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Step into the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss as 7th Street Community Theatre presents "Seussical the Musical," a production where imagination takes center stage and the boundaries between reality and fantasy beautifully blur.

This episode of Steps to the Stage takes listeners behind the curtain with the creative team bringing this beloved show to life. At the heart of this production is Mickey Estrella, making her directorial debut with the very show that sparked her theatrical journey as a child performer in 2013. Now studying directing at Hofstra University, Mickey returns to her theatrical home to guide a new generation of performers through the colorful worlds of Horton, JoJo, and the Cat in the Hat.

"This show is about having fun and creativity and where your imagination can take you," Mickey explains, highlighting the production's focus on childlike wonder and unbridled creativity. Working alongside co-director Xochitl Neri and musical director Juan Valazquez, the team has assembled a diverse cast of performers ranging from age 4 to 20, creating a vibrant ensemble that embodies the spirit of community theater.

The conversation explores fascinating technical elements, from the rotating set pieces that transform between Whoville and the Jungle of Nool to the deliberately stylized costumes that suggest character without overpowering the performers. Juan discusses the challenges and joys of working with varied musical styles, while the team celebrates the production's remarkable preparedness – having completed full run-throughs three weeks before opening night.

What emerges is a beautiful story of theatrical mentorship and growth, where performers become directors, students become teachers, and community theater fulfills its mission of nurturing talent that returns to enrich the very place where their artistic journey began. Don't miss "Seussical the Musical" running August 8-23 at the Chino Community Theatre – tickets are selling fast for this celebration of creativity, community, and the power of imagination!

Experience the magic for yourself! Grab tickets at ChinoChildrensTheater.org, follow @CCCTbuzz on social media, or support these emerging artists by calling the box office at 909-590-1149.

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What happens when actors become directors? The latest episode of Steps to the Stage takes you behind the scenes with the creative team of "Urinetown the Musical" as they prepare for opening night at 7th Street Community Theatre.

Co-directors Luke Hooganraad and Marcy Pinedo share the exhilarating and sometimes overwhelming experience of their directorial debuts after years of performing on stage. "There's definitely moments where I forget that I'm the adult in the room," Marcy laughs, highlighting the unexpected responsibilities that come with creative leadership. Their journey from receiving a random text message about collaborating to now seeing their show's title on the marquee reflects the organic way artistic partnerships form in community theater.

Musical Director Joey Rice and Choreographer Maddie McGowan offer fascinating insights into the show's eclectic musical style and movement vocabulary. Joey describes the score as "a parody of musicals in general," while Maddie explains how the constantly shifting musical genres have allowed her to experiment with everything from gospel-inspired choreography to jazz movements.

The team dives deep into "Urinetown" itself - a dark political satire about capitalism, environmental collapse, and revolution. Set in a dystopian world where severe water shortages have led to corporatized bathroom access, the show uses humor and musical theater tropes to explore serious themes about social control and activism that sometimes focuses "too hard on slogans without getting to the actual heart of the matter."

What makes this conversation particularly resonant is hearing how community theater serves as an incubator for artistic growth. From performers who thought they were "done with theater forever" after high school finding new creative avenues, to the supportive mentorship that helps first-time directors navigate production challenges, the episode beautifully captures how local theaters build tomorrow's creative leaders.

Join us for this delightful conversation and then experience "Urinetown the Musical" yourself July 5-19 at 7th Street Community Theatre. Get tickets at chinochildrenstheater.org or by calling 909-590-1149.

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Dive into the enchanting world of "The Mole Hill Stories" with director Jesse Pyle as she unveils the creative journey behind Chino Community Theater's latest production. This magical bilingual adaptation transforms three beloved children's tales by Lois Ehlert into a celebration of friendship, nature, and cultural diversity.

What makes this production truly special is its focus on developing new talent. Half of the twelve-member cast are making their theatrical debuts, while student directors Sebastian Olguin and Maya Mansour guide individual segments under Pyle's mentorship. The production features a vibrant, interactive set inspired by the original book illustrations, with creative solutions like slides and climbing elements that bring the stories to life for performers and audiences alike.

Behind the scenes, the show represents a beautiful intersection of generations. Four-year-old Jasper Pyle performs alongside experienced young actors, while student designers create lighting that transforms the moon and sun with the flip of a switch. The collaborative nature of community theater shines through as families work together both onstage and off—designing costumes that capture character essence rather than literal representations, building innovative set pieces, and crafting ambient soundscapes that enhance the storytelling.

"The Mole Hill Stories" offers the perfect introduction to theater for audiences of all ages. With three interconnected tales presented in bite-sized segments, the production creates an accessible, engaging experience that celebrates both English and Spanish language traditions. Whether you're bringing children to their first live performance or seeking a unique Father's Day outing, this production runs for just two weekends (July 13-22) and promises to be a feast for the eyes and imagination.

Experience the magic for yourself! Grab tickets at ChinoChildrensTheater.org, follow @CCCTbuzz on social media, or support these emerging artists by calling the box office at 909-590-1149.

 June 13-21

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What happens when a teacher trusts students to create theatrical magic? In this captivating conversation from Ayala High School's drama department, we discover how one unexpected career twist transformed English teacher Madeline Sherritt into a theater director who puts students firmly in the driver's seat.

Technical Director Aiden Kitavis and Assistant Director Karly Welsh share their journeys from theater newcomers to program leaders, revealing how the department's unique approach fosters both artistic growth and personal development. Rather than micromanaging, Ms. Sherritt creates an environment where students design sets, manage tech, direct scenes, and solve problems as they arise—from figuring out how to transform a multipurpose room into a medieval rock concert venue to determining how to spend their limited, self-funded budget.

The conversation centers around their upcoming production of "Six: The Musical," the Broadway hit that reimagines the wives of Henry VIII as a pop group. Securing rights to this coveted show—one of the first high schools to perform it—represents a meaningful milestone for the program. Through candid stories and lighthearted moments (including impromptu appearances by Ms. Sherritt's young children), we see how Ayala's theater program builds not just productions but a genuine community where students become "the calm in the storm" and develop practical skills they'll carry forward.

Whether you're a theater enthusiast, educator, or simply appreciate stories of young people exceeding expectations when given genuine responsibility, this behind-the-scenes look at student-led theater will inspire you to reconsider what's possible when we trust the next generation with creative control. Don't miss Six: The Musical at Ayala High School, running May 15-17!

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How often do audiences get to experience a play directed by its own playwright? In this enlightening episode of Steps to the Stage, we take you behind the scenes of "Bending the Spoon," part of Chino Community Theatre's Three on the Edge Festival, where writer-director Ken Lay brings his own creation to life.

The play centers on a three-generation family preparing to celebrate a sweet sixteen birthday that unexpectedly resurrects a 20-year-old family tragedy. While the premise might sound heavy, Lay promises plenty of laughter amidst the tears, creating a richly human experience that reflects real life's complex emotional landscape.

What makes this production uniquely fascinating is the creative dynamics at play. Tracy Lay, who portrays Gina and happens to be Ken's wife, brings her third iteration of the character to stage, having originated the role in 2018. Meanwhile, Cindy East, who plays grandmother Carol, describes the rare advantage of working directly with the playwright: "He has so much more insight than the average director would have." This intimate connection between writer, director, and actors creates an electric creative environment where lines can be adjusted on the fly when Ken realizes something that worked on paper doesn't translate perfectly to stage.

The cast reveals how Ken's approach to balancing comedy with tragedy stems from his belief that "you just have to laugh instead of cry" sometimes. Rather than relying on slapstick or overt jokes, the humor emerges organically from recognizable family interactions—those moments audience members will recognize from their own lives. As Tracy explains, "People are going to see these characters and relate to them," thinking, "that sounds just like my dad" or "that's how I talk to my husband."

At its heart, "Bending the Spoon" explores how families navigate life's unpredictable challenges. As Ken thoughtfully puts it, "Sometimes in life, more than one thing hits you at the same time, and you don't always get to resolve one before the next one comes along." When asked to describe the play in just one word, the creative team offers three powerful options: "Life," "Humanity," and "Heart."

Don't miss this rare theatrical experience where playwright vision merges directly with stage direction. Discover for yourself why this production has the cast occasionally leaving rehearsals in emotional silence after powerful scenes, yet still finding themselves laughing at the same moments after countless rehearsals.

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Regret, change, and the peculiar state of limbo take center stage in our riveting conversation with the cast and director of "Savage in Limbo," part of Chino Community Theatre's Three on the Edge Festival. This John Patrick Shanley one-act transports audiences to a seedy Bronx bar circa 1984, where five characters who've known each other since grade school find their lives unexpectedly intersecting on a quiet Monday night.

Director Michelle Knight-Reinhart and her talented cast—Alex Huey (Denise Savage), Bodhi Aguirre (Tony Aronica), and Rafael Ortega (Merc)—delve into Shanley's distinctive writing style and the raw humanity of their characters. Known for works like "Doubt," "Danny and the Deep Blue Sea," and "Moonstruck," Shanley creates painfully honest dialogue that explores the human condition through the lens of working-class New York characters yearning for connection and change.

What makes this production particularly fascinating is how it balances gritty realism with moments of unexpected humor. The laughter often emerges from uncomfortable situations and self-inflicted problems as characters desperately try to change their circumstances while simultaneously resisting transformation. As one cast member notes, perhaps "limbo" isn't just a temporary state but the constant in all our lives—we're perpetually wondering if something better awaits us while remaining stuck in our patterns. The production embraces its 1980s setting with period-appropriate costumes and creates an immersive bar environment where drinks mysteriously appear without being mixed, adding an intriguing theatrical element that mirrors the reliability and steadfastness of Merc's character.

Don't miss this powerful exploration of human connection running May 9-24 as part of the Three on the Edge Festival, which also features "Breathing Corpses" and "Bending the Spoon." All three productions contain mature themes and strong language, offering audiences a thought-provoking theatrical experience. If you're buying tickets for one show, consider attending all three in repertory to experience the full range of this compelling festival.

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Death has a way of revealing who we truly are. In this captivating episode of Steps to the Stage, we dive deep into one of the most intriguing productions in the Three on the Edge Festival – "Breathing Corpses" by British playwright Laura Wade.

Director Lauren Bell and actors John Nisbet and Amanda Flanagan take us behind the scenes of this darkly comedic play that unfolds in reverse chronological order. Beginning with a hotel maid discovering a dead body, the narrative moves backward through interconnected scenes that reveal how death impacts various characters in profound, absurd, and unexpectedly funny ways.

What makes this production particularly fascinating is the creative team's approach to Wade's distinctively British dialogue. The script captures realistic speech patterns – complete with interruptions, false starts, and natural rhythms – creating challenges for the actors but resulting in an authenticity rarely seen on stage. The cast shares how they've navigated these complexities while maintaining the delicate balance between humor and heartbreak that defines the play.

"Every time the play tries to go deep," Bell explains, "something happens to bring it right back up." This tonal rollercoaster mirrors real life, where even in our darkest moments, absurdity and laughter often break through. The production doesn't shy away from heavy themes – including domestic violence and suicide – but presents them through a lens of human complexity rather than melodrama.

Perfect for the intimate setting of 7th Street Community Theatre, this stripped-back production focuses on the emotional journeys of its characters rather than elaborate staging. As Nisbet notes, without being "encumbered with props or entrances and exits," the actors can fully immerse themselves in the psychological depth of their roles.

Catch "Breathing Corpses" on May 8th, 10th, 16th, with matinees on May 18th and 24th. This 80-minute exploration of mortality and human connection promises to spark conversation long after the final blackout – you may even want to see it twice to catch all the connections you missed the first time around.

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A 1200-pound puppet in two massive crates. A first-time actor at age 54. A female voice for the traditionally male Audrey II. This is not your average Little Shop of Horrors—and that's precisely what makes it special.

The creative team behind 7th Street Community Theater's upcoming production sits down to reveal how they're transforming this beloved cult musical for their intimate stage. Director Juan Luis Torres and his cast—including Derek Ashley-Macumber (Seymour/Costume Designer), Mark Agers (Mushnik), and Adam Carl-Payton (Orin)—share their personal connections to a show that has captivated theater lovers for generations.

What emerges is a fascinating look at the balance between honoring tradition and introducing fresh perspectives. While audiences will get the professional-quality puppets they expect (arriving in two enormous crates weighing 400 and 800 pounds), they'll also experience innovations like expanded roles for the urchins and thoughtful color theory in the costumes, with greens representing envy and reds symbolizing sin as the plant's influence grows.

The conversation delves into practical challenges unique to community theater: How do you fit a six-foot man-eating plant and a dentist's chair on a tiny stage? How do eight performers master complex harmonies when every voice matters? And how does a theater community rally together to make the impossible possible?

Most touching is Mark's story of auditioning for his very first show at 54, sitting with professional performers at the first table read, and thinking, "These folks have legit skills... this is not just a little fun thing." His journey represents the heart of community theater—a place where passion and dedication matter more than experience.

From inside jokes about troublesome vocal lines to the excitement of "Mother coming home" (their affectionate term for the plant puppet's arrival), the enthusiasm is contagious. As one cast member puts it: "It's a show you're going to want to see twice."

Get your tickets now for what promises to be an unforgettable, intimate encounter with a musical that reminds us why we love theater. Just remember: don't feed the plants!

Weekends April 11th through 26th $20 general admission -- $17 seniors and students

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Discover the magic of Schoolhouse Rock as our talented team discusses the evocation of childhood nostalgia and the fostering of creativity in youth theater. The episode resonates with stories that intertwine personal experiences with educational foundations in theater.

• Introduction to Schoolhouse Rock live 
• The conceptual backbone of Schoolhouse Rock's storytelling 
• Collaboration and mentorship in choreography and music direction 
• The incorporation of educational themes in children's theater 
• Personal stories connecting the hosts to Schoolhouse Rock 
• Closing thoughts on the importance of nurturing young talent 

Weekends March 7th through March 22nd $15 general admission -- $12 seniors and students

Tickets available at: https://chinocommunitytheatre.seatyourself.biz -- chinochildrenstheatre.org -- or contact the box office at (909) 590-1149

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The episode highlights Ontario High School's thriving theater program, focusing on its recent renovations and the upcoming production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The conversation emphasizes the importance of student involvement, community support, and the transformative power of theater in fostering creativity and collaboration among young individuals.

• Recent theater renovations enhancing student experiences 
• Student involvement in selecting and preparing for productions 
• Challenges and creativity in producing special effects 
• Reflection on past productions and their impact on growth 
• Importance of community support for successful theater programs 
• Goals of fostering creativity and confidence in students 
• Upcoming production details and ticket sales information

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