WEST SIDE STORY
Through Nov. 14 | Moorpark
An updated, musical version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, set in the Upper West Side of New York City in the mid-1950s. The Jets and the Sharks are street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds, whose rivalry comes to a head when a former Jet falls in love with the sister of a Shark. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., with special matinee performances offered at 2 p.m. on Nov. 6 and 13. Tickets: $25. High Street Arts Center, 45 East High Street, Moorpark, 805.529.8700, highstreetartscenter.com.
THE NEXT BIG THING 2021
Through Nov. 20 | Camarillo
Artists are continuously challenging their boundaries and excavating their unique discoveries to create new and bold work. Every year, Studio Channel Islands invites artists to enter their most recent break-through pieces, the ones that have led them to the horizon of their work’s next evolution. All media and styles will be on display during The Next Big Thing 2021, with juror awards for the top three pieces. The 2021 juror is Peter Mays, executive director of the Los Angeles Art Association and Gallery 825. Blackboard Gallery at Studio Channel Islands, 2222 East Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo, 805.383.1368, studiochannelislands.org.
SEVERANCE PLAY
Through Nov. 21 | Oxnard
This original work by Michael Perlmutter is set in the offices of a chemical corporation where three coworkers navigate a triangle of lies and cover ups with crisp dialogue and complex interactions. A sharp comedy about office politics, romance, sales, lies sex and maybe even a little murder. Tickets: $10-$20. The Elite, 2731 South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard, 805.483.5118, www.theelite.org.
BEFORE THE WILT
Through Jan. 3, 2022 | Ojai
Curated by China Adams, the Porch Gallery’s latest show puts in the spotlight the flower: a site of tension between new blooms and old, freshness and decay, a symbol of the life cycle and a harbinger of doom. The flower itself reminds us of the inevitability of death, and the precious fragility of life. Before the Wilt features colorful, dramatic paintings of plump, fresh flowers by Renee Fox and weathered and windblown ones by Mary Warner. Together, these works bookend the compressed floral life cycle, and hint at a world teetering on the edge of environmental ruin. Porch Gallery, 310 East Matilija Street, Ojai, 805.620.7589, porchgalleryojai.com.
RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Through Nov. 30 | Simi Valley
On Nov. 4, 1991, President Ronald Reagan stood beside four other living U.S. Presidents to officially open the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. Thirty years later, the institution celebrates with a month’s worth of activities. On exhibit will be rarely seen artifacts associated with the President and Mrs. Reagan, photos and mementos from the Library’s opening, and more. Nov. 13 and Nov. 20 will feature live music concerts by the Thousand Oaks High School Vocal Ensemble Honors, American folk band The Golden Pipers and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Band. Kids will be admitted to the library free all throughout November. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, www.reaganfoundation.org.
BABY: THE MUSICAL
Nov. 5 – 28 | Thousand Oaks
Conejo Players Theatre presents this musical about three couples expecting a child. Young college students, thirty-somethings that struggled to conceive and a middle-aged couple all grapple with the painful, rewarding and agonizingly funny aspects of pregnancy and upcoming parenthood. A production full of heart, joy and a peppy musical scare. All patrons are required to wear a mask while inside the theater, regardless of vaccination status. $18-20. 351 South Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, 805.495.3715, www.conejoplayers.org.
RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN
Nov. 5 – 28 | Santa Paula
The Santa Paula Theater Center returns to live entertainment with this sharp — and sharply funny — play by Gina Gionfriddo in which a rockstar academic and a stay-at-home wife and mother decide to engage in a dangerous game of musical chairs. Beneath the biting wit and laughs, it explores the complexities women face as they attempt to have both a satisfying career and a fulfilling personal life, and examines love, work, gender politics and feminist ideals from different perspectives. An ambitious return to the stage for one of Ventura County’s most celebrated theaters. 125 South Seventh Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.4645,
www.santapaulatheatercenter.org.
OJAI HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE
Nov. 13-14 | Ojai
Get a head start on your holiday shopping and shop local at the Ojai Holiday Marketplace! Presented by the Ojai Festival Women’s Committee, this treasured tradition will feature a wide variety of curated fashion and lifestyle items for sale from more than 50 vendors from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Live musical performances, strolling carolers and an appearance by Santa Claus himself will add to the festive atmosphere. In addition, there will be craft stations for make-your-own ornaments and wreaths. A silent auction with decorated holiday decor and menorahs will be available throughout the weekend. Free and open to the public. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 13-14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Libbey Park, 210 South Signal Street, Ojai, www.ojaifestival.org/2021-ojai-holiday-marketplace-returns/.
13TH ANNUAL ART ABOUT AGRICULTURE
Nov. 13 – March 6, 2022 | Santa Paula
The Ag Art Alliance was formed in 2007 by Santa Paula artists Gail Pidduck and John Nichols. The purpose of the annual Art About Agriculture exhibit is to promote awareness of agriculture by using art to explore its many facets — from workers to water, from machinery to fields, to the food that goes on our plates. Since 2010, the juried show, which features the work of several artists, has been exhibited at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Also on view through Jan. 9: Work From Home, art created at home during the pandemic by 50 distinct California artists. The museum is open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.5554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.
CAMERATA PACIFICA
Nov. 14 | Ventura
In the world of classical music, chamber music compositions are a composer’s most intensely personal expression. Written for small groups of musicians, chamber music demands an intimacy and honesty lost in the impersonal nature of large group performances. For over three decades, Camerata Pacifica has offered fans of classical music intimate venues, innovative programming and a roster of highly personable virtuosi, which combine to create dynamic, memorable concert presentations. Now returning to live performances, the November concert features selections from Leonarda, Blavet, Tartini, Rameau and Beethoven performed by Emi Ferguson, William Short, Paolo Bordignon and Gilles Vonsattel. Sunday, Nov. 14, at 3 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 East Main Street, Ventura. Tickets: $68. For more information, visit cameratapacifica.org/home.
WINTER WONDERLAND OF WREATHS
Nov. 18 – Dec. 2 | Camarillo
The Foundation for Pleasant Valley Recreation and Parks is excited to announce the inaugural Winter Wonderland of Wreaths. Get involved with this fundraiser to support your local parks! Reserve your display spot, decorate an 18-28 inch wreath and drop it off at the Community Center administration office. All wreaths will be displayed on Saturday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the entire community is welcome to view and bid on them through the online auction. The auction closes at 12 p.m. on Dec. 2. For more information, contact Katlyn at 805.482.1996 x 107 or email ksimber@pvrpd.org. 1605 East Burnley Street, Camarillo, www.pvrpd.org/winter-wonderland-of-wreaths.
POSTMODERN JUKEBOX
Nov. 19 | Thousand Oaks
Pop music gets into a time machine to be reimagined and reworked into different vintage genres, including (but not limited to) swing and jazz. Always lively and dazzling, Postmodern Jukebox’s multi-talented ensemble of singers and musicians bring their time-twisting, genre-spanning arrangements to the Fred Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks for a thrilling and unforgettable night of live music virtuosity. The show starts at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19. Tickets: $47-$107. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
AMANDA MCBROOM IN CONCERT
Nov. 20 | Ojai
An autumn feast for the ears to benefit the Ojai Art Center. Renowned cabaret performer Amanda McBroom presents a very special concert this month, joined by composer and songwriter Michele Bourman. In addition, audience members will enjoy a special treat with an appearance by composer, arranger and jazz pianist Roger Kellaway. A reception will follow the performance. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. VIP tickets $125; regular tickets $50. Ojai Art Center, 113 South Montgomery Street, Ojai, 805.640.8797, ojaiact.org.
DUDLEY HOUSE HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
Nov. 26 – Dec. 12 | Ventura
The historic Dudley House on Ashwood Street in Ventura was built in 1892 by famous local architect Selwyn Shaw for Benjamin Wells Dudley and his brother, Frank. It is one of the last pioneer farmhouses within city limits and typifies the agricultural heritage of the county. Now a National Historic Landmark, the house is open on a limited bases for tours and special events — including the Annual Holiday Boutique! Quality crafts, home decor, antiques, collectibles and a silent auction will be available every weekend starting Nov. 26 through Dec. 12. 12-5 p.m. with a special outdoor flea market on Sundays. Free. 197 North Ashwood Street, Ventura, 805.642.3345, dudleyhouse.org.
SEE YOU AT THE STUDIO! FEATURING GAYEL CHILDRESS
Nov. 30 | Online
Focus on the Masters’ newest series takes you up close and personal with the organization’s Documented Artists. They’ll share what they’ve been up to, current works, a tour of their studio and how their art is integrated into FOTM’s Learning to See art education program. A different artist is featured each month, and in November viewers will go into the studio with painter, printmaker and Ojai Studio Artists’ Tour founder Gayel Childress. The episode takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is free for FOTM members; $10 for nonmembers. RSVP at focusonthemasters.com.
ON THE HORIZON
CHRISTMAS MAGIC 2021
Dec. 3-12 | Moorpark
High Street Arts Center’s joyful holiday show returns as cast members from the entire theatrical season come back to the stage to recite classic tales, sing beloved holiday classics, share the stories behind favorite songs and more. A magical way to ring in the season! Shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. Ticket prices to be determined. High Street Arts Center, 45 East High Street, Moorpark, 805.529.8700, highstreetartscenter.com.
