Cabrillo Stage: Live Music in the Great Outdoors, By Mindy Pedlar

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COMMUNITY NEWS Cabrillo Stage: Live Music in the Great Outdoors

By Mindy Pedlar

I’m listening in on a rehearsal of the Cabrillo Stage Big Band. What a joy it is to hear live music again!

The musicians preparing for ACT 1 of the Cabrillo Stage Summer Musical Festival that will present five different productions over the five weekends in July in the Cabrillo College outdoor amphitheater.

Artistic Director and Conductor Jon Nordgren says, “On this very special Independence Day weekend, as we throw off the shackles of the pandemic, we celebrate America with a tribute to popular Big Band Jazz inspired by Broadway. You will hear some of your favorite arrangements from the likes of Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Glen Miller, along with vocal performances by the Stars of Cabrillo Stage including our host Andrew Ceglio.”

ACT 1 runs July 2-4.

Andrew is also directing, choreographing and appearing in Tomfoolery, Act 4 of the 5-weekend series.

He muses, “The opportunity to work not only on this show but on some of the greatest hits of the Tom Lehrer songbook has been an absolute dream come true for me. Mr. Lehrer’s material requires a certain level of intelligent witticism as well as a heaping dose of frivolity, both of which I heartily enjoy.

But most importantly, being able to collaborate with one of my favorite Musical Directors of all time, Michael McGushin, not to mention a phenomenal cast of seasoned theatre veterans and colleagues, makes this an experience that people will not want to miss. The pure fun and joy we are having with crafting this production for an eager audience of Tom Lehrer fans will be something that I know will be reflected in the quality of the work.”

Act 4, Tomfoolery, runs July 23-25.

With Covid restrictions still in place for many venues including colleges, Nordgren has found a way to bring music back to our community.

His concept uses the outdoor Cabrillo College amphitheater, scaling back the visual elements to create a rustic country festival feel with performances by troupes of actors, singers, dancers and musicians. The lighting will be outdoor daylight with Skip Epperson’s sets — including color-themed flags decorating the entire amphitheater.

Moreover as Nordgren has reported, “The highest production values will be embodied by the incredible talent of our performers.”

Don’t miss Act 2, Circus-Knives, Blood and Water July 9-11, Act 3, Cabrillo Stage Pit Orchestra July 16-18 and the season finale Act 5, Pirates of Penzance July 30-Aug 1.

All performances are in the Cabrillo College Outdoor Amphitheater. Live streaming is available for ACTS 1, 2, and 3.

Observing COVID-19 safety protocols, seating is limited.

Tickets in the bleachers are sold as Box Seats in sets of 2 ,3, 4 or 5 seats. Lawn seating is available in circular pods of 2, 3, 4 or 6 seats. Prices range from $50 for 2 seats to $215 for 6 seats, depending on placement within the amphitheater. Evening performances begin at 6 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m. n •••

Tickets are available online at cabrillostage. com. Box office hours are Thursday – Saturday, 12-6 p.m.; call 831-479-6154.