themiracleseason
DESCRIPTION
Rubicon Theatre's 2009/2010 Season BrochureTRANSCRIPT
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A SEASON WE’VE COLLECTED TO PRESENT TO YOU, OUR COMMUNITY, DURING A TIME OF ADVERSITY AND CHALLENGES.
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IT’S A SEASON OFHOPE. A SEASON OF STORIES THAT INSPIRE. A SEASON OF THEATRICAL EXPLORATIONS TO MAKE US BELIEVE THAT MIRACLES REALLY DO EXIST.
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EACH SHOW TELLS A STORY OF ORDINARY PEOPLE WHO ARE FACED WITH THE CHALLENGES OF EVERYDAY LIVING, AND ARE TRANSFORMED IN VARIOUS WAYS...
MIRACULOUS WAYS.
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WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL JOIN US THIS SEASON AS WE SEEK TO BRING TO LIGHT THE EVERYDAY MIRACLES THAT SURROUND US.
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THEMIRACLESEASON
LOOK FOR THESE ICONS THROUGHOUT THE BROCHURE!
Go to www.rubicontheatre.org to hear the Artistic Directors talk more about this show
Family Friendly (Appropriate for all ages)
A brand new offer from Rubicon!
Adult Audiences(some material not suitable for children)
RUBICON THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS /
2009/2010
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DADDY LONG LEGSOCT 17 – NOV 8
A RUBICON FAMILYCHRISTMASDEC 5 – DEC 27
THIS IS HOW IT GOESJAN 30 – FEB 21
THE MIRACLE WORKERMAR 13 – APR 4
ADDRESS UNKNOWNAPR 24 – MAY 16
THE TEMPESTSEP 4 – SEP 26
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WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL
OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 8 / Previews Oct. 14 – 16
Book by John Caird / Music and Lyrics by Paul Gordon Based on the Classic Novel by Jean Webster / Directed by John CairdProduced with Michael Jackowitz, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Manitoba Theatre Center, St. Louis Rep and Theatreworks
Sponsors // Sandra and Jordan Laby—San Buenaventura Foundation for the Arts, Barbara Meister—Barber Automotive GroupCo-Sponsor // Bill and Elise Kearney
World Premiere musical by Tony and Olivier Award-Winner John Caird (Nicholas Nickleby, Les Miserables) and Tony nominee Paul Gordon (Jane Eyre). Set in the early 1900s, this exquisitely moving story is the vivid account of a young orphan girl as she blossoms into a beautiful, intelligent and vivacious woman. A trustee of the John Grier Orphanage offers a proper education to the 18-year-old Jerusha. The benefactor’s only requirements are that Jerusha never know his identity, and that she write him monthly (though he will not respond). She sees him once in shadows and invents a nickname for her mysterious patron—Daddy Long Legs. Her letters to him paint a moving portrait of her lonely life in the orphanage, and the development of her mind and spirit. This new two-person musical boasts memorable melodies and lyrics and an imaginative libretto by an internationally renowned artistic team.
Sets and costumes are by Olivier Award-winner David Farley, who recently received rave reviews for his inventive West End and Broadway designs for Sunday in the Park with George. The original source material is by Jean Webster, the niece of Mark Twain. Daddy Long Legs was developed here at Rubicon through the Fashion Forms® Plays-in-Progress program. PHOTOS: CAROL ROSEGG
THEMIRACLE OF
SELFDETERMINATION
DADDY LONG LEGS
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DECEMBER 5 – 27 / Previews Dec. 2 – 4
Conceived and Directed by Brian McDonaldMusical Direction by Thom Culcasi / Additional Arrangements by Steven Cahill / With returning cast members Dina Bennett, Manough, Teri Bibb, Brian Sutherland and Trey Ellett
Sponsor // Marriott Ventura Beach
“ANYONE IN SEARCH OF AN INSTANT DOSE OF CHRISTMAS SPIRIT NEED LOOK NO FURTHER THAN A RUBICON FAMILY CHRISTMAS, THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST LIVE ‘HOLIDAY SPECIAL’ IN TOWN.”// StageSceneLA
Back by popular demand! See this new version of the show that has already become a Ventura holiday tradition! A cast of Broadway professionals whose credits include Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Jesus Christ Superstar, 1776 and Cats come together with talented young artists from our community to celebrate the season. Hear glorious renditions of standard carols in four- and six-part harmony, as well as contemporary songs-of-the-season in styles including classic, pop, jazz and gospel.
THEMIRACLE OFCHRISTMAS
A RUBICON FAMILY CHRISTMAS
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JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 21 / Previews Jan. 27 – 29
By Neil LaButeDirected by Jonathan FoxProduced with Ensemble Theatre of Santa Barbara
Belinda and Cody Phipps appear to be a typical Midwestern couple: teenage sweethearts now married with children and a luxurious home. Typical except that Cody is in almost every respect an outsider—“rich and black and different”—in the words of Belinda, who finds herself attracted to a (white) former classmate. As the battle for her affections is waged, Belinda and Cody question the foundation of their initial attraction, opening the door wide to a swath of bigotry, deception and betrayal. Set on a continually shifting moral ground where nothing is sacred and the unexpected is a given, LaBute challenges our notions of gender, ethnicity, and love itself.
The production was originally produced Off-Broadway at the Public Theatre under the direction of George C. Wolfe with Ben Stiller, Amanda Peet and Jeffrey Wright. Here it is helmed by Jonathan Fox, who received rave reviews for his production of this provocative piece at Ensemble Theatre in Santa Barbara where he serves as Artistic Director.
PHOTOS: DAVID BAZEMORE / ENSEMBLE THEATRE COMPANY OF SANTA BARBARA 2007
THEMIRACLE OF
COMMONCAUSE
THIS IS HOW IT GOES
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MARCH 13 – APRIL 3 / Previews Mar. 10 – 12
By William GibsonDirected by Jenny Sullivan
Sponsors // Janet and Mark Goldenson, Loretta and Mike Merewether, Marriott Ventura Beach
Helen Keller, at age 7, has never seen the sky, heard her mother’s voice or expressed her innermost feelings. Deaf, dumb and blind since infancy, she is in danger of being sent to an institution. Then Annie Sullivan, a 20-year-old teacher from the Perkins Institute, arrives from Boston. Having just recently regained her own sight, the tenacious Annie reaches out to Helen through the power of touch—the only tool they have in common—to try to lead her willful, precocious pupil on a miraculous journey from fear and isolation to happiness and light. Powerfully dramatic, richly emotional and ultimately uplifting, the play is set in the 1880s at the Keller home in Tuscumbia, Alabama. It was first produced in 1959 on Broadway with Anne Bancroft as Annie and Patty Duke as Helen Keller. Both women reprised their roles in the feature film and won Academy Awards®. The title originates in Mark Twain’s description of Sullivan as a “miracle worker.”
This play reminds us that through persistence and love, we can break through walls of silence, darkness and pain.
THEMIRACLE OF
TENACITY
THE MIRACLE WORKER
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WORLD PREMIERE ADAPTATION
APRIL 24 – MAY 16 / Previews Apr. 21 – 23
Adapted by Moni Yakim and Boaz Yakin Directed by Moni YakimBased on the Acclaimed Short Novel by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor
This haunting, harrowing story is based on an acclaimed, best-selling short novel first published in 1938 during the rise of Hitler’s Germany. Two longtime friends and associates, one an art dealer based in San Francisco, the other a businessman and then rising politician in Berlin, send letters back and forth. As rumors of anti-Jewish persecution arrive in the States, the art dealer, who is Jewish, asks his friend to shelter his actress sister. She is refused refuge, with devastating results. The surprise epistolary twist ending will make you gasp.
Moni Yakim, one of the founders of the Theatre Department at Juilliard, who directed Turn of the Screw and Jacques Brel… for Rubicon (as well as the original production in New York), teams with his son, Indie and feature film director Boaz Yakin (“Remember the Titans”) to create this new adaptation. The cast includes Rubicon Artistic Director James O’Neil.
THEMIRACLE OF
HUMANSURVIVAL
ADDRESS UNKNOWN
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SEPTEMBER 4 – 26 / Previews Sept. 1 – 3
By William ShakespeareDirected by James O’Neil
Sponsors // Al and Micheline Sakharoff, Ann Deal—Fashion Forms, Pierpont InnCo-Sponsor // Dr. Norma Beck
Lyrical, enchanting, full of grace and grandeur, Shakespeare’s final romance is regarded by many to be his finest. Years before the play begins, Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan and his child Miranda, were cast upon a storm-tossed sea by the Duke’s brother, who usurped his title and lands. Prospero and his young daughter found themselves washed onto the shore of a fantastical island, peopled only by sprites, fairies and monsters. Over time, Prospero has developed magical powers and uses his command of the creatures on his isle to shipwreck another boat, thereby separating its regal inhabitants—among them the King of Naples, his son Ferdinand, and his conniving brother. Miranda, now a teenager, is naïve to the ways of the world and has never beheld a man other than her father—until she sees the handsome young Ferdinand. “O brave new world that has such people in’t!” she cries. Shakespeare’s transcendent tale is an exquisitely told story of transgression and redemption, exile and return. The production is directed by James O’Neil and features Alison Brie, George Backman, Joseph Fuqua and Jamie Torcellini.
THEMIRACLE OF
FORGIVENESS
THE TEMPEST
subscribe online at www.rubicontheatre.org or call the box office 805.667.290025
ONCE YOU GO BALCONY, YOU’LL NEVER GO BACK
WHEN YOU PURCHASE BALCONY SEATS, YOU WILL BE WHISKED AWAY PAST THE LINES UPON ARRIVAL AND PERSONALLY ESCORTED UPSTAIRS TO THE BALCONY. There, you’ll meet our amazing Balcony Stewards, who will show you to your seat and take your drink order. You will be seated in the cushiest seats: bigger, better, and surprisingly comfier than you may be used to. And each Balcony seat has a place to put your drink! You’ll have an excellent view of the show. During intermission, you will choose from a selection of savory foods and desserts. In essence, you will be treated like the VIP that you are.
NORMALLY RESERVED FOR CELEBRITIES AND HIGH-ROLLERS, VIP TREATMENT IS NOW AVAILABLE TO YOU. AND YOU DON’T NEED AN EXPENSE ACCOUNT TO ATTAIN VIP STATUS AT RUBICON THEATRE. YOU CAN BE TREATED LIKE A VIP IN THE ANN DEAL/FASHION FORMS BALCONY.
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BASIC / When you subscribe to a Basic package, you choose a nighttime show on a particular day of the week. For example, if you choose Friday nights you will always have the same seat on the same Friday night of each show—for the whole season! It’s simple. It’s consistent. It’s basically perfect. # 6, 7, 8, 10 & 17 (SEE PAGE 30)
PREVIEWS / The three days before opening night, we do a few trial runs to get into the swing of things. This package option is fun because you get to see every show before anyone else—before the plays are “officially” ready for the stage. Who knows what you might be in for!# 1 & 2 (SEE PAGE 30)
MATINEE / Matinees are perfect for those people who prefer not to stay out too late. Early to bed, early to rise, right? Well, as one of our less expensive packages, it’s also a wise choice for anyone who happens to be watching their budget! # 4, 9 & 11 (SEE PAGE 30)
OPENING NIGHTS / The first show of the run is always so special. At Rubicon, we make the Opening Night event even more special with pre-show champagne and an after-party at a prime location with the cast and VIPs. When you subscribe to this package you only pay $82 a show (single tickets to Opening Night are $95). # 3 & 18 (SEE PAGE 30)
TALK BACK WEDNESDAYS / Nearly always sold out, this package gives you a chance to talk with the actors and director after the show. In the Q&A you can ask any questions, express your opinions, or just listen as the artists discuss the play’s issues, themes, and their own artistic processes. If this intrigues you, hurry and get your tickets now! # 6 (SEE PAGE 30)
SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONOPTIONS
subscribe online at www.rubicontheatre.org or call the box office 805.667.290027
AUDIO-DESCRIBED / Do you enjoy coming to Rubicon, but hesitate to go to performances because you find it difficult to see what’s happening on the stage? If so, an audio-described performance might be the choice for you. For people with sight challenges, the description brings alive what is happening on stage. It describes the action, scenery, facial expressions and costumes. Rubicon Theatre offers audio-described performances for at least one performance of each show. # ??? (SEE PAGE 30)
STUDENT SEASON PASSES / If you are a full-time student, you can buy a Season Pass for just $125 (plus $10 service fee). Like a Flex Pack, the passholder gets 1 ticket to all productions in the 09/10 season and best available seats at time of redemption (excluding Balcony). Passes are non-transferrable and must be accompanied by a current student I.D. (full-time, under age 25). # 20 (SEE PAGE 30)
$30 UNDER 30 / Are you age 30 or under and trying to save a few bucks? Subscribe on a Friday evening for only $30 per show! Surprisingly affordable, right? Just choose a package of 5 or more shows. Also, by providing your email and cell phone number, you will be kept in the loop via email and text message of other very special offers exclusive to our 30 and under audience! (Don’t worry, we won’t give out your number.) # 19 (SEE PAGE 30)
FLEX PACKS / A Flex Pack gives you 5 or 6 passes to the 09/10 season and saves you 10% to 15% off single ticket prices. Passes can be used in any combination for any show (subject only to availability at the time of your request). Best available seats are reserved as soon as you redeem your passes. Flex Packs tickets average out as low as $39 per show!# 15 & 16 (SEE PAGE 30)
TEACHERS NIGHT OUT / Teachers are offered a special series on Wednesday or Friday nights that save you about 50% off regular ticket prices. Grab the staff and head out! (Full-time teachers, must present credentials) # 12 & 13 (SEE PAGE 30)
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# / PACKAGE TYPE / DAY AND TIME BU
Y 5
SHO
WS
GET
1 F
REE
6 TO
TAL
SHO
WS,
15%
SAV
ING
S
BU
Y 4
SHO
WS
GET
1 F
REE
5 TO
TAL
SHO
WS,
10%
SAV
ING
S
1 PREVIEW 7pm WEDNESDAYS $207 $174
2 PREVIEW 8pm THURSDAYS/FRIDAYS $207 $174
3 OPENING NIGHT 6:30pm SATURDAYS $493 $412
4 MATINEE WEEKDAY 2pm WEDNESDAYS $207 $174
5 TALKBACK 7pm WEDNESDAYS $258 $217
6 BASIC 7pm WEDNESDAYS $258 $217
7 BASIC 8pm THURSDAYS $258 $217
8 BASIC 8pm FRIDAYS $284 $238
9 MATINEE 2pm SATURDAYS $258 $217
10 BASIC 8pm SATURDAYS $309 $259
11 MATINEE 2pm SUNDAYS $258 $217
12 TEACHER 7pm WEDNESDAYS $150 $125
13 TEACHER 7pm FRIDAYS $150 $125
15 AUDIO DESCRIBED 2pm SUNDAYS $258 $217
15 FLEX PACK PREMIUM/ANYTIME $278 $232
16 FLEX PACKMATINEE/WEEKDAY(excludes FRI/SAT evenings) $233 $194
17 VIP BASIC BALCONY PREMIERE $340 $284
18 VIP OPENING NIGHT BALCONY PREMIERE $540 $450
19 $30 UNDER 30 8pm FRIDAYS $180 $150
20 STUDENT ANYTIME $125 $100
SUBSCRIPTIONPRICES
subscribe online at www.rubicontheatre.org or call the box office 805.667.290029
SHOWCALENDAR
Artists, dates and plays subject to change without notice. No refunds. Exchanges available for subscribers only.
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SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS
NUMBER 1 / BY FAR, THE NUMBER ONE SUBSCRIBER BENEFIT IS YOUR SEAT.You choose your seat and you keep your seat for the entire season. And you already have your seat when the performance is sold out… now, doesn’t that make life so much easier?!
NUMBER 2 /THE NEXT BEST BENEFIT IS THE DISCOUNT —15%—WHICH CAN SAVE YOU AS MUCH AS $86 PER SEASON. When you renew the following season, your discount goes up to 20%! It just keeps getting better.
NUMBER 3 /SEAT EXCHANGE IS THE OTHER BENEFIT OUR SUBSCRIBERS LOVE. If you can’t make it to your scheduled performance, we’ll move you to the available performance of your choice. Voi lá!
GIVE US YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!Why? This past season, our email members were offered the chance to get free stuff such as coffee at Palermo, wine, chocolate and tickets to a special Edward Albee appearance. They also got to see a live feed of the Fiddler on the Roof set under construction, and to hear Jim O’Neil and Jenny Sullivan talk about the new season before anyone else. We send emails out about once a week and never give your email address to anyone else.Just go to www.rubicontheatre.org to join.
ORDERING IS EASY!
# / PRICE / NUMBER OF PACKAGES / TOTAL
$
$
$
SUBTOTAL A $
YES! I WISH TO MAKE ATAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION $
SERVICE/TICKET FEE (NUMBER OF PACKAGES x $10 each) $
SUBTOTAL B $
SUBTOTALS A+B = GRAND TOTAL $
CONTACT INFORMATION:Name
Street Address
City State Zip
Primary Phone
CHOOSE A PACKAGE:
METHOD OF PAYMENT: Check AMEX Mastercard Visa Discover
Card# Exp. Date
Street Address
Name on Card
Signature
PLACE YOUR ORDER:PHONE 805.667.2900 // FAX 805.667.2903WEB www.rubicontheatre.orgMAIL Rubicon Box Office, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001
Please indicate if applicable:
Wheelchair seating
Other special seating requirements
(please describe)
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THANK YOU TOOUR AMAZING SPONSORS!
SEASON SPONSORS /Sandra and Jordan Laby—San Buenaventura Foundation
for the Arts (SPONSOR)
Marriott Ventura Beach (SPONSOR)
Barbara Meister—Barber Automotive Group (SPONSOR)
The National Endowment for the Arts (SPONSOR)
MEDIA SPONSORS /Gold Coast Broadcasting (SPONSOR)
Ventura County Star (SPONSOR)
subscribe online at www.rubicontheatre.org or call the box office 805.667.290033
DADDY LONG LEGS /Sandra and Jordan Laby—San Buenaventura Foundation
for the Arts (SPONSOR)
Barbara Meister—Barber Automotive Group (SPONSOR)
Bill and Elise Kearney (CO-SPONSOR)
A RUBICON FAMILY CHRISTMAS /Marriott Ventura Beach (SPONSOR)
THE MIRACLE WORKER /Janet and Mark Goldenson (SPONSOR)
Loretta and Mike Merewether (SPONSOR)
Marriott Ventura Beach (SPONSOR)
THE TEMPEST /Al and Micheline Sakharoff (SPONSOR)
Ann Deal—Fashion Forms (SPONSOR)
Pierpont Inn (SPONSOR)
Dr. Norma Beck (CO-SPONSOR)
* This list is current as of 5/12/09