Setting the Stage

Ensemble’s Johnny Cash tribute/story-through-song musical revue winds up its run at the New Vic with a final extended weekend through December 17. The Alcazar Theatre in Carpinteria has a second and final weekend helping of its homegrown adaptation of Miracle on 34th Street featuring an all-local cast and production crew, also closing December 17, the same date that A Christmas Story, The Musical closes out its extended run at the Ojai Arts Center. 

Meanwhile, Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre continues its production of the Kander & Ebb musical The World Goes ‘Round right on through Christmas Eve eve, aka December 23. But that’s not the big news for the Venture venue, as on opening night on Saturday, Rubicon announced a $1.5 million gift from the state – the largest investment from a government entity in the company’s 25-year history – which is earmarked toward building and infrastructure at the theater, while a concurrent match campaign is raising funds for artistic and educational programs. Talk about Christmas coming early.