by Shirley Lorraine
Hark! Theaters Herald the Holidays!
Ventura County stages offer a variety of performances this December, most with a short run particularly at the beginning of the month. Look at what’s “on the boards” county-wide. Full details are available at each theater’s website.
Ventura – The Rubicon Theatre is hosting two holiday fundraising events. On Friday, December 3, a grand celebration at the Halter/Encinas Home from 6-11 p.m. Space is limited. On Sunday, December 5, an Excursion and Home Tour of the fabulous Wishing Well Ranch in Arcadia features a Christmas Extravaganza. Airbus transportation is included for this one-time opportunity. Details for both events are at www.rubicontheatre.org .
Santa Paula – The Santa Paula Theatre Center proudly presents a one night only concert on Saturday, December 4 by The Honeysuckle Possums, an all- female high-energy string band. This event is almost sold out – check the website for availability. www.santapaulatheatercenter.org
Ojai – The Ojai Arts Center Theater is staging Home for the Holidays December 10 through 12. This theatrical celebration features intergenerational community talent and local favorites. Donations are suggested. The event benefits local non-profit organizations Humane Society and Help of Ojai. Each performance is unique. www.ojaiact.org.
Oxnard – The Elite Theater is breaking holiday tradition by staging Andronicus by William Shakespeare. Per the theater’s website “because what says the holidays better than the Bard’s bloodiest play?” A bold move, Elite. The play runs December 3 through 19 except for Saturday December 11. That night the theater will be dark so folks can enjoy the Channel Island Annual Parade of Lights. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., one Thursday December 16 at 8 p.m. www.theelite.org.
Moorpark – The High Street Arts Center theater brings Christmas 2021 December 3 through 12 featuring music and stories of the holidays for all ages. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., with one Saturday matinee on December 11 at 2 p.m. www.highstreetartscenter.com.
Simi Valley – Now on stage – Always, Patsy Cline November 20 through December 19. The timeless music of singer Patsy Cline is featured in this story of her rise to stardom at the Grand Ole Opry. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
On Sunday, December 5, one performance of a Family Friendly Holiday Comedy Show will be staged at 7:30 p.m. www.svvac.org.
Thousand Oaks – At Hillcrest Center for the Arts, Allwayz on Stage, a theater company for young adult with diverse abilities, will be performing Willy Wonka Jr. December 3-5. Performances are 7:30 on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets and information available at www.hillcrestarts.com.
Also at the Center, the California Shakespeare Company will perform a world premiere original holiday performance of King Shamlet’s Christmas Carol, one night only, Saturday December 11 at 8 p.m.
All theaters require proof of vaccination, or a negative Covid-19 test within 24 hours of attendance. All require masks and adhere to county safety guidelines.
