The Classics

 

OF MICE AND MEN hits the stage on Oct. 25 at 3pm at the Cohan Center at the PAC in SLO. The Steinbeck tragic classic of two migrant workers during the Great Depression. Presented by the Virginia Barter Theatre. $20-$36. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

THE MIRACLE WORKER hits the stage Nov. 6- 8, 13-15, and Nov. 20-22nd on Friday and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. The SOPA Black Box Theater located at 116 West Branch St. in Arroyo Grande. Info: 473-0377 or thestudioofperformingarts.com.

 

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING hits the stage Nov. 20-Dec. 20 at the San Luis Obispo Little Theatre located at 888 Morro in SLO. Pulitzer Prize winning musical about office politics and parties, caffeine addiction and true love. $15-$25. Info: slolittletheatre.org or 786-2440.

 

A NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS presented by The Studio of Performing Arts in coordination with SOPA Competition Group Dec. 18-19 at 7pm at the PAC in SLO. $12. Info: pacslo.org or 756-2787.

 

MACBETH is presented by PCPA Feb. 18-March 7 at the Marian Theatre, at Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive in Santa Maria. The infamous chronicle of a Scottish hero’s fall from grace. $27-$30. Info: 922-8313 or pcpa.org.

 

CAMELOT takes the stage on Feb. 22 at 7pm at the Cohan Center at the PAC in SLO. Lerner and Loewe’s timeless love story. Pre-show lecture scheduled. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

JULIUS CAESAR Feb. 25-27 and March 4-6 at 8pm and at 2pm on March 6. Presented by Cal Poly Theatre and Dance. At the Spanos Theatre at Cal Poly in SLO. Info: pacslo.org or 756-2787.

 

 

 

Only in SLO County

 

SCARY POPPINS AT THE GREAT AMERICAN MELODRAMA Sept. 24-Nov. 15. Young Jack and Jill Peabody live in Victorian London with their widowed father, a nutty inventor with little time to pay attention to his children. But when the children write to everybody’s favorite Super Nanny, they get more than they bargained for - instead of Mary Poppins, they end up with her bizarre twin sister, Scary Poppins. On Highway One in Oceano. $17-$20, with discounts available. Info: 489-2499 or americanmelodrama.com.

 

THE MOUSETRAP written by Agatha Christie takes the stage Oct. 9-Nov. 15. The classic whodunit by the Grand Dame of mystery writers, about a group of eccentric strangers stranded in a British country inn, all of whom turn out to be suspects in a murder, each of whom has something to hide and all seem potentially guilty. Gala Champagne Opening Night on Oct. 10 at 7:30pm, including a special champagne and dessert buffet after the show with pianist/vocalist David Manion performing live at the Baldwin, $25. Continuing on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 3pm. $15-$19. 824 Main Street at Sheffield in the West Village of Cambria. Info: 927-3877 or pewterploughplayhouse.org.

 

BRAVO SLO! Takes place Sept. 26 from 10-4pm The ultimate performing arts showcase experience, this free event features an array of performances by local performing arts organizations and intriguing behind-the-scene tours. At the PAC in SLO. Info: 756-2787 or pacslo.org.

 

THE ADDAMS FAMILY: IT’S ITT’S BIRTHDAY an interactive murder mystery dinner theatre event, takes place on Sundays at 5pm from Oct. 4-Nov. 1. The Golden Girls: The Curse of Jessica Fletcher, an interactive murder mystery dinner theatre event, takes place on Sundays at 5pm from Dec. 6-Jan. 31. Performances take place at the Spyglass Inn Restaurant, 2703 Spyglass Drive in Shell Beach. $48.95 includes 3 course dinner, show, sales tax and wait staff gratuity. Info and reservations: 489-3875 or murderinmind.com.

 

READERS’ THEATRE”HOMELAND INSECURITY OR HOW I LEARNED

 

TO LOVE THE PATRIOT ACT” hits the stage on Oct. 14 at 7:30pm. A critical but humorous and thought-provoking look into the Patriot Act, which was enacted to improve our nation’s safeguards but brought with it challenges to our basic civil liberties. A suburban couple is assigned an in-home marine sergeant to “ensure their safety.” 824 Main Street at Sheffield in the West Village of Cambria. Info: 927-3877 or pewterploughplayhouse.org.

 

READER’S THEATRE PRESENTATION: THE VISIT Nov. 6-7 at the SLO Little Theatre. Directed by Stewart Moss. Tickets are $7-$10. 888 Morro in SLO. Info: slolittletheatre.org or 786-2440

 

ZERO TO INFINITY by Al Schnupp hits the stage Nov. 12-14 and Nov. 19-21 at 8pm in the Spanos Theatre at Cal Poly in SLO. $12-$15. Info: pacslo.org or 756-2787.

 

THE HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA Nov. 19-Dec. 31 at The Great American Melodrama on Highway One in Oceano. This is a must-do during the holiday season. Fractured Fairy Tale Opera follows. $17-$20, with discounts available. Info: 489-2499 or americanmelodrama.com.

 

PEWTER PLOUGH HOLIDAY SHOW delights Nov. 27-Jan. 3. With a special New Year’s Eve live Cabaret show on Dec. 31. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and most Sundays at 3pm. 824 Main Street at Sheffield in the West Village of Cambria. Info and reservations: 927-3877 or pewterploughplayhouse.org

 

THE BEST OF MOMIX takes place on Jan. 13 at 7pm at the Cohan Center at the PAC in SLO. A blend of physical theatre, circus, athleticism and comedy. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

THE PEKING ACROBATS® are back on Jan. 14 at 7pm. Since 1958, this elite group has toured the world over, combining ancient folk art and acrobatics. They are gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers transforming 2000-year-old athletic disciplines into a kaleidoscope of entertainment and wonder. In Arroyo Grande. Info: 489-9444 or clarkcenter.org.

 

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - THE HEROIC STORY OF JACKIE ROBINSON Comes to SLO on Jan. 15 at 7pm at the Cohan Center, presented by Cal Poly Arts. In celebration of the indomitable human spirit, Dallas Children’s Theater on Tour’s real-life dramatic story of Robinson, the beloved baseball legend. Info: calpolyarts.org or 756-2787.

 

MOSCOW CIRCUS presents crazy clowns, contortionists, and a clever canine with vivid imagination on Jan. 25 at 7pm at the Cohan Center at the PAC in SLO. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

SWINGIN’ WITH SINATRA A musical tribute to Frank Feb. 19-March 21 at the SLO Little Theatre. 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Don’t miss Saturday evening martini nights: 6:30pm dinner and no-host bar before the 8pm show. 888 Morro St, SLO (corner of Palm and Morro). $35-$50. Info: 786-2440 or slolittletheatre.org.

 

INTERPLAY: THE STAGE BETWEEN is presented by PCPA March 12-21 at the Severson Theatre, at Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive in Santa Maria. Titles TBA. $27-$30. Info: 922-8313 or pcpa.org.

 

KEOLA AND MOANA BEAMER bring the Hawaiian slack key guitar and hula dancing to SLO on March 19 at 8pm at the Spanos Theatre at the PAC. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

THE BRICKYARD THEATRE PRESENTS HUMBLE BOY through Sept. 26. In Atascadero. Info: brickyardtheatre.com or 462-1894.

 

 

 

Something familiar

 

RUMORS written by Neil Simon takes the stage at SLO Little Theatre Oct. 9-Nov.1. 888 Morro St. in SLO (corner of Palm and Morro). In this comedy you’ll find four couples, a gunshot wound to the head and a deputy mayor. $15-$22. Info: 786-2440 or slolittletheatre.org.

 

RENT comes to SLO Oct. 15, 17 and 18 at 8pm at the Spanos Theatre in SLO Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about being young and learning to survive in NYC, and about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Info: 756-2787 or pacslo.org.

 

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE is presented by PCPA Nov. 5-Dec. 23 at the Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Drive in Santa Maria. A musical saga of enchantment and mystery in Narnia. $27-$30. Info: 922-8313 or pcpa.org.

 

 

 

Comedy

 

STAND UP COMEDY SHOW WITH LOCALS takes place the 1st Sat. of the month at 8:30pm at the Grange Hall located at 2880 Broad St. in SLO. $5. Refreshments available. Info: 543-0639.

 

NEW YEAR’S EVE COMEDY BASH WITH JUDY TENUTA takes place on Dec. 31 starting at 8pm with a party at the Cohan Center at the PAC in SLO. The performance starts at 9pm. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

AVENUE Q – THE BROADWAY MUSICAL takes the stage on March 4 at 7pm at the Cohan Center at the PAC in SLO. A cast of puppets and people tell the story of making it in The Big Apple. Pre-show lecture scheduled. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

BEST OF S.F. STAND UP COMEDY COMPETITION—a springboard for many famous and talented comedians. Laugh your ass off on March 13 at 8pm at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. Info: clarkcenter.org or 489-9444.

 

REDUCED SHAKESPEARE CO. brings the abridged versions of the Bard’s classics to SLO on March 17 at 8pm at the Spanos Theatre at the PAC in SLO. With wit and masterful commitment, this troupe wins over the most die-hard Shakespeare scholar. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY WITH RYAN STILES tickles the funny bone on April 3 at 7pm at the Cohan Center at the PAC in SLO. Improv at its finest. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

 

 

Dance

 

THE SLO SWINGOUT Two rooms of swing dancing, featuring traditional jazz and contemporary hits. Located at the SLO Grange Hall. Beginning lesson at 7pm, Dance at 8pm. The event will take place on the last Friday of every month. $5. Info: [email protected] or 610-8453.

 

BELLYDANCE SUPERSTARS at the PAC in SLO on Sept. 27 at 7pm. $35-$44. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

DIMENSIONS IN DANCE, Allan Hancock College’s annual fall concert takes place Oct. 14-18 in Santa Maria at the Marian Theatre on the main campus.  Eleven original dances performed and choreographed by faculty and students include ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and hip-hop. Shows are 7pm, Wed.- Sat. and 2pm on Sunday. $12-$15. Info: 922-8313.

 

COMPLEXIONS – A CONTEMPORARY BALLET comes to the stage on Oct. 23 at 8pm at the Spanos Theatre at the PAC in SLO. A range of all types of dance. $35-$44. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

DEYO DANCES redefines dance on Oct. 24 at 8pm and Oct. 25 at 2 and 7pm in the Spanos Theatre at the PAC in SLO. Performances include Blue. Info: 756-2787 or pacslo.org.

 

MYSTICAL ARTS OF TIBET presents Tibetan Monks’ multi-phonic throat singing and chanting on Nov. 5 at 7pm at the Cohan Center at the PAC in SLO. Sacred Music, Sacred Dance: the monks will also be in residence at Cal Poly for four days while they create a Mandala Sand Painting in the McPhee Student Union. Pre-show lectured scheduled. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

LAKOTA SIOUX DANCE THEATRE takes place on Nov. 16 at 7pm at Spanos Theatre in SLO. The Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre was founded at the Rosebud reservation in South Dakota. Set against the backdrop of spectacular video imagery accompanied by live traditional, sacred, and courting songs, narratives and creation stories are woven into the fabric of the performance. info: pacslo.org or 756-2787.

 

BALLET THEATRE SAN LUIS OBISPO PRESENTS THE VELVETEEN RABBIT presents its 6th annual holiday performance at the Spanos Theatre Dec. 4-6. Also included in the program will be two BT-SLO signature holiday ballets: Vivaldi’s “Winter Concerto” and Meyerbeer’s “Les Patineurs” (The Skaters). Full performances are Saturday at 2 and 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. A Youth Outreach for the Performing Arts Center (YOPAC) will take place on Dec. 4 at 11am at the Spanos Theatre in SLO. Tickets are available at pacslo.org, bt-slo.org, or by calling 756-2787.

 

CONTINUUM – AN ORCHESIS DANCE CONCERT takes place Jan. 29-31 and Feb. 4-6 at 8pm the Spanos Theatre at the PAC at Cal Poly. Info: 756-2787 or pacslo.org.

 

SPIRIT OF UGANDA takes the stage on Feb. 3 at 7pm at the Cohan Center at the PAC in SLO. A riveting world music/dance program starring young Africans as they promote awareness of AIDS. Pre-show lecture scheduled. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

BALLROOM WITH A TWIST-STARRING BARBARA EDEN AND LOUIS VAN AMSTEL dance into your hearts on March 30 at 7pm at the Cohan Center at the PAC in SLO. Dancing With the Stars in SLO. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

 

 

Kids

 

BILL HARLEY performs on Oct. 16 at 7pm in the Spanos Theatre at the PAC at Cal Poly in SLO. $12-$18. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

CHARLOTTE’S WEB brings Wilbur the pig and a little grey spider to the stage Nov. 1 at 3pm at the Cohan Center at the PAC in SLO. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

ACT (ACADEMY OF CREATIVE THEATRE) PRESENTS A LITTLE PRINCESS Jan. 15-31 at the San Luis Obispo Little Theater. Directed by Shelagh Garren. Rejoice in the incredible adventures of Sara Crewe as she begins in “Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies”; laugh with her as she brings happiness to others and weep with her as her fortune changes from rich girl to poor orphan. $10-$15. 888 Morro in SLO. Info: slolittletheatre.org or 786-2440.

 

 

 

Opera

 

PACIFIC REPERTORY OPERA PRESENTS OPERA IN THE VINEYARD Sept. 27 at 4pm at Vina Robles Winery in Paso Robles. This concert features the music of opera, operetta and musical theater, and showcases the talents of this season’s mainstage performers. $25 and up. Info: propera.org or 541-5369.

 

VOCAL MASTER CLASS WITH JULIANA GONDEK on Oct. 13 at 7pm in the Davidson Music Center Room 218. Free. The Cal Poly Opera Workshop presents Gondek—a world-renowned soprano and chair of the UCLA Voice Department. Six of Cal Poly Music Department’s leading voice emphasis music majors will perform. Info: music.calpoly.edu, 756-2787 or 756-2406.

 

PACIFIC REPERTORY OPERA PRESENTS THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE on Oct. 16 at 7:30pm, Oct. 17 at 7:30pm and on Oct. 18 at 2pm at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. Pre-show talk one hour before curtain for all shows.

 

Zany and lighthearted, “The Pirates of Penzance” is one of the best known and best loved of the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas. Set to soaring music, it’s a tale of mistaken identities and amusing confrontations between silly pirates, beautiful maidens, clumsy cops and one pompous Major General. Info: propera.org or 541-5369.

 

DIE FLEDERMAUS takes the stage on Feb. 10 at 7pm at the Cohan Center at the PAC in SLO. A comic opera in German with English supertitles. Pre-show lecture scheduled. Info: 756-2787, 1-888-233-ARTS, or calpolyarts.org.

 

VOCAL MASTER CLASS WITH GIORGIO LALOV on Feb. 10 at 4pm in the Pavilion at the PAC in SLO. The Cal Poly Opera Workshop presents a master class with Lalov, the director of Teatro Lirico D’Europa. Several of the Cal Poly Music Department’s vocalists will be featured soloists. The master class precedes the performance of “Die Fledermaus” by the Teatro Lirico D’Europa presented by Cal Poly Arts. Jacalyn Kreitzer will give the pre-concert lecture. Info: music.calpoly.edu, 756-2787 or 756-2406.

 

PACIFIC REPERTORY OPERA PRESENTS LA BOHÈME on April 9 at 7:30pm and on April 11 at 2pm at the PAC on the Cal Poly Campus in SLO. Pre-show talk one hour before curtain for all shows. One of the most popular and romantic operas ever composed, “La Bohème” is Puccini’s passionate, soulful story of two poor, young Bohemians who find a love so intense that it’s unbearable to be apart, yet impossible to stay together. Fully staged with children’s and adult choruses and full orchestra, this timeless classic was the inspiration for the hit Broadway musical “Rent.” Info: propera.org or 541-5369.

 

 

 

 

 

Student performances

 

ARROYO GRANDE HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE ENSEMBLE PRESENTS REASON’S UNIVERSAL ROBOTS - a science fiction fantasy hitting the stage Oct. 15-17 at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. $10-$12. Info: 489-9444 or clarkcenter.org.

 

ARROYO GRANDE HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE ENSEMBLE PRESENTS FOOTLOOSE Dec. 11-12 at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. $10-$12. Info: 489-9444 or clarkcenter.org.

 

ARROYO GRANDE HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE ENSEMBLE PRESENTS THE NIGHT THOREAU SPENT IN JAIL Feb. 18-20 at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. $10-$12. Info: 489-9444 or clarkcenter.org.

 

ARROYO GRANDE HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE ENSEMBLE PRESENTS IS HE DEAD? A comedy about life, death and art by Mark Twain. March 18-20 at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. $10-$12. Info: 489-9444 or clarkcenter.org.