AFTER HOURS returns to SLO with the premiere of WE'RE CANCELING CABLE! [and other empty threats]

Late night comedy is alive and well in downtown SLO and it's all happening at the Little Theatre! Super soccer moms and dads on the sidelines, uncomfortable conferences in the principal's office, ridiculous arguments with 12-year-olds and sullen teenagers in the back seat. Sound familiar? Even if your kids are grown, or you've never experienced the withering glare of a 14 year old from the back seat, you're going to love WE'RE CANCELING CABLE! (AND OTHER EMPTY THREATS)!

Written by Michael Kaplan, with original music by Mark Pietri, and directed by Jill Turnbow, WE'RE CANCELING CABLE features original sketches, monologues and songs that perfectly and hilariously capture the experience of being a modern parent. But you know, even if you're not a parent, grab a drink at the theatre bar and join us anyway - we guarantee this show will leave you laughing! Click HERE to check out a great story by Sarah Linn in the Tribune today and come on down this weekend for live, local, late-night comedy ONLY at the Little Theatre!

WE'RE CANCELING CABLE (AND OTHER EMPTY THREATS) runs January 16-25, Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 pm and Sundays at 7 pm. Click HERE for more information and tickets. (This show is not exactly appropriate for children. But why would you bring them? This is your time.

"If you’re looking for a little more magic in your life, The Secret Garden is the play for you." - NEW TIMES

Yes! You can still catch THE SECRET GARDEN here at the Little Theatre for the next two weekends and the NEW TIMES highly recommends that you do! Check out the entire review by Adriana Catanzarite HERE and find out why you should bring the whole family to this delightful Academy of Creative Theatre production.

The Secret Garden runs January 16-25, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm. Find out more and get your tickets to this heartwarming show right HERE.

I couldn't sign off today without mentioning this show. As you know, I'm lucky enough to work upstairs here at the theatre, which means that sometimes I get to see and hear some pretty cool stuff. For the past two weeks, I have heard tap-dancing! And singing! And FUN! This morning I was repeatedly treated to the sounds of Don Lockwood (Jeff Salsbury), Cosmo Brown (Zach Johnson) and Kathy Selden (Kerry DiMaggio) singing and dancing one of my favorites from this classic MGM musical: GOOD MORNING!  What a treat!

Yep, I'm a lucky girl. But never fear, next month YOU can enjoy this fabulous musical too! Click HERE for more information and to take a sneak peek at the entire cast list and click HERE to get your tickets before they're all gone!

Have a great weekend, everyone!
~Patty

THE SECRET GARDEN is open, WE'RE CANCELLING CABLE enters tech, and SINGIN' IN THE RAIN hits its stride. This week at the Little Theatre!

Good morning friends of the Little Theatre,

The Secret Garden, our winter Academy of Creative Theatre production, had a magical opening on Friday night- this is a beautiful show performed by wonderful young performers enrolled in our winter ACT production class. Don't miss your chance to see this classic story come to life on the Little Theatre stage. The Secret Garden, directed by Shelagh Garren, only plays for 8 more performances and tickets are going fast. Get yours today by clicking HERE. Thank you to Jamie Foster photography for these great production shots:

The inaugural AFTERHOURS@SLOTheatre series continues with the riotously funny We're Cancelling Cable (and Other Empty Threats.) 

Don't miss the premier of Michael Kaplan's hilarious evening of original sketches, monologues, and songs that explore the hilarious, sometimes cringe-worthy moments that take place on sidelines of soccer fields, behind closed doors at parent-teacher conferences, and within our own living rooms.  Not exactly appropriate for children.  But why would you bring them?  This is your time. Come check out what AFTERHOURS is all about- get your tickets to We're Cancelling Cable today by clicking HERE.

It's coming...the famous songs, the legendary dancing, the hilarious script--- Singing in the Rain takes the Little Theatre stage in a month! We're entering the second week of rehearsals and this cast and crew look absolutely great. This is going to be the biggest show all year, so, don't miss your chance to see it live onstage. Get your tickets instantly online by clicking HERE. Never seen the movie? Click HERE to get taste of Gene Kelly and Donald O'Conner at their best.

Thank you for your support of the Little Theatre! Have a wonderful week, everyone!

-Kevin

FREE and reduced price tickets are available for ACT's production of THE SECRET GARDEN thanks to Central Coast Funds for Children

The Cast of The Secret Garden | Photos by Jamie Foster Photography

We recently received a generous $1,500 grant from the Central Coast Funds for Children in support of the Academy of Creative Theatre (ACT) production of The Secret Garden which runs January 16-25, 2015. Specifically, the grant underwrites discounted children’s tickets to ALL performances as well as a limited number of free tickets for children and families in collaboration with the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO.) The tickets are being distributed through CAPSLO to families involved in Head Start and other programs for families and children.

Martha (Penny DellaPelle) and Mary (Campbell Ellery)

ACT’s production of The Secret Garden is directed by Shelagh Garren and features 12 student actors from the Little Theatre’s ACT educational program. The classic children’s story, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, centers around Mary Lennox, a young orphan, who is sent to England to live with her invalid cousin and reclusive Uncle Archibald on his mysterious estate. When Mary discovers a hidden, locked garden, her life is changed forever. With the help of the warmhearted maid Martha; Dickon, the boy who understands the language of animals; the crusty gardener, Ben, and, of course, the robin who leads her to the garden, Mary brings both the neglected garden and her family back to life. A magical story of hope, renewal, and the transforming power of love, this heartwarming story is ideal for children and families.

Ben Weatherstaff (Conner Allen)

The Secret Garden runs January 16-25, 2015 at the Little Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm. The cast includes young actors from throughout the County: Jayda Monreal, Campbell Ellery, Sienna Ritter, Linnea Marks, Brooke Andris, Penny DellaPelle, Elizabeth Tharp, Trevyn Wong, Conner Allen, Zoe Peach-Riley, Raegan Lunceford and Riley Hutcheson.

Dickon (Trevyn Wong) and Colin Craven (Linnea Marks)

“Participating in theatre encourages creativity and builds self-confidence” says ACT Coordinator Kerry DiMaggio. “ACT provides a creative, artistic, educational and FUN outlet for children who might not otherwise be engaged with their peers or other important adult role models. This generous grant from the Central Coast Funds for Children enables us to share this production of The Secret Garden, not only with the students performing in the production, but with children and families throughout the county who might not otherwise be able to attend.”

Thank you Central Coast Funds for Children for helping us to share high quality live theatre with children and families from all across the county!

For more information about THE SECRET GARDEN or to make your reservations, click HERE.

Archibald Craven (Riley Hutcheson) and Mrs. Medlock (Elizabeth Tharp)

ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF CREATIVE THEATRE
If you haven't yet heard about the programs of the Little Theatre's Academy of Creative Theatre, it's time you did! ACT provides year-round theatrical training for youth ages 5-18 (kindergarten through 12th grade.) ACT’s after-school programs, summer camps and theatrical production classes inspire young performers and technicians to develop skills which will benefit them throughout their lives, both on and off the stage. Students involved in ACT learn from professional artists in programs designed to help students explore creative self-expression and individuality. Whether our students choose to pursue theatre as a career, as volunteers or as audience members, our hope is their experience at the San Luis Obispo Little Theatre will help them to develop a greater appreciation of the theatre arts and a stronger connection to their community.

Sound Operator Ella Harris

SPRING THEATRE CLASSES
ACT is now accepting registrations for its Spring 2015 Theatre Classes.  All ACT classes take place in a lively, nurturing, fun environment and are taught by professional teaching artists who are passionate and skilled at working with young performers.  ACT classes stretch the imagination, encourage teamwork and collaboration, and help students develop listening and speaking skills, all while promoting creativity and self-esteem.

Mary (Campbell Ellery ) surrounded by taunting children 

ACT is offering a variety of classes this spring for all age ranges and levels of experience beginning February 23 and running through April 29. A Spring Break camp will also be available April 6-10. Thanks to a generous grant through The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, generous scholarships are available so that every child with a desire to learn can participate.

Click HERE for more details on spring theatre classes and scholarships or to register your child or grandchild, niece, nephew or neighbor today!

Mary (Campbell Ellery) and Dickon (Trevyn Wong) discover The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden is a delightful show for young and old alike. It's also a wonderful opportunity to introduce youngsters to the joys of live theatre. Just two more weekends of performances remain --- don't miss your chance to see this lovely show! GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

We're Halfway through a Landmark Season of 25 SHOWS and 225 PERFORMANCES!

July-December, 2014

Our 2014-2015 68th Anniversary Season kicked off in July with the high-energy dance musical PLAY ON! and we've barely stopped to catch our breath since. In December alone, we produced four very different, wildly successful shows, and we actually lived to tell the tale. So, what will we do for an encore, you may ask? 

January-June, 2015!

How about several MORE very different, wildly successful shows? From THE SECRET GARDEN to THE GOAT, there is something for everyone this winter and spring at the Little Theatre. Dramas, comedies, musicals, staged readings and student performances, we've got it all, plus NO SHAME THEATRE at the end of each and every month! How do we do it all? I don't know. It's a mystery. 

If you drop by on any given day of the week, you will rarely find our Little Theatre dark. There are rehearsals and performances going on at all hours of the day and night. Sitting upstairs in my little office on a typical weekday morning, I can hear laughter, singing and the sound of tap-dancing as our principal players rehearse some of the major numbers featured in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (like this ONE!)  Later in the afternoon, several young actors are chattering happily in the lobby as they wait for their turn to be fitted in their costumes for THE SECRET GARDEN (opens this Friday!) All the while, the sounds of power saws hum on the patio as Dave Linfield and his crew put the final touches on the set, while in the upstairs office committee members plan for our Opening Night Gala Celebration for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, and a production meeting for WE'RE CANCELING CABLE (AND OTHER EMPTY THREATS) meets in the green room. Later that evening, there's a rehearsal for 4000 MILES in the lobby, while THE SECRET GARDEN has its first dress rehearsal in the theatre and music rehearsals begin in the rehearsal room for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN! 

Since 1947, the Little Theatre has been bringing great stories to life for our community. We are so fortunate to enjoy the support of that community, both as generous DONORS and as members of our enthusiastic audience. Thank YOU for your support that keeps the lights on, the shows opening, the education programs running, the music playing, the tap shoes tapping and live, local theatre going strong in downtown San Luis Obispo year after year.

This season our goal is to offer something for everyone. Our lineup of shows is one of the most unique and ambitious in the state and those shows are SELLING OUT!  Check out our line-up for the New Year on our website HERE, then be sure to get your tickets early to ensure your seats. You can also get involved as a volunteer or audition for a show!  Join us this spring and become a part of the story. You'll be glad you did.

And just one more thing... did you know that on January 31st, ARTS Obispo will be honoring outstanding achievement in the performing arts in San Luis Obispo County? And did you also know that one of the amazing artists being recognized at this event was nominated by the Little Theatre? The legendary Anet Carlin will be honored as an outstanding contributor to  the lively arts scene here on the Central Coast and YOU can be a part of this fabulous event! Click HERE for more information and to purchase your tickets today. I'll be there to enjoy the party and pay tribute to Anet, along with Leslie Baumberger, Gary Lamprecht, Clifton Swanson and Jacalyn Kreitzer, and the best part is that my ticket purchase supports the arts in arts education in SLO County -- so it's definitely a win-win! Hope to see you there. 

Happy New Year everyone! Here's to a wonderful 2015, filled with laughter, music, friends, family and the magic that is live theatre!

Cheers!

~Patty

THE SECRET GARDEN is coming, AFTERHOURS continues, 4000 MILES is in rehearsal, and SINGING IN THE RAIN jumps into the fray tonight! It's a new, BUSY year at the Little Theatre!

Happy new year, friends of the Little Theatre!

What a fantastic way to wrap up 2014:

From December 12-December 26 we had FOUR different productions playing at 888 Morro Street. Congratulations to the sold-out casts of A Christmas Story, The Santaland Diaries, Miss Witherspoon, and the first-ever Best of No Shame! In the span of only 14 days the Little Theatre welcomed over 1,500 patrons through our doors- thank you for making our 2014 Holiday season the most successful in Little Theatre history!

We jumped into technical rehearsals on Saturday for our upcoming Academy of Creative Theatre production of The Secret Garden directed by Shelagh Garren. Join this incredibly talented cast of young actors as they bring this classic story to life on our stage. The Secret Garden opens on Friday, January 9; you can read more about the play or get your tickets instantly online by clicking HERE.

Our inaugural AfterHours@SLOTheatre season continues in January with We're Cancelling Cable (and other empty threats), written by Michael Kaplan and directed by Jill Turnbow. Featuring original sketches, monologues, and songs that explore the hilarious, sometimes cringe-worthy moments that take place on sidelines of soccer fields, behind closed doors at parent-teacher conferences, and within our own living rooms.  Not exactly appropriate for children.  But why would you bring them?  This is your time. Reserve your tickets today by clicking HERE.

Ubu's Other Shoe (the staged reading series here at the Little Theatre) is halfway done with its 11th anniversary season. Get one of the hottest tickets in town by reserving your seats for 4,000 Miles directed by Danielle McNamara; join us for an incisive talkback with the cast and director after the Friday night performance. Read more about this award-winning play and get your tickets by clicking HERE.

It's coming! The biggest show of the 2014-2015 season, featuring such favorites as Good Morning, Moses Supposes, and the classic titular tune, Singing in the Rain! We're just over a month away from out GALA OPENING NIGHT EVENT on February 13! The incredible evening includes generous pre-show gourmet hors d’oeuvres, wine and cocktails, the opening night performance plus a post-show dessert reception with the cast and crew. The Little Theatre lobby will be dressed up for a 1920's movie opening and guests are encouraged to dress the part in 1920's costumes or in elegant black tie and gowns while placing their bids on a classic movie-themed silent auction!Get your tickets for this event by clicking HERE! Tickets to any other performance of Singing in the Rain can be reserved by clicking HERE.

Thank you for making 2014 a record-breaking year for our organization! We have so much planned to share with you in the coming years- the future looks great!

Happy new year!

-Kevin