2008 Summer Theater Guide

The Trial of Mata Hari

Elaine Kendall’s drama is based on recent discoveries that shed new light on this enigmatic historical figure. Directed by Meredith McMinn. Thu., June 19, 1pm (includes lunch at 12:15pm) and 8pm. Victoria Hall Theater, 33 W. Victoria St. Call (800) 494-8497 or visit boxofficetickets.com.

Who’s in Bed with the Butler?

A farce in which Jenna Scanlon plays three women. Directed by Jim Sirianni. Through July 13: Fri. and Sat., 7pm and Sun., 1pm. Circle Bar B Ranch, 1800 Refugio Rd., Goleta. Call 967-1962 or visit circlebarbtheatre.com.

It’s Only Life

John Bucchino’s romantic urban piano ballads have long been favored by great singers. Now they have become a musical revue. Through July 13: Thu., Fri., Sat., 8pm (except Sat., June 21 Opening Gala, 7pm); Wed., 2 and 7pm; Sat. and Sun., 2pm. Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Call 667-2900 or visit rubicontheatre.org.

The Heart’s Desire

The world premiere of Jose Cruz Gonz¡lez’s story about a Mexican-American World War II veteran and his French war bride encountering prejudice and embracing opportunity in late-’40s California. Through July 26, 8pm. Solvang Festival Theatre, 420 Second St., Solvang. Call 922-8313 or visit pcpa.org.

Godspell

Colum Parke Morgan plays Jesus in the now-classic rock musical. Throughout June: Wed.-Sun., 8pm. July 8-27: Tue., Wed., and Sun., 8pm. Solvang Festival Theatre, 420 Second St., Solvang. Call 922-8313 or visit pcpa.org.

Critic’s Pick:

Stoop

Three one-acts about women-including the title piece, by Lanford Wilson-from Ken Gilbert and E. Bonnie Lewis’s DramaDogs. Thu., June 26-Sat., June 28, 8pm; Sat., June 28, 2pm. Center Stage Theater, 751 Paseo Nuevo. Call 963-0408 or visit centerstagetheater.org or dramadogs.org.

Rumors

Neil Simon’s urban comedy about accidents, public office, and spin control. With a cast of Santa Barbara’s best, including Nancy Nufer, Tiffany Story, and Dan Gunther. July 11-26: Thu.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 2pm. SBCC’s Garvin Theatre. Call 965-5935.

12 Angry Men

DIJO Productions and Virtual Theatre Company, in collaboration with the Santa Barbara City College Theatre Arts Department, present the great courtroom drama. July 16-Aug. 2: Thu.-Sat., 8pm. Center Stage Theater, 751 Paseo Nuevo. Call 963-0408 or visit centerstagetheater.org.

The Dock Brief

John Mortimer’s radio play explores the gap between expectation and performance in the defense of a murderer. Wed., July 23, 1pm (includes lunch at 12:15pm). Victoria Hall Theater, 33 W. Victoria St. Call (800) 494-8497 or visit boxofficetickets.com.

Leading Ladies

An inheritance at stake, two trained Shakespearean actors must cross-dress to retrieve it in this Ken Ludwig comedy. Directed by Aaron Levin. July 25-Sept. 7: Fri. and Sat., 7pm and Sun., 1pm. Circle Bar B Ranch, 1800 Refugio Rd., Goleta. Call 967-1962 or visit circlebarbtheatre.com.

The Spin Cycle

A new comedy by David Rambo about what it means for an adult woman to move back in with her mom. Directed by James O’Neil. July 31-Aug. 24: Thu., Fri., Sat., 8pm (except Sat., Aug. 2 Opening Gala, 7pm); Wed., 2 and 7pm; Sat. and Sun., 2pm. Rubicon Theatre, 1006 East Main St., Ventura. Call 667-2900 or visit rubicontheatre.org.

Critic’s Pick:

Much Ado About Nothing

Jeff Mills of Boxtales helms this version of Much Ado, which will be set in 1940s Havana and accompanied by Cuban music, with Shakespeare Santa Barbara mainstay Jackie Apodaca as Beatrice and James Bladon as Benedick. Sat., Aug. 2 and Sun., Aug. 3, 5pm. Fess Parker Winery, 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos. Also plays Aug. 9-Aug. 24, every Sat. and Sun., 5pm. Casa De la Guerra courtyard, 15 E. De la Guerra St. Call 231-5088 or visit shakes-sb.com.

Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You

Christopher Durang’s droll extrapolation from a simple premise: “What if Sister really did know everything?” Wed., Aug. 20, 1pm (includes lunch at 12:15pm). Victoria Hall Theater, 33 W. Victoria St. Call (800) 494-8497 or visit boxofficetickets.com.