Post on 19-Oct-2020
Lewis Family Playhouse at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center
12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 · Administration: (909) 477-2775 · Fax: (909) 477-2774 Box Office: (909) 477-2752 · Fax (909) 477-2753 · lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Owned and operated by the City of Rancho Cucamonga
NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT: Annette Mumolo, Marketing Coordinator, Community Services Department
PHONE: (909) 477-2775, extension 3757
EMAIL: Annette.mumolo@cityofrc.us
Announcing Lewis Family Playhouse’s Lucky 13th
Season of the Classics and the Up-and-Coming!
The Zombies, Brian McKnight, Jane Lynch, Blind Boys of Alabama, Don McLean, Fritz Coleman, Herb Alpert, Mariachi Flor de Toloache, Schoolhouse Rock Live, and
The Hunchback of Notre Dame Featured in the 2018-2019 Line Up! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2018
Rancho Cucamonga, California – This season is lucky number 13 for Lewis Family Playhouse, one of the Inland
Empire’s hottest destinations for quality entertainment and a place where families from all walks of life can
experience the arts! This year features the return of some Lewis Family Playhouse favorites as well as debuting
artists. As always, this season is an eclectic grab bag of goodies spanning the entertainment gambit—multi-genre
music concerts, comedy, musicals, and classic plays all on one stage!
Ticket sales begin Thursday, July 5th at 12:00 pm via the Lewis Family Playhouse website
(www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com), phone (909) 477-2752, the LFP mobile app, or at the Lewis Family Playhouse
Box Office located in the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center at 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga.
Subscription tickets (consisting of 5 or more shows) offer a 15% discount off the single ticket price and are available
for purchase through the Box Office or by mail-in order.
Lewis Family Playhouse 2018/2019 Season – Page 2
Lewis Family Playhouse at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center
12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 · Administration: (909) 477-2775 · Fax: (909) 477-2774 Box Office: (909) 477-2752 · Fax (909) 477-2753 · lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Owned and operated by the City of Rancho Cucamonga
Kicking off this season is none other than the British psychedelic pop legends, The Zombies! Experience this year’s
opener of the group’s chart-topping signature breathy vocals, sophisticated melodies, and jazzy keyboard riffs,
including hits like “Time of the Season,” “She’s Not There,” and “Tell Her No” at the Lewis Family Playhouse in a
one-night special engagement, Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 8:00 pm.
Get ready to dance and sing along with The Como La Flor Band Tribute to Selena in their high-energy concert
experience. Performing Selena’s hit songs that everyone knows and loves The Como La Flor Band replicates the
look, sound and feel of the Tex-Mex queen bringing the very best of Selena Quintanilla to audiences of all ages.
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with us Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 2:00 pm!
MainStreet Theatre Company opens their 2018-2019 theatrical season with School House Rock Live!, October 6 –
28, 2018. What’s old is new again, as the pop culture phenomenon based on the Emmy Award-winning Saturday
morning cartoon of the 1970s comes to life on stage! Thousands of kids learned history, grammar, math, and more
through the clever songs. We’re excited for a whole new generation to discover how much fun education can be in
this fast-paced musical, perfect for the whole family! (For ages 6 & up)
The “merry war” of the sexes is on as Rancho Cucamonga Community Theatre presents William Shakespeare’s
Much Ado About Nothing! Laugh out loud at one of the Bard’s most beloved comedies, a lively tale of two razor
sharp wits Benedick and Beatrice, infatuated lovebirds Claudio and Hero, and their devious friends. “Ben & Bea”
have proudly sworn off marriage, so their friends hatch a hilarious plot to trick the sparring partners into confessing
their love. Nothing is as it seems in this raucous tale of deception, wit, and head-spinning rumors! Bring your friends
to this one-weekend only production, November 3 – 4, 2018.
The 1940’s musical revue, In the Mood, creates a nostalgic atmosphere that transports the audience back to an era
when everyone was singing and dancing to the same kind of music. Sizzling choreography, romantic harmonies,
Lewis Family Playhouse 2018/2019 Season – Page 3
Lewis Family Playhouse at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center
12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 · Administration: (909) 477-2775 · Fax: (909) 477-2774 Box Office: (909) 477-2752 · Fax (909) 477-2753 · lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Owned and operated by the City of Rancho Cucamonga
period costumes, and a hypnotic 13-piece Big Band are in store for audiences Saturday, November 10 at 2:00 pm and
7:30 pm.
As an artist who needs no introduction, Brian McKnight has gained international and domestic recognition, earning
himself a spot in contemporary music history. McKnight makes his Lewis Family Playhouse debut in a special one-
night only performance, showcasing his trademark falsetto and soaring vocal range on hits such as “Anytime,” “Back
At One,” “You Should Be Mine” and countless others. Don’t miss out on an evening with Brian McKnight
on Friday, November 16 at 8:00 pm.
Celebrate the holidays early with award-winning singer, actress, comedian, and Glee star Jane Lynch: A Swingin’
Little Christmas! Lynch is joined by fellow comedic actress Kate Flannery of The Office, and the oh-so-dapper Tim
Davis of Glee for an evening of holiday music and comedy. Their tight three-part harmonies will be accompanied by
the fantastic Tony Guerrero Quintet on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 8:00 pm.
A Holiday Tradition Your Family Will Treasure! Share the spirit of the holiday season with family and friends at
Southern California’s most spectacular production of Inland Pacific Ballet’s The Nutcracker, December 1 – 9, 2018.
This traditional holiday ballet features dazzling sets, beautiful costumes, and more than 80 dancers on stage. Meet the
cast after the performance for photos and autographs. This is classical entertainment at its best!
Unwrap a truly original holiday treat as legendary gospel and blues performers The Blind Boys of Alabama return
to the Lewis Family Playhouse with special guest star Ruthie Foster for A Christmas Celebration! This holiday treat
features original songs like “Talkin’ Christmas!” as well as Christmas standards including “Do You Hear What I
Hear?” and “Silent Night.” Don’t miss this uplifting evening of holiday gospel and blues Saturday, December 15 at
8:00 pm.
Lewis Family Playhouse 2018/2019 Season – Page 4
Lewis Family Playhouse at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center
12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 · Administration: (909) 477-2775 · Fax: (909) 477-2774 Box Office: (909) 477-2752 · Fax (909) 477-2753 · lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Owned and operated by the City of Rancho Cucamonga
Famed guitarist, Peter White delivers an all-star lineup in A Peter White Christmas featuring smooth jazz trumpet
player, Rick Braun and chart-topping saxophonist, composer and producer, Euge Groove. Always finding unique
ways to bring his modern sensibilities to cherished pop classics, Peter White’s seasonal renditions are a fresh take on
beloved classics. Join us for an afternoon of swanky holiday favorites Sunday, December 16 at 2:00 pm.
Let’s get Hip to the Holidays, as Under the Streetlamp brings their joyous performance of your favorite holiday
tunes as well as songs from the American Radio Songbook for a special one-night only performance. Round out
your holiday festivities with this dazzlingly talented quartet on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 8:00 pm before
Lewis Family Playhouse goes into seasonal hibernation!
Start your New Year with a laugh at Washington! America’s foremost political satirists, Capitol Steps return to the
Playhouse Friday, January 11, 2019 at 8:00 pm, for a night of hilarious political comedy from the troupe that put the
“mock” in “democracy.” No one in the headlines is safe from the sidesplitting satire these former Congressional
staffers come up with, poking fun at both sides of the aisle with brilliant song parodies and hilarious sketches that
lampoon up-to-the-minute issues, events, and personalities.
Andrew Lloyd Webber at the Pops is a tribute to the sensational Broadway legend by the All-Star Cabaret Big
Band Orchestra with beloved performers Stan Chandler and Kim Huber. Delivering a vast retrospective of this
prolific composer’s works, selections include songs from Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita,
CATS, and more. Join us for a stirring evening celebrating Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber on Saturday, January 12, 2019
at 8:00 pm.
Legendary singer songwriter Don McLean brings his classic hits “American Pie” and “Vincent (Starry Starry
Night)” to the Playhouse stage for an unforgettable evening of folk music and classic rock & roll on Saturday,
January 19, 2019 at 8:00 pm. Since first hitting the charts in 1971, McLean has amassed over 40 gold and platinum
Lewis Family Playhouse 2018/2019 Season – Page 5
Lewis Family Playhouse at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center
12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 · Administration: (909) 477-2775 · Fax: (909) 477-2774 Box Office: (909) 477-2752 · Fax (909) 477-2753 · lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Owned and operated by the City of Rancho Cucamonga
records worldwide and in 2004, was inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. Don’t miss out on an intimate
evening with an American music legend!
Violin duo Wil Baptiste (viola) and Kev Marcus (violin) bridge the gap between classical, R&B, rock and
hip-hop, to create hard-hitting beats with lush string melodies. Black Violin, who have collaborated with the
likes of P. Diddy, Aretha Franklin, and Tom Petty, bring their electrifying energy to the stage for a special
one night only performance you won’t want to miss Friday, January 25, 2019 at 8:00 pm.
The world famous Golden Dragon Acrobats return to Lewis Family Playhouse with their amazing feats of
athleticism, daring, and heart-stopping stunts all with the grace of a centuries-old art form. This unique cirque
spectacular presents traditional Chinese acrobats showcasing their remarkable skills and physicality, accompanied by
a traditional music score. They will be juggling everything from umbrellas to volleyballs for two performances on
Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm!
Broadway at the Gardens presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame, based on the Victor Hugo novel set in 15th
century Paris about Quasimodo, the mysterious bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, and the beautiful Gypsy,
Esméralda. The production includes songs from the Academy Award-nominated Disney animated feature as well as
new songs by Alan Menken and Stephan Schwartz. Experience the powerful story set to a sweeping score February
15 – 24, 2019.
New York City’s first all-female mariachi band, Mariachi Flor de Toloache make their Lewis Family Playhouse
debut in a special one night only performance Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 8:00 pm. Infusing the classic ranchero
sound with bursts of hip-hop, soul, jazz, and salsa, the members shift seamlessly between Spanish and English in
every performance, while their worldly New York City influences give the music a fresh quality that remains faithful
to the genre’s Mexican folk roots. Bring the whole family!
Lewis Family Playhouse 2018/2019 Season – Page 6
Lewis Family Playhouse at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center
12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 · Administration: (909) 477-2775 · Fax: (909) 477-2774 Box Office: (909) 477-2752 · Fax (909) 477-2753 · lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Owned and operated by the City of Rancho Cucamonga
MainStreet Theatre Company is honored to present Lula Washington Dance Theatre’s newest dance program for
young audiences based on The Snowy Day and other books by Ezra Jack Keats. Their powerful, high energy
dancing and unique choreography makes Lula Washington Dance Theatre one of the most admired African-
American contemporary dance companies in the West. MainStreet Theatre Company is thrilled to share their artistry
with families through this special presentation on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. (For ages 6 &
up)
One More Time is staged as a fictionalized television program offering legendary entertainers the opportunity to
step into the spotlight “one more time”. Red Skelton, portrayed by Lynn Roberts, is the featured star and has selected
Debbie Reynolds, portrayed by Jan Sandwich, as his guest performer with Chuck Carson as the Show Host. Join us
for this visit with two American entertainment icons Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 2:00 pm.
America’s Got Talent finalists, Catapult, who wowed judges again and again, bring their world premiere shadow
dance to Lewis Family Playhouse. They’ve mesmerized audiences around the globe, with shadow story-telling and
spell-binding illusion. Transforming themselves into one breath-taking shape after another, don’t miss the chance to
see Catapult on Friday, March 15, 2019 at 8:00 pm. An awe-inspiring show for the whole family sure to ignite the
imagination!
New York-based Rock/classical fusion band Break of Reality make their Lewis Family Playhouse debut with a
show unlike no other! Having sold out concerts across the world, Break of Reality is regarded as one of the world’s
premier alt-classical chamber ensembles. Their interpretations of music by Tool, Metallica, and System of a Down,
make them a fan favorite and their rendition of the “Game of Thrones” theme song is described by the Huffington
Post as “the best you will ever hear.” See them live Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 8:00 pm!
Lewis Family Playhouse 2018/2019 Season – Page 7
Lewis Family Playhouse at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center
12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 · Administration: (909) 477-2775 · Fax: (909) 477-2774 Box Office: (909) 477-2752 · Fax (909) 477-2753 · lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Owned and operated by the City of Rancho Cucamonga
The forecast is good for laughs in Fritz Coleman’s Defying Gravity, the hilarious stand up about the comical
calamities of aging. Laugh out loud with this charming, warm and wild tale of how to defy the odds and gravity on
getting older. What happens when parts of your body begin having their own midlife crisis? Why do all your daily
conversations include a medical update? Where are we going? Who knows— but if you are old, you’ve made it! Join
our favorite weatherman on his future cast for the Baby Boomers on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 8:00 pm.
Get ready for an evening of uproarious laughter as the witty Rita Rudner takes the stage for a comedic performance
Friday, April 5, 2019 at 8:00 pm. Focusing on the minutia of everyday life and love, Rudner’s humor delivers her
stand-up with a wide-eyed sweetness that belies her legendary spot on observations. Known for her epigrammatic
style, Rudner’s soft-spoken humor, quick one-liners and charming delivery continue to earn her mainstream appeal
not only due to her clever writing, but also for putting on a “clean” show.
Lewis Family Playhouse is proud to present John Tesh. With six Emmys, two Grammy nominations, three gold
records, seven public television specials, and 8 million records sold, even after over three decades as an international
entertainer, Tesh’s career continues to thrive today. Whether at the solo piano, with a 12-piece 'big band' or an 80
piece orchestra, Tesh’s ability to create a unique journey for concert fans with music and storytelling has taken him
from the Red Rocks Amphitheater and the Colosseum in Rome to Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center. Don’t
miss out on this one night only occasion Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 8:00 pm.
Audiences of ages will delight in Hans Christian Andersen’s story as it comes to life in Inland Pacific Ballet’s The
Little Mermaid. This spectacular landmark production of one of IPB’s original ballets featuring magnificent sets
including a shipwreck and a sweeping sound collage with music by classical composers Maurice Ravel, Claude
Debussy, Benjamin Britten, Antonin Dvorak and Ralph Vaughan Williams. Innovative aerial technology has under-
the-sea creatures spinning and swirling on the stage, and a surprise ending awaits you April 13 – 14, 2019!
Lewis Family Playhouse 2018/2019 Season – Page 8
Lewis Family Playhouse at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center
12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 · Administration: (909) 477-2775 · Fax: (909) 477-2774 Box Office: (909) 477-2752 · Fax (909) 477-2753 · lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Owned and operated by the City of Rancho Cucamonga
MainStreet Theatre Company presents its Spring production with Hans Christian Andersen’s tale The Emperor’s
Nightingale. This 2016 adaptation is set in 18th-century China, where two young princes must compete to succeed
their father as ruler of the land. It takes bravery, empathy, and a magical bird to teach the future Emperor the
meaning of leadership. MainStreet Theatre Company is thrilled to be producing the West Coast premiere May 4 – 19,
2019!(For ages 6 & up)
From bop to pop – the Doo Wop Project delivers! Three parts Jersey Boys, two parts Motown: The Musical, and
“not your grandma’s doo wop,” these five charismatic, handsome, triple-threat Broadway stars along with their hot
5-piece band tear it up with musicality, dancing, and showmanship. They both “re-doo” classic Doo Wop songs from
the 50s/60s and “doo-wopify” contemporary hits by artists like Jason Mraz, Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Maroon 5.
This is a Doo Wop show that grandparents and their adult grandchildren can truly enjoy together on Friday, May 31,
2019 at 8:00 pm.
Lewis Family Playhouse closes its 13th season with Herb Alpert and Lani Hall! Nine-time Grammy Award winner
and legendary jazz trumpeter Herb Alpert has sold over 72 million records. Among his Top 40 singles include “This
Lonely Bull,” “Mexican Shuffle,” “A Taste of Honey,” “This Guy’s In Love With You” and “Rise.” Together with
his wife, the Grammy award-winning vocalist Lani Hall, they’ll perform an eclectic mix of American standards,
Brazilian jazz, some Beatles, some classic Tijuana Brass & Brazil '66 songs and more. This exciting show from two
legendary performers will take place Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 8:00 pm!
School Bookings – In addition to the many public performances, Lewis Family Playhouse offers special school
group performances of MainStreet Theatre Company productions for teachers and students in elementary and middle
school. These unique Theatre for Young Audiences productions are supplemented with curriculum material and
resource guides that are available on-line at www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com/education. For more information,
contact the Box Office School Bookings Specialist at 909-477-2752 ext. 3704.
Lewis Family Playhouse 2018/2019 Season – Page 9
Lewis Family Playhouse at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center
12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 · Administration: (909) 477-2775 · Fax: (909) 477-2774 Box Office: (909) 477-2752 · Fax (909) 477-2753 · lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Owned and operated by the City of Rancho Cucamonga
An intimate, 536-seat venue, Lewis Family Playhouse is the crown jewel of the three-acre, 89,000-square-foot
Victoria Gardens Cultural Center. The complex at 12505 Cultural Center Drive and is conveniently located off the I-
15 at Foothill Boulevard, as a major anchor of Victoria Gardens. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday
from noon to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with free parking available.
For more information – For additional information or to purchase tickets for any of our performances please visit
www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com or call the Box Office at (909) 477-2752 or (877) 858-8422. Download our app, LF
Playhouse, available in the App Store and Google Play. Be sure to use #LewisFamilyPlayhouse whenever you post
about your experience with us!
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