The 2009 San Pedro Theater Season Has Begun!

The 2009 season of great plays, comedies, and musicals has begun in San Pedro!

The Little Fish Theatre Company opened the live theater season, so they get first billing.

"Pick of the Vine" is a collection of short, one-act plays that plays to many emotions and creates a truly enjoyable evening of entertainment.

Terri, Ruth, Phil, and I were members of a full house Saturday evening at the Little Fish Theater at 777 S. Centre Street, in San Pedro.

The Theatre Company's Web address is: http://www.littlefishtheatre.org/ and you can find out the dates and times for "Pick of the Vine" On that Web site.

Also you can find out about future productions, discount tickets, supportive opportunities and amenities offered for an entire evening's worth of good food, fantastic theater, and great company.

But wait! There's more! Along with Little Fish, we are also gaining pride with San Pedro's newer Theatre Company, The Relevant Stage Theatre Company!

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is the hit Off-Broadway musical revue which closed after over 5000 performances in July, 2008. I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change features music by Jimmy Roberts with a book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro. The musical comedy celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind relationships. Act I details the journey from dating and waiting to lovers and marriage, while Act II reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set. It is the longest-running musical revue in New York stage history. Valentines Day audiences will enjoy a free glass of champagne at intermission.

This production begins the season of The Relevant Stage Theatre Company and you can learn more about this and future productions by visiting: http://therelevantstage.com/

The Web site for The Relevant Stage also provides a great deal of information about the dates of their season opener, future productions, how you can help support the Company, and other things.

I was informed that the Company's performances for students have been fabulous hits and they will continue to help students learn to appreciate and participate in all aspects of theater life.

The Relevant Stage is a much newer theater company in San Pedro compared to Little Fish. Both companies provide great entertainment on a much different scale and both are enjoyable for the widest number of audience members possible.

San Pedro's Little Fish Theatre Company has been around for a long enough time to establish itself as a Company that provides programs that have folks coming to watch it from a very large area of greater Los Angeles.

It is hoped that in a few year's time, The Relevant Stage Theatre Company will also attract a much wider group of theater goers than they have seen in the first seasons.

I have been around theater since I was a toddler and I have worked a bit in the theater as a student, volunteer, and a professional.

The acoustical problems faced with previous productions by The Relevant Stage has been carefully and thoughtfully fixed and with the production of "Bat Boy, the Musical" we have now found a much better listening experience, even in a 1,400+ seat theater.

If I can't get a job before a particular future production ends, I am going to do my best to help out with "The Rocky Horror Show", if Ray and Terri will let me.

San Pedro is also home to the Grand Vision Organization or more commonly known as the Warner Grand Vision Organization.

Their Web site is at: http://www.grandvision.org/.

This Organization has The Grand Annex theater space where productions occur as part of live theater.

Of course throughout the year, productions take place of live theater at The Warner Grand Theater that are not part of The Relevant Stage Theatre Company.

"The Nutcracker" is best remembered when you watch it as part of a packed house full or relatives, friends, and others enjoying the huge cast of "The Nutcracker" at The Warner Grand Theater.

In these very tough economic times, I surely hope Shakespeare by the Sea is able to produce a 2009 season.

At their Web site: http://www.shakespearebythesea.org/ you can learn about past seasons and how you can help this very cash strapped organization.

If you have ever been an audience member attending a free production by the Shakespeare by the Sea Company, you already know how great they are, no matter where you go to see a production.

I hope "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged", the only production they charge for, acts as a recurring benefit for the Organization and it is a MUST SEE!

During 2009 schools throughout the area will have shows that can be enjoyed.

Dodson Middle School has a performing arts Magnet Program, as well as South Shores Elementary School.

Dance recitals also are performed throughout the year at several venues in San Pedro.

When I thought about this post, I intentionally left out The Golden States Pops Orchestra until this spot because it's new season began last year and I wanted it separated from other forms of live entertainment.

OF COURSE you all need to attend every Golden States Pops Orchestra concert. That is a given and doesn't need further discussion.

Their Web site is at: http://gspo.com/

As far as concerts around San Pedro go, I hope that "Music by the Sea" comes back during this Summer at Point Femin Park. http://www.musicbythesea.org/ is their Web site.

Also, live music can be heard at many local venues, on First Thursdays, and at concerts presented at churches in the area.

Ya, we do got cul-cha in San Pedro. It's a whole lot of quality stuff, waiting for you to enjoy an entire year of great works.