Sonoma Arts Live to Launch New Winter Series with LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE

Sonoma Arts Live announces a winter theater series beginning in January of 2016. In addition, for the first time since its beginnings in 2010 as the Sonoma Theater Alliance, the organization will become a theater company, acting as producer for all its shows, which are presented on the Rotary Stage in Andrews Hall.

"We are so excited to announce this growth," said Executive Artistic Director Jaime Love. "We've talked about it over the years, and the timing just felt right. The past season saw a steady rise in our attendance and our customer satisfaction. Producing will allow us to focus on presenting the plays we feel fit our demographic, and to provide more specific attention to detail. We plan to hire a 'tech dream team' to design for the entire season, instead of changing technical staff from show to show. It will take some time to develop, but we are very excited to implement this change. In addition, in our recent survey, folks specifically asked for more theater in the winter months, and we are happy to oblige! We are also announcing a new start time of 7:30 p.m. for all evening shows, based on survey results."

First up in 2016 will be Love, Loss and What I Wore, which debuts on January 15. Written by popular writers Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, this play is directed by Sonoma Arts Live Education Director Libby Oberlin, MA, and uses clothing, accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny and often poignant stories. "Love, Loss and What I Wore will touch women and the men who love them,", stated Oberlin, who is also owner of The Theater School. "Grab a group of your best pals, and make a night of it, and be sure to bring some tissues!" A talented cast of seasoned Sonoma actresses - Jill Wagoner, Julia Holsworth, Sheila Lichirie, Cat Smith and Rhonda Guaraglia - will bring these relatable stories to life to create an enduring, memorable theatre experience. The show will run Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.,, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Jan. 15-24.

For four shows only, January 28-31, Sonoma Arts Live, in association with Lucky Penny Productions of Napa, will present Gidion's Knot, a drama described by The Washington Post as "...a particularly eloquent study of people caught between the competing demands of reason, morality and family...harrowing...a narrative that is as elegant as it is chilling." Performers are Lucky Penny Artistic Director Taylor Bartolucci and Equity actor Dyan McBride, Director of Theatre at Solano College and the education program for 42nd Street Moon in San Francisco.

February brings the romantic tale Same Time, Next Year. "This is a Valentine gift to our fans and friends who loved Joey Hoeber's Jake's Women, said Love. "We're pairing last summer's theatrical duo of the year, Cameron Stuckey and Jennifer Peck, in one of the most popular romantic comedies of the century." This hit ran for four years on Broadway. It chronicles the relationship of a couple who meet and continue an affair, one weekend a year, for decades. Director Joey Hoeber stated, "Sonomans are sure to fall in love all over again with this talented duo, and the beautiful story by Bernard Slade."

The winter series concludes with Sonoma Arts Live's Teens 'N Training program's presentation of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, directed by Oberlin. Set in the fictitious Putnam Valley Middle School, six quirky adolescents compete in the bee, assisted by three equally quirky grown-ups. "Everyone remembers the excitement and anxiety that accompanies a spelling bee, and this musical captures those moments perfectly," said Oberlin. ."Don't be surprised if you are asked to be a PART of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" continued Oberlin "alongside the cast!" The show will run Thursdays through Sundays, March 10-20.

Look for information about our spring and summer series coming soon, stated Love. "We are excited about the momentum we've created, and our future as a producing company, and we are grateful to our founding companies, ETC, CAPS, Sonoma Stage Works, Avalon Players, Narrow Way, M & G Productions, Silver Moon Theatre, and others that have helped bring quality community theater to Sonoma over the years. Without our past, our future would not be attainable."

For more information, go to www.sonomaartslive.org.