DVC Drama

DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE: Department of Drama 2008-2009 Season:

On behalf of the faculty and students of Diablo Valley College, I would like to extend a formal invitation to attend our wonderful season of plays presented by our award-winning Department of Performing Arts. While our plays are always chosen with the community foremost in our mind, this year in particular boasts a wide aray of productions designed to educate, enlighten and entertain audiences across the Bay Area. Theatre has a long tradition of breathing life into literature, as well as exploring subjects and disciplines in an engaging and entertaining manner. We seek to continue that noble tradition with our fantastically diverse line-up.

At DVC Drama we are dedicated to creating avenues for aspiring theatre professionals to explore and hone their skills and talents, while sharing their passion for live theatre through programs that entertain, engage and inspire our community.

DVC Drama’s 2008-2009 season is a total experience: extremely well-written plays that challenge the intellect on a number of issues, while also providing a live event that makes the pages of these scripts vibrate with excitement. Our shows are selected specifically for this community: the diversity of the Bay Area’s people and culture, as well as the standards for excellence for the performing arts that we are proud to have been a part of for more than forty years. Our hope is that you will join us in our quest to reach our community with one of society’s most vital art forms, without having to cross a bridge! If you have any questions, or would like more information about our program, please do not hesitate to call: (925) 685-1230 ex: 2337

-Nicole Hess Diestler, on behalf of DVC DRAMA

Frankenstein (October 17- November 9, 2008)

Our first show, Frankenstein, by R.N. Sandberg, is an adaptation of Mary Shelly’s classic novel. The myth of the Frankenstein monster returns to its literary roots in this tale of a scientist's monstrous attempt to play God. This story is the archetype for many subsequent tales of the mad scientist and his creatures with the monster of misguided science eventually tormenting its creator. Our DVC Production pays homage to German Expressionism, while bringing many of the descriptions and details on the page to life and exploring the psychology of Dr. Frankenstein within the context of the social/moral dilemma of modern advancements in experimental science. Our hope is that this play would spark thought and debate from audiences, young and old, and across varying backgrounds, genders and academic disciplines.

Frankenstein will be directed by Ed Trujillo.

A Perfect Psychological Theatrical Event…just in time for Halloween.

Frankenstein runs from October 17-Nov 9, 2008: PAC Main Stage; Friday and Saturday Nights @ 8pm; Sunday Matinees @ 2:30pm

Tickets can be purchased by calling (925) 687-4445 or by emailing- mfulk@dvc.edu If you are interested in group seating, school performances, or any other special ticketing arrangements, please contact our Marketing Office: (925) 685-1230 ex: 2337

Jesus Hopped the “A” Train (December 5- 14, 2008)

Our second production is an exciting new play by Stephen Adly Guirgis and The Labyrinth Theatre Company, called Jesus Hopped the A Train. This play uses the textual elements of television shows like Law and Order and HBO’s Oz, while exploring the complexities of criminals and the crimes they commit. We have selected this play because of the myriad of themes that it explores: reform, racism, and redemption, just to name a few. The main character of this relevant modern play is, Angel Cruz. Everything about Angel is modernly authentic: his ideals, his disillusionments, his language, his cultural and societal influences, and his style. We believe that this play serves as a mirror to the emerging generation’s response to the world around them, and that our younger audiences will find themselves deeply connected to Angel’s battle and personal struggles. The language of this play is provocative and sometimes profane, so audiences are advised to use their judgment before attending. This play is sure to move, provoke and inspire you- Its setting is intimate and realistic.

Jesus Hopped The “A” Train will be directed by Marlon Deleon.

(Due to content-those under 17 should be accompanied by an adult).

Jesus Hopped the A Train runs from Dec.5-14, 2008
: ARENA THEATER.; Friday and Saturday Nights @ 8pm; Sunday Matinees @ 2:30pm

The Fantasticks (January 23-February 15, 2009)

In January 2009, DVC will present one of the most performed and beloved musicals of the last century, The Fantasticks. When it opened in May 1960, it ran a record-breaking 17,162 performances before originally closing in 2002. Its revival can currently be seen running on Broadway.

Where, “ Jesus Hopped The “A” Train,” shows the daring and fresh side of DVC Drama, The Fantasticks proves our educational commitment to presenting and preserving all theatrical genres. This show is a timeless classic that is sure to please all audiences with its music, characters, and creative styling.

The following text is an excerpt from “ the Fantasticks Official Website.” www.thefantasticks.com:

"A sunny funny musical about love has lasting value, consider that the show's original 44 investors received a 19,465% return on their $16,500 total investment. This, in an era when popular culture often seems to dwell on, if not relish in, nihilism and the darker side of life, is a true social phenomenon. The Fantasticks has played in every state, in more than 11,103 U.S. productions in over 2,000 cities and towns. It has played at the White House, the Ford Theatre, The Shawnee Mission in Kansas, Yellowstone National Park and in America's more exotic locales from Carefree, Arizona to Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. Internationally, more than 700 productions have been staged in 67 nations from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe."
"The creation of Tom Jones (book and lyrics) and Harvey Schmidt (music), The Fantasticks: is the world's longest running musical and the longest running show in American theater history. In addition to an Obie Award and the 1992 Special Tony Award for The Fantasticks, Jones and Schmidt are the recipients of the prestigious ASCAP-Richard Rogers Award for 1993. On February 1, 1999, they were inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame at the Gershwin Theatre."

The Fantastics will be directed by Ken Hein.

A Wonderful, Musical Theatre Classic... Just in time for Valentine’s Day.

The Fantasticks runs from January 23-February 15,2009: PAC Main Stage; Friday and Saturday Nights @ 8pm; Sunday Matinees @ 2:30pm

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (March 20-April 5, 2009)

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and easily accessible plays. Hilarious and fantastical, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will hope to exemplify everything that DVC Drama is about: educational, entertaining, inventive and engaging theatrical productions. The play features three interlocking plots, all connected by a celebration of the wedding. The traditional setting takes place in Athens and set simultaneously in the woodland, and in the realm of Fairyland, under the light of the moon. Our production will guide you on a “Through-The-Looking-Glass,” tour of a Shakespearian classic.

Along with our regular schedule of performances, there will be three additional matinee opportunities for local high school field trips and DVC Drama outreach tours. After these special performances, all in attendance will be treated to a unique opportunity- a “talk-back” session with the performers, designers, stage crew, and director of the production. This has been a DVC tradition for many years. If you have any interest in arranging for a group matinee, please contact our Marketing Department @ (925) 685-1230 ex: 2337. Our sincere desire is to get the younger generation excited about Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream will seek do that and more!

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be directed by Nicole Hess Diestler.

A Shakespearian masterpiece of humor, tenderness and fantasy

A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs from March 20-April 15, 2009.: PAC Main Stage; Friday and Saturday Nights @ 8pm; Sunday Matinees @ 2:30pm

Blithe Spirit (April 24- May 17, 2009)

Our final show of the season is Noel Coward’s classic, Blithe Spirit. The action of the play centers on socialite Charles Condomine, a playwright with a horrible case of writer’s block. The play is notable for the comic character of Madame Arcati, the eccentric medium who accidentally brings back the ghost of Charles’ first wife, Elvira. Written just before WWII, this delightful comedy is just as fresh and funny now as it was then. In these days of well-known/infamous mediums like John Edward and Sylvia Browne, this production proves to be socially relevant as well as sardonically irreverent. Once again, DVC Drama strives to introduce masters of literature to our audiences in a wonderfully entertaining way. The intimate setting of The Arena Theatre will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Blithe Spirit will be directed by Beth McBrien.

Blithe Spirit is guaranteed to uplift yours…and will leave you wanting more.

Blithe Spirit runs from April 24 –May 17, 2009: ARENA THEATER.; Friday and Saturday Nights @ 8pm; Sunday Matinees @ 2:30pm

Directions to DVC Performing Arts Center:

Performing Arts Center building it is on the left hand side of the wide staircase entrance to the campus facing Golf Club Road. If you walk up the main staircase, you will see a small one room building. This is the Box Office. The Box office opens 1 hour prior to performances and you can buy tickets here or pick them up on "Will Call".

The Address is:: 321 Golf Club Road; Pleasant Hill, Ca, 94523; Box Office: 925-687-4445; Tickets email Tickets; Directions to Campus

Parking Tips:

If you are parking on campus Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday, no permit is required. At all other times, a $2 parking fee is required. If you plan on buying a 1 day permit, bring 8 quarters to insert into the little box located in the parking lot to get a parking sticker and then put the parking sticker in your car window in plain view. At no time should you park in Faculty/Staff spaces.

Wheel Chair Access:

There is a ramp located on the left hand side of the main staircase. There are also places for wheelchairs to be located in the theatre for a comfortable view of the stage. Let the box office know that you will be using a wheelchair when you order your tickets so they can arrange for your accommodation.

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