Rubicon Theatre audiences are invited to “rejoice and be plaid” this holiday season as Ventura’s non-profit professional theatre company presents the hilarious and heartwarming musical comedy Plaid Tidings, which begins previews December 11 and continues through December 29 at the theatre’s home in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District. The production is directed by the original creator Stuart Ross, a beloved member of the New York and L.A. theatre community whose vast credits include Broadway and work with Manhattan Theatre Club, Radio City Music Hall, the Public Theatre, York Theatre, San Diego’s Old Globe, and Pasadena Playhouse, where Plaid Tidings originally premiered.
Plaid Tidings is a heavenly holiday hit. It tells the story of a loveable, nerdy “guy group” from the 50s and 60s ( in the style of the Four Lads, The Four Freshman and The Crew Cuts) who were struck down in the prime of life and are now sent back to Earth to perform the big holiday concert they never got to perform in life. The show includes holiday favorites such as “Cool Yule,” “Let it Snow,” and “Joy to the World”; a hysterically funny speed-date version of “The Ed Sullivan Show” featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir; and other memorable hits from the era, like “Sh-Boom,” “Fever” and “Hey There.”
The Los Angeles Times called the play “a many splendored thing.” Variety described the show as Musical utopia…the perfect show. And the Daily News called the show “heaven-sent holiday fare.”
Tickets and Pricing
Regular ticket prices range from $39 to $74, with discounts for students, seniors and military. Discounts are also available for groups of 15 or more, with free tickets for group organizers, waived processing fees and other benefits. The show is appropriate for all types of groups – church, temple, social and civic club, corporate, neighborhood, school, etc.; and recommended for ages 8 and older.
Plaid Tidings opens on Saturday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main Street in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District, with a party following at Water’s Edge on the Harbor. Low-priced previews are Wednesday, December 11 at 7 p.m., Thursday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. and Friday, December 13 at 8 p.m. The production continues Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays and 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through December 29, 2019. There is no performance on Christmas Day. An additional matinee has been added on Saturday, December 14. Talkbacks are scheduled following the all Wednesday performances except the first preview. For tickets, go to www.rubicontheatre.org or call (805) 667-2900.
