Summer Arts Theater Preview
Nothing says summer quite like theater under the stars, and there are a number of opportunities to experience drama al fresco in the next few months. PCPA will bring us a full summer season in the beautiful Solvang Theatre, including gems from Sondheim, Wilde, and Cole Porter, and the De la Guerra courtyard will resound with laughter when Shakespeare Santa Barbara puts on The Comedy of Errors.
This Is How It Goes
Neil LaBute addresses ever more controversial and taboo subjects with this comedy/drama about sex and racism in suburbia. Thu., June 21-Sat., June 23, 8pm, and Sun., June 24, 2 and 7pm. Alhecama Theatre, 914 Santa Barbara St. Call 962-8606 or visit ensembletheatre.com.
Don’t Mention My Name
A comedy of mistaken and counterfeit identities by Fred Carmichael and directed by Jim Sirianni. Fri., June 22-Sun., July 15. Fri.: dinner 7:15pm, show 8:15pm. Sat.: dinner 7pm, show 8pm. Sun.: lunch 1pm, show 2pm. Circle Bar B Dinner Theatre, 1800 Refugio Rd., Goleta. Call 967-1962 or visit circlebarbtheatre.com.
Children of a Lesser God
Mark Medoff’s play about the deaf, the hearing, and the world they share receives a splendid revival. Directed by Rod Lathim. Thu., June 21-Sun., July 1, 8pm. Wed., Sat., and Sun. matinees at 2pm. There will be fully signed performances for the hard of hearing on June 27, 29, 30, and July 1. Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Call 667-2900 or visit rubicontheatre.org.
Company, in Concert
Sondheim’s wittiest, most sophisticated score-and that’s saying something. This production, performed by PCPA, brings the live band out of the pit and onto the stage. Sun., June 24-Sun., July 15, 8pm. Solvang Festival Theatre, 420 2nd St., Solvang. Call 922-8313 or visit pcpa.org.
The Importance of Being Earnest
There’s always time to join Lady Bracknell in considering the impropriety of forming an alliance with a parcel. Fri., June 22-Sat., July 14, 8pm. Solvang Festival Theatre, 420 2nd St., Solvang. Call 922-8313 or visit pcpa.org.
Rough Crossing
SBCC Theatre Group presents a farce with music by Tom Stoppard in which a troupe of theater people must come up with an ending for their new Broadway musical while on a transatlantic cruise. Fri., July 13-Sat., July 28, 8pm; Sun., 2pm. Garvin Theatre, 721 Cliff Dr. Call 965-5935 or visit sbcctg.sbcc.edu.
Lifeboat
Nicola McCartney’s drama tells the story of 11 children who survived a shipwreck during World War II. Thu., July 19-Sat., July 28. Severson Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria. Call 922-8313 or visit pcpa.org.
Kiss Me, Kate
Music and lyrics by Cole Porter, story by Bella and Samuel Spewack, concept by William Shakespeare. Thu., July 5-Sun., July 15. Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria. Fri., July 20-Sun., Aug. 12, 8pm. Solvang Festival Theatre, 420 2nd St., Solvang. Call 922-8313 or visitpcpa.org.
Two Margarets
Elaine Kendall has written a play focused on the romantic life of Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger. Wed., July 18, 1pm and Thu., July 19, 8pm. Victoria Hall Theater, 33 W. Victoria St. Call 494-8497 or 730-1038.
Pump Boys and Dinettes
John Foley’s crowd-pleaser will give director Aaron Levin and its to-be-announced stars plenty of ways to shine. Fri., July 27-Sun., Sept. 9. Fri.: dinner 7:15pm, show 8:15pm. Sat.: dinner 7pm, show 8pm. Sun.: lunch 1pm, show 2pm. Circle Bar B Dinner Theatre, 1800 Refugio Rd., Goleta. Call 967-1962 or visit circlebarbtheatre.com.
The Real Thing
Tom Stoppard’s comedy of infidelity and the theater. Thu., Aug. 2-Sat., Aug. 11. Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria. Fri., Aug. 17-Fri., Sept. 14. Solvang Festival Theatre, 420 2nd St., Solvang. Call 922-8313 or visit pcpa.org.
Village Wooing
The short play by George Bernard Shaw in a staged reading will be presented by Theatrical Treats. The program also includes Give the Bishop My Faint Regards by Frank Gilroy. Wed., Aug. 15, 1pm. Victoria Hall Theater, 33 W. Victoria St. Call 494-8497 or 730-1038.
Urinetown
The Tony-winning musical about a scary place where no one is free to pee. Fri., Aug. 17-Sun., Aug. 26. Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria. Fri., Aug. 31-Sun., Sept. 23. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang. Call 922-8313 or visit pcpa.org.
The Private Ear
Theatrical Treats brings us two by Peter Shaffer, including The Public Eye. Wed., Sept. 26, 1pm. Victoria Hall Theater, 33 W. Victoria St. Call 494-8497 or 730-1038.
The Comedy of Errors
Shakespeare Santa Barbara presents the greatest mistaken-identity comedy of all time. This is our Shakespeare in the Park, people! Go! Sat., Aug. 11-Sun., Sept. 2, 6pm. Casa de la Guerra, 15 E. De la Guerra St. Call 965-0093.
I Hate Hamlet
Paul Rudnick’s classic comedy about a television actor “stuck” in the greatest of all stage roles. Directed by Jim Cook. Fri., Sept. 21-Sun., Nov. 4. Fri.: dinner 7:15pm, show 8:15pm. Sat.: dinner 7pm, show 8pm. Sun.: lunch 1pm, show 2pm. Circle Bar B Dinner Theatre, 1800 Refugio Rd., Goleta. Call 967-1962 or visit circlebarbtheatre.com.
