‘Music Man’ will be summer fare for Moonlight

"Music Man' principals, from left, Tracy Lore, Elan McMahan, Steve Glaudini, John Vaughan, Alessa Neeck, David Engel. (Photo: Ken Jacques)
“Music Man’ principals, from left, Tracy Lore, Elan McMahan, Steve Glaudini, John Vaughan, Alessa Neeck, David Engel. (Photo: Ken Jacques)


By Eva Trieger

Eva Trieger
Eva Trieger

VISTA, California–If you’re a San Diego Jewish World devotee the sobriquet “The Music Man” may conjure images of Yale Strom or evoke strains of klezmer, but be warned, this Music Man can only be found at Moonlight Amphitheater and only from July 15th through August 1st.  What’s that? You’re unfamiliar with this venue? According to the current Director/Producer, Steve Glaudini, it is “the best kept secret in town.”  However, if things continue on their present trajectory “Moonlight” will become a household name.

Since taking up this mantle in 2012, when Kathy Brombacher passed the baton to this seasoned, though youthful actor/director/producer, Moonlight has enjoyed “increased ticket sales, higher profile and greater prestige.”  I asked Glaudini what accounted for this upsurge in attendance.  “Diversity in programming” has been the number one carrot, dangled before current subscribers and newbies to the venue.

Glaudini creates a season of a melange of classic shows, edgier shows, and some never-before-performed shows.  This formula certainly seems to be paying off.  For shows such as Young Frankenstein and  The Who’s Tommy the ticket takers saw 500-800 new people sail through the gates each night!  Some shows are geared toward families, others, such as the recent All Shook Up was somewhat riskier, based on the assumption that everyone is familiar with Elvis Presley.  “Sometimes you have to roll the dice,” averred Glaudini.

Moonlight has a unique relationship with the City of Vista and this partnership enables them to produce extravaganzas replete with Broadway sets, a live 22-piece orchestra, and actors of the highest caliber.  This bounty is made possible partially by non-profit funding and by a voter-approved city sales tax. This has enabled ticket prices to remain significantly lower than most area theaters.  In 2009, a $13 million renovation made the Moonlight Amphitheater a state of the art facility, and it has been reaping the rewards ever since. Great consideration has gone into the environmental impact as well, and drought resistant turf has replaced the inviting grassy picnic area.

Glaudini’s debut on this stage was as Mr. Smee in Peter Pan back in 1996.  As an actor, he had performed at Disneyland, Musical Theater West in Long Beach, local theaters in Orange County and all over the greater San Diego area.  Children of Eden was his first show as Director at the Moonlight in 2003.

Clearly Steve Glaudini is doing something right because he garnered the coveted Craig Noel award in 2014 for Producer of the Year.  Looking at next season’s line up, it’s no surprise that this Director/Producer loves his job and takes it very seriously! He told me that he was “absolutely surprised” to be recognized in only his second season at Moonlight Amphitheater.

For 2016 visitors will be treated to masterful programming as well as a new concept for this venue.  The upcoming shows include Sister Act, Peter Pan, Titanic, a San Diego premiere and the Adams Family, a Moonlight premiere.   This year, for the first time, Moonlight Presents will enclose the stage for the winter months to offer a cabaret dinner series.  What a great way to celebrate its 35th anniversary!

This season will round out with Big Fish, a San Diego premiere that tells the story of the complexities of the father/son relationship.  The show did not do well on Broadway, but Glaudini will infuse it with the air of fantasy and grandeur of a stage filled with daffodils, mermaids, and all of the poignancy it deserves.

Glaudini shared that he is very excited about The Music Man, and believes audiences will delight in the fresh interpretation of this 1957 Broadway classic that starred Robert Preston and Shirley Jones. “It has such heart, and the sets and costumes are amazing. “  The tale of Harold Hill, traveling con man, is delightfully revealed as a budding romance makes him reconsider bilking the people of River City.  In Moonlight’s production a vast ensemble of adults and children will support David Engel (Harold Hill), Alessa Neeck (Marian Paroo), Maxine Sutton (Amaryllis) and Elliot Weaver (Winthrop).  The director told me, “Audiences want it big and splashy, and that’s what I’m going to give them.”

There may be a better way to spend a summer evening than picnicking while enjoying fabulous musical theater at a great value, but if there is, I can’t think of one.

For tickets: www.moonlightstage.com or call 760.828.0596

*

Trieger is a freelance writer focusing on the arts.  You may comment to eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com, or post your comment on this website provided that the comment is civil and that you identify yourself by full name and city and state of residence.