2018 2019 LFP Season Press Release · 26.06.2018 · Legendary singer songwriter Don McLean brings...

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: [email protected]

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 –




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,





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.





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





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!





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!





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!





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.





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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2018 2019 LFP Season Press Release · 26.06.2018 · Legendary singer songwriter Don McLean brings...

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