by Shirley Lorraine
New Art City Offers Diverse Voices
Ventura County has a great deal to offer in the way of live theater. Our stages are routinely graced with performances equal to and even exceeding those found at the Pantages, the Civic Arts Plaza, and many other venues. Why go anywhere else?
Recently I had the pleasure to attending a sneak peek at a new musical being developed by New Art City Theatre. Haven’t heard of them? You will.
New Art City is a fledgling entity whose mission is to provide avenues for actors, writers and more to develop their skills, offering open doors to all. The brainchild of exceptionally talented duo Kirby and Beverly Ward, New Art City has already firmly placed itself on the Ventura County theater community map by inviting patrons to the first New Plays Festival this past June. It featured four brand new works at the best cost possible – free.
Writers submit works blindly (no author noted) and all works are read. All actors are auditioned. No one is turned away. Doors are opened. Diverse voices are encouraged.
According to the Wards, they want audiences to be drawn in by the new works that are presented. One of their major goals is to always, and only, work in the black. That requires ongoing funding which is translated to patrons as “ways to be part of the journey.”
The performance of snippets of “Sunday After Next,” a musical loosely adapted from Oscar Wilde’s short story Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, was intriguing and engaging. Kirby, Beverly and actor David Burnham played a cadre of roles, with plots points being described between songs. All three displayed impressive vocal power and harmonies. John Enrico Douglas provided musical accompaniment. The abbreviated script produced laughter and delight as the personas were changed. Eleven years so far in the making, this work promises to be well worth the wait.
When the full play finally reaches the stage, a cast of 8-10 actors will fill nearly 25 roles. Beverly described the results as “more Monty Python and less Downton Abbey.” The preview was moving, deeply funny and extremely well received.
Watch for news of Festival ’25, when another four brand new plays will be offered. The venue is yet to be determined, as the group is in process of seeking suitable venues.
In the meantime, however, New Art City is pleased to present a one-man show titled The Day I Accidentally Went to the War featuring actor, writer, comedian and U.S,. veteran Bill Posey.
There will only be three opportunities to catch this compelling theatrical experience– October 18, 19 and 20. The performances will be at the former American Legion Hall at 83 Palm Street, downtown Ventura.
Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:00 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Seating is limited. Tickets are available now online at www.newartcitytheatre.org . $20 general admission, $10 for military, veterans and their families. Sign up to be on the mailing list. You’ll be glad you did.
