Rick Kerrigan, who has both directed and acted in more than a few Cabrillo Playhouse hits the past few years, delivers the performance of his life in John Steinbeck's brutal tale of migrant field workers struggling for a stake on a Salinas Valley ranch in the Depression-choked 1930s.

As Lennie, the feeble-minded, strong-as-an-ox, problem-prone gentle giant tortured by his always just-out-of-reach dreams as he's led along by understanding friend George – bright enough and normal enough but trapped by life – as they try to stay out of trouble in a world filled with trouble, Kerrigan is absolutely overwhelming in "Of Mice and Men" as those poetic "best laid plans" go awry.

Lon Chaney Jr., who long ago immortalized Lennie in the 1939 movie, would be the first to welcome Rick to the club, and Steinbeck himself would no doubt jump out of his grave if he could to send him some kind of a medal.

Director Austin Peay also deserves a bag full of medals for getting it all together so powerfully and getting the most on this tiny stage out of his entire cast of 10, including Maggie Parto, the lone woman in the play, a UCI theater and South Coast Repertory vet who dazzles as the lonely tramp ranch wife with a roving eye who lures Lenny into a bad place.

Community theater doesn't get any better than what's now going on in our magical 66-seat playhouse at the laid-back corner of Ola Vista and Cabrllo, one block off San Clemente's "Broadway," better known as Avenida Del Mar.

Toni and I experienced the whole emotional-to-the-max tug of war on opening night Friday, and it was amazing how on the money they all were so early in the run. I'm still clenching my fists and nervously wringing my hands and tugging aimlessly at my jeans, just like the tortured Lennie.

Steinbeck isn't for everyone, especially his Salinas Valley stories topped by big-daddy grimster "The Grapes of Wrath." But Steinbeck loyalists, and there are plenty, will put this one atop a special pedestal.

Peay, obviously a dedicated Steinbeck fan, says he'd also like to take on "Grapes" one of these days, and after proving himself a miracle man with this one, why not? C'mon, Austin, you have the key. Open the vault and bring it on.

Well, you have to see it. "Mice" starts its second week Thursday night and will run Thursday through Saturday nights at 8, plus 2 p.m. Sunday matinees, until Jan. 31. Tickets are $20, a steal for this one, and the box-office number is 949-492-0465.

They have softened the despised "n-word" used frequently in the novella, but all the rest of the dialogue covering the pain, frustration and heartache is loyal to Steinbeck's typewriter.

Matthew Dodd, back from "Lend Me a Tenor," is also terrific as George, as are Colin Kirkpatrick, the In-N-Out Burger flipper out of Saddleback College, as Curley; Rick Hargrave as the one-handed Candy; Frederick Harris Lawrence as the outcast African American not allowed in the bunk house; and Armando Dubon Jr. from the San Francisco Actors Studio making his local debut as Slim.

Brent Dye, English teacher and screenwriter John Marzo and Peay himself also help fill the stage admirably as rough-cut ranch hands.

My congrats to them all. I don't have any Tonys to pass out, but I hope they will settle for these humble Hallies. Pass it along.

Kristen Matson is delicious singing "Always a Bridesmaid."

Katie Nicol is delectable singing "A Stud and a Babe" with Marc Marger and Mike Wallot.

Amy Hitchcock is delicately desirable singing "I Will Be Loved Tonight."

And Kimberly Wooldridge is wickedly delightful singing "Funerals Are for Dating" with Wade Wooldridge.

What is this? Delicious? Delightful? Delectable? Is Cole Porter writing this HAT? No, it's just your favorite old Broadway first-nighter checking in with an enthusiastic round of applause for "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" and the way the Joe DiPietro-Jimmy Roberts off-Broadway all-timer rolled off the blocks opening night Friday at the Cabrillo Playhouse.

San Clemente Community Theatre prez Sally Benedict Jeisy, production director Austin Peay and artistic director Rick Kerrigan have to be popping buttons over the terrific start of the SCCT's 2009-10 season.

Especially Peay, who doubles as director of this fast-moving comical as well as cynical masterpiece, and Kerrigan, who gets right into it with the rest of the cast, belting out such as "Why? Cause I'm a Guy," "The Baby Song" and "Not Tonight, I'm Busy, Busy, Busy."

So the show begins its second week of Thursday-through-Sunday action at 8 p.m. Thursday. It will have only one more "long weekend" after this one before wrapping up its 15-date run with the usual 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, Oct. 4. If you miss it, it's your own fault.

In 22 years of trying to keep my fickle finger on the pulse of the playhouse, I have no trouble putting "I Love You" No. 1 or very close in my personal Cabrillo Hall of Fame, along with Joan Ray directing and singing the lead in "Oh, Coward" (a Noel Coward revue) quite a few years ago, Sandy Silver's "So Long on Lonely Street," the Cabrillo's right-on-the-nose treatment of Woody Allen's "Play It Again, Sam" and Cynthia Walker in "Bus Stop."

One warning for those next in line: You have to stay alert. It all moves so quickly from mood to mood and song to song with everybody rushing in and out of the numbers that you can get lost if you blink. Through two acts and 20 different scenes, it bumps and jumps at a sizzling pace.

"Single Man Drought," "Cantata for a First Date," "Tear Jerk," "Scared Straight," "I'll Call You Soon (Yeah, Right)" and "The Lasagna Incident" are among others that don't let you take your eye off the bouncing ball.

To capsulize, which you know is impossible for me, whatta opening! The new "First Friday Gala Opening Night" program with dinner catered on the patio before the play was a big hit, too.

No kidding, even a printed menu introducing "Chef Eddy Rocq from Paris, France." Not Paris, Ind., or Perris, Calif., you understand, but Paris, France, just a recent addition to San Clemente.

He lived up to his billing with "Dungeness Crab Cake with Chipotle Mayonnaise, plus Philo Purses with Mushroom Puree" for hors d'oeuvres, a "Mesclun Salad with homemade Gravlac Salmon, hard-boiled eggs, green beans, cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette" for the entree and a dessert of "Pear Almond Tart on Puffed Pastry with Chocolate Sauce."

Coffee, wine and water, too. The next Friday Gala Opening Night will be Oct. 23 for "Lend Me a Tenor." Call the box office (949-492-0465) to get in line or to catch up with Kristen, Katie, Amy, Kimberly, Rick, Marc, Mike and Wade.

Our compliments indeed to all the "I Love You" cast, prez Sally, the director, musical director Diane King Vann and the entire SCCT board, as well as the chef from Paris, France.

We've been singing songs about the Fiesta all week, but don't let the music drown out the fact that the calendar is still spinning right along and it would be a shame to let it get away from you and forget there is more to this road.

An even bigger number, in fact, is coming up fast – the San Clemente Community Theater's 56th season officially launching with the opening of the off-Broadway all-timer "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" on Sept. 11 at the Cabrillo Playhouse.

Sure enough, 55 seasons already under the belt, and here we go again. Early musical rehearsals under the direction of much-respected Diane King Vann, who has a scrapbook full of classic credits, were held two weeks ago, and regular rehearsals with Cabrillo producing director Austin Peay resume in nine days, Aug. 17.

Of course, time flies. It wasn't only yesterday by a long shot, but it seems like it to some that the SCCT was formed as a nonprofit on March 5, 1953, struggling through the early years with productions on the Community Center lawn, on the tennis courts, a long-gone miniature golf course, grade-school cafeterias and the Elks Lodge before buying the Adair House on the downtown corner of Ola Vista and Cabrillo, one of the red-topped white stucco village originals, and turning it into a playhouse.

First-ever presentation at the Cabrillo was "Bell, Book and Candle" on July 11, 1966, covered live in all its kleig-lights Hollywood glory by Ray Duncan's NBC-TV crew.

Both good times and bad have visited the Cabrillo over the years, but lately it's all been upward and onward for the intimate 66-seat treasure of a local slice of Broadway, with the inspired input of SCCT prez Sally Jeisy, VP Tom Dillard, producing director Peay, artistic director Rick Kerrigan and human-resources maven Nancy Keck in charge of volunteers.

Besides "I Love You" (Sept. 11-Oct. 4), the new six-production 2009-10 season includes "Lend Me A Tenor" (Oct. 23-Nov. 15), "Christmas Jubilee" (Dec. 4-20), "Of Mice and Men" (Jan. 8-31), "Night Watch" (March 12-April 3) and "Rumors" (April 23-May 16.)

The big and bright new twist to all this are the opening-night galas planned to kick off each new attraction, featuring preshow dinners on the patio catered by San Clemente's finest restaurants, followed by postshow champagne toasts with the casts.

In 56 years, folks, this is a first, and we're all invited to join the opening-night parties, so don't quibble about the few extra bucks it takes to be part of the added excitement. It's $140 per for season tickets to the six opening nights. Regular season tickets are $110, and, as always, there are all sorts of package discounts for groups and clubs. It's all up for grabs as of right now.

Phone the box office at 949-492-0465 or visit www.cabrilloplayhouse.org  for reservations or more info.

After last season's successes with "Vanities," "The Spitfire Grill," "Sylvia," "Crimes of the Heart" and "Happy Birthday," we're naturally expecting another great run and continuing increase in attendance, especially on the party nights. Black tie is definitely optional.

Last call this weekend for "Crimes of the Heart" at the Cabrillo Playhouse – last chance Saturday night and Sunday to catch Kristen Magrath, Erin Wendorf, Bethany Koulias and Amanda Marzo doing Diane Keaton, Jessica Lange, Sissy Spacek and Tess Harper in Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize winner as it ends its lively four-week run.
The season is going so fast. Only "Happy Birthday" (May 28-June 21) is left of the six-production 2008-09 season after "Crimes" wraps up. But luckily for fans of the civic treasure that is this intimate 66-seat neighborhood playhouse, there's not going to be much of a lull in the action.
Three's the charm, you might say, as the combination of board prez Sally Jeisy, production director Austin Peay and artistic director Rick Kerrigan has sparked the San Clemente Community Theater group to the hottest streak and highest peak the SCCT has enjoyed in its 56-year history.
And no rest for these high-rollers. As announced by Sally in her "message from the president" in the program notes for "Crimes," the production sked for 2009-2010 has already been set. It will feature "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," "Lend Me a Tenor," "Of Mice and Men," "Nightwatch" and "Rumors."
Even sooner than all that sparkling stuff, Peay e-mailed me the good word this week that plans have been finalized for another summer youth theater workshop with the production of "Seussical the Musical."
Rehearsals will begin June 22 and run 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily through July 9 and then will climax with eight performances through July 18.
"The program is geared for young people from age 6 to 18," Peay said. "All our favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life in song and dance in this wonderfully fun-filled musical. As the boy and the Cat in the Hat use their imaginations, everyone is transported to the Jungle of Nool for the first adventure and song, 'Oh the Things You Can Think,' followed by 'Horton Hears a Who.'
"As Horton searches for the Who, along the way we meet Gertrude McFuzz, the bird with one feather tail, the mayor of Whoville, Amazing Mary, Sour Kangaroo, the Wickersham brothers, the Grinch and many more."
The funfest of the summer, never a doubt. The participation fee is $425 for 100 hours of "supervised musical theater experience." And you can phone Austin at 949-280-2390 to enroll or get more details. He will personally direct the entire program.
Both Peay and Kerrigan have been all-around whirlwinds for the Cabrillo.
Austin is the director of "Crimes" and earlier directed the much-lauded "serious" musical "The Spitfire Grill" this season. Austin's award-winning background includes stints as show production supervisor at Knott's Berry Farm, Ontario Civic Light Opera, San Bernardino Civic Light Opera, Sacramento Music Circus and South County Theatre Company after teaching high school drama for 20 years.
Rick, who is Doc Porter in "Crimes" and was Caleb Thorpe in "Spitfire," will direct "Happy Birthday." He's an actor, singer, writer and director who has done a lot of dinner theater as well as starring in many community playhouse hits.
Together, Austin and Rick have energized and lifted the Cabrillo to a new level. And/or, as the Cat in the Hat and Gertrude McFuzz would definitely tell you, they know what they are doing.

Erin Wendorf is so good as the dog in "Sylvia" at the Cabrillo Playhouse that I had to get a closer look at her eyes.

I was sure one would be blue and the other brown. That was what distinguished my Babe, the Australian shepherd we had for 12 years after adopting her as an abused castoff from our animal shelter at the age of 2 or maybe 3 – one blue eye and one brown eye on her butterscotch and white loving face.

But no, Erin's eyes are both the same shade, beautiful enough, but she's only human, after all, even though she wags her tail impressively, rolls around in delight on the floor when being scratched or rubbed, delivers slobbering kisses, walks eagerly on a leash and does everything else dogs do so convincingly that she reminded me in so many ways of Babe, as I'm sure she did for everyone else in the audience thinking of their own beloved "companions."

Erin, who got a BA in theater arts at Vanguard University, speaks human English in the play, of course, but all her characteristics are canine, including several inspired barking fits and free-wheeling romances with other dogs in the park, to perfectly capture A.G. Gurney's classic comedy about a bored midlife-crisis guy who finds a stray in Central Park, brings her home and becomes so devoted to her – that's Sylvia – that the dog comes between husband and wife.

The dog is the star, but it's very much a delightful probing of the ever-baffling human condition, with everyone involved.

Director Trina Klossing has gotten the best out of the entire cast that also features Roger Weis as Greg, the husband; Lynn Gallagher as Kate, the neglected wife; Gayle Frances as Phyllis, a sympathetic friend of the wife; and Chris Hibbert, who doubles up as Tom, a macho park-bench-sitting pal of Greg's, and later as Leslie, the double-gendered psychiatrist.

The conversations between Greg and macho Tom – who owns an equally macho male canine named Bowser – as they sit on a bench watching their dogs frolic in the park are hilarious.

There are so many great lines. My favorite, I think, is delivered by Sylvia on all fours as she sniffs loudly at a certain patch of grass in the park: "Excuse me a moment," she says, "while I check my messages."

This truly is one of the brightest ever to be staged at the cozy 66-seat Cabrillo. Toni and I caught it opening night last Thursday, and everyone was already in on-the-nose form with every line.

Anyway, "Sylvia" starts its second week at 8 p.m. Thursday and will be running on the Cabrillo's usual Thursday-through-Sunday schedule until Feb. 15.

Tickets, if still available, are $19. Call the box office at 949-492-0465 and beg.

The Cabrillo is on a real roll. Production director Austin Peay, who has been a major all-around lift to all the dedicated playhouse volunteers, starts auditions Monday for "Crimes of the Heart," which will open March 26. Beth Henley's play about three Southern sisters (Diane Keaton, Jessica Lange and Sissy Spacek in the movie) won a Pulitzer in 1981.

Meanwhile, dogs rule.

Building on the sold-out success of this summer's hit production of "Alice in Wonderland", the Cabrillo Playhouse is coming back with "Scrooge!" the Leslie Bricusse adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.

Under the veteran direction of 20-year high school drama teacher, Austin Peay, the "Alice" participants blossomed into real performers and were the talk of the town during and after the shows successful run. "These young people came to a first-ever summer camp at the Cabrillo and sang and danced and acted their little hearts out. It was amazing to watch their transformation," said Nancy Keck the Playhouse board member charged with overseeing the Youth Theatre.

Luckily for the new "Scrooge!" participants, the same directorial team from Alice will be back, including: Austin Peay who has directed four plays for the Cabrillo including last season's very successful, "Caught in the Net," the equally veteran choreographer/dancer Jimmy Hippinstiel and musical director Debbie Owens.  All three have worked extensively and have presented award-winning productions in the South Orange County area. 

With this first-class musical production, it is our objective to provide young people - ages 8 to 18 - with a quality theatrical experience and our audience with a fun filled evening of musical theater entertainment.

Registration for the program is open now and closes on September 9th or after the first 30 participants register-whichever comes first.  For questions and/or telephone registration, please call the box office at (949) 492-0465.  This will be a fee-based program with a charge is $400 per participant.  The workshop/rehearsals start Tuesday, September 9th and will be Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:00 - 6:00pm. Performances will be held at the Cabrillo Playhouse December 11-14 and 18-21. 

For the more experienced young performers, there are leading roles and co-leads with solos and featured numbers and extensive ensemble opportunities for the less experienced and beginners.  No prior experience or special training is necessary to be part of our program.  We hope to encourage all young people to enjoy and participate in the performing arts.

The Cabrillo Playhouse has been bringing quality live theater to the community since 1953.  The historic playhouse, designed in the Ole Hanson-style, has hosted hundreds of plays over the years, attracting top talent from the southland and winning rave reviews along the way.  The playhouse is located at 202 Avenida Cabrillo in downtown San Clemente. Visit www.cabrilloplayhouse.org for more information.

Preserving San Clemente’s historic character—the Spanish style city founder Ole Hanson envisioned—is a high priority in town. Over at the Cabrillo Playhouse, that sentiment is no different. And June 27–28, the playhouse is holding a benefi t concert featuring veteran musician Robert “Robert-O” Vergara to raise funds for renovations. “We’re trying to preserve the historic charm of the playhouse,” saidCabrillo Marketing Director Amy Gratteau. “Robert-O has donated his time, and all proceeds will go to building funds.” For $25 each, guests can fi ll the 66-seat theater to hear Robert-O, a jazz saxophonist who plays American classics,
Latin songs, salsa and originals. “It will be sensual and happy,” said Robert-O, a tenor, alto and soprano who also plays flute and keyboard. “I’ll be presenting a wide variety; music people know and originals.” Robert-O will be accompanied by a singer and a drummer, and said he’s “honored to do the concert.”

The musician, who’s soon moving to San Clemente, plans on opening a local restaurant this summer called Romance, which will serve high-end Spanish/Latin cuisine. But for now he’s looking forward to helping the playhouse reach its goal of $3,000 at this event for renovations—which include sidewalk improvement, replacing the corner marquee, landscape and wall renovations, refurbishing the deck, painting
windows and repairing the outside electrical system. “There are a lot of summer concerts, but ours is a benefi t concert to preserve that historic downtown charm,” said Gratteau. Starting at 8 p.m., Robert-O will play two sets each night. During intermission, guests can enjoy complimentary wine and refreshments in the outdoor patio.

To buy tickets or to make a donation, call 949.492.0465. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org, www.smoothlatinsax.com

Click here to see this in pdf.

Contact: Amy Gratteau, Director of Marketing, (949) 718-2211
or Austin Peay, Children’s Theatre Director, (949) 495-2093

Youth Theatre at the Cabrillo Playhouse! Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland” is scheduled for production July 11th through the 19th as the new Youth Theatre takes shape at the Cabrillo Playhouse. Austin Peay, long-time musical theatre director, is joined by Jimmy Hippenstiel who is supervising the dance and Debbie Owens is serving as Musical Director. Jimmy has an extensive resume of choreography credits in both youth and adult theatre and Debbie is a music teacher and director for Stoneybrook Schools. As are other summer youth opportunities, “Alice in Wonderland” is a fee-based program but as one enthusiastic mother exclaimed, “This is about the same or a little less than child care!” Registration continues through June 21st; please contact the Playhouse at 949/492-0465. Peay brings a strong theatre resume to the Cabrillo Playhouse having served as drama teacher in Capistrano Unified School District at both San Clemente and the initial teacher and Arts Department Chair for Aliso Niguel High School. He continues working in movies, TV and commercials and as a voice-over artist. Austin has directed over 100 plays and musicals and most recently directed the Cabrillo Playhouse’s very successful “Caught in the Net” this past season. “I’m looking forward to bringing Youth Theatre to San Clemente and the Cabrillo Playhouse” says Peay, “and we have a top notch professional staff throughout”, he continued. “We want to bring our kids a first-class and enjoyable experience and this is just the beginning!”

Click here for the press release in PDF form.