Rubicon Theatre Company kicks off its 16th year of summer education programs with four family friendly production performed by kids for kids: The Grunch :Madagascar; Julius Caesar and Grease .
Rubicon’s new Education and Outreach Directors, Broadway veterans Beverly and Kirby Ward, will oversee the administration of the four productions and their respective camps: Stinky Feet, Theatre Camp, Fearless Shakespeare, and the Musical Theatre Intensive.
The Grunch – Inspired by “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” The Grunch tells the story of Rudy Grunch, a grumpy 6th-grader who always feels like an outsider. When the entire school gets excited about the annual musical, he comes up with a perfect plan to ruin it for everyone.
Show Dates: Sat Jun 30, 2018 | 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. Ticket Price: $11
Madagascar – Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture “Madascar,” the story follows Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo, and plotting penguins.
Show Dates: Fri Jul 6, 2018 | 7:00 p.m.; Sat Jul 7, 2018 | 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.; Sun Jul 8, 2018 | 2:00 p.m. Ticket Price: $11/$16
Julius Caesar – In this story of loyalty and patriotism, betrayal and individual ambition, Julius Caesar returns to Rome in glory, having defeated his rival. The adoring crowds want to crown him king, but those around him worry that he has become too ambitious. On a stormy night filled with foreboding, Cassius persuades Caesar’s noble friend Brutus to join a conspiracy that changes the course of history.
Show Dates: Fri Jul 20, 2018 | 7:00 p.m.; Sat Jul 21, 2018 | 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.; Sun Jul 22, 2018 | 2:00 p.m. Ticket Price: $11/$16
Grease – Rubicon’s Musical Theatre students present this musical during its 40th anniversary. Head greaser Danny Zuko and new girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to re-live the romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances to songs that recall the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley.
Show Dates: Fri Aug 3, 2018 | 7:00 p.m.; Sat Aug 4, 2018 | 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.; Sun Aug 5, 2018 | 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.; Tue Aug 7, 2018 | 7:00 p.m.; Wed Aug 8, 2018 | 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.; Thu Aug 9, 2018 | 7:00 p.m.; Fri Aug 10, 2018 | 7:00 p.m. Ticket Price: $11/$16
Although this is be the Wards’ first time working with the Rubicon Summer Programs, they are seasoned professionals with five Broadway shows and eight National Tours to their credit. The two met in the San Diego Junior Theatre program, which was run by Kirby’s parents, and have a deep appreciation of the skills and values learned.
In reflecting on the youth program of which they were a part, Kirby remarks that, “The focus wasn’t solely on training great actors. It was on training great people.”
Tickets may be purchased in person through the Rubicon Theatre Box Office, located at 1006 E. Main Street (Laurel entrance). To charge by phone, call (805) 667-2900. Or visit Rubicon online at www.rubicontheatre.org.
