Melissa Manchester Leads Rubicon Theatre Co's FASCINATING RHYTHMS 12/1-19

Grammy Award-winner Melissa Manchester makes her Rubicon Theatre debut in the company's upcoming ballroom dance premiere entitled FASCINATING RHYTHMS. Directed by World Champion/Grand Champion dancer and choreographer Cate Caplin, with musical direction by Dean Mora, and arrangements by STEPHAN OBERHOFF, the concert opens December 1 and continues through December 19 at Rubicon's home in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District. In the production, eight award-winning dancers perform a range of American and International styles, including Mambo, Samba, Waltz, Foxtrot, Argentine Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha and Lindy Hop.

Ms. Manchester appears in the concert as Featured Artist, and performs songs by Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and others, as well as a medley of some of her classic hits, including "Midnight Blue," "Don't Cry Out Loud," "Come in from the Rain," "The Theme from Ice Castles" ("Through the Eyes of Love"), and the blockbuster she co-wrote with Kenny Loggins, "Whenever I Call You Friend." The event also includes songs by The Bee Gees, Bill Haley and the Comets and others.

"Seeing and hearing Melissa Manchester in this intimate setting makes this show a very special occasion," says Rubicon Producing Artistic Director Karyl Lynn Burns. "She is an incredible, soulful poet and we have been so privileged to have her with us as vocalist and co-creator of FASCINATING RHYTHMS."

Says Rubicon Artistic Director James O'Neil, "For audiences who love films like 'Strictly Ballroom' and television shows like 'Dancing with the Stars,' this concert will be a thrill. Patrons will have a rare opportunity to enjoy the skills of these dancers up close. We have taken out two rows of seats to create a larger dance area onstage. Attendees on the main floor will not be further than eight rows from the artists."

"It's one thing to see the technique and talents of these artists on a screen," says Burns. "It's quite another to experience it live -- to hear the dancers breathe, see their muscles quiver and sense the emotion. We hope that those who may not be regular theatergoers will discover Rubicon through this concert. They will certainly be thrilled by the pure athleticism of the dancers and by Ms. Manchester's enormous talent."

The dance ensemble of FASCINATING RHYTHMS includes ANYA, CHRISTOPHER BEROIZ, WILLEM DE VRIES, Melissa Giattino, MICHAEL KUKA, NATALIA LIND, ALICIA MICHELLE RICHARDSON and RICHARD SCHWARTZ.

FASCINATING RHYTHMS plays December 1 through December 19, with possible extension through December 23 (call for updates). Performances begin Wednesday, December 1 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 2 at 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. There is no performance of FASCINATING RHYTHMS on Saturday, December 4. The Opening Night Gala is Sunday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a post-show party with dance music performed by Mora's Modern Rhythmists at a private location. Regular performances are Wednesdays through Sundays, December 8 through 19, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays; 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays; and 8:00 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Talkbacks with the cast are held following the first two Wednesday evening performances.

Ticket prices for FASCINATING RHYTHMS range from $39 to $59, with the exception of the opening gala, which is $95 and includes a tax-deductible donation to Rubicon. Student tickets are $25. Discounts are available for groups of 12 or more. Because the stage has been extended, all seats are general admission.

More than half of the performances for FASCINATING RHYTHMS are already sold-out, and early reservations are encouraged. For tickets, call the Rubicon Theatre Company Box Office at (805) 667-2900. Or go to www.rubicontheatre.org.

 

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