The City of Mission Viejo Presents Shakespeare at Saddleback College and it’s Free!
Along with a full month of live entertainment, the City of Mission Viejo presents Shakespeare by the Sea’s productions of Othello and Cymbeline on July 16th and 17th. On the 16th, Othello, directed by Stephanie Coltrin, is an emotionally gripping thriller where gossip turns friendships rancid, and rumor brutally murders innocence. On the 17th, Cymbeline, directed by Cylan Broan, is an action-adventure fairy-tale romance.
For those who don’t wish to bring a blanket or sit on beach chairs, reserved seating is available at $25 per person (presale only). For reserved seats, call the ticket office at 949-582-4656 (Tues-Fri, Noon to 4:00 p.m.)
On Friday and Saturday, July 8th and 9th, Beauty and the Beast in Concert will grace the outdoor stage on the upper campus quad. Directed by Scott Farthing with musical direction by Lex Leigh, and choreography by Deidre Cavazzi, this concert will feature the familiar characters and songs from Disney’s beloved musical. The score/story is being told by actors playing the roles with an onstage orchestra. Enjoy a night out under the stars with this gem of a show – an enchanted story as old as time — for the entire family.
On Friday and Saturday, July 22nd and 23rd, enjoy a summer night under the stars to the fully-staged production of Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Scott Farthing, with musical direction by Lex Leigh, and choreography by Deidre Cavazzi. Don’t miss a chance to hang out with street singers Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon as they tell the story of a singing plant, a daring hero, a sweet girl and a demented dentist in this loveable comedy-horror musical.
The Saddleback Big Band Presents a Shep Shepherd CD Release Party at Saddleback College and it’s Free!
Along with a full month of live entertainment, the Saddleback Big Band is thrilled to bring back 99 year-old crooner Shep Shepherd back for a special CD Release party with the Saddleback Big Band on Friday, July 15th. The CD was recorded with the Big Band earlier this year. Some of the memorable songs being performed include S’Wonderful, You Are Too Beautiful, When You’re Smiling, Blame it on My Youth, and You Make me Feel so Young.
For those who don’t wish to bring a blanket or sit on beach chairs, reserved seating is available at $25 per person (presale only). For reserved seats, call the ticket office at 949-582-4656 (Tues-Fri, Noon to 4:00 p.m.)
Mr. Berisford “Shep” Shepherd is an arranger, composer, drummer, trombonist, contractor, and singer. Born in Honduras in 1917, and raised in Philadelphia, he attended Jules E. Mastbaum Area Conservatory and Vocational School where he was being groomed to play percussion in the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Shep served four years in the army composing, arranging, conducting, and playing trombone. After his service, he settled in New York City where he played and contracted for Broadway shows. Shep has performed and written for seminal figures such as Benny Carter, Cy Oliver, Artie Shaw, Patti Page, Lionel Hampton, and Lena Horne among others. Because of the high-demand for his arrangements, the catchphrase “Get Shep” became common among New York musicians.
He toured with various Broadway shows while based in New York. One of these shows led to San Francisco, where he eventually settled and was the house drummer at Finocchio’s for 23 years. Shep moved down to South Orange County in 2007 where he met his wife, Joy. She and Shep currently reside in San Clemente, California.
The free outdoor entertainment begins with Beauty and the Beast, continues with the Big Band/Shep Shepherd release party, two Shakespeare productions, and ends with the quirky musical comedy, Little Shop of Horrors.
Nina Welch
Fine Arts Public Information Officer
Saddleback College
28000 Marguerite Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
