The Philadelphia Story
July 5 – August 3 (Fri, Sat, Sun) | Santa Paula Theater Center
A glamorous and sophisticated vintage comedy, Philip Barry’s “The Philadelphia Story” is a compelling mix of wit, satire, and romance, with a freewheeling heroine who delights, exasperates, and moves the viewer in equal measure. Katherine Hepburn starred as Tracy Lords on Broadway in 1939, and recreated her role alongside Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant in the 1940s film that became one of the great movies of Hollywood’s Golden Age. “The Philadelphia Story” was written by Philip Barry and is under the direction of Fred Helsel, with Leslie Nichols producing. 125 South 7th Street, Santa Paula.
For more information call the box office at 805.525.4645 or visit SantaPaulaTheaterCenter.org.
Summer Theatre Camp
July 7 – August 1 (dates vary depending on workshop) | CLU Campus
The Kingsmen Shakespeare Company is bringing back its Summer Theatre Camp for the 23rd year for kids age 8 to 16. “Acting Techniques – Beginning” is a new session introducing students to acting for theatre and camera. In “Camp Shakespeare – Beginning,” children will learn Elizabethan music, dance, and stage combat. “Camp Shakespeare – Advanced” is an intensive four-week training that concludes with a performance of an abridged Shakespearean play. Students in “Acting Techniques – Advanced” will study techniques ranging from improvisation to stage combat and perform contemporary play scenes. “Musical Theatre Workshop” will cover vocal technique and auditioning.
To register or for more information visit KingsmenShakespeare.org or call 805.493.3455.
Windows in Time Mosaic Exhibit
July 9 – August 17 | Museum of Ventura County
Glass mosaic artist Larissa Strauss has been chosen by the Museum of Ventura County’s Docent Council to create a timeline mural for the front plaza wall of the Museum’s upcoming expansion. “Windows in Time,” an exhibit including Strauss’ studies for the mural as well as other mosaic work by the artist, includes thousands of individually cut pieces of glass, which will be used to create seven panels. Each nine-foot square mural created will trace Ventura County’s history from the Chumash period through the 20th century. Strauss describes her works as contemporary, sparkly interpretations of the ancient mosaic art. Free. 89 S. California Street, Ventura.
For more information visit VenturaMuseum.org.
Summer Spa Soiree
July 9 | Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village
For a retreat from the every day, Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village creates hip, pampering evening Spa Soirees throughout the late spring and summer. Mini spa treatments in pool-side cabanas, consultations with health and beauty experts, signature cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres are featured amidst lush gardens and brightly colored cabanas at The Spa’s Serenity Pool. Four Seasons Spa therapists pamper guests with mini-treatments such as neck and shoulder massage and reflexology. Representatives from California Health & Longevity Institute provide nutrition, wellness, and fitness consultations. $105 per person. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Two Dole Drive, Westlake Village.
For reservations or more information call 818.597.3350.
10th Anniversary Gala in Memory of Eddy Barron
July 12 | Studio Channel Islands Art Center
Held in the Art Center’s courtyard and sculpture garden, this annual event combines an art gallery tour with a touch of Renaissance charm. Participants can stroll through the Art Center's galleries and view the works of famed regional artists while they enjoy music from the Channel Islands Quartet. The art studios will be open, and resident artists will be available to discuss their work. Guests will dine on a catered Old English Feast and will have the opportunity to bid on an array of auction items. Cocktail reception at 5 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. Live auction at 8 p.m. $150 per person. Cal State University Channel Islands, Building 18 on Ventura St., Camarillo.
For more information visit StudioChannelIslands.org.
RITF Preview Season & Opening Ceremony
July 12 - 27 | Various Local Venues
The long-awaited Rubicon International Theatre Festival (RITF) 2008 Preview Season has arrived, and it includes productions from France, Ireland, Israel, Ivory Coast, and United Kingdom. Performances include: Imagine-toi, starring Julien Cottereau and directed by Erwan Daourhas; First Love, by Samuel Beckett and starring Conor Lovett; Conviction, by Oren Neeman, from the novel "Confession” by Yonatan Ben-Nachum, starring Ami Dayan; Eye of the Cyclone, by Luis Marques and directed by Vagba Obou de Sales; Cabaret (includes classic standards, show tunes, jazz, and French favorites), starring Giselle Wolf; and Tu Ternura Molotov, by Gustavo Ott and directed by Lourdes Solarzano. The opening ceremony held on July 18 includes performances by international artists and will feature music by Oscar and Grammy Award Nominee Stephen Bishop.
For specific production times, venue information, and to purchase tickets visit RITF.org or call 805.667.2900.
Ventura Motorsports Gathering
July 20 | Mission Park, Ventura
The Ventura Sports & Race Car Club, a newly formed group of senior automobile enthusiasts, will present its premier “Ventura Motorsports Gathering” this summer. “This is not a car show,” states organizer Don Greene, “This is a Concours d’Elegance!” Jaguar, Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes, and MG are among the automotive makes that will be included. Club member Bill Erickson, a driver in the 2007 Peking to Paris Race, will be showing a personal documentary, and entrants from the Italian Mille Miglia, the Panamericana, and other famous sport racing events will be present. Free. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information visit VenturaMotorSportsGathering.com or call 805.794.5438.
Sunset Dinner – Return to the Wild West
July 24| The Ronald Reagan Library & Museum
Diners will enjoy an elegant dinner overlooking the beautiful mountains of the Conejo Valley as part of the Regan Library’s sunset dinner summer series. Guests can watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean while dining on barbeque beef brisket, Texas-style chili beans, and ice cream brownie sundaes. Riders of the Purple Sage will provide live music. Reservations are required one week in advance. $39.95 per person, special pricing for children under age 10. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley.
For reservations or more information call 805.577.4118 or visit ReaganFoundation.org.
15th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival
July 26 - 27| Plaza Park, Oxnard
Southern California’s hottest summer festival includes spicy food, hot music, and cool ocean breezes. This award-winning festival features main stage entertainment, salsa dancing, a “kids korner,” cooking demonstrations, salsa tasting, recipe contests, and a vendor marketplace. Festival admission and parking are free. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Plaza Park, Downtown Oxnard.
For more information call 805.247.0197 or visit OxnardSalsaFestival.com.
ON THE HORIZON
133rd Annual Ventura County Fair
July 30 - August 10 | Ventura County Fairgrounds
The Ventura County Fair highlights the county’s history, culture, and agriculture, providing a fun and exciting hands-on learning experience for all. The event kicks off in July with attractions including farm animals, fireworks, exhibits, competitions, performances, and displays to entertain all fair goers. Midway rides, games of skill, and plenty of mouth-watering food will be available. Corner of Harbor Blvd. and Figueroa, Ventura.
For hours, admission prices, and additional information call 805.648.3376 or visit VenturaCountyFair.org.
07-01-08





