Short List: April 2025

THE COTTAGE

April 11 – May 11 | Santa Paula
The true meaning of fate, identity, and marriage are called into question as a surprising, hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculous – potentially murderous – uncharacteristically feminist, 1923 British tale of sex, betrayal, and oh yes, love. With a tip of the hat to Noël Coward and sex comedies of the past, “The Cottage” offers endless laughs, hilarious twists, daring physical comedy, and a happy ending for lovers everywhere. What could be better than a comedy of manners in the style of Oscar Wilde, inspired by the works of Noël Coward, heightened to riotous farce with a modern feminist twist. $24-$26. Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. South Seventh Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.4645, www.santapaulatheatercenter.org.

CELEBRATION OF THE WHALES
April 13 | Oxnard
Channel Islands Harbor is thrilled to announce the 26th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival, set to take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13. The Celebration of the Whales Festival has become a fun harbor tradition, with fun activities scheduled throughout the day. This year’s event will feature a community “paint a whale” mural project, chalk art, shopping, free kayaking and standup paddleboarding, a children’s fun zone, and more. Activities will be held at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, Channel Islands Boating Center, the Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market, with a “Gray Whale Migration Trail” that runs through Harbor View Park that connects the two main activity centers. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org/event/2025-celebration-of-the-whales-festival/.

THE FLAMENCO SESSIONS
April 19 | Camarillo
Scintillating guitar and voice with exceptional dancers. The Flamenco is a performance of passion, with intense and intricate movements, expressing the feelings of love, longing and anguish. The Flamenco Sessions will feature seven wonderful artists transporting the gallery to Spain for an evening of great music and dance. Saturday, April 19, 7-9 p.m. $20 students, $40 general admission, $65 VIP (includes priority seating and access to the VIP bar). Studio Channel Islands, 2222 E. Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo, 805.383.1368, studiochannelislands.org.

VENTURA EARTH DAY FESTIVAL
April 19 | Ventura
The highly anticipated Ventura Earth Day Festival returns to downtown Ventura on Saturday, April 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Plaza Park on East Thompson Street! Hosted by the MERITO Foundation in partnership with the City of Ventura Sustainability Division, and in collaboration with EV Advocates of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura Partners, this year’s event promises to be a vibrant celebration of our planet, our health, and our future. With over 50 environmentally-focused exhibitors, the Ventura Earth Day Festival is the place to be for anyone passionate about sustainability, clean energy, and eco-friendly living. This year’s theme, “Healthy Planet, Healthy People!” For more information visit meritostaff.wixsite.com/meritoearthday.

CRIMES OF THE HEART
Through April 20 | Ojai
“Crimes of the Heart” is set in a small Mississippi town where family secrets are never sacred and bad news travels fast. At the heart of the story are the three McGrath sisters, Meg, Lenny and Babe, who never can seem to catch a break. The sisters meet when the youngest of the bunch shoots her husband. She is quite naive to the gravity of her situation. Their narcissistic cousin, who can’t seem to step ahead without stepping on them, lives right next door. Just to complicate matters, the cast is rounded out by a love-sick lawyer and an abandoned lover. Together, these characters unravel a tale of humor, heartbreak and the unexpected bonds that hold them together when life falls apart. $20. Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 South Montgomery Street, Ojai, ojaiact.org.

SPRINGTIME EASTER FESTIVAL
Through April 21 | Moorpark
Come celebrate with Underwood Family Farms at our Springtime Easter Festival! With acres to visit and numerous activities, there is plenty of space to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine with family and friends. Highlights include the giant Easter basket, visits from the Easter Bunny, weekend animal shows, tractor-drawn wagon rides, and lots of photo opportunities. Weekday Admission: $14 (at gate only). Weekend Admission: $20 (online tickets required on weekends including Friday, April 18). Children under 2 are free and do not need a ticket. 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark, underwoodfamilyfarms.com/springtime-easter-festival/.

THE OJAI TENNIS TOURNAMENT
April 23-27 | Ojai
The Ojai Tennis Tournament is a wonderful and unique tradition dating back to the first event in 1896. Players from all over gather to compete in a variety of contests, played at Libbey Bowl, the Ojai Valley Athletic Club and the Ojai Valley Inn, vying for top spots and prestigious honors. Spectators join in the fun, to watch the games and partake in The Ojai’s other programming. Come celebrate tennis, the Ojai Valley and a beloved tradition now in its 123rd year. $5-$65. For tickets, schedule and more information, visit theojai.net.

CHARLIE CHAPLIN’S SMILE WITH PHILIPPE QUINT
April 25 | Thousand Oaks
In the world of cinema, there is a name that stands out and shines brighter than most – Charlie Chaplin. What sets Chaplin apart from many other great comedians, actors, and directors of the same era is his uncanny ability to remain relevant no matter how much time has gone by. Charlie Chaplin’s Smile is a multimedia show which is not only a celebration of Chaplin’s musical legacy but also an exploration of one of the most fascinating life journeys. $47-$79. Friday, April 25, at the Scherr Forum Theatre at the Bank of the America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

FOCUS ON THE MASTERS OPEN HOUSE
April 26 | Ventura
Focus on the Masters (FOTM) Arts Archive & Library is opening its doors to the public on Saturday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., inviting the community to enjoy a rare glimpse behind-the-scenes of one of Ventura’s premier arts organizations. FOTM is located behind Ventura City Hall at 505 Poli Street, suites 310 and 312. Attendees will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with fellow art lovers as we tour the archive. Two tour times are available at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. requires an RSVP, 805.653.2501. Free, donations welcome. www.FocusOnTheMasters.Com.

BONNIE & CLYDE
April 30 – May 18 | Ventura
Experience an exhilarating tale of love, crime, and passion reimagined in the Rubicon’s thrilling new musical production of “Bonnie & Clyde.” With an unforgettable score by Frank Wildhorn that combines rockabilly, blues and gospel music, this new adaptation brings the gripping story of America’s most notorious outlaws to life in a fresh and dynamic way. Previews April 30-May 2. Opening night gala on Saturday, May 3, at 7 p.m. $20-$150. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, 805.667.2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.

PAINTED SEASONS
Through July 6 | Santa Paula
Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum for the premiere of “Painted Seasons,” a solo exhibition by Ojai artist Anne Ward. Anne Ward is obsessed with light and pattern and color. “Painted Seasons” represents various seasons of life from old family photos, to the greens of early spring and the energy of summer. Also on exhibit: “A Brush With Nature: Three Artists’ Perspectives” with works by Santa Clarita-based artists Sandy Fisher, Mardilan Lee Georgio and Charlotte Mullich. 117 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.5554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

WINTER WHALE WATCHING WITH ISLAND PACKERS
Through April 30 | Ventura
Hop on board for an Island Packer’s Winter Whale Watch excursion, with trips departing from Ventura Harbor through April. This three to three-and-a-half hour cruise takes you to the Southern California waters of the Santa Barbara Channel, with views of the Channel Islands National Park. These waters off the coast of Ventura Harbor are known for their marine mammal diversity, and you may get to see other species of marine mammals along with the migrating gray whales. Fun for all ages! The fare is $47 per adult, $43 per senior (55+), and $34 per child. Island Packers’ Ventura location is at 1691 Spinnaker Drive, #105B in Ventura Harbor. Be sure to check out offerings leaving from Channel Islands Harbor as well: 3600 Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard. For more info and booking, contact Island Packers directly: 805.642.1393 or Islandpackers.com/trips/whales-and-wildlife-cruises/winter-whale-watching/.

ON THE HORIZON

VMF’S SPRING FESTIVAL
May 3 | Ventura
Get ready for a free concert series on Saturday, May 3, featuring music from The Barrelhouse Wailers, The Blue Mountain Tribe, The Beatles tribute band Ticket To Ride, and more! Join us for food, music, vendors and more to help us celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Ventura Music Festival! Presented with wonderful support from Downtown Ventura Partners, and with our thanks to The Museum of Ventura County who have graciously offered free admission to their exhibits for the day. This event is partially funded by a generous grant from the City of Ventura. More details to come; visit www.venturamusicfestival.org.