Golden West preparing diverse 2005-06 season

TOM TITUS

Golden West College will have a diverse lineup of theater awaiting

audiences for its 2005-06 season with only one genuinely familiar

show in the college’s four-production lineup.

That would be “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,”

which has been produced frequently by local theater groups lately,

including Golden West, and also is ticketed for a return visit to the

Orange County Performing Arts Center next season. The other three

shows, however, may be recognizable, but hardly familiar.

Golden West will lead off with Victor Hugo’s classic tale “The

Hunchback of Notre Dame,” adapted for the stage by Charles Morey.

This haunting saga of obsession, innocence, compassion and harrowing

despair will be presented Nov. 4 through 20.

The mother of all Greek tragedies, “Medea,” arrives next March.

Euripides’ haunting story, adapted for the stage by Robinson Jeffers,

originally was written in 431 B.C. and focuses on the princess whose

love for a younger man, Jason, inspires her to betray her family and

forsake her homeland. However, when Jason dumps her for a younger

woman -- well, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Look for

“Medea” March 3 through 19.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s early-career effort “Joseph and

the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” remains one of the most popular

musicals. This retelling of the Biblical tale of Jacob and his 12

sons, and the rags-to-riches story of the title character, will be

staged from May 5 to 14.

For its closing production, Golden West will call on the talents

of Andrew Barnicle, artistic director of the Laguna Playhouse, and

his wife. Sara Barnicle translated Carlo Goldoni’s classic comedy

“The Liar,” and Andrew adapted it for the stage. This Italian

comedy-farce is ticketed for a July 7 through 16 engagement.

Casting for Golden West College productions is open to community

performers as well as student actors. The college has announced open

tryouts for “Hunchback,” Sept. 6 and 7; “Medea,” Jan. 9 and 10;

“Joseph,” Feb. 6 and 7, and “Liar,” May 15 and 16, all at 7 p.m. in

the Mainstage Theater. More information is available by calling

director Tom Amen at (714) 892-7711, ext. 55237.

For theater patrons, Golden West has installed a new online

ticketing system. Prospective audience members can tap into the

theater’s website (www.gwctheater.com) 24/7 to purchase their

tickets.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.