Cabrillo promises exciting season

Cabrillo Music Theatre has announced its expanded 2007-08 season. For the first time in its 13year history at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, the resident musical company will present four productions in the Kavli Theatre.

The upcoming season includes "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," Oct. 26 to Nov. 4; "Ain't Misbehavin'," Jan. 4 to 13, 2008; "Jekyll & Hyde," March 7 to 16; and "Singin' in the Rain," July 25 to Aug. 3, 2008.

"Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" is based on the MGM musical set in the Pacific Northwest. It tells the story of a husband who surprises his newlywed bride with the presence of his six uncouth brothers, each searching for a wife of his own.

The tale of romance features new songs written for the stage. The show will be directed by Cabrillo Music Theatre's artistic director Lewis Wilkenfeld and is recommended for all audiences.

Cabrillo will "jazz the joint" with its winter production of "Ain't Misbehavin'," which features the songs of Fats Waller. The show celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Broadway premiere, where it became the first musical revue to win the Tony Award for best musical.

The five-member cast and onstage orchestra will perform songs such as "Honeysuckle Rose," "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter" and the title tune. The revue is recommended for all audiences.

Next spring, Cabrillo will take its audience to the streets of 19th century London. A contemporary musical in the style of "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Les Miserables," "Jekyll & Hyde" shines a new light on the classic Robert Louis Stevenson tale of good and evil.

The score by Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse includes "This Is The Moment" and "Someone Like You." The show will be directed by multiple Ovation awardwinner Nick Degruccio. The story of mystery, romance and dark humor is recommended for audiences age 10 and older.

"Singin' in the Rain" returns by popular demand. The stage production of the classic musical provides dance, humor and romance, set against the birth of "talking pictures" in 1920s Hollywood.

Featured songs are "You Are My Lucky Star," "Make 'Em Laugh," "Gotta Dance," "Good Morning" and the title song. The show is appropriate for all ages.

Season tickets are on sale and can be purchased through the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza box office or by calling subscriber services at (805) 449-2775. The Civic Arts Plaza is at 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.