Cal State San Bernardino has immense talent within the theatre arts program. Carol Damgen, CSUSB full-time theatre arts faculty, will share her talent as director, producer and actor with the community in an off-campus play, “The World Premiere of Closing Credits – An Evening with Frank Capra.”
“An Evening with Frank Capra” will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10, at The Box, Fox Entertainment Plaza, 3635 Market St., in Riverside. There will be two performances, the first at 2 p.m., and the second one at 8 p.m.
General admission is $20; senior citizens and students with valid ID, are $15. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets for $13 and may be purchased online at Brown Paper Tickets and at the door. For more information about the event, visit The Box website.
In addition to Damgen, many CSUSB affiliates will be assisting to bring Capra’s story to the stage. Theatre arts undergraduate students Zack Poray will be the stage manager and sound designer, and John Harnetiaux is a cast member. Graduate students Chelsea Bishop and Viola Rowe will also join the cast.
Backstage staff includes CSUSB theatre arts alumni Niko Rabbit, set designer; Brandon Reyes, lighting designer; and Chris Coon as a cast member.
Rounding out the cast of local talent are Jeremy Magouirk, Bryan Richardson, Nathan Smith-Finley and Aidan Davari.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for CSUSB students, alumni and I to work with local actors and established professional writers in an off-campus space together,” said Damgen. “Our past and present CSUSB students are making history as the founding cast and crew on a new work. Pretty exciting for us all.”
Frank Capra is a famed Italian-American director, having directed films such as “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” His inspirational rags-to-riches story will be brought to life through Damgen’s moving production.
“This is a project that is near and dear to my heart,” said Damgen. “It’s part of community outreach as a faculty member, and a lovely way to promote outside theatrical projects with current students, as well as keeping the connection with our alumni students.”
In addition, there will be two showings of a command performance on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Sandra R. Courtney Community Playhouse, 135 E. San Bernardino Ave., in Rialto, at 2 and 8 p.m. For tickets to this performance, call (909) 873-1514.
The play is sponsored by Jesse Dinkel and his Worldwide Theatricals Company, based at the California Theatre.
For more information about the play, contact Carol Damgen at (909) 537-7451 or email cdamgen@csusb.edu.