Missing Cabrillo




The community has been fortunate to have a taste of “Broadway in its own backyard,” and my fear is that it won’t be truly appreciated until it’s gone forever.

In a world of growing cynicism and fleeting images on computer screens, live theater is one of the few art forms remaining that we have to bring us back in touch with our humanity, never more so than with our children.

I cannot imagine a world without live theater, where a child can no longer be drawn into imaginary worlds and be able to dream of being on Broadway when they grow up.

What will happen to our future budding performers if they no longer have live theater to ignite their passion?

Cabrillo Music Theatre has hung on by tooth and nail for all of those children trying to realize their dreams. Cabrillo is a class act and I’m deeply saddened at its closing.

My 13-year-old son has been involved with a few of their shows and I wanted to pass on to you a letter I found on his Instagram about his personal feelings on their closing:

“I think I am so lucky to have been able to grow up with Cabrillo Theatre for the last few years. Thank you for inspiring me Lewis, Ginny and all the crazy, amazing talented actors that I have met. I will miss everything from Hawaiian shirt day to Christmas at the naval base to making seniors smile to hotdog night and to that first time you stand on that big stage and take a deep breath and go ‘Wow.’ Thanks from the very bottom of my heart.”

Thank you for reading,

Belinda Mark
Westlake Village

It’s been a tough couple of days since hearing this dreadful news—Cabrillo Music Theatre will be closing its doors this summer after the production of “The Little Mermaid.”

I’ve been a part of Cabrillo for five years and I have no idea where I would be without them. From doing my very first preshow of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” to bringing cheer to senior homes.

I wish I could spend every waking moment with Cabrillo for it has been the reason behind my greatest memories and experiences and has given me life-long friends.

Cabrillo has changed the Thousand Oaks community. I am so grateful for all of these opportunities, and I wouldn’t be the performer and person I am today with out them.

Thank you to Lewis Wilkenfeld for being an incredible director and mentor, and to my second mom, Ginny Lewsader Grady, for all of the life lessons. Trust me there will be more sappy posts to come but it would mean the world to me if the community could come out and support Cabrillo and see their final shows so Cabrillo can go out with a bang.

Thank you for 22 amazing, incredible years.

Jessica Wallace, 16
Agoura Hills



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