Torrance Culture Arts Foundation -- 2016-17 Season Brochure

16/17 SEASON

WELCOME Every season, the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation works to bring the highest quality entertainment experiences to the South Bay. Curated especially for you, we bring touring artists and produce special events that allow local participation, all the while keeping the ticket costs as low as possible, but never sacrificing the quality of the experience.

We wouldn’t be able to provide these wonderful experiences without the generous support of our sponsors and donors. Thank you to our Grand Marquis sponsor: The City of Torrance; Platinum sponsor: Toyota Motor Sales, USA; Silver sponsor: Robinson Helicopter Company; Bronze sponsor: Pelican Products and PBF Energy; Underwriters: Art to Grow On Children’s Art Center, Castle Rock Winery and Torrance Bakery.

We continue to open the doors one hour prior to each performance so you can meet your friends or make new ones in an arts friendly environment.

In addition, free parking, convenient location and great nearby eateries make joining us at the theatre a GREAT evening (or afternoon) out.

Thank you for your support in keeping the arts alive in the South Bay. See you at the Theatre,

Christian Wolf Executive Director Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation

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THE BOY AND THE BEAST

CONTENTS CALENDAR.................................................................................... 4-5 SPECIAL EVENTS...................................................................... 6-9 GUEST ARTISTS..................................................................... 10-17 FAMILY SERIES....................................................................... 18-21 STUDIO CABARET SERIES.......................................... 22-25 SF OPERA CINEMA SERIES........................................ 26-29 LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS COMPANIES........ 30-31 SPECIAL THANKS............................................................... 32-33 TICKET INFORMATION................................................... 34-35

DANA LOUISE & THE GLORIOUS BIRDS

THE AMAZING BUBBLEMAN

KLEZMER JUICE 3

CALENDAR 2016 AUGUST

OCTOBER

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Saturday, 8:00pm The Drowsy Chaperone

14

Sunday, 2:00pm The Drowsy Chaperone

20

Saturday, 8:00pm The Drowsy Chaperone

7

Friday, 8:00pm Carney Magic

21

Sunday, 2:00pm The Drowsy Chaperone

8

Saturday, 8:00pm Carney Magic

26

Friday, 8:00pm The Drowsy Chaperone

14

Friday, 7:30pm Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys

27

Saturday, 8:00pm The Drowsy Chaperone

15

Saturday, 7:30pm Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys

16

Sunday, 7:00pm True Tales from the South Bay

SEPTEMBER 24

Saturday, 8:00pm South Bay’s Got Talent

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Sunday, 2:00pm The Boy and The Beast

1

Saturday, 2:00pm Storytelling Workshop Saturday, 8:00pm Country Roads: John Denver

Sunday, 7:00pm Just Desserts Concert (Los Cancioneros)

22

Saturday, 8:00pm Jewish Culture Through Music & Memories

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Sunday, 2:00pm Salome

NOVEMBER 4

Friday, 7:30pm Jen Chapin

5

Saturday, 7:30pm Jen Chapin

6

Sunday, 2:00pm La Bohème

DECEMBER 3

Saturday, 3:00pm Art & Study of Taiko

4

Sunday, 2:00pm & 7:00pm New Orleans Christmas

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Sunday, 7:30pm Holiday Concert (Los Cancioneros)

2017 JANUARY

MARCH

13

Friday, 8:00pm Freedom Writers

3

Friday, 7:30pm Cabaret Showcase

14

Saturday, 8:00pm A Seed

4

Saturday, 7:30pm Cabaret Showcase

15

Sunday, 2:00pm Aida

11

Saturday, 2:00pm Story Pirates

20

Friday, 7:30pm Dana Louise & Glorious Birds

12

Sunday, 2:00pm Madame Butterfly

21

Saturday, 7:30pm Dana Louise & Glorious Birds

19

Sunday, 7:00pm The Classical Concert (Los Cancioneros)

25

Saturday, 8:00pm What’s Going On: Marvin Gaye Tribute

28

Saturday, 8:00pm Klezmer Juice

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Sunday, 2:00pm & 5:00pm The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told

FEBRUARY

APRIL 7

Friday, 7:30pm Louie Cruz Beltran

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Saturday, 7:30pm Louie Cruz Beltran

3

Friday, 7:30pm Mandy Harvey

4

Saturday, 7:30pm Mandy Harvey

28

Friday, 8:00pm Rave On

5

Sunday, 7:00pm True Tales from the South Bay

29

Saturday, 8:00pm Pacific Coast International Short Film Fest

30

Sunday, 7:00pm Barrage 8

10

Friday, 8:00pm Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

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Saturday, 2:00pm & 8:00pm Charles Phoenix

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Sunday, 2:00pm & 5:00pm Amazing Bubbleman

18

Saturday, 8:00pm Face to the Sun

25

Saturday, 8:00pm Dancing with the South Bay Stars

JUNE

26

Sunday, 2:00pm Rigoletto

11

MAY 13

Saturday, 2:00pm & 5:00pm BMX Freestyle Team

Sunday, 7:00pm June Finale (Los Cancioneros)

SPECIAL EVENTS Being in the audience sometimes isn’t enough, so our three participatory special events give you a chance to be in the spotlight. Sign up to perform, judge or just enjoy the evening.

THE BOY AND THE BEAST 6

“[The director is] the preeminent director of theatrical animation in Japan today” —Brian Camp, Otaku USA Magazine

SOUTH BAY’S GOT TALENT III Saturday, September 24, 2016 • 8:00pm Come see the best talent that the South Bay has to offer in our third annual regional talent competition. Open to all ages and all different genres of performing. The best part is, the audience helps decide the winner. This is an event not to be missed.

THE BOY AND THE BEAST Sunday, September 25, 2016 2:00pm Doors open at 1:00 pm. First come, first seated.

Free film screening sponsored in part by the Japan Foundation.

In Japanese with English subtitles.

The latest feature film from award-winning Japanese director Mamoru Hosoda (Summer Wars, Wolf Children): When Kyuta, a young orphan living on the streets of Shibuya, stumbles into a fantastic world of beasts, he’s taken in

by Kumatetsu, a gruff, rougharound-the-edges warrior beast who has been searching for the perfect apprentice.

Despite their constant bickering, Kyuta and Kumatetsu begin training

together and slowly form a bond as surrogate father and son. But when a deep darkness threatens to throw the human and beast worlds into chaos, the strong bond between this unlikely pair will be put to the ultimate test—a final showdown that will only be won if the two can finally work together using all of their combined strength and courage.

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STORYTELLING WORKSHOP Saturday October 1, 2016 2:00pm Nakano Theatre Storytelling Workshop accepts 12 students to work on their memoir writing, receive performance tips and enjoy a casual lunch together. The class will perform their stories in a show that afternoon. The total time is four hours. The last 90 minutes of the workshop, friends of storytellers may come to watch the performance, or the tellers may choose to videotape their tales. After refining their skills, the students find that performing in front of the class and guests has been a rewarding experience. And they now have tools they can carry forward to job interviews, first dates or future TV guest spots!

TRUE TALES FROM THE SOUTH BAY Sunday, October 16, 2016 7:00pm Sunday February 5, 2017 7:00pm Nakano Theatre In the style of “The Moth,” “Story Corps” or “Mortified,” the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is proud to present its own local storytellers along with experienced crowdpleasing Guest Tellers.

Curated and hosted by author/producer Mariana Williams, each performance will have a new set of local stories and “All-star tellers.”

To submit your true, 6-minute tale, send five lines to: Marianastoryteller@gmail.com with Torrance in the subject line.

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Maxence Peniguet via Flickr

“Can you tell your story in 6 minutes or less?”

FACE TO THE SUN Saturday, February 18, 2017 • 8:00pm Nakano Theatre Free. First come first seated.

Doors open at 7:00pm; performance at 8:00pm.

Be one of the first to witness a new play by Alison Minami at this staged reading directed by Michael Hagiwara.

Set in Havana at the dawn of the Cuban Revolution, Face to the Sun is a lyrical, language-driven, play with a multicultural cast. Haunted by memories of his homeland and fearful of another wardriven imprisonment by the Cuban government, Hamada,

an upstanding leader of the Japanese Cuban community, decides to uproot his family and return to Japan. But his daughter Flora is running with a guerrilla and Isabel, his Cuban wife, is no longer attracted to him. Each of them must make a choice about love and loyalty to both country and family.

DANCING WITH THE SOUTH BAY STARS VI Saturday, February 25, 2017 • 8:00pm Join us for this annual extra-special event where local South Bay community stars, paired with professional dancers, compete to raise funds for their favorite nonprofits.

PACIFIC COAST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL III Saturday April 29, 2017 8:00pm At the third annual International Short Film Festival, the audience selects the “Best of the Fest”! Come and see the work of the best and the brightest young filmmakers from around the globe. torrancearts.org

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GUEST ARTISTS Enjoy world-class entertainment in Torrance’s own backyard.

RAVE ON 10

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“This is not just a John Denver Tribute—this show is truly an amazing experience! The music and spirit of John Denver amazed and thrilled the audience!!”

– And Magazine

COUNTRY ROADS: A TRIBUTE TO JOHN DENVER

COUNTRY ROADS: A TRIBUTE TO JOHN DENVER

Saturday October 1, 2016 • 8:00pm BACK BY OVERWHELMING DEMAND! Looking like entertainment icon John Denver is one thing.

Sounding like him, too, is— well, comparable to a “Rocky Mountain High” for the incomparable singersongwriter Rick Schuler.

Rick has assembled a band and show that capture the essence of the legendary musician in every respect.

Rick’s Denver-inspired “Country Roads” lead him to Aspen, Colorado, where he attended his first John Denver tribute (the 13th annual) in

memory of the popular entertainer’s life and music.

During the course of the two-day event, Rick met several of Denver’s former band mates and close friends who were nothing short of astonished by the similarities the two shared in look, sound and musical talent.

Whether you’re a Denver devotee or not, you’ll want to catch Rick Schuler’s upcoming performance. Rest assured you’ll leave singing his praises and Thanking God for this Country Boy’s truly amazing talent.

countryroadsjohndenvertribute.com

CARNEY MAGIC: A SHOW ABOUT MENTORS, SECRETS, AND THE BEAUTY OF A PERFECT ILLUSION Friday, October 7, 2016 & Saturday, October 8, 2016 8:00pm Nakano Theatre Carney Magic is a theatre show that blends mindblowing sleight of hand with intelligence, taste, and wit, into a unique evening of pure entertainment. This is definitely NOT your typical “magic show.” Carney’s approach is smart, engaging, and often hilarious.

Pinballing between jaunty comedic riffs and astonishing sleight of hand, Carney will have you reeling with his hilarious audience participation segments, as well as his embodiment of multiple characters.

Regarded by his peers as 12

one of the top sleight-of-hand performers in the world, Carney has won more awards from Hollywood’s Magic Castle than anyone in its history, as well as the Academy of Magical Arts’ prestigious Masters Performing Fellowship.

You won’t see any big boxes, tigers, dancing girls or lasers: Just a quirky, likable guy, cracking-wise and doing some pretty amazing things … and all the while, you’ll be laughing yourself silly. carneymagic.com

CARNEY MAGIC

A CELEBRATION OF JEWISH CULTURETHROUGH MUSIC & MEMORIES Saturday, October 22, 2016 • 8:00pm This celebration showcases 90-year-old survivor of Auschwitz concentration camp, Cantor David S. Wisnia.

Wisnia’s vocal talent contributed to his survival during the Holocaust as recounted in his recently published memoir: One Voice, Two Lives. Wisnia began singing in synagogue choirs and was a featured child soloist in pre-World War II Poland’s largest synagogue, the Progressive Tlumacki Synagogue. His repertoire includes Yiddish show tunes, liturgical, and popular music.

Wisnia’s grandson, singersongwriter and pianist Avi Wisnia, joins his grandfather

onstage. The program features two visiting cantorial soloists, Rivka Iza Foremniak and Menachem Piotr Mirski from the renewed Progressive Jewish community, Beit Polska in Poland.

Cantor Mike Stein, of Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills, is internationally celebrated for his musical talent and energy. Cantor Paul Buch of Temple Beth Israel in Pomona is an outstanding cantorial voice. The vocalists will be supported by an instrumental ensemble from UCLA, under the supervision of Neal Brostoff.

Sponsored in part by Jewish Renewal in Poland/Beit Polska; Temple Aliyah of Woodland Hills; Temple Beth Israel of Pomona; and UCLA Mickey Katz Endowed Chair in Jewish Music

ART & STUDY OF TAIKO Saturday December 3, 2016 • 3:00pm A CELEBRATION OF JEWISH CULTURE THROUGH MUSIC & MEMORIES

ART & STUDY OF TAIKO

Staff and students of Asano Taiko US and LATI (Los Angeles Taiko Institute) present contemporary and traditionally inspired taiko repertoire in their end-ofyear recital. Performances are interspersed with explanations of the roots and context of taiko, a demonstration of the “kuchishoga” aural teaching method, and commentary on the challenges of learning Japanese drums.

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NEW ORLEANS CHRISTMAS WITH JEFF BORDES AND FRIENDS Sunday, December 4, 2016 2:00 & 7:00pm Back by popular demand, A New Orleans Christmas with Jeff Bordes and Friends is a heartwarming holiday show mixing the spirit of Christmas with the soul of New Orleans.

The whole family will love the lively arrangements of seasonal favorites led by jazz trumpeter Jeff Bordes. The show will feature special guests and will leave you dancing the Second Line in the aisles!

NEW ORLEANS CHRISTMAS WITH JEFF BORDES AND FRIENDS

FREEDOM WRITERS STORIES FROM AN UNDECLARED WAR Friday, January 13, 2017 8:00pm Stories from an Undeclared War is a powerful documentary that tells the story of 150 at-risk Long Beach students who were once considered unteachable.

Inspired by teacher Erin Gruwell and the writings of Anne Frank, the students discover a new way to express themselves. The documentary follows the students’ story from the first day of freshman year in 1994 to the present day. In a racially divided community where adolescents

have been exposed to drugs, gang warfare, and homicides, Gruwell makes it her goal to teach the students to put down their fists and guns and to pick up a pen. To do this, she juxtaposes their typical reality in urban America with some of the worst examples of man’s inhumanity to man.

The once-hardened teens have an epiphany that they live in an undeclared war, and writing becomes their salvation.

A conversation with Erin Gruwell and several of the original Freedom Writers will follow the screening. freedomwritersfoundation.org 14

A SEED (ICHI-RYU MAN-BAI) Saturday, January 14, 2017 8:00pm Inspired by Japanese mythology, A SEED connects us to the spirit of gratitude. It’s a bountiful harvest celebrated with ravishing performances by legendary Japanese hand drum player, Saburo Mochizuki, Grammy Award-winning koto player Yukiko Matsuyama, the Wadaiko team Indora, Japanese and Baliasi dance groups, flower arrangement and a beautiful kimono show.

A SEED blends the excitement and traditions of contemporary Japanese culture into a sensual feast for the mind and spirit.

A SEED

KLEZMER JUICE

KLEZMER JUICE Saturday January 28, 2017 8:00pm Klezmer Juice is vibrant Yiddish soul imbued with musical influences both old and new from around the world. Representing a new generation of Jewish soul musicians, the youthful group members see themselves as torchbearers of an ancient traditional craft that unites generations in spirit, offering fresh interpretations of traditional tunes.

FREEDOM WRITERS: STORIES FROM AN UNDECLARED WAR

klezmerjuice.net 15

HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE Friday, February 10, 2017 • 8:00pm Hailing from from Chicago’s South Side, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is a group of seven brothers who come from an extraordinary musical family. The band freely mix the brass band tradition with generous doses of hip hop, soul and funk, creating an intoxicating and boisterous blend that is just barely contained on their newest release Fly: The Customs Prelude. They have toured

WHAT’S GOING ON: THE MARVIN GAYE EXPERIENCE

throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and South America and played with everyone from Prince, Mos Def, Mick Jones (The Clash) and Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz).

They’ve performed at Coachella, WOMAD AU, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Sydney Opera House and Carnegie Hall. Their song, “War,” was featured in the blockbuster hit movie, Hunger Games.

hypnoticbrassensemble.com

HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE

CHARLES PHOENIX: THIS IS AMERICANA! LIVE COMEDY SLIDE SHOW PERFORMANCE CELEBRATING CLASSIC AND KITSCHY AMERICAN LIFE AND STYLE! Saturday, February 11, 2017 2:00 & 8:00pm Ambassador of Americana Charles Phoenix supercharges the classic living room slide show into a laugh-out-loud celebration of spectacular midcentury car culture, space age oddities, roadside attractions, festive fashions, outrageous architecture, theme parks, and much, much more.

With his keen expertise, unbridled enthusiasm, and eagle eye for oddball detail, Phoenix lavishes insightful commentary on vintage “found” charlesphoenix.com 16

Kodachrome slides, his highoctane road trip adventures, latest eye-popping test kitchen creations and “best of guide” to local attractions, past and present.

Don’t miss this funfilled, action packed, crazy kaleidoscope or retro pop culture all in glorious Kodachrome COLOR! Be prepared for your American pride to swell, your imagination to be inspired, and your spirit to soar!

CHARLES PHOENIX

RAVE ON

“the second coming of Marvin Gaye”

Friday, April 28, 2017 8:00pm

WHAT’S GOING ON: THE MARVIN GAYE EXPERIENCE Saturday, March 25, 2017 • 8:00pm What’s Going On: The Marvin Gaye Experience is Brian Owen’s tribute to the legendary artist and includes music selections that span Gaye’s music-making career.

Early solo hits like “Can I Get a Witness” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” share space with “You’re All I Need to Get By” and other classic duets. And any Marvin Gaye song list would be incomplete without perennial (and challenging) crowd-pleasers like “Let’s Get It On” or “Got To

Give It Up.” Soul man Brian Owens is often referred to as the “second coming of Marvin Gaye.” Owens, who has performed at the White House for First Lady Michelle Obama, dazzles audiences with performances that are full of soul and love well beyond his peers of today. His refined style combining classic soul with a slight modern touch is why audiences everywhere are calling him the new voice of American soul.

brianowenssoul.com/mge

Rave On reinvents the ordinary tribute show with an electrifying, high-energy, rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza featuring America’s Premiere Buddy Holly interpreter, Billy McGuigan, who is a dead-ringer for the legendary rocker, and is backed by the rockin’ Rave On Band.

Their incredible musicianship ignites the stage and breathes new life into the music of Buddy Holly.

In this rock ‘n’ roll tour-deforce, audiences will experience all the thrills of a Buddy Holly concert reimagined—including such hits as “Peggy Sue,” “Raining in My Heart,” “It’s So Easy,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “True Love Ways,” “Oh Boy” and, of course, “Rave On.” But that’s only part of it! In a unique twist, Billy as ‘Buddy’ celebrates the birth of an era and pays homage to his fellow rockers Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. billymcguigan.com/rave-on

RAVE ON

BARRAGE 8 Sunday April 30, 2017 7:00pm With an exciting mix of contemporary World music and pulsating modern rhythms, the hip Barrage 8 has taken the music world by storm. Featuring all the instruments in the modern string family (the “8” in the name is a reimagining of the string octet: 4 violins, 2 violas, cello, and double bass), the group drives a rich sonic palette and invigorating stage show. barrage8.com

BARRAGE 8

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FAMILY SERIES Spend some quality time with your family as your children discover the excitement of a live performance. Come early or stay late to take part in an art project provided by Art To Grow On – Children’s Art Center, Inc.

BMX FREESTYLE TEAM: THE ULTIMATE BMX STUNT SHOW EXPERIENCE 18

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THE GREATEST PIRATE STORY NEVER TOLD Sunday, January 29, 2017 2:00 & 5:00pm It’s Pirates of the Caribbean meets Whose Line Is it Anyway?

Flung into the future by a bumbling Sea Witch, a crew of misfit pirates now has only one chance of returning home: By performing the greatest pirate epic ever seen onstage! There’s only one problem: Half the script is missing! The crew fills in the blanks and improvises a brand-new musical adventure based on audience suggestions!

“Non-stop Laughter!

A Must-See!” –TheMamaMaven.com

greatestpiratestory.com

THE GREATEST PIRATE STORY NEVER TOLD

THE AMAZING BUBBLEMAN Sunday, February 12, 2017 2:00 & 5:00pm

THE AMAZING BUBBLEMAN

Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for nearly 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles.

An Edinburgh Fringe Festival favorite, he has sold out every year for the last eight years. Louis explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized.

From square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fogfilled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornados and trampolines to people inside bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages. amazingbubbleman.com

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STORY PIRATES Saturday, March 11, 2017 2:00pm All new show with more new stories from local children.

Story Pirates celebrates creative writing by students from coast to coast in a loud, hilarious sketch comedy musical performed by professional improvisers and musicians. The show is based entirely on stories written by elementary school students, and part of the show is made up on the spot by the kids in the audience! Story Pirates will delight and surprise with puppets, enlivening songs and outrageous sketches, all the while motivating kids to pick up a pencil and write down their own fantastic adventures. Story topics run the gamut from kung fu ninja babies fighting crime to cats flying and tickle monsters who rule the world.

STORY PIRATES

storypirates.org

BMX FREESTYLE TEAM THE ULTIMATE BMX STUNT SHOW EXPERIENCE Saturday, May 13, 2017 2:00 & 5:00pm Robert Castillo’s BMX Freestyle Team features some of today’s best action-sports athletes in a nonstop, actionpacked stunt show. These World Class BMX Superstars put on a show that you won’t soon forget. Exciting, Entertaining and Memorable, giving you the “Ultimate BMX Freestyle Stunt Show Experience.” bmxfreestyleteam.com

BMX FREESTYLE TEAM 21

STUDIO CABARET SERIES Relax in the intimate setting of the Nakano Theatre at four-seat cocktail tables and enjoy a delicious dinner provided by Chef Peter Carpenter of Gourmet to You.‌ and don’t forget to save room for some of the amazing goodies from Torrance Bakery available at intermission.

Doors open at 6:30pm Curtain at 7:30pm Reserved tables are available to season subscribers by contacting the Foundation office. All other seats are General Admission.

Dinners prepared by

MANDY HARVEY 22

JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS Friday and Saturday October 14 & 15, 2016 7:30pm Bearing an ever-expanding repertoire of, as she puts it, “obscure, lovely and naughty songs from the 1910s, ‘20s and ‘30s,” Janet Klein is a musical archaeologist hiding in the body of an F. Scott Fitzgerald heroine. Her music is as timeless as her personality.

This is a show you won’t want to miss. janetklein.com Dinner Menu: Chicken in wild mushroom sauce, Basmati rice, sautéed French green beans, Italian green salad

JEN CHAPIN Friday and Saturday November 4 & 5, 2016 7:30pm The legacy of storytelling continues. Daughter of famed singer/songwriter Harry Chapin, Jen Chapin’s music is urban folk soul—story songs that search for community and shared meaning, powered by the funk and improvisation of the city.

Critics have hailed her work as “brilliant... soulfully poetic” (NPR), “thoughtful ... worth-savoring” (People), “addictive” (Boston Globe), “smart, observant, lyrically deft, politically aware and emotionally intuitive.”

(Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel) jenchapin.com Dinner Menu: Cheese ravioli with roasted chicken & grilled asparagus with fresh roasted tomato sauce, mixed green salad with lemon chive dressing, grilled cumin carrot and fennel salad

JEN CHAPIN

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DANA LOUISE & THE GLORIOUS BIRDS

“Dana Louise is something special … nothing short of magical.”

Friday and Saturday January 20 & 21, 2017 7:30pm The daughter of Ezra Idlet of the Grammy-nominated Trout Fishing in America, Dana Louise is a new songstress astonishing audiences with her vibrant, melodic vocals, adept finger-picking and cool sound. Now touring her debut album, she is joined by the Glorious Birds—Adams Collins (vibraphone and 5-string banjo), Ezra Idlet and Keith Grimwood (Trout Fishing in America/guitar, percussion and bass).

Drawing from jazz and bluegrass, and carrying a contemporary beat, the sound is roots-flung-into-the-future folk.

Dana Louise & the Glorious Birds work to leave their audiences glowing with the magic music can bring: genuine human connection.

—Doug Treadway for Nightflying

danalouisemusic.com Dinner Menu: Chicken au jus, ratatouille, roasted red potatoes, chunky Greek salad

DANA LOUISE & THE GLORIOUS BIRDS

MANDY HARVEY Friday and Saturday, February 3 & 4, 2017 7:30pm “From the first note, Mandy Harvey tames her audience into stunned appreciation as she glides pitch-perfect from breathy jazz standard to growling blues ….

At show’s end the audience is on its feet. Some know the secret.

Harvey has not heard any of it— not the applause, not the talent of the musicians who shared the stage, not her own incredible voice.” – Los Angeles Times Mandy Harvey is a deaf American jazz singer and songwriter. A Vocal Music Education major at Colorado State University, Mandy lost her residual hearing, due to a neurological disorder, in 24

2006-2007 at age 18 and left the program. She pursued several career options, including education, but returned to music in 2008. She quickly became a regular performer at Jay’s Bistro in Fort Collins and then branched out to having regular concerts at Dazzle Jazz Lounge in Denver (Top 100 Jazz venues in the world). mandyharveymusic.com Dinner Menu: Penne Bolognaise, grilled vegetable medley, Italian salad with garbanzo beans

MANDY HARVEY

CABARET SHOWCASE Friday and Saturday March 3 & 4, 2017 7:30pm Under the guidance of legendary keyboardist Joel Gaines, several new artists will perform sets specifically designed for this series.

Joel has toured around the world, accompanying musical giants such as Gladys Knight, Anita Baker, Ronnie Laws, Barry White, Chaka Khan, Donna Summer, Tony Orlando and Dawn, Melba Moore, The Platters, Sister Sledge, Bobby Vinton, The Temptations, and many others. Joel will work with these new artists to make sure they give an exceptional performance for discriminating tastes.

CABARET SHOWCASE

joelgainesmusic.com LOUIE CRUZ BELTRAN Dinner Menu: Guinness beef stew with vegetables, buttered egg noodles, spinach salad

“Louie Cruz Beltran and his band are stunners... mixing Afro-Cuban rhythms and R&B influences that will move and dazzle you...a passion for playing music ... check out Beltran’s fiery percussion skills.” –OC Weekly

LOUIE CRUZ BELTRAN Friday and Saturday, April 7 & 8, 2017 7:30pm A Studio Cabaret favorite!

Blending Afro Cuban rhythms with Jazz, Latin Jazz, Pop and R&B influences, Louie Cruz Beltran is an entertainer at heart—an entertainer who is also a superbly skilled conguero, timbalero and vocalist. In short, Louie is the complete package.

Variety called Louie’s Playboy Jazz Festival performance “... a triumph... a sharp, uncluttered Jazz ensemble.”

Performingartslive.com said “...percolating percussion, catchy refrains and fiery arrangements, and a passion for fun.”

louiecruzbeltran.com Dinner Menu: Chicken Vera Cruz, Spanish rice, Caesar salad with roasted corn and sun-dried tomatoes, vegetables 25

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA CINEMA SERIES

MADAME BUTTERFLY 26

The San Francisco Opera has taken the year off from offering new cinema operas so we are proud that they are letting us bring you the best of the best performances from the last six years. These five operas were digitally recorded with multiple cameras and will be played back in high-definition Blu-Ray and stereo sound. sfopera.com At intermission, enjoy a glass of wine in the lobby or watch behind-the-scenes interviews onscreen.

“[Madame Butterfly is]...a compelling and almost breathlessly taut rendition of this timeless tragedy. . . .

Patricia Racette’s portrayal is an incendiary performance.”

(San Francisco Chronicle)

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SALOME Sunday October 23, 2016 • 2:00pm

by Richard Strauss Considered scandalous when it premiered a century ago with its provocative “Dance of the Seven Veils,” Richard Strauss’ adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s play has not lost its ability to shock. Set in Biblical times, this erotically charged opera centers on a tangled triangle: the persecuted John the Baptist, a lecherous King Herod and the monarch’s pathologically seductive stepdaughter, Salome.

German soprano Nadja Michael is “mesmerizing throughout” in the title role (The New York Times),

opposite bass-baritone Greer Grimsley “as a thunderous and dramatically compelling Jokanaan, [and] tenor Kim Begley is a magnificent Herod, singing with precision and tonal brilliance” (San Francisco Chronicle). Music Director Nicola Luisotti conducted “with flair and muscle. The orchestral playing was powerful and richly colored” (San Francisco Chronicle). Codirected by Seán Curran and James Robinson.

“All the zesty blood lust of a good vampire movie…bravely and marvelously macabre!”

–The New York Times

SALOME

LA BOHÈME

LA BOHÈME Sunday November 6, 2016 • 2:00pm

by Giacomo Puccini Sung in Italian with English subtitles

“This is opera truly not to be missed.”

(San Francisco Examiner)

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Nicola Luisotti, San Francisco Opera’s music director and a master of the Italian repertoire, conducts Puccini’s most beloved opera.

This heartwarming story of starving artists falling in and out of love in 19th century Paris is a seamless mix of romantic passion, poignant tragedy and high-spirited fun. The outstanding cast is headed by superstar Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu as the ill-fated Mimì and by Polish tenor Piotr

Beczala as her lover, the poet Rodolfo. Recorded Fall 2008, War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco.

“Audiences adore ‘La Bohème,’ and the San Francisco Opera’s latest revival makes it easy to see why…. Glorious singing, gripping music and a touching love story ... were on brilliant display.” –(San Jose Mercury News)

AIDA Sunday January 15, 2017 • 2:00pm

by Giuseppe Verdi Sung in Italian with English supertitles The grandest of grand operas, and a brilliant balance of spectacular pageantry and emotional intimacy. A bitter love triangle plays itself out against a backdrop of war and cultural oppression in this compelling tale of conflicting loyalties and forbidden passion.

As Aida, soprano Micaela Carosi’s “voice wasn’t only

luminous; she was alive in the role ... every fear, frustration and outburst of love registered in her voice, face, body” (San Jose Mercury News).

Tenor Marcello Giordani plays Radames, “mustering a ringing sound and suitably ardent phrasing” in the opera’s clima (San Francisco Chronicle).

MADAME BUTTERFLY AIDA

Sunday March 12, 2017 2:00pm

by Giacomo Puccini Sung in Italian with English subtitles

MADAME BUTTERFLY

RIGOLETTO

RIGOLETTO Sunday February 26, 2017 • 2:00pm Music by Giuseppe Verdi; Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave Sung in Italian with English supertitles One of opera’s most vivid and compelling characters, a vengeful court jester, desperately tries to protect his daughter from disaster in this heart-wrenching tragedy.

The first of two world-class casts led by Music Director

Nicola Luisotti stars Željko Lučić, “whose vocal artistry is exceptional” (The New York Times); Aleksandra Kurzak, “a superstar in the making” (The Guardian, London); and, as the lecherous Duke, Francesco Demuro, “whose

One of the world’s most beloved and dramatic operas, Madame Butterfly is a classic tale of colliding hearts and cultures set in 19th century Japan. Internationally acclaimed soprano Patricia Racette is Cio-Cio-San, a geisha tragically torn between two worlds and forced to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Company Music Director Donald Runnicles conducts the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus in this stirring production that features some of Puccini’s most popular music.

“A powerful, rhythmically exciting Rigoletto.”

–San Francisco Examiner

open, bright, superbly focused tone was reminiscent of Pavarotti” (Opera News).

Aleksandra Kurzak “was nothing short of remarkable.”

–San Francisco Chronicle

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TOCA SUPPORTS OTHER LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS COMPANIES In an effort to let you know about other entertainment experiences Torrance has to offer, we are proud to highlight these organizations.

LOS CANCIONEROS MASTER CHORALE 2016-17 CONCERT SEASON lcmasterchorale.com

JUST DESSERTS CONCERT Sunday, October 16, 2016 7:00pm Followed by a buffet of scrumptious desserts provided by the singers “A Musical Menu” – accompanied by orchestra.

A whimsical a la carte with edibles in mind, such as Chili Con Carne, Tuna, Mashed Potato, Cabbage, tarragon, thyme and others, deliciously performed.

HOLIDAY CONCERT

JUNE FINALE

Sunday, December 11, 2016 7:30pm

Sunday, June 11, 2017 7:00pm

“A Joyful Holiday Festival” – accompanied by orchestra.

Glorious seasonal favorites, including Hodie, Gloria, O Nata Lux, and Memley’s Magnificat.

After Intermission, a “most wonderful time of the year,” with Sherman’s Hannukah song and variations on Jingle Bells.

“East Meets West” – accompanied by a professional combo.

The exotic greets the familiar, with Brian Tate’s original and nostalgic works and Quintana’s lively Mass for Two Worlds. After Intermission, Allan Petker’s Touch, a 3-movement multi-media work based on the paintings of He Qi, a contemporary Chinese Christian artist.

THE CLASSICAL CONCERT Sunday, March 19, 2017 7:00pm “Mozart and Jenkins” – accompanied by orchestra Classics of very different eras – Mozart’s Coronation Mass and, after Intermission, selections from Jenkins’ Stabat Mater.

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WINNER OF 5 TONY AWARDS! DRAMA DESK AWARD WINNER for BEST MUSICAL!

Torrance Theatre Company presents

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE August 13, 20, 26 and 27 at 8:00pm August 14 and 21 at 2:00pm The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Jazz-age musical featuring one showstopping song and dance number after another.

With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins

“THE PERFECT BROADWAY MUSICAL!” -New York Magazine

as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.

Music and Lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar Directed by Glenn Kelman Musical Direction by Bradley Hampton Choreography by Christopher Albrecht torrancetheatrecompany.com

TOYOTA is proud to support the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation.

31

TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION BOARD Executive Committee Nancy Mannon, President Ellenmary Michel, Vice President Daniel Ashcraft, Secretary Birgit Snodgrass, Treasurer Merrietta Fong, Member At Large Board of Directors Jean Adelsman Betsy Brien Athena Cormier Heidi Cunningham Owen Griffith, Board Member Emeritus Milton Herring Tammy Khan Sherry Kramer Advisory Board Heidi Ashcraft Jonathan Beutler Shannon Dean Scott Douglas Donna Duperron Steve Fechner Patrick Furey Mikko Haggott-Henson Dee Hardison George Mannon, EdD Ken Miller George Nakano Steve Napolitano Bill Oberholzer Ted Porter Frank Scotto Mark Smith Ritas Smith Staff Christian Wolf, Executive Director Sharon Sapigao, Administration Susan Lyon, Artist Hospitality Betsy Medvedovsky, Graphic Design

32

SPECIAL THANKS 2016-2017 SEASON SPONSORS $50,000+ — Grand Marquis City of Torrance

$25,000 — Platinum Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.

$10,000 — Silver Robinson Helicopter Company

$5,000 — Bronze Pelican Products PBF Energy

Underwriters Art To Grow On Children’s Art Center, Inc. Castle Rock Winery Torrance Bakery

AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!

FRIENDS OF TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION Producers

Leilani Kimmel-Dagostino

Tammy Khan

Dolores Charroux

Patricia Kromka

Sherry & Ian Kramer

Merrietta Fong

Hiromu J. Kuno/QuinStar Technology, Inc.

Richard Kuhns

Eleanor Land

Carol & Tom Miller

Susann Norton Directors Gene & Linda Barnett Betty Moye

Chuck Lobb Rod & Crystal Macdonell George & Nancy Mannon

Sidley Austin LLP

Frank & Marilyn Miles

Angels

Fred & Ann Peitzman

Mary P. Miller

Gerald Marcil Ken & Judy Miller Dr. Anil S. Muhammed Diana Nakashima Janet Neu Bill Oberholzer Old Torrance Neighborhood Association

Dan & Heidi Ashcraft

Andrea & Ron Perez

Brian & Heidi Cunningham

Janice Plank Nancy Richards

Gary Delaney

Mike Terre

Malaga Bank

Ray & Estela Uchima

Carol Risher

Ted & Carolyn Porter

Fans

Ray & Gail Roulette

Richard Smisek

Earl & Shirley Clark

George & Rosemary Zettler

Howard & Pearl Davis

Ellenmary Michel

Friends Jean Adelsman

Kathleen Davis Wayne Eads Carl & Marcia Gehrt

Bob & Kay Anderson

Keri Gilbert & Jim Ahumada

Mary Ann Bradford & Maurine Swilley

Bob Habel & Mary Hoffman

Ann & Marty Gallagher

Lowell & Dee Hardison

Gary & Diane Hastings

William & Mary Lou Hayden

Milton S. Herring Glen & Fumiko Isobe

Carl & Lenor Pearlston Peter & Vicki Pellerito Gerald Ronan Alex & Mei Ling See Birgit Snodgrass Hazel Taniguchi Maxine Trevethen Juno & Ethel Uyematsu Dorothy Warner-Jeheber Kurt Weideman & Sue Golden Christian & Robin Wolf Cynthia Woodruff-Neer

Kathryn Joiner 33

INFORMATION BE A SEASON SUBSCRIBER Buy tickets to three or more shows (not including Torrance Theatre Company or Los Cancioneros Master Chorale shows) and save 10% and automatically qualify as a Season Subscriber.

BOX OFFICE HOURS & ORDERING Box Office Hours Tuesday – Friday: 1:00 – 8:00pm Saturday: 12:00 – 8:00pm Phone: (310) 781-7171 Fax: (310) 781-7147 TorranceArts.org To purchase tickets, you can fill out and mail or fax the order form to the right. Or you may purchase tickets by phone or online at TorranceArts.org.

GROUP SALES

Entertain business clients, celebrate a birthday or enjoy an informal night out.

Groups of 10 or more receive discounts of up to 20% off ticket prices.

Contact the ticket office at (310) 781-7171 or info@torrancearts.org

LOCAL EATERIES

Need a suggestion for a place to dine before or after the show? Check our website at www.torrancearts.org or call us—(310) 378-8100 for some recommendations.

SUPPORT THE ARTS WITH YOUR TIME

The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is always looking for volunteers.

Opportunities in concessions, marketing and other areas are available. For more information, please contact the Foundation office at (310) 378-8100 or info@torrancearts.org 34

Only subscribers receive: • First choice of reserved seating • Ticket exchange privileges • Advance notice of special offers and programs

EXCHANGE/REFUNDS

All ticket sales are final. No refunds unless a performance is cancelled and not replaced or rescheduled. Exchanges available only to Season Subscribers.

Tickets must be exchanged no less than seven days before the performance, for the same number of tickets of equal or lesser value. The subscriber pays the difference if the new ticket price is greater than the originally purchased ticket.

TAX-DEDUCTIBLE TICKET DONATIONS

If you can’t attend a performance, donate your tickets to the Torrance Cultural Arts Center Foundation as a tax-deductible contribution. Tickets must be returned to the theatre ticket office two hours in advance of the performance.

Call (310) 378-8100 for details.

TICKETS FOR CHILDREN

All patrons, including infants on laps, must have tickets to be seated.

With the exception of the Family Friendly performances, shows are not recommended for children under age ten.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

The Arts Center staff makes every effort to accommodate patrons with special needs.

Limited wheelchair seating is available in a variety of locations in both the Armstrong and Nakano Theatres. Please indicate any special needs on the order form or indicate when calling the box office.

TICKET INFO & ORDER FORM EVENT

DATE

TIME

SECTION 1

QTY

SECTION 2

QTY

SECTION 3

QTY

TOTAL

GUEST ARTIST SERIES Country Roads: A Tribute to John Denver

Saturday, October 01, 2016

8:00pm

$30.00

Carney Magic

Friday, October 07, 2016

8:00pm

$25.00

$

Carney Magic

Saturday, October 08, 2016

8:00pm

$25.00

$

A Celebration of Jewish Culture Through Music & Memories

Saturday, October 22, 2016

8:00pm

$30.00

$25.00

$20.00

$

Art & Study of Taiko

Saturday, December 03, 2016

3:00pm

$10.00

$10.00

$10.00

$

New Orleans Christmas

Sunday, December 04, 2016

2:00pm

$30.00

$25.00

$20.00

$

New Orleans Christmas

Sunday, December 04, 2016

7:00pm

$30.00

$25.00

$20.00

$

Freedom Writers

Friday, January 13, 2017

8:00pm

$30.00

$25.00

$20.00

$

$25.00

$20.00

$

A Seed (Ichi-ryu Man-bai)

Saturday, January 14, 2017

8:00pm

$40.00

$35.00

$30.00

$

Klezmer Juice

Saturday, January 28, 2017

8:00pm

$30.00

$25.00

$20.00

$

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Friday, February 10, 2017

8:00pm

$35.00

$30.00

$25.00

$

Charles Phoenix

Saturday, February 11, 2017

2:00pm

$30.00

$25.00

$20.00

$

Charles Phoenix

Saturday, February 11, 2017

8:00pm

$30.00

$25.00

$20.00

$

What's Going On: Marvin Gaye Experience

Saturday, March 25, 2017

8:00pm

$30.00

$25.00

$20.00

$

Rave On

Friday, April 28, 2017

8:00pm

$30.00

$25.00

$20.00

$

Barrage 8

Sunday, April 30, 2017

7:00pm

$30.00

$25.00

$20.00

$

FAMILY SERIES Greatest Pirate Story

Sunday, January 29, 2017

2:00pm

$20.00

$15.00

$10.00

$

Greatest Pirate Story

Sunday, January 29, 2017

5:00pm

$20.00

$15.00

$10.00

$

Amazing Bubbleman

Sunday, February 12, 2017

2:00pm

$20.00

$15.00

$10.00

$

Amazing Bubbleman

Sunday, February 12, 2017

5:00pm

$20.00

$15.00

$10.00

$

Story Pirates

Saturday, March 11, 2017

2:00pm

$20.00

$15.00

$10.00

$

BMX Freestyle Team

Saturday, May 13, 2017

2:00pm

$20.00

$15.00

$10.00

$

BMX Freestyle Team

Saturday, May 13, 2017

5:00pm

$20.00

$15.00

$10.00

$

SF OPERA CINEMA SERIES

GENERAL

QTY

Salome

Sunday, October 23, 2016

2:00pm

$17.50

$

La Bohème

Sunday, November 06, 2016

2:00pm

$17.50

$

Aida

Sunday, January 15, 2017

2:00pm

$17.50

$

Rigoletto

Sunday, February 26, 2017

2:00pm

$17.50

$

Madame Butterfly

Sunday, March 12, 2017

2:00pm

$17.50

$

STUDIO CABARET SERIES Tables can be reserved for the series.

Please contact the TOCA office for more information.

NO DINNER

QTY

WITH DINNER

QTY

Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys

Friday, October 14, 2016

7:30pm

$33.00

$48.00

$

Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys

Saturday, October 15, 2016

7:30pm

$33.00

$48.00

$

Jen Chapin

Friday, November 04, 2016

7:30pm

$33.00

$48.00

$

Jen Chapin

Saturday, November 05, 2016

7:30pm

$33.00

$48.00

$

Dana Louise & Glorious Birds

Friday, January 20, 2017

7:30pm

$33.00

$48.00

$

Dana Louise & Glorious Birds

Saturday, January 21, 2017

7:30pm

$33.00

$48.00

$

Mandy Harvey

Friday, February 03, 2017

7:30pm

$33.00

$48.00

$

Mandy Harvey

Saturday, February 04, 2017

7:30pm

$33.00

$48.00

$

Cabaret Showcase

Friday, March 03, 2017

7:30pm

$33.00

$48.00

$

Cabaret Showcase

Saturday, March 04, 2017

7:30pm

$33.00

$48.00

$

Louie Cruz Beltran

Friday, April 07, 2017

7:30pm

$33.00

$48.00

$

Louie Cruz Beltran

Saturday, April 08, 2017

7:30pm

$33.00

$48.00

$

South Bay's Got Talent

Saturday, September 24, 2016

8:00pm

$25.00

$20.00

$15.00

$

Dancing with the South Bay Stars

Saturday, February 25, 2017

8:00pm

$65.00

$45.00

$35.00

$

Pacific Coast International Short Film Fest

Saturday, April 29, 2017

8:00pm

$10.00

$10.00

$10.00

$

Storytelling Workshop

Saturday, October 01, 2016

2:00pm

$30.00

$

True Tales from the South Bay

Sunday, October 16, 2016

7:00pm

$10.00

$

True Tales from the South Bay

Sunday, February 05, 2017

7:00pm

$10.00

$

SPECIAL EVENTS

SEASON SUBSCRIBER DISCOUNT: Please deduct 10% from your total order if you purchased 3 or more TOCA shows.

TAX DEDUCTIBLE GIFT: I would like to support the Foundation so it can continue to bring quality art experiences to the South Bay.

TOTAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Sorry, community group performances do not get the TOCA season subscription discount.

GENERAL ADM.

$

QTY

LOS CANCIONEROS MASTER CHORALE Just Desserts Concert

Sunday, October 16, 2016

7:00pm

$25.00

$

Holiday Concert

Sunday, December 11, 2016

7:30pm

$25.00

$

The Classical Concert

Sunday, March 19, 2017

7:00pm

$25.00

$

June Finale

Sunday, June 11, 2017

7:00pm

$25.00

$

THE TORRANCE THEATRE COMPANY

ADULT

QTY

SENIOR/ STUDENT

QTY

CHILDREN

QTY

The Drowsy Chaperone

Saturday, August 13, 2016

8:00pm

$25.00

$25.00

$25.00

$

The Drowsy Chaperone

Sunday, August 14, 2016

2:00pm

$35.00

$30.00

$25.00

$

The Drowsy Chaperone

Saturday, August 20, 2016

8:00pm

$35.00

$30.00

$25.00

$

The Drowsy Chaperone

Sunday, August 21, 2016

2:00pm

$35.00

$30.00

$25.00

$

The Drowsy Chaperone

Friday, August 26, 2016

8:00pm

$35.00

$30.00

$25.00

$

The Drowsy Chaperone

Saturday, August 27, 2016

8:00pm

$35.00

$30.00

$25.00

$

TOTAL

$

SECTION 2

ARMSTRONG THEATER SEATING SECTION 1

SECTION 3

36

PO BOX 10416 • TORRANCE, CA 90505 • TORRANCEARTS.ORG

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #703 TORRANCE, CA

PLEASE FILL OUT ORDER FORM AND SEND IN NAME: ADDRESS: CITY/STATE/ZIP: PHONE: E-MAIL:

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☐ ONLINE: www.TorranceArts.org

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Mail order form to: TOCA Ticket Order Arts Center Box Office 3330 Civic Center Dr. Torrance, CA 90503

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