Valley Performing Arts Center presents its first full scale musical – the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby production of Dreamgirls.
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment production of the Tony Award-Winning Sensation
At Valley Performing Arts Center
Dreamgirls
Book and Lyrics by Tom Eyen
Music by Henry Krieger
Musical Direction by Dennis Castellano
Directed and Choreographed by Robert Longbottom
May 6 to 8 for four performances only at Valley Performing Arts Center
Prior to VPAC — March 25 to April 17 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
Valley Performing Arts Center presents its first full scale musical – the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby production of Dreamgirls, with book and lyrics by Tom Eyen, music by Henry Krieger, musical direction by Dennis Castellano, and directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom. Dreamgirls will be presented for four performances only May 6 to 8, 2016 at Valley Performing Arts Center. Prior to the VPAC engagement, Dreamgirls will be performed March 25, 2016 (press opening March 26) through April 17, 2016 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada, California.
Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, this sensational new production of Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming 1960s girl-singing group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. With music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award winner Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls features the unforgettable hits: “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “One Night Only” and “Listen.” This Tony and Academy Award-winning musical sparkles like never before.
“One of the largest requests from our audience is for full scale musical theatre at Valley Performing Arts Center and I am thrilled to be inaugurating our musical theatre presentations by working with McCoy Rigby Entertainment for the first time to bring their new production of Dreamgirls to our theatre. I can’t wait to hear these large powerful voices fill our Great Hall,” said Thor Steingraber, Executive Director of Valley Performing Arts Center. “A musical about show business is the perfect way to commence bringing Broadway musicals to the Valley.”
The Cast of Dreamgirls features: Moya Angela as Effie, Jasmin Richardson as Deena, Brittney Johnson as Lorrell, Danielle Truitt as Michelle, David LaMarr as Jimmy, Scott People as Curtis, John Devereaux as C.C., Lorenzo Hughes as Marty and the ensemble features: Brandon Burks, Andre Darnell Myers, Davon Williams, Dedrick Bonner, Chavis Humphrey, Eran Scoggins, Trance Thompson, Remmie Bourgeois, Miah Blake, Liisi LaFontaine, Loreigna Sinclair, Fatima El-Bashir, Jennifer Akabue and Fay James.
The Design Team for Dreamgirls is as follows: Scenic Design by Robin Wagner; Lighting Design by Ken Billington; Sound Design by Julie Ferrin; Costume Design by William Ivey Long; Hair/Make-Up/Wig Design by Joy Marcelle; and Props Design by Terry Hanrahan. Casting is by Julia Flores, and the Production Stage Manager is Alan Coats.
Tickets for Dreamgirls
Tickets for Dreamgirls March 25 to April 17 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts can be purchased by visiting LaMiradaTheatre.com or calling (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310 La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue where the 91 and 5 freeways meet. Parking is free.
Tickets for Dreamgirls May 6 to 8 at Valley Performing Arts Center can be purchased by visiting ValleyPerformingArtsCenter.org or calling (818) 677-3000. Valley Performing Arts Center is located on the campus of California State University, Northridge (CSUN), 18111 Nordhoff Street Northridge, CA 91330-8448, at the corner of Nordhoff and Lindley.
About Valley Performing Arts Center
Now in its Fifth Anniversary year, VPAC’s mission is to present a wide variety of performances that not only includes new and original work from the Los Angeles region, but also work from around the world that appeals to all of LA’s rich and diverse communities. The Valley Performing Arts Center’s 2015-16 Season signals a new era for the premiere event venue. Under the leadership of Executive Director Thor Steingraber, VPAC expands its programming to include new and original work, and outstanding multi-disciplinary performances. Located on the campus of California State University Northridge, VPAC’s season offers a vibrant and diverse performance program of nearly 50 classical and popular music, dance, theater, family and international events that will serve to establish VPAC as the intellectual and cultural heart of the San Fernando Valley and further establish itself as one of the top arts companies in Southern California. The award-winning 1,700-seat theatre was designed by HGA Architects and Engineers and was recently cited by the LA Times as “a growing hub for live music, dance, drama and other cultural events.
About La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment
Winner of the L.A. Stage Alliance Ovation Award for 2012-2013 “Best Season of the Year,” La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, now in its fourth decade, has been hailed by the Los Angeles Times as “one of the best Broadway-style houses in Southern California.” This beautiful state-of-the-art theatre has been producing quality productions for its Southern California audiences since 1977. The theatre has produced several national tours and is the recipient of many accolades including Ovation and Emmy Awards and Tony Award nominations. Brian Kite is the theatre’s Producing Artistic Director. The theatre is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, California, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue. Parking is theatre-adjacent and free. For further information call 562-944-9801 or visit LaMiradaTheatre.com
Celebrating its 21st Anniversary season at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, McCoy Rigby Entertainment (MRE), is one of the world’s premier theatrical production companies. Headed by Executive Producers Tom McCoy and Cathy Rigby, MRE has produced over one hundred musicals, plays, and concerts featuring some of the biggest stars in the industry today. In addition, MRE has launched several Emmy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated Broadway, international, and national touring productions including: Peter Pan, Seussical the Musical, and Annie Get Your Gun, all starring Cathy Rigby; Frank Wildhorn’s Jekyll and Hyde starring American Idol contender and Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis along with Grammy Award nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox; Jesus Christ Superstar starring Carl Anderson and Sebastian Bach; Camelot starring Michael York and Lou Diamond Phillips and Happy Days written by Gary Marshall and Paul Williams. Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby has made four stops on Broadway and received four Tony Award nominations including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Actress in a Musical. The A&E TV network premiere of “Peter Pan,” starring Cathy Rigby, received one Emmy Award and four Emmy Award nominations. MRE’s other credits include numerous award-winning documentaries and stadium events.
DREAMGIRLS
March 25 through April 17, 2016
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
Venue: La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
14900 La Mirada Blvd. in La Mirada, CA 90638.
Near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue where the 91 and 5 freeways meet.
Free, ample lot parking.
Dates: Opens Saturday, March 26 through Sunday, April 17
Preview on Friday, March 25 at 8pm
Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30pm; Fridays at 8pm;
Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm; Sundays at 2pm.
Tickets: Prices: $20 – $70
By Phone: (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310
Online: www.lamiradatheatre.com
May 6 to 8, 2016
Valley Performing Arts Center
Venue: Valley Performing Arts Center
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330
Dates: Friday, May 6 at 8pm, Saturday, May 7 at 3pm and 8 pm
Sunday, May 8 at 3pm
Tickets: Prices: $60 – $99
In Person: VPAC Ticket Office, located in the VPAC Courtyard
By Phone: (818) 677-3000
Online: ValleyPerformingArtsCenter.org
ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM AND CAST
ROBERT LONGBOTTOM (Director & Choreographer) made his Broadway debut as Director/Choreographer on the original production of Side Show, which earned four Tony Award nominations including Best Musical. Other Broadway credits include Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song following its premiere at The Mark Taper Forum. This production earned Mr. Longbottom a Tony Award nomination for his choreography as well as Fred Astaire, and Outer Critics Circle nominations. Other Broadway credits include The Scarlet Pimpernel, Bye Bye Birdie, and a new production of Dreamgirls that premiered at the Apollo Theatre prior to an international tour that included Seoul, Tokyo and Johannesburg. He also conceived, directed and choreographed the original Off-Broadway production of Pageant. Other credits include: Disney’s On The Record, Carnival for the Kennedy Center, directing & choreographing the Radio City Music Hall CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR 1994-2000, Show Boat at Carnegie Hall, and Camelot at the Glimmerglass Festival. Plays include Mister Roberts for the Kennedy Center and Hay Fever for the Old Globe. Upcoming projects include directing The Daughter Of The Regiment for The Washington National Opera.
DENNIS CASTELLANO (Musical Director/Conductor) returns to La Mirada having conducted our productions of Mary Poppins, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, My Fair Lady, Grease, Annie, Guys & Dolls, Annie Get Your Gun and The Unsinkable Molly Brown, the latter two starring Cathy Rigby. During the summer months, Dennis is the musical supervisor for the Sacramento Music Circus where he has conducted Show Boat, The Producers, Funny Girl, Spamalot, Sweeney Todd, Ragtime, and La Cage aux Folles. Other credits include The Light In the Piazza, Cloudlands, Ordinary Days, Putting It Together, A Little Night Music and Sunday In the Park With George for South Coast Repertory; South Pacific, Oklahoma!, Hairspray, Thoroughly Modern Millie and The King and I for Musical Theatre West; and A Chorus Line and Me and My Girl for Musical Theatre of Wichita. Dennis heads the music theatre program at UC Irvine and is very proud of his students working on the stages of Broadway and around the country.