WHITTIER - Blue Moon Theatre Company has announced it has been awarded a theatre residency to perform in the 340-seat performing arts center at Southern California University Health Sciences in Whittier.For almost a century, Southern California University Health Sciences has been training future health care providers for successful careers in patient care. Offering a dual degree program in chiropractic and acupuncture/oriental medicine, the University's 38 acre campus is located at 16200 Amber Valley Dr in Whittier. The non-profit theatre group will perform Broadway musicals, dramas, comedies, touring musicals and youth productions. The season begins with Ticket to Ride Musical, an award winning musical biography of the Beatles, from April 23 - 25. Founded by Shawn Hillman and Andy Nagle, the Blue Moon Theatre Company's vision is to bring quality live stage productions at an affordable ticket price as well as offer a wide range of performances to the community. "I think people of Whittier and surrounding areas yearn for well-rounded theatrical productions," said Nagle, who brings more than ten years experience in theatre management and production. "We will present shows for both seniors and younger audiences, including national touring shows," said Hillman, an award-winning producer of Broadway musicals and youth productions. "It is important to the University to help promote community interest, support and involvement in cultural and performing arts," said Regina Webster, Vice-President of Institutional Advancement at SCUHS. "We are eager to open our performing arts venue to the public," she added. Blue Moon Theatre, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, anticipates utilizing between 15,000 - 20,000 volunteer hours per production. They offer an extensive volunteer program and reward workers with season passes. Volunteer opportunities range from season ticket drives, set building, set painting, ushering, kitchen, clerical, staffing fundraising events to publicity. High school and college theatre students will be trained to operate the theatre's technical equipment for all productions. Those interested in volunteering can email bluemoontheatreco@prodigy.net or call Andy Nagle at 562 480-7951 The theatre opens April 23 with three shows to raise funds to seed the theatre's regular season budget. "Ticket to Ride Musical" a biography of the Beatles, runs from April 23-25. This live musical, multi-media presentation tells the story of the "Fab Four" through song, humor and drama and never fails to bring the audience to their feet. "New Kid in Town" is a dance musical featuring premier Eagles tribute, Hotel California, and tells a story interwoven through the lyrics of Eagles megahits like as "Take it Easy" "Heartache Tonight" , "Hotel California" , "Witchy Woman" and, of course, "New Kid in Town." The musical runs from April 30 - May 16 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. World class magician John Gabriel, who has played to packed houses at Caesar's Palace and the Stardust in Las Vegas, brings his show of illusions to the Blue Moon. Gabriel was hailed by NBC as "the next hottest magician." "John Gabriel - Magic Redefined" runs May 29 and 30. Tickets for the shows range between $20 - $35 and mini season ticket packages are available for the three fundraising shows. You may tour the theatre to select your season ticket by emailing bluemoontheatreco@prodigy.net. The theatre's regular season will begin in June with Broadway musicals, dramas, comedies and two youth shows. The season will be announced May 1. The theatre also offers static ads to the business community which runs on large screens before shows and during intermissions, as seen in movie theatres. The theatre is selling ad packages which include free tickets to business sponsors. Those interested should contact Andy Nagle at (562) 480-7951 or andy@lajollabooking.com

********** Published: April 2, 2010 - Volume 8 - Issue 50