of Style," a luncheon and show inspired by Michael Jackson, is scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Riverside Convention Center.

04/17/2010

History comes to life at Ramona Bowl for fourth-graders
California history jumped from school books to the hills above Hemet on Friday for about 3,500 fourth-graders who watched "Ramona," the outdoor play based on Helen Hunt Jackson's novel about the pillaging of Native Americans by settlers in the 1850s.

Photo Gallery: Ramona rehearsal serves as fourth-grade lesson

04/16/2010

Volunteers respond to 'Ramona' organizers' outreach
As the final touch-up paint was applied this week in advance of Saturday's opening of the Ramona Outdoor Play, local service club members said Ramona Bowl officials had made good on their promise to reconnect with the community.

The volunteers have responded with assistance.

'Avatar' and 'Ramona' alike
Duane Minard and I had the same impressions of the movie "Avatar," the popular blockbuster.

We both recognized themes of the play "Ramona," the romantic tragedy that begins its three-weekend run of performances Saturday.

"There are parallels," said Minard, who again will play the lead role of Alessandro in the play. "The Native American theme. Living with oneness with the land. Losing the land."

04/15/2010

Underdog characters transform in 'Hairspray'
Who doesn't like a good underdog story with a happy ending? "Hairspray's" Tracy Turnblad is a big girl with even bigger dreams. Along with her shut-in mother and circle of underdog friends, Tracy dances her way straight to the top and into the dreamy arms of heartthrob Link Larkin.

04/16/2010

'Ramona' outdoor play opens Saturday in Hemet
Time to tell Ramona's story

Hemet again returns to the 1850s this weekend with the opening of the "Ramona" outdoor play.

Orchestra to play Shumann, Shubert
Music of the Classical period and the late Romantic period will waft through Memorial Chapel at the University of Redlands as the Redlands Symphony Orchestra offers the fifth concert of the season on Saturday .

04/15/2010

Show in San Jacinto aims to entertain, raise funds
Members of the Inland Stage Company are hoping to improvise their way into the funny bones of audience members as they present the "Grapes of Laugh or Whose Whine is it Anyway?" starting Friday.

Hemet's centennial play to be performed April 23
The play commissioned for Hemet's centennial will be reprised on April 23 at the Simpson Center.

"Remembering When: The Story of Mr. Whittier's Hemet" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. at the center, 305 W. Devonshire Ave. in Hemet.

Hemet High to perform rock opera "Aida"
Hemet High School has set the dates for its spring musical, Elton John's rock musical "Aida."

The play is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 29-30, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 1 at the school, 41701 E. Stetson Ave., Hemet.

Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children and students. Tickets are available through the school's student body office.

Information: 951-765-5150 ext. 222.

04/14/2010

Riverside County Philharmonic bound for The Fox
The Riverside County Philharmonic will move its 2010-11 season to the Fox Performing Arts Center, executive director Barbara Lohman announced Tuesday.

The Philharmonic's home has been the nearby Riverside Municipal Auditorium.

The auditorium is closing for 18 to 20 months of renovation beginning in August, said Charva Ingram, Riverside's marketing project manager.

'Enchanted April' play in Hemet is fundraiser for Emblem Club
A play, "Enchanted April," will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on May 15 at the Ramona Bowl in Hemet.

The play, performed by the Hillside Players, is a fundraiser for the Hemet-Beaumont Emblem Club and the Native Daughters Tahquitz Parlor.

A donation of $12 is requested. Information: 951-658-4230 or 951-658-9715.

--Brian Rokos

04/12/2010

Nationally known preacher to lead gospel workshop in Redlands
Get in touch with your inner gospel singer at the second annual Gospel Workshop, led by the Rev. Raymond Wise, a nationally known gospel composer and arranger, at the University of Redlands on Thursday.

The workshop, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the Memorial Chapel from 11 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.

04/11/2010

McCallum Theatre bringing back favorite acts for 2010-2011
Palm Desert's McCallum Theatre is bringing back some of its favorite acts for its 2010-2011 season.

The 1,127-seat theater is one of Inland Southern California's most established venues for pop music, jazz, classical music, spoken word and Broadway shows.

Hemet Theatre months from reopening after fire
The Hemet Theatre is "months and months and months and months" away from reopening, co-owner Emerson Bixby said Friday.

04/09/2010

Performances of 'Beauty and the Beast' in Moreno Valley
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Moreno Valley will present six performances of "Beauty and the Beast." Performances run April 9-17.

Temecula area kids get the chance to hit the stage
More than 60 budding young actors in Temecula are getting a taste of theater life this week as they prepare to put on a production of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."

Photo Gallery: Snow White Rehearsal

04/08/2010

All Brahms all week for Inland Valley Symphony
Brahms, Brahms and more Brahms will be on the program for next week's Inland Valley Symphony concerts. With newly appointed music director and conductor Anthony Parnther, the orchestra will perform the "Tragic Overture," Symphony No. 3 and the Double Concerto for Violin and Cello, with violinist Danielle Belen and cellist Ruslan Biryukov.

Revue coming to California Theatre goes all the way in its Rat Pack tribute
"Direct From Vegas The Rat Pack" recreates an era with respect.

When this trio takes the stage as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., they set out to do it right.

"It's very authentic," said Steve Apple, the executive producer of "Direct From Vegas The Rat Pack" (the title is registered). Apple portrays Martin in the show, which has been touring internationally for 10 years.

TIME-TESTED TOES: 50-plus dancers to redefine Paradigms at UCR
"Everyone assumes that dance is a young person's profession," said Gus Solomons jr.

That's one assumption of modern dance -- one paradigm of the art form.

And then there's the world of Paradigm, which shatters the concept that dance is just a young man's game.

Doo-Wop royalty will visit Las Vegas
doo-wop's here

The Doo-Wop Hall of Fame of America is scheduled for a Las Vegas appearance April 23-24 at the Venetian. There will be five acts featuring Hall of Fame inductees from the 1950's and '60s. The acts are The Skyliners, The Marcels, The Drifters, The Mystic, and the Royalty of Rock 'n' Roll All Stars. That should bring back some memories.

'Celtic Fire' brings traditional song and dance to San Bernardino
Get your kicks near Route 66

The California Theatre of the Performing Arts, which recently hosted "Riverdance," will be moving to an Irish beat again this weekend with two performances of "Celtic Fire." The show brings dancers and "Songs of the Motherland" to San Bernardino.

A symphony experience children can get their hands on
Children will use more than just their ears at the annual Family Concert and Instrument Petting Zoo planned for April 18 at the University of Redlands.

The free event will feature an instrument "petting zoo" after the Redlands Symphony concert that will allow young people to touch and feel the instruments and talk with the musicians.

Big-hair fun comes to Inland region with Broadway comedy "Hairspray"
Get ready for big hair and big fun as Broadway's musical comedy "Hairspray" makes its way through the Inland region, with stops at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula and Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside.

The hit musical will be in Temecula on April 16 and 17 and at the Fox Performing Arts Center on April 22-25.

'Glee' actress to introduce Ramona play in Hemet
Jennifer Aspen, who plays the character Kendra Giardi on the Fox TV show "Glee," will introduce the second half of the first performance of the season of "Ramona," the outdoor play at the Ramona Bowl in Hemet.

Sally Struthers will introduce the opening, organizers have said.

04/07/2010

'Chicago' takes California Theatre back to its roots
"Chicago: The Musical" looks good in San Bernardino, the first stop in the tour's pass through Southern California.

04/02/2010

Review of 'Jesus Christ Superstar:' Ted Neeley is sea of calm in cacophony of sound
Andrew Lloyd Weber's rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" rocked Riverside Fox Theater Thursday night, leaving no doubt about the enormous power of the Weber and Tim Rice collaborations. Weber's music and Rice's lyrics told the story, not of Jesus of Nazareth, but of the people that surrounded and encountered him in his last seven days, and found a huge voice in lead Ted Neeley who delivers what must be the definitive portrayal.

'Bye Bye Birdie' debuts at Hope Lutheran Church
Hope Lutheran Church plans a Broadway-style production with four performances of the classic "Bye Bye Birdie."

Show times are Friday, April 30, at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 2 at 2 p.m.

Divinity of Christ is subject of play at Norco College
A play featuring the characters of a rabbi and a priest discussing the divinity of Christ is being held at Norco College.

The Disputation is a play in sonnet form being shown 7:15 p.m. today in Theater 101 at Norco College, 2001 Third St. Actors Ben Wise, a biology professor at Keene State College in New Hampshire, and Mike Cuff, an English professor at Norco College, are performing.

Auditions set for youth theater at Ramona Bowl
Registration is under way for the Ramona Bowl Summer Youth Theatre program. The four-week class ends with the performance of Alice in Wonderland. The class is open to children ages 5-18.

Sheriff's posse returning to patrol Ramona Bowl
The Riverside County Sheriff's posse is returning to the Ramona Bowl for the first time in years to patrol during the Ramona play, according to a bowl news release. They will patrol the Ramona Bowl parking lot and perimeter for several hours before each performance.

04/01/2010

Downtown Knights: Spamalot tops five new Broadway shows at Fox
Downtown Riverside will be invaded by wacky knights. And Dancing Blondes. And the Fab Four (or at least the sounds and sights of The Beatles, anyway).

Five shows have been announced for Broadway in Riverside's second season at the Fox Center for the Performing Arts.

The shows:

03/31/2010

Golden Valley announces its April schedule
Golden Valley Music Society has announced its April schedule of events at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater in Temecula.

On April 4, Bill Owen will play his trumpet with Allison Luedecke on piano followed by the guitar performance by Michael Nigro on April 11. On April 25 Alyze Dreiling is scheduled to perform on the violin with Myron Fink on piano.

04/02/2010

TIME-TESTED TOES: 50-plus dancers to redefine Paradigms at UCR
"Everyone assumes that dance is a young person's profession," said Gus Solomons jr.

That's one assumption of modern dance - one paradigm of the art form.

And then there's the world of Paradigm - which shatters the concept that dance is just a young man's game.

STAGE MAMA: Vicki Lawrence revives her enduring character at San Bernardino's California Theater
Vicki Lawrence is coming to town, and she's bringing her Mama with her.

Lawrence takes turns on stage with the character she made famous, Thelma "Mama" Harper, in "Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show" Saturday night at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino.

But in the beginning, Lawrence almost didn't play Mama at all.

Variety is the spice of Old Town Temecula's theater in April
The Mercantile is one of Temecula's oldest buildings; it dates to 1891. But inside you'll usually find something new.

The Merc today serves as part of the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, and much of the entertainment the theater has lined up for April will take place in the intimacy of this former store (as opposed to the larger, modern proscenium theater built behind it).

03/27/2010

'Chicago' in San Bernardino will have killer cast from Broadway
When "Chicago: The Musical" arrives at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts, it will have cast members from Broadway and the West End productions in leading roles.

03/26/2010

Five new shows announced for Riverside Fox
Broadway in Riverside has announced a second season at the Fox Center for the Performing Arts with two more shows than its first season but with fewer performances.

Broadway in Riverside began informing its subscribers Friday, according to its general manager Carl Thompson. The five-show offering includes "Monty Python's Spamalot," the Tony award winner for best musical of 2005.

Singing For The Ramona Bowl
'Ramona," the venerable play that made Hemet famous, refuses to die.

The Ramona Bowl staff fell apart in fall 2008 due to a lack of funds and the departure of its well-liked general manager, Janine Reitenbach.

A new organization crumbled following an ambitious summer of programs at the Ramona Bowl that did not earn expected profits.

Excerpts of an interview with Ted Neeley
Ted Neeley may be one of "Jesus Christ Superstar's" biggest disciples.

He didn't create the lead role, but he performed it on Broadway in its original, 1971 run and starred in the 1973 film version by Norman Jewison.

Dinner theater play's run in Hemet concludes Sunday
The final three performances of "The Love List" dinner theater will take place Friday through Sunday at Unity Chapel, 140 N. Buena Vista St. in Hemet.

The play, produced by Play With Your Food Productions, is about a married man who hires a dating service operated by a gypsy for his single friend as a birthday present.

03/25/2010

Jesus Christ Superstar brings four decades of stage success to Riverside
Ted Neeley likes to see little children come to watch "Jesus Christ Superstar."

"I don't know if you noticed it, but there were a bunch of children on the front row today," he said in a backstage interview. "People always come and bring their children. Little guys, 6-, 7-year-old kids."

Struthers to introduce 'Ramona'
The "Ramona" pageant has announced its first celebrity visitor for 2010.

Sally Struthers will introduce the opening performance at the Ramona Bowl, 2 p.m. April 17.

California Theatre books stars and shows for 2011
The California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino is filling in its calendar for the second half of the year and 2011 with such artists as Bernadette Peters and Bob Saget.

Madrigals hit high notes
Ever since budget cuts cost Moreno Valley's elementary schools their music program more than five years ago, Jim Wilson has become the district's last hope for serious vocalists.

As the choir director at Valley View High, the only high school in the city with a comprehensive performing arts program, Wilson offers many freshmen their first experience with music theory.

03/23/2010

San Bernardino Symphony and chorus triumph in ambitious concert
"All that has life and breath, sing to the Lord," rang out the emphatic last line of Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2, "Hymn of Praise," at the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra concert Saturday night. Indeed, all musicians, including conductor Carlo Ponti, could have been singing praise after a tremendously successful performance under trying circumstances.

03/21/2010

Riverside's Fox theater parking to come, though need disputed
With the Fox Performing Arts Center open and plans for a hotel, residential and retail space nearby now squared away, Riverside officials soon will move ahead with a parking garage that would serve the Fox.

03/18/2010

San Bernardino Symphony will pull out stops for massive Mendelssohn symphony
Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2 is rarely performed, for good reason: it requires a full orchestra, several choirs, including a children's choir, and a full concert organ.

The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra has taken the challenge and will offer what is known as "Song of Praise" at 8 p.m. Saturday at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts.

Laughs from words, music
"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" is one of those rare musicals with a book that is as revered as its score -- or even more highly regarded.

But the music may sound better than it has in years in its current revival on the UCLA campus by the Reprise Theatre Company.

Danny Feldman, managing director for the company, said this "Forum" has an orchestra of 24 and a cast of 18.

Improv's Eric Blake makes comedy a calling
"Comedy saved my soul," Eric Blake said. "The path I was heading on, comedy gave me a detour. I believe it was the path of self-destruction."

In a recent phone interview, Blake talked candidly about the way comedy provided the sharp turn that changed his life.

Blake will perform at the Improv Comedy Club in Ontario on Wednesday. But in the mid-'90s, Blake had a different career altogether.

Musical comedy premieres at San Jacinto High School
Larisa Swanson said acting has helped her overcome her insecurities.

"It helps you break out of your shell," she said. "I was a very shy person before. I wouldn't even talk to relatives that I hadn't seen for a year."

Larisa, 16, of San Jacinto, is an actor in the upcoming theater production at San Jacinto High School set to open Friday.

03/17/2010

Carlos Mencia is coming to San Manuel and says don't worry, it's only standup
Carlos Mencia's edgy ethnic humor may ruffle some feathers, but he does it to make a point.

"I really want to be a good reflector, a mirror of society and what we're thinking," Mencia said in a phone interview. "I want to say the things that people are thinking but can't say."

03/16/2010

Classical music review: Redlands Symphony delivers the wow factor
The Redlands Symphony Orchestra served up standard musical fare at the Saturday night concert with anything but standard ingredients. It was like serving mac and cheese with Cowgirl Creamery cheeses and organic wheat pasta from Italy.

03/15/2010

Carlos Mencia tells Inland audiences don't worry, it's only standup
Carlos Mencia's edgy ethnic humor may ruffle some feathers, but he does it to make a point.

Mencia performs Thursday night at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland.

"I really want to be a good reflector, a mirror of society and what we're thinking," Mencia said in a phone interview. "I want to say the things that people are thinking but can't say."

University of Redlands professors to speak on drama and opera
Steal a peek behind the scenes and find out what goes into creating a play and performing an opera.

Tuesday evening, when the University of Redlands presents From Page to Stage - Theater and Opera as part of its Town & Gown Cultural Series.

Visiting professor Doris Baizley will describe the creation of her play, "Mrs. California," which will run April 8 through 11 at the University of Redlands.

03/14/2010

Small cast gets big laughs in 'The Love List' weekends in Hemet
Trying to find the ideal woman should be a serious endeavor, but Play With Your Food Productions has found a way to make it funny as they present "The Love List."

A small cast brings a big issue to light as friends Bill and Leon discuss what things they feel are necessary for a perfect partner. A list of the top 10 traits is then submitted to a dating service.

03/12/2010

Young Temecula pianist plays his way to contest crown
A Temecula student is the top pianist in the Murrieta Rotary's annual high school music competition.

Lawrence Ahn, a 15-year-old sophomore at Great Oak High School in Temecula, won $400. Last year, he finished third. Lawrence will now move on to the Rotary District 5330 competition.

03/11/2010

Martin Short makes 'em laugh at The Show
SHORT FUN

Martin Short brings a one-man party to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage tonight.

The man made people laugh as Ed Grimley and creeped out celebs as Jiminy Glick and should have won some kind of award for his fine work in "Three Amigos" and "Captain Ron." In his show, he has a mix of comedy, songs, dance and more.

The Amazing Johnathan magically appears in San Bernardino
Now you see him, now you don't.

The Amazing Johnathan makes a rare Southern California appearance tonight at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino.

"Once in a while we go out and do an outside gig, maybe once or twice a year," Johnathan said in a telephone interview.

IPB introduces touring 'Little Mermaid' production
With its colorful underwater scenery, cast of returning performers and a new touring agenda, Inland Pacific Ballet's "The Little Mermaid" is ready to transport Inland families.

Gladys Knight brings 'Midnight Train' to Fox on Sunday
Starry, starry Knight

Don't want to be the first to say goodbye to Gladys Knight? This Sunday's concert at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside isn't your last chance to catch the Empress of Soul.

Knight is coming back July 17 for a concert at the Harrah's Rincon Open Sky Theatre. And Smokey Robinson is also on the bill there.

Redlands Symphony concert runs gamut of emotions
"I think of the orchestra as my instrument," said conductor Jon Robertson about the Redlands Symphony Orchestra. "And, every now and then, I want to just play my instrument."

Play he will for the March 13 soloist-free concert of Mozart's Overture to "The Marriage of Figaro," Beethoven's Symphony No. 4, and Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4, Italian.

One night only for Sounds of the Supremes at California Theatre
Stepping into the high-heeled shoes of a legendary group like the Supremes could trip up a girl.

But Kaaren Ragland and her co-stars feel sure-footed when they perform as The Sounds of the Supremes. They will put on their show, "Stop! In the Name of Love," Saturday night at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino.

03/09/2010

More Shows Cut at Fox
What's this? The second Broadway show booked at Riverside's newly restored Fox Performing Arts Center has had its run curtailed?

First "Annie's" opening night at the Fox and two other evening performances were canceled in February.

Now "Jesus Christ Superstar" -- scheduled for March 31 to April 4 -- has had three of eight performances cut.

03/10/2010

Riverside violin virtuoso is committed to practice
As is so often the case in the arts, great talent reveals itself at a very early age - particularly when that talent is strongly encouraged and supported to develop. Noemy Orellana-Wheeler is a perfect example of this point.

Guest conductor, soloists show mastery of their arts at Riverside Philharmonic concert
Guest conductor Andrew Grams left no note untouched at Saturday night's Riverside County Philharmonic concert as he directed two massive and massively difficult works, Brahms' Double Concerto for Violin and Cello, and Mahler's Symphony No. 1.

With meticulous attention to every musical detail, Grams became the visual expression of the music he conducted.

West Valley High in Hemet performing "Cats"
West Valley High School in Hemet didn't choose an easy or inexpensive play to produce for its spring musical, but director Stacey Bailey said, "We're really, really proud of this show."

Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Cats" will be performed six times through March 20, with the first show Thursday in the campus' 250-seat auditorium.

Opera singer to perform at Riverside Art Museum
Los Angeles Opera singer Michael Gallup will join the La Sierra University Opera Theater at 7 p.m. Thursday to perform portions of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" at the Riverside Art Museum, 3425 Mission Inn Ave.

03/08/2010

Madrigals score high with students
Ever since budgets cuts cost Moreno Valley's elementary schools their music program more than five years ago, Jim Wilson has become the district's last hope for serious vocalists.

As the choir director at Valley View High, the only high school in the city with a comprehensive performing arts program, Wilson offers many freshmen their first experience with music theory.

03/06/2010

Riverside County Philharmonic members to greet audience
Audience members will get the chance to meet members of the Riverside County Philharmonic before tonight's concert.

Musicians will be participating in a national food drive called Orchestras Feeding America.

Orchestra members, members of the philharmonic's board and staff and volunteers will be collecting non-perishable food items prior to the 8 p.m. performance.

03/05/2010

Barbershop quartets harmonize in San Jacinto this weekend
san jacinto

Barbershop quartets harmonize in concert this weekend

Barbershop quartets will perform in a Springtime in Ireland concert scheduled at 2 p.m. today and Sunday at Mt. San Jacinto College's campus theater, according to a news release.

03/04/2010

Character actor ages into role in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'
Mendacity -- it's a 50-cent word for a lie.

Mendacity is at the heart of the characters in Tennessee Williams' play "Cat On a Hot Tin Roof."

"They lie to each other -- they won't talk to each other, they won't communicate," said Isaac Keith Swann. "If they would just communicate, it would be a whole other ballgame."

Musical comedy tops Old Town theater bill
Any middle-schooler feeling left out of the limelight would identify with Edwina Spoonapple.

Gladys Knight has three concerts next week
Gladys Knight combines classy with "Nitty Gritty" in an act that spans 40 years of her music.

Knight, whom her representatives said was unavailable for interview, has three concerts within driving distance next week, including one at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside.

Cosby to hit Riverside before performing at jazz festival
Bill Cosby sure knows how to work a room. Or a tent.

The humorist will be at Riverside's Fox Performing Arts Center on June 5 and emceeing the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl the following weekend.

Between now and June, he has lined up a busy schedule of concerts throughout the country.

More shows nixed for Riverside's Fox theater
Eight performances have been canceled and one was rescheduled in the first three months of the inaugural season at Riverside's Fox Performing Arts Center.

Most recently, three of eight planned performances of "Jesus Christ Superstar" were canceled. The show was to run March 31 through April 4 at the Fox. Ticketmaster's Web site now lists the Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday evening shows as canceled.

Special Section: Fox Performing Arts Center

03/03/2010

Sinbad will perform at Morongo casino on Saturday
Family. Politics. Marriage. The economy.

Stand-up comedian Sinbad looks for - and finds - something funny in all of them.

This Saturday, Sinbad brings his show to Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon.

Sinbad's good-natured, clean humor has brought comparisons to Bill Cosby, but he takes mild exception to that.

Riverside Philharmonic will perform high-energy evening of Mahler and Brahms
The Riverside County Philharmonic will bring in the heavy hitters this weekend's concert: Brahms and Mahler, plus Ron Leonard, principal cello for 24 years with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Michelle Kim, assistant concertmaster for the New York Philharmonic.

03/01/2010

Two downtown Riverside hotels rail against city support for a new hotel there
Downtown Riverside's two heavyweight hoteliers are opposing the city's plan to loan a developer $20 million to build a Hyatt Place hotel just blocks from them.

The owners of the Mission Inn and Marriott say a new city-financed hotel isn't needed and would create unfair competition when they've already been hard hit by the recession.

02/27/2010

Temecula theater troupe starring on its own stage
Performers with Act 1 Theater Arts now have a stage to call their own.

The theater group, which used to practice out of a studio in Murrieta and perform on rented stages, recently moved into a fully functioning theater in Temecula.

The group has rented and renovated a 6,000-square-foot theater that can seat up to 125 people. It features brand new sound, light and audio systems and a large stage.

02/26/2010

Young musicians win prizes in Temecula-area music contest
Four young musicians have won honors at the 11th annual music competition sponsored by The Temecula Sunrise Rotary Club.

The competition was Feb. 10 at Grace Presbyterian Church in Temecula.

Students competed in three categories: vocal, piano and other instrumental. Fifteen high school students from the Temecula-Murrieta area participated for the cash prizes.

The winners:

Spend on education instead of prisons, activist tells Cal State San Bernardino audience
Storied activist Angela Davis encouraged an overflow audience at Cal State San Bernardino on Thursday to find a cause they could be passionate about and become advocates for life.

Video: Angela Davis speaks at Cal State San Bernardino

Cancer survivor revives creative dance company
In 2004, under the leadership of Riverside City College Dance professor Sofia Carreras, Intersect Dance Theatre was formed. Several choreographers and instructors from all over Southern California gathered for the project, which combined classic ballet and modern dance, as well as professional and nonprofessional students.

Then Carreras was diagnosed with breast cancer and she had to pull out of the project.

Video: Intersect Dance Theatre Company at Riverside City College

Photo Gallery: Intersect Dance Theatre 2010 at RCC

Temecula musicians center gets grant
The Musicians Workshop in Temecula has received a $25,000 grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

The money will allow the non-profit workshop to fund its music education efforts for youth, especially for special needs children and those in low- to moderate-income families.

--Jeff Horseman

02/25/2010

Murrieta company presents first theatre production
Murrieta film and theatre production company Twin Pierrot Productions will present its first theatre production "Willing Hearts: A Courtship Comedy" in Riverside Friday.

Web site rates long-running Vegas shows
A Web site called VegasHotSpots.com recently rated the best (and one worst) of long-run shows in Las Vegas.

Here are the results. Taxes and fees are not included in prices shown.

10. Vinnie Favorito at the Flamingo. His show is different every night but that's what an insult comic does. 8 p.m. daily. $54.95 and $65.95.

Las Vegas offers two kinds of Spring Break
The New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts are offering a "Spring Break Escape" package through the end of April, with rates as low as $46 per night on selected nights.

There is a party package, code "Break 10," and a family package, code "Family 10."

Masters of Harmony perform at Riverside Fox on Saturday
With their razor-sharp harmonies and polished choreography, Masters of Harmony are proof that there is more to barbershop-style singing than just "Sweet Adeline."

Boasting a repertoire "from Broadway to Bach, gospel to jazz," the men's chorus will perform in concert on Saturday at the Fox Theatre Performing Arts Center in Riverside.

'Apollo' show at March air museum explores space flight
Performance Riverside is teaming with March Field Air Museum on a multimedia show about space flight.

"Apollo: To the Moon" is a solo performance created by Kevin Reese featuring more than 100 NASA photographs, audio from Apollo missions and music from the 1960s. It is presented by Discovery Theatre.

Photo Gallery: March Air Field Museum tour

Curtain of innocence in southwest Riverside County
Censorship fights have a long history in southwest Riverside County, where plays, portraits and even dictionaries spurred showdowns pitting freedom of speech against community morals.

Most recently, a national anti-censorship group criticized Temecula officials last week for ordering an artist to remove a portrait of a nude woman from a city-owned building.

02/24/2010

Disney composer Richard M. Sherman talks about music and magic
Richard M. Sherman, a man behind many of the top songs in the Disney catalog, will discuss the "wrinkle in the twinkle" in three performances in Hollywood.

Sherman, 82, and his brother Robert B. Sherman produced songs for dozens of Disney movies such as "The Jungle Book" and "Winnie the Pooh" as well as the theme for "It's a Small World" and other Disneyland attractions.

02/25/2010

Riverside's La Sierra High rehearses 'Les Miserables'
La Sierra High School's Drama Club will stage the play "Les Miserables" at 7:30 p.m. March 10-13 in the school theater, 4145 La Sierra Ave., Riverside.

The production features a cast and crew of 70 students. The play is integrating English, French and history lessons for classes throughout the school, as well as art and music, drama teacher Sara Hughes said.

--Dayna Straehley

02/24/2010

Excerpts from an interview with Richard M. Sherman
Richard M. Sherman, who with his brother Robert wrote more than 150 songs for Walt Disney films and theme parks, recently talked with The Press-Enterprise about his latest project, a musical called "Pazzazz," and an upcoming appearance at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.

Here are excerpts from the phone interview.

On "Pazzazz" and the music of the early 20th century

02/25/2010

Children's theater to be presented in Banning
Pass Area Performing Artists, or PAPA, will present a children's readers theater 4 p.m. Sunday at the Banning Women's Club, 175 W. Hays St.

The performance will feature three children's stories adapted by director Mary Kay Switzer and brought to life with music, stick puppets and performance readers.

02/23/2010

New University of Redlands center ready to show
After being dedicated last week, the University of Redlands' new 42,000-square- foot Center for the Arts is ready for its close-up.

The two-story, Ann Peppers Hall, home to the art and art history departments, includes rooms designed for graphic arts, digital and studio photography, dark-room processing, lithography, typography and art education.

Irish tenor will open Redlands Bowl's 2010 season
Anthony Kearns, a member of the Irish Tenors, will be a soloist on the opening night of the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival.

The season includes classical music, big band, jazz, folk, and a foray into country western.

Concerts traditionally take place Tuesdays and Fridays late June through August. This year, there will be three Saturday performances as well.

02/20/2010

Music embedded in Corona family's DNA
Megan Dudek was visiting Disney World in Florida as a 4-year-old when she saw her future in the shape of a brass band. A tuba enthralled her.

"I want to play that," Megan said, according to her father, Joe Dudek.

Megan, 13, is an eighth-grader at Citrus Hills Intermediate School in Corona. Her life is filled with music. She started to read music while taking piano lessons as a second-grader.

Loma Linda to host New England Youth Ensemble
The New England Youth Ensemble founded in 1970 by its director, Dr. Virginia-Gene Shankel-Rittenhouse, will appear in concert in Loma Linda.

Located on the campus of the Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, Md., its members come from many different cultures and countries, including Russia, Mexico, Australia, Puerto Rico, India, South Africa, and the Philippines as well as the United States.

Temecula youths aim to dance into stardom
Jimmy Peters, a choreographer and artistic director of the Temecula Dance Company, recalled the potential he saw in two students when they began taking classes from him several years ago.

Justin Duke?

"He had all this energy, but not the technique," Peters said. "He had the potential for greatness."

Stephanie Wolfe?

"She could articulate with her feet, and she was so entertaining," he said.

02/19/2010

Seuss continues to shine in Yucaipa
Today "Seussical the Musical," inspired by Dr. Seuss and his beloved characters, continues at Yucaipa Little Theatre.

The shows are today and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and again at the same time next Friday and Saturday. Matinee performances are Sunday and Feb. 28 at 3:30 p.m.

Piano, cello concert in Temecula to aid Haiti quake victims
When cellist Karla Holland-Moritz and pianist Martin Green work their fingers, they produce sounds of hope and help.

The pair will stage a concert at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Temecula at 7:30 p.m. Sunday to benefit victims of the Haitian earthquake.

Audition is the word for local production of Grease
Rancho Cucamonga Community Theatre will hold two days of auditions to cast its April production of "Grease."

Open-call auditions for all roles will be held at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Monday and Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

02/18/2010

University of Redlands introduces new Center for the Arts
After nearly a decade of planning, the University of Redlands will present its new Center for the Arts building in a dedication ceremony Friday at 1:30 p.m. Following the dedication student-led and self-guided tours of the facilities will be open from 2 to 3 p.m.

Moreno Valley Master Chorale, orchestra to perform in Riverside
The Moreno Valley Master Chorale and the Lyric Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Viorel Gheorghe, will perform baroque favorites at 4 p.m. Feb. 28 at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 4495 Magnolia Ave., Riverside.

Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Information: 951-485-8414.

--Laurie Lucas

02/17/2010

Musical brings San Bernardino history to life
In its 200-year documented history, San Bernardino has put out the welcome mat for everyone from mission-minded friars to Mormon pioneers, glitzy gangsters to a legendary lawman. Even a future president made his home there.

02/18/2010

Rialto Community Players' pioneering trio reunite in 'Sahara'
Three founding members of Rialto Community Players -- Sandy Courtney, Candy Kane, and Winnie Hanson -- will reunite for "Seniors of the Sahara."

In 1982, Courtney founded Rialto Community Players. The following year, she was joined by Kane and Hanson.

02/17/2010

Fox without Flannels
I saw my first show at the Fox on Saturday night, but it wasn't easy to pull off -- even though I started lobbying weeks in advance.

"Want to go see Natalie Cole?" I asked my wife.

"If you want to go, I'll go," she responded as if I'd inquired about our 1040 form.

"Won't it be exciting to see the Fox?"

"That would be nice."

See 'The Legend of the Arrowhead' come to life
The original musical, "The Legend of the Arrowhead," will show one night only, Thursday, Feb. 18, at 8 p.m. at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino. The cast hosted a special performance for a group of Inland school children at the theater Wednesday morning.

Video: Musical satire traces San Bernardino history

Autism center in Temecula to host fundraiser
The New Vision Autism Center, a nonprofit organization that helps children with autism and their families, will host a murder mystery fundraising dinner Feb. 28.

The event, called "Solve the Mystery of Autism," will feature a gourmet four-course meal, live entertainment and auction items that include a signed Bruce Springsteen guitar, golfing excursions, amusement park packages and spa services.

02/14/2010

Historic theater in Banning greets new audiences
The Fox Theater in downtown Banning was once host to premieres featuring celebrities including Bob Hope, Alan Ladd and Barbara Rush.

Today, the historic theater greets new generations of moviegoers there to see entertainers including Mel Gibson, Ashley Judd and George Clooney on the big screen.

Natalie Cole is 'Unforgettable' at Riverside's Fox theater
Natalie Cole provided a lead-in for Valentine's Day with her Saturday concert at the recently opened historical Fox Performing Arts Center.

Cole performed an evening of pop standards spiced up by some of her R&B hits of the '70s and '80s.

Photo Gallery: Natalie Cole at Fox Performing Arts Center

02/12/2010

Haiti benefit concert set for Temecula church
A concert to benefit Haiti earthquake-relief efforts will be staged this month at a Temecula church.

A San Diego Symphony cellist and the church's choirmaster and organist will perform works by Bach, Schubert, Faure, Vivaldi and others. A reception will follow.

This Moreno Valley school's Black History Month show must go on
For the 11th straight year, Deloris McDuffie wrote the script for Moreno Elementary School's Black History Month show, choreographed routines and coached the singers.

But her work is far from done before the curtain rises next Friday at 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose room. Target, Walmart and Payless, here she comes.

Haiti benefit concert set for Temecula church
A concert to benefit Haiti earthquake relief efforts will be staged at a Temecula church.

A San Diego Symphony cellist and the church's choirmaster and organist will perform works by Bach, Schubert, Faure, Vivaldi and others. A reception will follow.

02/11/2010

'In the Mood' brings the sounds of the 1940s in San Bernardino
In the Mood" is a touring revue that recreates the music and moves of World War II. It features a company of 19 -- including a big band, four vocalists and a dance team -- performing hits by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw and other band leaders, plus singers such as the Andrews Sisters and Frank Sinatra.

Blues Brothers are coming to San Manuel
Some people go to Blues Brothers concerts to see Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi.

But Belushi, in a phone interview, was talking about the rest of the band.

"They're all just big-deal guys. Hot shots," he said.

Romance takes flight with ballet in LA
'The Butterfly Lovers," billed as "China's Romeo and Juliet," celebrates both Valentine's Day and Lunar New Year this weekend at LA's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

California Theatre presents Moscow ballet company
A bit of the Bolshoi will come to San Bernardino when the Moscow Festival Ballet presents "Giselle" this evening at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino.

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
Natalie Cole will have some Inland guests with her on stage for her show at the recently re-opened Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside on Saturday.

Photo Gallery: Natalie Cole, coming to Fox Performing Arts Center

Special Section: Fox Performing Arts Center

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.

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