2009/2010
WE'RE CALLING IT THE MIRACLE SEASON.
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D E F Y I N G E X P E CTAT I O N S 2009 / 2010
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 OF HOPE. A SEASON OF STORIES THAT INSPIRE. A SEASON OF THEATRICAL EXPLORATIONS TO MAKE US BELIEVE THAT MIRACLES REALLY DO EXIST.
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Myrna Brown // Subscriber
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John Birchfield // Subscriber
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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R U B I C O N T H E AT R E C O M PA N Y P R E S E N T S /
THE MIRACLE SEASON 2009/2010
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) 10
DADDY LONG LEGS OCT 17 – NOV 8
A RUBICON FAMILY CHRISTMAS DEC 5 – DEC 27
THIS IS HOW IT GOES JAN 30 – FEB 21
THE MIRACLE WORKER MAR 13 – APR 4
ADDRESS UNKNOWN APR 24 – MAY 16
THE TEMPEST SEP 4 – SEP 26
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DADDY LONG LEGS 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 Caird Produced 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 Group Co-Sponsor // Bill and Elise Kearney THE MIRACLE OF SELF DETERMINATION
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
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A RUBICON FAMILY CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 5 – 27 / Previews Dec. 2 – 4 Conceived and Directed by Brian McDonald Musical 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
THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS
“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.
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THIS IS HOW IT GOES JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 21 / Previews Jan. 27 – 29 By Neil LaBute Directed by Jonathan Fox Produced with Ensemble Theatre of Santa Barbara
THE MIRACLE OF COMMON CAUSE 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
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THE MIRACLE WORKER MARCH 13 – APRIL 3 / Previews Mar. 10 – 12 By William Gibson Directed by Jenny Sullivan Sponsors // Janet and Mark Goldenson, Loretta and Mike Merewether, Marriott Ventura Beach
THE MIRACLE OF TENACITY
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.
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ADDRESS UNKNOWN WORLD PREMIERE ADAPTATION
APRIL 24 – MAY 16 / Previews Apr. 21 – 23 Adapted by Moni Yakim and Boaz Yakin Directed by Moni Yakim Based on the Acclaimed Short Novel by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor
THE MIRACLE OF HUMAN SURVIVAL
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.
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THE TEMPEST SEPTEMBER 4 – 26 / Previews Sept. 1 – 3 By William Shakespeare Directed by James O’Neil Sponsors // Al and Micheline Sakharoff, Ann Deal—Fashion Forms, Pierpont Inn Co-Sponsor // Dr. Norma Beck
THE MIRACLE OF FORGIVENESS
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.
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ONCE YOU GO BALCONY, YOU’LL NEVER GO BACK 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. 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.
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www.rubicontheatre.org or call the box office 805.667.2900
SEASON SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS 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) 26
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 fulltime 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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www.rubicontheatre.org or call the box office 805.667.2900
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 15 16 17 18 19 20
$207
$174
PREVIEW
8pm THURSDAYS/FRIDAYS $207
$174
OPENING NIGHT
6:30pm SATURDAYS
$493
$412
MATINEE WEEKDAY
2pm WEDNESDAYS
$207
$174
TALKBACK
7pm WEDNESDAYS
$258
$217
BASIC
7pm WEDNESDAYS
$258
$217
BASIC
8pm THURSDAYS
$258
$217
BASIC
8pm FRIDAYS
$284
$238
MATINEE
2pm SATURDAYS
$258
$217
BASIC
8pm SATURDAYS
$309
$259
MATINEE
2pm SUNDAYS
$258
$217
TEACHER
7pm WEDNESDAYS
$150
$125
TEACHER
7pm FRIDAYS
$150
$125
AUDIO DESCRIBED
2pm SUNDAYS
$258
$217
FLEX PACK
PREMIUM/ANYTIME
$278
$232
(excludes FRI/SAT evenings)
$233
$194
VIP BASIC
BALCONY PREMIERE
$340
$284
VIP OPENING NIGHT
BALCONY PREMIERE
$540
$450
$30 UNDER 30
8pm FRIDAYS
$180
$150
STUDENT
ANYTIME
$125
$100
FLEX PACK
MATINEE/WEEKDAY
BUY 4 SHOWS GET 1 FREE
7pm WEDNESDAYS
5 TOTAL SHOWS, 10% SAVINGS
PREVIEW
# / PACKAGE TYPE
6 TOTAL SHOWS, 15% SAVINGS
/ DAY AND TIME
BUY 5 SHOWS GET 1 FREE
SUBSCRIPTION PRICES
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SHOW CALENDAR
Artists, dates and plays subject to change without notice. No refunds. Exchanges available for subscribers only.
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www.rubicontheatre.org or call the box office 805.667.2900
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. 30
ORDERING IS EASY! CONTACT INFORMATION: Name Street Address City
State
Zip
Primary Phone Email
CHOOSE A PACKAGE: #
/ PRICE
/ NUMBER OF PACKAGES
/ TOTAL $ $ $
Please indicate if applicable: Wheelchair seating Other special seating requirements (please describe)
SUBTOTAL A
$
YES! I WISH TO MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION
$
SERVICE/TICKET FEE (NUMBER OF PACKAGES x $10 each)
$
SUBTOTAL B
$
SUBTOTALS A+B = GRAND TOTAL
$
METHOD OF PAYMENT: Check
AMEX
Mastercard
Card#
Visa
Discover
Exp. Date
Street Address Name on Card Signature
PLACE YOUR ORDER: PHONE 805.667.2900 // FAX 805.667.2903 WEB www.rubicontheatre.org MAIL Rubicon Box Office, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001 31
THANK YOU TO OUR 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)
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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
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subscribe online at
www.rubicontheatre.org or call the box office 805.667.2900
RUBICON THEATRE / 1006 E MAIN STREET VENTURA CA 93001 805.667.2900 BOX OFFICE / MON/FRI 10am–6pm SAT/SUN 11am–5pm ON THE WEB / RUBICONTHEATRE.org
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