Press Information: David Elzer, DEMAND PR (818) 508-1754 elzerd@aol.com
Michele Hunter, Rubicon Theatre (805) 667-2912, ext. 225 mhunter@rubicontheatre.org
For Immediate Release: November 19, 2015
Rubicon Theatre Announces the Company’s 2016 Mainstage Season
FAIR LADIES, FINE GENTLEMEN (AND OTHERS)
November 23, 2015 (Ventura, CA) – Rubicon Theatre Founders Karyl Lynn Burns and James O’Neil
announce the company’s 2016 Season of mainstage productions, entitled “Fair Ladies, Fine
Gentlemen (and Others).” The season features two American Premieres, a beloved classic, a oneperson drama about an American icon, and a campy musical send-up of ‘50s sci-fi films loosely
based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
The season opens with See Rock City (January 27-February 14, 2016), the second play in the Nibroc
Trilogy by Arlene Hutton. May and Raleigh's Appalachian love story continues as the couple plans a
honeymoon in Rock City, Tennessee in 1943. When victory overseas brings unexpected
consequences at home, May and Raleigh are forced to face hidden truths and find common
solutions to the challenges of a new, post-war America. See Rock City stands alone as a funny,
touching and universal portrayal of a young couple very much in love.
Rising star Katharine Farmer returns from London to helm See Rock City after directing the first show in
the Nibroc Series last season to critical and popular acclaim. The production was nominated for an
Ovation Award for “Best Production of a Play, Larger Theatre,” and was a part of Rubicon’s “Best
Season” nomination. Farmer was also the recipient of an Indy Award for her direction (collecting her
statue on her 22nd birthday). She has since made her West End directing debut with Pig Farm by Greg
Kotsis. Actors Lily Nicksay (“Boy Meets World”/”The Client”) and Erik Odom “Twilight: Breaking Dawn”)
return to continue their journey as May and Raleigh.
Says Rubicon Producing Artistic Director Karyl Lynn Burns, “Last Train to Nibroc was the surprise hit of
last year’s season. The play seems understated and simple,” she continues, “but it packs a powerful
emotional punch. Many of our audience members related to the struggles faced by May and
Raleigh and were captivated by the charm and gentle humor of the piece. The storytelling was so
true, and the characters so real, that every night after the performance, attendees asked what
happened to May and Raleigh after the play ended. We quickly knew we had to produce the
sequel.”
Jethro Compton’s stage adaptation of the film classic The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance receives its
American Premiere on the Rubicon stage March 2-20, 2016. An aging cowpoke and a tenderfoot
schoolteacher represent two sides of the West—the wild frontier and the coming of age of law and
order. Both are drawn to the same feisty woman. And both have to stand up for what they believe in
when Liberty Valance comes to town. The production includes voiceovers by Robert Vaughn (“The
Man from U.N.C.L.E.”/”Coronation Street”). The play is directed by Rubicon Artistic Associate and
multiple award-winner Jenny Sullivan, whose father actor Barry Sullivan, appeared in Western films
and series including “The Tall Man,” Seven Ways to Sundown” and “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.”
According to Rubicon Co-Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus James O’Neil, this version of the
production is based on the original novel and has a slightly more contemporary feel than the wellknown film version, while staying true to the same basic plot and themes. “I find this to be a stark and
sexy telling of the story,” says O’Neil, “that I think will have great appeal to those who love the
Western genre, and to all who love great dramas.”
Another American Premiere follows with Sabina Berman’s eXtras, based on Marie Jones’ hilarious
comedy Stones in His Pockets (April 13-May 1, 2016). In this new adaptation, a Hollywood film crew
arrives in a village in Mexico to shoot a major motion picture, wreaking havoc on the fragile
ecosystem of the community. Two major stars from Mexico, brothers Bruno and Odiseo Bichir, play all
of the characters -- starlet, director, crew and the locals who are working as extras on the set.
Rubicon’s production also features original music composed by 17-year-old wunderkind Maya Burns
in Ranchero, Corrido and Mexican surfer rock styles. Maya and a three-piece band will perform preshow and at intermission. The production will be performed in English during regularly scheduled
subscriber performances, with additional performances available in Spanish.
“This play has been on our wish list for several years and we are looking forward to finally getting to
share it with our audiences,” says O’Neil. “It is deeply entertaining and full of laughs, but also raises
interesting and important considerations about corporate America in relationship to workers and to
other cultures. The play also touches upon other timely issues, including those related to immigration.”
Next in the season is David Rintels’ riveting tale of Clarence Darrow (May 25 –- June 12, 2016). This
trenchant and timely drama is based on the life and landmark cases of the illustrious, controversial
trial lawyer who at one time commanded over a quarter-million dollars for each case. A challenging
one-man tour-de-force that has been performed by actors including Henry Fonda and Kevin Spacey,
Rubicon’s production features Co-Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus James O’Neil, whose greatgrandfather was Clarence Darrow’s cousin.
“Clarence Darrow was a legend in our home,” says O’Neil. “And it’s thrilling to have an opportunity
to delve more deeply into his story and character.”
Several productions are still in consideration for the company’s fall offering (August 31-September 18),
which will be directed by Stephanie Coltrin and feature local favorite Alyson (Schuster) Lindsay.
Possibilities include a Pulitzer Prize-winning American classic, a contemporary comedy and a World
Premiere.
Rounding out the 2016 mainstage season (October 26 – November 13) is Return to the Forbidden
Planet by Bob Carlton, a fabulously campy send-up of the sci-fi film “Forbidden Planet,” which is
loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Set on a spaceship sometime in the future, the show
features a galaxy of 1950’s and 1960’s rock-and-roll classics, including “Wipe Out,” “Good Vibrations”
“Great Balls of Fire,” “All Shook Up,” “Monster Mash,” and “We Gotta’ Get Out of This Place.” In this
musical, a young woman (with the aid of a roller-skating Robby the Robot) discovers a brave new
world, despite the protestations of her mad scientist father and attacks from aliens. The futuristic set
and lights will be designed by Thomas S. Giamario.
Subscriptions to Rubicon’s 2016 Season include discounts of up to 15%, discounts for tickets
purchased for friends, guaranteed seating, ticket insurance, free exchanges (with 72 hours’ notice),
and advance notice of special events. To order, call the Rubicon Box Office at (805) 667-2900 or visit
in person at 1006 E. Main Street (Laurel entrance), 7 days a week from Noon to 6:00 p.m. Single tickets
for each of the shows are also on sale and available via the box office or the company’s website:
www.rubicontheatre.org.
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ABOUT RUBICON THEATRE COMPANY
Rubicon Theatre Company has been described as, “the rising star of the Southern California cultural
constellation.” A not-for-profit professional regional theatre which has reached nearly 400,000
attendees, Rubicon serves area residents and visitors with innovative productions of classic and
contemporary plays, as well as a wide array of educational programs and events. Acclaimed by
critics and industry professionals, the company has received the L.A. Drama Critics Margaret Harford
Special Award for “Sustained Excellence,” a Drama Desk Award for the Off-Broadway production of
The Best is Yet To Come, and has won more than 20 Ovation Awards from the L.A. Stage Alliance.
During the 2014-2015 Season, three Rubicon shows transferred to New York (Wiesenthal – Outer Critics
Circle and Drama Desk Award nominations; Lonesome Traveler – Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk
Award nominations; and Daddy Long Legs. Rubicon has welcomed a steady stream of high-profile
actors and directors. Ed Asner, David Birney, Susan Clark, Dana Delaney, Nancy Dussault, Conchata
Ferrell, Bonnie Franklin, Harold Gould, Joel Grey, Larry Hagman, Bill Irwin, Stacy Keach, Jack Lemmon,
Donna McKechnie, Amanda McBroom, Ted Neeley, Paul Provenza, Linda Purl, Rondi Reed, John
Ritter, Joe Spano, Bruce Weitz, JoBeth Williams, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Stephanie Zimbalist and other
luminaries have graced the Rubicon stage. Company members are George Ball, Joseph Fuqua and
Jenny Sullivan.
Based in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District, just blocks from the Pacific Ocean, Rubicon resides in
a 185-seat historic church built in the 1920s. In this renovated historic landmark, audience members
are never further than 10 rows from the stage on the main floor. (The balcony, which seats twenty, is
available for private parties or corporate groups.)
True to the company’s name and the vision of artistic directors Karyl Lynn Burns and James O’Neil,
Rubicon has created an environment where commitment and risk are encouraged, and where artists
are nurtured and respected. As a result, the company has gained a reputation for invigorating
interpretations of the classics and for supporting the development of new works. Rubicon presents at
least one World Premiere each season, as well as readings of works-in-progress.
Deeply rooted in the region it serves, Rubicon offers extensive outreach programs, including daytime
matinees for high school students, after-school and weekend programs for at-risk youth, and summer
musical theatre, drama and technical camps. More than 40,000 students have benefited.
A board of directors of prominent social and civic leaders governs Rubicon. The company is also
supported by an advisory group of regional ambassadors and a volunteer auxiliary with nearly 300
members.
LINK TO ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT