Lesli Margherita, Derek Klena & More Set for Cabrillo Music Theatre Benefit Concert at the Triad

As they close in on the August 1st fundraising deadline, and having reached 57% of the $250,000 goal, Cabrillo Music Theatre enthusiastically announces that local businessman/developer John Notter has partnered with the Conrad Hilton Foundation to pledge $30,000 to the fundraising drive. At the same time, Notter and the Foundation ask the community to do the same, and now the race is on to reach the deadline in the next eight days. If fundraising and season subscription goals are reached, Cabrillo Music Theatre can move ahead with its 2014-2015 season, featuring MARY POPPINS, MEMPHIS, OKLAHOMA and COMPANY. Meanwhile, fundraising events continue across the country.

The news pleases Artistic Director Lewis Wilkenfeld. "The response from the community at large has been strong and supportive, but this is the first contribution of this size, and companies like Cabrillo depend on all levels of support! This is a major burst of adrenaline for our fundraising campaign, and will help propel us to our goal." Adds Wilkenfeld, "I know that John Notter was inspired to contribute by the participation of his friends Ed and Lynn Hogan, and Hugh and Keets Cassar, all of whom are Cabrillo Honorary Producers. We're thrilled to welcome Mr. Notter and the Conrad Hilton Foundation to the Cabrillo Family."

Wilkenfeld adds a note of caution, however. "Our fundraising goal is within sight, but, due to our inability to invest in advertising for next season, our subscription goals have fallen short. We're readjusting our goals, and hope that, by surpassing our fundraising goals, we can compensate for the shortfall in ticket sales. At that point, we can reinvest in marketing the season, which will allow us to move ahead with the new shows."

Meanwhile, plans continue on fundraising events across the country, most taking place after the August 1st deadline, but all to help Cabrillo Music Theatre meet its goals. On Monday, July 28th, Lazertag Extreme in Simi Valley is donating 100% of the day's proceeds to Cabrillo Music Theatre. Then, on Friday, August 1st, Cabrillo launches the First Annual Dance Marathon. The following Monday, August 4th, is the Cabrillo Broadway Alumni Fundraiser in New York City; and on Monday, August 25th, Los Angeles hosts its own Cabrillo Alumni concert.

MORE ABOUT LAZERTAG EXTREME

Lazertag Extreme of Simi Valley will dedicate July 28th to Cabrillo Music Theatre, with all proceeds going to Cabrillo's fundraising drive. From 11AM to 8PM, participants can play lazertag and lazer maze, plus hoverball archery, a bake sale, raffle items and more! Lazertag Extreme is at 591 Country Club Dr., Simi Valley, CA 93065. For more information, call 805-577-8400 or go to www.lazertagextreme.com.

MORE ABOUT THE DANCE MARATHON

The First annual "Cabrillo Dance Marathon" will be held for a continuous 24 hour period from 6:00pm Friday, August 1st through 6:00pm Saturday, August 2nd at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts. 403 W. Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks. There is no age limit nor dance training/ability needed to participate in this event. "Dancers" will need to stay on their feet moving/dancing continuously for as long as they can. Friends, family, and supporters will donate "pledges" on the website. Participants may start dancing at any time of the 24-hour period to log continuous dancing. Dancers can log 1 hour or all 24, and pledges can be in the form of a flat fee or a "per hour" donation. For dancers or donors who would like to participate, please visit www.CMTdancemarathon.dojiggy.com and register (it's free!). Set up a webpage for yourself (it's easy!). Show up on August 1 to help keep Cabrillo's doors open for another season of Broadway quality shows!

MORE ABOUT "CABRILLO AT THE TRIAD IN NYC"
On Monday, August 4 at the Triad Theatre in New York City, former Cabrillo cast members and local Broadway stars will be teaming together for a One Night Only benefit concert to support Cabrillo. Cabrillo "Alumni" currently scheduled to perform include: Lesli Margherita (Broadway - Matilda; Cabrillo - West Side Story); Derek Klena(Broadway - Wicked; Cabrillo - Cinderella), Cassie Silva (Broadway - Rock of Ages; Cabrillo - 42Nd Street); Melissa Mitchell (Broadway - Les Miserables; Cabrillo - Cinderella); Leslie Spencer (Off-Broadway - The Marvelous Wonderettes; Cabrillo - Smokey's Joe Café) and so many more!

CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE's 2014-2015 Season will open with MEMPHIS (November 14-23, 2014), then "travel" to England with MARY POPPINS (April 17-26, 2015), and make a stop in OKLAHOMA! (July 17-26, 2015). Next season also includes a "bonus" show in the Civic Arts Plaza's Scherr Forum Theatre, COMPANY (January 23-February 8, 2015). Single show and Season Tickets are available. And don't forget BYE BYE BIRDIE, Cabrillo's 20th Anniversary Season finale, with five performances this weekend. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com or at the Civic Arts Plaza Box office, or at www.cabrillomusictheatre.com.

Cabrillo Music Theatre is the Ovation Award-winning Resident Musical Theatre Production Company of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, and a non-profit theatre organization. For over three decades, Cabrillo has been enriching the cultural life of Ventura and Los Angeles Counties and the surrounding areas by providing an extraordinary performing arts experience through live, Broadway-quality productions of musical theatre. It is Cabrillo's mission to provide the highest quality musical experience, to foster educational opportunities, and to promote cultural and artistic enrichment to enhance the quality of life in Southern California. To this end, Cabrillo Music Theatre goes "Beyond the Footlights" with programs to give back to the community, and to provide enhanced theatre experiences for all audiences. Since the inception of "Beyond the Footlights," over 39,000 underserved children, in-need seniors, and active military have enjoyed Cabrillo Music Theatre's productions at no charge.

In addition, Cabrillo provides ASL signed performances of every production; talkbacks with cast and staff; and Cabrillo's Animal Rescue program, which raises funds and awareness for homeless and abused dogs and cats.

For more information about Cabrillo Music Theatre's "Beyond the Footlights" programs call (805) 497-8613 x1 or write to info@cabrillomusictheatre.com.