Author: Media Director

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A Chorus Line in the Press!

Our production of this iconic musical is being spotlighted online and in local newspapers.


The Acorn: A Chorus Line marks 50 years of Broadway brilliance at Conejo Players Theatre

“Few musicals have captured the heart and hustle of Broadway quite like “A Chorus Line.” Now, 50 years after its groundbreaking debut, Conejo Players Theatre is bringing the iconic show to life for a new generation of theatergoers, now running through Nov. 30.”


Broadway World: A Chorus Line Begins In November At Conejo Players Theatre

“Conejo Players Theatre will mark the 50th anniversary of A Chorus Line with a new production of the groundbreaking musical, opening November 7, 2025, and running through November 30, 2025. Directed and choreographed by Mirian Durrie-Kirsch, this revival brings the enduring story of Broadway dancers’ hopes and heartbreaks to life for the Conejo Valley community.”


Thousand Oaks Acorn: Singular sensation takes the stage

“At its core, A Chorus Line follows a group of dancers auditioning for a spot in a new Broadway production. As each performer steps into the spotlight, they share their story, including their hopes, heartbreaks and sacrifices.”

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Critics are Raving About ‘Murder’!

Critics have been raving about our latest play, Murder on the Orient Express, directed by Alan Waserman and produced by Beth Eslick and Kristin Krause. Check out what critic’s are saying:


“All aboard: Conejo Players Theatre’s take on Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express (adapted by Ken Ludwig) is nimble, stylish, and proudly homegrown exactly the kind of community-theatre triumph that makes Thousand Oaks’ scene feel bigger than its footprint… Sleek design, a sure hand on pace, and a savvy volunteer ensemble make Conejo Players Orient Express a gratifying night out one that proves, again, just how much artistry a community can summon when it pulls in the same direction.”

“This is an outstanding cast for a community theater production. Mastrovito is the master clue bender — sly, humorous, humble and yet sharply observant. He is Christie’s version of Sherlock Holmes. Miller is his Dr. Watson. The humor and hubris of the show are captured by Potter, who is reminiscent of Madeline Kahn. And Latham’s performance as an imperious Russian royal is a perfect foil for Poirot’s gentle, polite persona… This production proves once and for all that Christie is the master, and Poirot is her genius.”

“The cast is solid throughout… The clever revolving set designed by Conejo mainstay Rick Steinberg illuminates aspects of the train interior, all well-appointed to highlight the sumptuous feel of the 1930’s era… Delicious period costuming appeals to the eye and accents the various characters in fine form… All the characters are excellently played, forming a tight ensemble to move the mystery along… the mystery prevails and holds the audience to the end… It is time well spent. ”

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VC Reporter: Where There’s a Will…: Conejo Players Theatre presents ‘The Book of Will’

The VC Reporter’s Tim Pompey attended The Book of Will and shared his thoughts.

“The Book of Will is about William Shakespeare. Or rather, the gathering posthumously of Shakespeare’s writings into the first official printed volume of his plays.

In The Book of Will, we have a play that is well acted and thoroughly professional, entertaining, dramatic and comedic… The highlight of the show is the dialogue between John and his just-departed wife, Rebecca. In their brief and final encounter, you get a sense of what real Shakespeare is like.

If you’re a Shakespeare buff, this play will appeal to you based on the performances of Shakespeare given in the show. If you’re unacquainted with Shakespeare, this might be a good place to start.”

The Book of Will is directed by Dana Marley-Kolb and produced by Priscilla Losey and Wendy Babb.

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Moorpark Reporter: Conejo Players Theater concludes local production of Broadway’s ‘Anastasia’

The Moorpark Reporter took a look at our run of Anastasia and talked with director Erin Fagundes and CPT president Dana Marley-Kolb.

“Directed by Erin Fagundes, the Conejo Players Theater production starred Maya Puterbaugh as Anya, Tony Cellucci as Dmirty and Benjamin Mitnick as Vladimir Popov. It also featured Kobe Burton as antagonist revolutionary Gleb, Amie Woolweber as Vladimir’s love interest; Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch and Deidre Parmenter as Anastasia’s Grandmother; the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna.

Director Fagundes said her favorite part of the process was watching the cast come together. “[It’s] watching a group of people who mostly didn’t know each other at all evolve into the most incredible family who has each other’s backs, will do anything to support each other, bring each other laughter and joy, check their egos at the door, all while still beautifully accomplishing the number one goal – storytelling,” Fagundes said…

This “A-game” was brought in all respects, from the musical repertoire of the show to large ensemble dancing to en pointe ballet. Multi-part splits, smooth transitions and visual storytelling abounded, with clever humor throughout.”

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Broadway World: VELVETEEN RABBIT Comes to Thousand Oaks

Our upcoming youth play The Velveteen Rabbit: A Toy Story is featured on Broadway World Thousand Oaks. We are so excited to bring this classic story to life.

“Conejo Players Theatre has announced that their new youth play The Velveteen Rabbit: A Toy Story opens on Friday, May 2, 2025 in Thousand Oaks. Margery Williams’s classic toy story will be brought to life by some of the Conejo Valley’s most talented young thespians and will run until May 11, 2025. A special sensory-friendly performance will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 4pm. When the Child gets a Velveteen Rabbit for Christmas, she is disappointed in her gift, but after the two take a journey through her storybooks she realizes just how real her love is. Featuring a mix of your favorite vintage toys brought to life, including Timothy The Jointed Lion, the Wind-up Mouse, Dinosaur, and the Skin Horse, and historic figures such as Shakespeare & Mozart! This is the Velveteen Rabbit as you have never seen it before!”

The show opens on Friday, May 2, 2025!

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Broadway World: HOTBED HOTEL to Open Conejo Players 67th Season

Broadway World is featuring our upcoming comedy play Hotbed Hotel, which will open our 67th Season!

“Hotbed Hotel is a delightful, very fast-paced farce. Terri (Cassie Kelso-Bucey) and Brian Cody (Drew Orlando) are hoping to sell their “One Star Hotel” in the Florida Keys to the only man, Mr. Lewis (Don McGreevy), who has expressed interest in buying it. They are not expecting him for a couple of weeks, and are caught off-guard when they receive a phone call informing them that he will be arriving in the afternoon. Unfortunately, they have so few guests they are afraid that Mr. Lewis would feel that the hotel is a bad investment. So, Terri and Brian devise a plan to make the hotel appear busier and more prosperous than it actually is. Their staff will masquerade as paying guests, thereby giving Mr. Lewis the impression that the hotel is overflowing with loyal customers and vacationers. Their plan has one hitch, their entire staff consists of a maintenance man and a sexy housemaid. What could possibly go wrong?”

The show opens on Friday January 10, 2025!

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Ventura Breeze: Glass Menagerie Classic Endures

Shirley Lorraine from the Ventura Breeze gave The Glass Menagerie a glowing review!

“Director Elena Mills has assembled a quite capable cast to bring this classic to life. The setting is impeccable, employing clever scrims to highlight certain memories. All four of the actors are excellent in their roles. Pacing is rapid and dialogue is crisp. The tone of frustration, anger and impatience bubbles to the surface throughout. Even the gentleman caller, who is often seen as the most empathetic character in his gentle approach to Laura’s shy demeanor, is played with an abundance of bravado”

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Broadway World: The Conejo Improv Players Return Next Month

Broadway World featured an article about our upcoming Conejo Improv Players show.

“The performance is on Saturday, August 3 at 8pm. The Conejo Improv Players will present a hilarious night of improvisational comedy featuring skits, scenes, and music — made up entirely on the spot from audience suggestions. Enjoy an evening of interactive comedy that blends the comedic stylings of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Saturday Night Live in a hilarious show you won’t want to miss!”

 

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VC Star: Thousand Oaks theater company to perform ‘Rent,’ display AIDS project’s quilt panel

The VC Star talked to RENT director Shawn Adams-Lanz and actor Brennen Klitzner for an article about the show for both their print and online publications.

“Conejo Players Theatre’s production of Rent features an element not typically seen in the rock musical about AIDS. A 12-foot-by-12-foot panel from the nearly 40-year-old AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on stage as the cast sings “Seasons of Love.” Rent will be performed Friday through July 7 at the theatre at 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks.”