Temecula-area entertainment scene strong, even in tough economy

BJM Danse performs at the 2009-2010 season of Temecula Presents.

For the moment, theater manager Bruce Beers’ office is quiet. This is unusual and worth remarking on, because in just a few hours the Old Town Community Theater will be brimming with energy again.

“It’s not uncommon to have (a performer) practicing an aria in my doorway. It can get kind of crazy,” Beers said, laughing.

In its fifth year, business at the theater is booming, boasting solid sales and record audiences. Despite some cutbacks of part-time employees, Beers reports that folks are flocking to the theater.

Our prices are low and costs are reasonable enough for people to come out and enjoy and still feel good,” said Beers.

Showcasing four exciting genres-Dance, Friday Night Groove, Classical Music and Big Band/Cabaret orchestral concert-the 2009-2010 Season of Temecula Presents gets underway on Sept. 18 with western swing band Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys. Additional Friday Night Groove performances include blues artists Dennis Jones and Wiggins & Figgins, among others.

Several innovative dance groups, including BJM Danse and the Backhausdance companies will thrill and the California Chamber Orchestra’s The Magic of Mozart and Candlelight Classics and Torch Songs and Big Band with Sherry Williams round out an ambitious bill.

“Every artist that performs here compliments this theater. They love the intimate space, being able to make eye contact with their audience-it simply enriches the whole artistic experience,” said Beers, noting that a vibrant and diverse group of talents that come from the world over to light up the Temecula stage.

Sue Anderson, who recently moved to Temecula from Palm Desert, said, “I am actually surprised, pleasantly surprised to know that so many talented artists are coming from so far to perform here (in Temecula). I wouldn’t have expected this of (a smaller venue). I would have thought there would be only local performers.”

When it comes to scheduling the performances and determining which acts Temecula residents would most like to see, Beers said that he looks to both satisfy and challenge his audience.

“We want to entertain, but we also know that the adventurous patron loves to be introduced to new and exciting artistic feats,” Beers said. “Personally, I would say that the classical dance and classical music series are very important. These are genres that need our youth.”

With it numerous resident groups-Temecula Performing Arts Company Temecula Valley Players, Fine Arts Network  and more-and every weekend booked solid with drama, music and dance, there is little to suggest that things at Temecula’s community theater will quiet down anytime soon. And that’s just the way Bruce Beers likes it.

“Old Town Temecula is an expanding arts district and this theater will do its part (to entertain). We are ready,” he said.

Learn more about Old Town Temecula Community Theater and the 2009-2010 Season of Temecula Presents at www.temeculatheater.org/ or call 1.866.OLD.TOWN.

Kerri S. Mabee can be contacted at ksmabee.swrnn@gmail.com with comments or questions.

Tags: Bruce beers, old town temecula community theater, SWRNN

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