BARE: A Pop Opera Set for Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center January 17 - February 16

Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center will present "bare: a pop opera," a contemporary rock musical by Damon Intrabartolo and Jon Hartmere, Jr. featuring a pulsating rock score and emotionally charged story. A contemporary musical event in the vein of Spring Awakening and RENT, bare: a pop opera tells the incredibly touching story of a group of young friends at a Catholic boarding school struggling to discover who they are as they walk the tightrope between adolescence and adulthood. Provocative, tender, and extremely moving, bare is a story of love, friendship, secrets, self-acceptance and the consequences that result from their decisions. With music by Damon Intrabartolo, book and lyrics by Jon Hartmere, SVCAC's production of bare: a pop opera will be the Ventura County debut of this incredibly moving theatrical event. Due to subject matter, this production is recommended for audiences over 14. Provocative, raw, and unyielding, "bare" examines the consequences of baring a soul or hiding it from those who matter most.

SVCAC's production of bare: a pop opera will feature Andrew Allen as Jason and Julian Comeau as Peter with Hunter Larsen as Ivy, JuLia Williams as Nadia, Tyler Vess as Matt, Brittney S. Wheeler as Sister Chantelle, Heather Dudenbostel as Claire and Michael Heimos as Father. Also featured will be Rehyan Rivera as Lucas, Mazie Wilson as Tanya, Sarah Maher as Kyra, Amanda Newman as Rory, Kaitlyn Fajilan as Diane, Rondell MacGarvey as Alan, and Justin James as Zack. Rounding out the cast will be Amanda Mead-Tatum, Diego Bobadilla, and Colette Berube.

Bare: a pop opera is under the direction of Frederick Helsel with Gary Poirot as Musical Director and Keenon Hooks as Choreographer. The production will feature a set by Seth Kamenow, lighting by Jackson Miller and costumes by Randon Pool. Sound Design is by Chris Grote. Other artistic staff includes Megan Brister as Stage Manager, Rehyan River as Assistant Choreographer, and Sarah Maher as Dance Captain.

Tickets for bare: a pop opera are $24 for Adults and $20 for Seniors and Students and can be reserved by calling SVCAC's box office at (805) 583-7900. Due to subject matter, this production is recommended for audiences over 14. For more information, visit www.simi-arts.org or www.facebook/bareSVCAC.