The Western Stage is preparing for its 2003 season with help
from some generous donors.
The Western Stage is preparing for its 2003 season with help from some generous donors.
Smith Barney has donated to the Salinas community theater’s Young Company wing and their $2,500 contribution was matched by the Sally Hughes Church Foundation.The funds came through the Citigroup Foundation as part of a local contribution program.
“We are glad to support organizations that have a meaningful impact in the areas where we live and work,” said Howard Barkley, Salinas manager of Smith Barney
Artistic Program Director Melissa Parker said “We are excited to have the recognition and support from global businesses like Citigroup and Smith Barney.”
Another activity of the Western Stage is the Spring Festival, which warms up the theatrical year before the full-fledged productions take flight. The festival is the new introduction to acting course at Hartnell College.
From Jan. 27 to May 3, instructors will teach a course on the fundamentals of acting through the use of character development.
As part of the spring semester, actors and theater technicians are being enrolled for The Western Stage’s fourth annual “One Act Festival.” The class will produce 10 one-act plays with opportunities for directors, actors and technicians of all ages and skill levels under guidance from the company’s experienced staff directors.
Following the spring festival, the Western Stage will open its 2003 season with nine scheduled productions which include:
“Prelude To A Kiss,” May 30 – June 22. A 1990 Tony and Drama Desk nominee for Best Play; Outer Critics Circle winner written by Craig Lucas.
“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” June 21 – July 13. Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Book.
“Ah, Wilderness!” July 11 – Aug. 3. A nostalgic look at growing up in 1906 Connecticut, written by Eugene O’Neill
“Rain of Gold,” Aug. 8 – 17. An original adaptation for The Western Stage by Michael and Maria Roddy based on the novel by Victor Villasenor.
“Anton In Show Business,” Aug. 22 – Sept. 14. The 2001 winner of American Theater Critics/Steinberg New Play Award, written by Jane Martin.
“Cabaret,” Sept. 13 – Oct. 5. Winner of 8 Tony Awards in 1967 and 4 Tonies in 1999 and various Outer Critics Circle Awards, Drama Desk Awards and the 1967 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.
“A Doll’s House,” Oct. 3 – 23. An adaptation by Frank McGuinness, the same text as the 1997 Broadway revival with Janet McTeer.
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” Oct. 25 – Nov. 16. Based on the book of the same name by Shepherd Mead.
“A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley,” Dec. 1 – 20. Adapted by Israel Horovitz from the novel by Charles Dickens.
Regular admission is $25 for main stage shows, $17 for the studio theater. Age 65 and over/ 25 and under/Hartnell College students or faculty/military $16 for main stage shows, $14 for studio theater.
For information and reservations call (831) 755-6816.
