PRESS RELEASE Holiday Spirit Setting the Stage as Rehearsals Gear Up for “It’s A Wonderful Life”    Valley Center, CA--For Immediate Release—Tickets are on sale and rehearsals are in full swing for a cast of 35 players and crew who plan to deliver six classic performances of “It’s A Wonderful Life,” just in time for the holidays.       This winter performance, sponsored by Left Coast Engineering, is another high quality production from Valley Center Community Theater. The show opens on Friday, December 2 and runs for six shows over two weekends. The cast is made up of actors and actresses of all ages from all over San Diego County from Ramona to Mira Mesa to Valley Center.      “Since we organized VCCT in 2006, our single goal has been to deliver high quality entertainment at affordable prices,” said Judy Kooyers, producer of “It’s A Wonderful Life.”  These actors and actresses have invested hundreds of hours rehearsing already and this group expects to serve up one of the best holiday classics in a polished and entertaining show.”      Directed by Kristen Collins, six shows of” It’s A Wonderful Life” are slated at the Maxine Theater, 31322 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center High School.  Performance dates are Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 at 7 p.m; Sunday, December 4 at 2 p.m.; Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 11 at 2 p.m.      Advance ticket sales are just $10 and are available from the cast members:  George Bailey – Fred Gaines Jr, Clarence Odbody – Michael Wilkinson, Mr. Gower – Lester Beccue, Mother Bailey – M. Susan Peck, Aunt Tilly – Judy Kooyers, Uncle Billy – Joel Kooyers, Harry Bailey - Francisco Moncado, Violet Peterson – Sydnee Davis, Mary Hatch – Katie Burlington, Bert – Chris Williams, Ernie - Jack Delessio, Ms. Potter – Gina Mari, Potter’s Goon – Blake Wilkinson, Potter's Secretary - Maddie Hatten, Mrs. Hatch – Wenthy Collins, Mrs. Thompson – Wenthy Collins, Mr. Welch - Joel Kooyers, Mrs. Martini – Peyton Smith, Patricia Bailey- Amanda Baranowski, Tommy Bailey – Carl Cline, Janie Bailey - Satya Davis, Zuzu Bailey – Katelynn Tullis, Young George – Carl Cline, Young Harry – Caden Cline, Annabelle - Phoebe Hatten    Tickets will also be available from The Country Junction Deli,  Momma’s Cowboy Coffeehouse, Terry’s Hay and Grain and Portino’s  after November 18th.  Tickets will be $12 at the door.  For more information about   “It’s A Wonderful Life”, please visit www.vcct.org. For more information about Left Coast Engineering, visit www.LeftCoastEng.com. PRESS RELEASE  Opening Night for Miracle on 34th Street       November 23, 2010 -- The cast and crew of Miracle on 34th Street are putting on the finishing touches just in time for Opening Night this Friday.  All the sets will be dressed up with holiday décor, the lighting technician have set up their cues and the only thing Valley Center Community Theater is waiting for is YOU… to join them in the audience at the Maxine Theater.         The magic of the story of Kris Kringle and young Susan Walker will come to life at the Maxine Theatre for two weekends beginning this Friday.  The role of young Susan is double cast with the outstanding actresses Laine West and Shelby Becker.  These girls are not new to the stage.  Shelby began performing at the tender age of 4, appearing as a Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz.  Laine’s first acting role was Gretel in The Sound of Music with VCCT at the age of 6.  “The hardest thing about playing the role of Susan is that she is very ridged and acts like a grown up. I have always been taught to be myself and have my own ideas!” states Miss West.  “The best thing about being double-cast is that we get to help each other learn our lines, have fun with our friends on stage and we get a break every other performance,” says Shelby.       Discount tickets for Miracle on 34th Street are only available until December 2nd for $10.00 from cast members or at the following businesses:  The Country Junction Deli, The Sports Closet, Terry’s Hay and Grain, The Country Trader, and Stirrup Fun. After December 2nd, you can purchase tickets at the Maxine Box Office for $12.00 one hour prior to the show.  Tickets are also available on-line at vcct.org.       This show is the perfect way to get you into the holiday spirit.  As a bonus, the kids will get to see Santa on stage and meet him after the show.  This is the most affordable ticket price for holiday shows in San Diego. Miracle on 34th Street performance dates are December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12.  Show times are 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays at the Maxine Theatre.  For more information, please visit vcct.org or call (760) 420-3071.   PRESS RELEASE                                                                   Rehearsals in full swing for Miracle on 34th Street  October 29, 2010 – Valley Center Community Theatre has started rehearsals for their production of Miracle on 34th Street, directed by Kristin Collins.  The play is based on the 1947 Academy Award winning classic film, starring Natalie Wood.  This heartwarming story centers around Kris Kringle and a young girl.  Kris is hired as a Macy’s holiday Santa where he completely enchants children and shoppers.  He is such a great sales person, that if a customer can’t find what they are looking for at Macy’s, he directs them to their competitor, Gimbles!  Due to his convictions that he is the true Santa Claus, some fellow employees question his competency and try to ruin him.  A young girl’s belief in Santa and the magic of the Christmas season is at stake in a climatic courtroom decision.  Hundreds of letters from children trying to reach Santa are brought to the courthouse, proving that Kris is indeed the real Santa Claus.  Mr. Joel Kooyers has the pleasure of playing Kris Kringle.  Joel was also quick to point out that his wife, Judy, is in the show and they are having a great time working together during rehearsals.  By day, Joel is a favorite local housepainter here in Valley Center and by night, he transforms into the character of the charming Kris Kringle.  “I am really enjoying playing the kind-spirited role of Kris Kringle.  He is so passionate and convicted to his beliefs that he is the real Santa,” explains Joel.  When asked about his favorite scene, he was quick to describe the memorable, imagination scene with young Susan.  “My character is doing his best to help Susan imagine she is a monkey.  She is extremely hesitant to engage in any kind of make believe games. The two of them end up having the greatest time making monkey sounds, goofing off like monkeys, and just having a general good laugh while using their imagination.” Miracle on 34th Street is fun for the entire family and tickets are very affordable at $10.00 pre-sale and $12.00 on line and at the box office.  VCCT welcomes both new and returning patrons to join them during the holiday season at the Maxine Theatre. Performance dates are December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12.  Show times are 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.  Tickets will go on sale November 15.   Please visit vcct.org for ticket information.  ### PRESS RELEASE Putting It Together – Page to Stage for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast  By: Karen Johnson  After more than two and a half months of blocking rehearsals, ten vocal rehearsals, one-hundred hours of stitching costumes for forty-two actors, 200 hours of set construction, paint brushes working furiously for 80 hours to complete the backdrops, professional musicians learning over 200 pages of sheet music, and memorizing over 100 pages of dialog, the cast of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is ready to take their show to the next level… technical rehearsal at the Maxine Theatre.  Technical Rehearsal is where the cast, crew, orchestra, lighting team, and sound designer all come together to gear up for “Opening Night” preparations.  The cast gets the privilege of singing with the 12 piece orchestra for the first time.  (The lyrics for this production are written by Tim Rice who also wrote the lyrics for “Evita”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “The Lion King”.)  The lighting team will set the lights overhead to create a bright and cheery town scene. Then quickly turn the stage to the dark and dreary interior of the Beasts’ castle. The stage crew will spend several hours learning where to place Belle’s fountain for the opening scene, the Beasts’ authentic grand fireplace, and the grand staircase in which Belle enters for the memorable waltz with the Beast.  The actors will also get their first crack at performing in their larger-than-life costumes and characterized make-up.  At the end of these four days of tech, the show will finally be ready for you this Friday, July 16th.    At last, the cast and crew welcome you to “Be Our Guest” at the state of the art Maxine Theatre during the next two weekends.  So please, don’t miss out on our gift to you here in Valley Center.    Disney’s Beauty and the Beast runs July 16, 17, 18, and 23, 24, 25. Friday’s and Saturday’s at 7:00 p.m. Sunday’s at 2:00 p.m. At the Maxine Theatre, 31322 Cole Grade Rd., Valley Center.  Discount tickets available for $13.00 (until July 15) at Stirrup Fun, The Desert Rose, Terry’s Hay and Grain, The Sports Closet and Country Junction Deli. Tickets available online at vcct.org or at the box office one hour prior to the show for $15.00.  PRESS RELEASE TOP 10 Reasons Why you should see VCCT’s “DISNEY’S Beauty and the Beast” 1.   The show will be performed at our very own state of the art MAXINE THEATRE. It’s here in VC, on the campus of the High School. This is not a High School production. It’s a community production! 2.    This is the Broadway Musical Version that ran for 13 years on Broadway in NYC. 3.    The lavish music is played by a LIVE 12 piece orchestra. Conducted by our very own Laralee Beck. 4.    The show is perfectly suitable for children and adults. It is “laugh out loud” funny and may bring a tear to your eye. 5.    When you hear the characters “Belle” and the “Beast” sing, you won’t believe your ears!  6.     Advanced Tickets are the same price as a 3D movie at only $13.00. Plus, you don’t have to drive “down the hill” to see quality entertainment. 7.     The spectacular costumes are true to the vision of a professional Disney show. 8.     The show features several adult actors/singers from your community and beyond. Many of them have a degree in the Performing Arts, including the director - Toni Montross! 9.      Hundreds of hours were spent creating the magnificent sets, designed and built by Tim Pennell, a Valley Center resident. 10. The show is a gift to you, our community from your Community Theatre.   So please, Be Our Guest! Disney’s Beauty and the Beast runs July 16, 17 18 and 23, 24, 25. Friday’s and Saturday’s at 7:00 p.m. Sunday’s at 2:00 p.m. At the Maxine Theatre, 31322 Cole Grade Rd., Valley Center.  Discount tickets available for $13.00 (until July 15) at Stirrup Fun, The Desert Rose and The Sports Closet. Tickets available online at vcct.org or at the box office one hour prior to the show for $15.00.   PRESS RELEASE  The Magic of  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast  is coming to the Maxine Theatre, Valley Center.  June 24, 2010 - Valley Center Community Theater invites you to "Be Our Guest" in the audience for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.  This production is directed by Toni Montross, with Conductor/Musical Director Laralee Beck, Choreography by Laila Schechter and piano accompaniment by Patty Guthrie. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will run at The Maxine Theater (on the campus of Valley Center High School) 31322 Cole Grade Rd., Valley Center, CA 92082.  Performance dates are July 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25.  Show times are Friday’s and Saturday’s at 7 p.m. and Sunday’s at 2 p.m.  Show information available at vcct.org or call (760) 749-3110 Tickets are on sale now for only $15.00 online at vcct.org or at the box office one hour prior to the show.  Advanced tickets will be on sale in Valley Center on June 28 at The Desert Rose, The Sports Closet and Stirrup Fun shops for only $13.00. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast tells the story of a strong-willed women named Belle and a prince, turned Beast as her captor.  There is a magical spell cast on the beast’s castle.  He must learn to love and be loved in return for the spell to be lifted.  In New York, this show has enthralled Broadway audience for over 13 years and played to over 5,000 sold-out houses.  It has won an Academy Award (animated film), Best Animated Feature at Golden Globe Awards and two Tony Awards. This is the largest show VCCT has ever produced over the past four years.  The production is filled with loveable characters, beautiful music, enchanting sets and costumes.  We can’t wait for families to experience the opportunity to see live theatre at an affordable price.  This “tale as old as time” is sure to be a hit. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Cast: Charles Hand as BEAST, Julia Boulos as BELLE, Andrew Holden as GASTON, Trevor Rogelstad as LUMIERE, Karen Johnson as MRS. POTTS, Jared Pixler as COGSWORTH, Dann McCreary as MAURICE, Francisco Moncada as LEFOU, Rachael Heller as BABETTE, Katie Burlington as MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE, Laine West and Brendan Beck as CHIP, Erik Ramirez as MONSIEUR D’ARQUE, Julie Burlington, Jaime Ranejat and Hayley Kelly as SILLY GIRLS.  Ensemble: Chris Williams, Marcia Wallin, Sassy Montross, Jenna Reeder, Elizabeth Gordon, Aaron Martinez, Kathy Yarush, Kathryn Baker, Jeffrey Yarush, Taylor West, Michael Yarush, Don Yarush, Kristen Collins, Jimi Rondeau, Kyle Talbot, Krista Grenier, Kathryn Baker, Trinity Carvajal, McKenna Montross, Hanna Montross, Molly Davis, and Evan Maher. ### PRESS RELEASE                                                                   May 13, 2010 – Valley Center Community Theater has completed casting for their summer production – Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.  This production will be directed by Toni Montross, with Laralee Beck as Musical Director and Choreography by Laila Schechter and piano accompaniment by Patty Guthrie. "An amazing group of talented people showed up for auditions. Not only was local talent represented, but actors from as far away as Pacific Beach made the trek to Valley Center to audition for the classic roles found in Beauty and the Beast. In the end, we had 54 people audition over the course of two days, casting 43 for the show,” said Jay West, President of VCCT. "The essence of the Disney movie will be reflected in VCCT's production of Beauty and the Beast in appearance, from its' vibrant costuming and sets to the colorful characters that you will meet, but remember things are not always what they seem,"  explains Ms. Montross.  The addition of a full live orchestra will add a very high production value.  “With all of the talented young women who auditioned, the hardest part of the casting process was selecting the one woman who would play Belle. Any one of these ladies could carry the show as Belle on their own talents, but in this case the competition for the lead role was enormous. In the end, our choice of Julia Boulos as Belle, was the right one.” Mr. West explains.  Julia is a recent graduate of Cal State Long Beach, where she received her degree in Performing Arts and Music. Charles Hand will play the role of the Beast with many Valley Center residents rounding out the cast. Some of the local favorites are: Judy Kooyers, Kristen Collings, Karen Johnson, Katie Burlington, Paco Moncada, Julie Burlington, Rachael Heller, Nick Sloan, Taylor West, Laine West, and Brendon Beck.  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will run at the Maxine Theatre for two weekends in July.  Performance dates are July 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25.  Show times are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.  Tickets will go on sale in June.  Please visit vcct.org for more show details.  “Be Our Guest!  Be Our Guest!” in July.  VALLEY CENTER - TICKETS ON SALE NOW for Alice! in Wonderland performed by the Valley Center Community Theater (VCCT) at the Valley Center Maxine Theater. This magical mystical musical will run on Friday June 19th at 7pm, Saturday June 20th at 3pm and 7pm, and Sunday June 21st at 3pm.  Save money and purchase your $10 pre-sale tickets from all VCCT Cast and Crew Members.  They are also available May 15-June 18 at The Desert Rose and The Sports Closet in Valley Center.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.maxine.vcpusd.net and 1 hour before show times at the Maxine Box Office for $12.00 (plus credit card service charge).  Tickets to Alice! are easy to purchase and affordably priced.   Go to www.vcct.org for more show info. “Local support from Ridgeview Church, St. Stephen’s Church, Valley View Casino and The Optimists has been tremendous,” adds VCCT president Kris McCarrick. “  The VC Farmer’s Market is also allowing us to present Storyteller Linda Henry-Bonin’s rendition of Alice in Wonderland on May 21st and 28th at 3:30pm.  This includes our coloring contest with the chance to win a $20 Toys R Us gift card. It will be free to all and a lot of fun!” “We are so appreciative of these local businesses who are helping VCCT sell advanced tickets to Alice!” explains director Karen Johnson.  The cast has been busy getting the word out about the show.  We want to reach out to those who have not been to a past show.  Our goal is to sell out all performances.  See you at the theater!