One More Productions’ co-founders, Damien Lorton and Nicole Cassesso took to the Gem Theatre stage last weekend, and although the talented duo has been producing live theater in Orange County for 15 years, this was the first time they had performed onstage together.

Nicole quipped that they had only had one rehearsal and that they had just “thrown the show together,” so she suggested that the audience “lower their expectations,” which caused an uproarious response from the enthusiastic crowd.

Damien talked about his first role as the Bee in Winnie the Poo in 1978. His mother had made his costume and he said that he wore a yellow T-shirt and had a rolled-up newspaper taped to his (bee-hind).

Nicole told stories about having a paint brush in one hand (painting a set) and a hair dryer in the other.

The opening number of the evening was a duet rendition of “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” Damien shared that the two met when Damien was at Newport Harbor High School teaching a master class in theater and Nicole was one of his students. She auditioned and he said that the first word he ever said to Nicole was, “Next!” They later became pals when he ran Costa Mesa Playhouse, and they have now been fast friends for the past 20-plus years.

Nicole sang Fats Waller’s and Andy Razaf’s “Keeping’ Out of Mischief,” from Ain’t Misbehavin’ and she disclosed that this was the first song Damien ever taught her. Nicole talked about the 2011 electrical fire at The Gem that was a part of their journey, when all the pair could think of was how they were going to launch their 2011 musical, Chicago, and with sheer willpower, hard work, and a little help from their friends, they rebuilt the set and two days later, they put the award-winning show on at the amphitheater next door.

After that, it took two years before they were able to get back to the business of bringing professional live theater to their audiences, but they have been winning awards ever since.

Good friend, supporter, and pianist Bobbie Stovall was a special guest for the evening and she entertained the crowd with a beautiful medley of holiday music and a jazzy version of Autumn Leaves.

The songs sung by Damien and Nicole were rousing, touching, and the duet, “The World Goes Round,” was a showstopper. This was an emotional evening for both Damien and Nicole as they expressed their heartfelt gratitude for all the love and support shown by the community, their fans, and supporters.

The band onstage was lively and rocked the house. The unprecedented cabaret event was a love letter from Damien and Nicole, and although they said that it was a one-time event, the hope is that they revise it and bring it back sometime soon.

One More Productions is bringing the Grammy, Emmy, and Academy-Award winning Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s musical, “Bright Star,” to its stage for a limited engagement, and this Broadway hit is bound to brighten up your new fall season light like a mid-summer’s end to an electric light parade.

Bright Star’s musical score will have you hand slappin’ and foot stompin’ one minute but also grooving to the gentle sounds of the breezy Bluegrass Appalachian Mountain music the next.

Featuring an ensemble of onstage musicians and dancers, the story unfolds as literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from WWII, and he awakens her longing for the child she once lost.

Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past – and what she finds has the power to transform both their lives.

OMP’s multi-talented and award-winning co-owners and producers, Damien Lorton and Nicole Cassesso, strive to make each production unique, family friendly, and affordable, while they are also dedicated to bringing some of the finest and most talented individuals to their stage.

Their latest production, Bright Star, checks all the boxes, and it is one of those shows that stays with you long after the curtain closes and the lights grow dim.

“Bright Stat”

The Gem Theatre

12852 Main St., Garden Grove

Call 714-741-9550, ext. 221.

Runs Sept. 26 through Oct. 20

The free event is open to seniors ages 50 years or older and will be held in the lobby of the senior center, at 11300 Stanford Ave.

Registration for the tournament begins at 8:30 a.m., and games end at approximately 11:30 a.m.

For more information and reservations, call the H. Louis Lake Senior Center at 714-741-5253.

Thousands of Elvis fans turned out listen to Elvis music, dance to impersonators and eat some of Elvis’ favorite foods (fried peanut butter and banana bread, anyone?).

Oh, and there were classic cars galore…

From the first few rhythmic snaps of a finger, Bernstein and Sondheim’s unforgettable musical score colors outside the lines and melodiously paints the canvas with one of the most timeless moments ever to grace the stage.

“West Side Story,” an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, made its debut nearly 62 years ago, but its story is as relevant in today’s world as it ever was, and as One More Productions’ Co-Founder/Director/Musical Director Damien Lorton tells us, One More Productions is committed to telling the story honestly, truthfully, and without filters.

It is the summer of ‘57, somewhere in an Upper West Side New York neighborhood (and the term is used loosely) where tension and teenaged angst is sensed from the moment this enthusiastic and uber-talented cast hits the stage.

The methodically choreographed and well-executed song and dance number, “Prologue,” marks the beginning of what’s to come, the tone is set, and a battle seems evident.

War has begun between the two gangs who “own the streets,” the white American “Jets” and the Puerto Rican “Sharks.”

The idealistic and star-crossed young lovers, Tony (Brandon Taylor Jones) and Maria (Erika Baldwin), are caught between these two worlds of hate, violence, and prejudice. In the central role of Tony, Jones delivers an amazing performance that brilliantly offers passion and a more fragile and naïve quality that separates him from his life of gangs, and in the end, this becomes Tony’s one tragic flaw.

Opposite him is Maria, portrayed by Erika Baldwin, who helps to elevate this production to new heights, well beyond its grand scale, while also maintaining its intimate appeal.

Baldwin’s strength is her ability to retain an adolescent and angelic innocence while balancing that with her incredible soprano vocal skills.

OMP Co-Founder and Producer Nicole Cassesso’s portrayal of Anita is intelligent and intense. Her drugstore scene, in which she is sending a message, is ineradicable, and her singing and dancing skills are phenomenal.

Supporting role standouts are: first and foremost, Danny Diaz as Bernardo, Race Chambers as Riff, Richards Ullrich as Doc, Jon Mitchell as Schrank, John Gillies as Officer Krupke, and Simon Hedrick as Glad Hand.

Under Lorton’s baton, OMP’s Orchestra features Toni Helms on keyboard No. 1, Blake Leigh on keyboard No. 2, Nic Gonzalez on bass, Jeff Segal on drums, Doug Jones on trumpet, Vince Hizon on woodwinds, and Jesse Tellez on trombone.

This fiercely energetic production is as much a dance show as it is a music show and OMP is fortunate to have choreographers, Heather Holt-Smith, Alan Collins, and Shauna Bradford onboard.

Wally Huntoon’s set design is award-winning worthy, and Mendenhall Productions did an amazing job of lighting and set construction.

Outstanding musical numbers include “Something’s Coming” by Tony.

What gives this show its valued longevity is not merely its unsettling initiative towards social contention, racial discrimination, and national identity, but also, West Side Story’s channel for the commonality of inclusion, which is vastly evident in its final scene.

 “West Side Story”

The Gem Theatre

12852 Main St., Garden Grove

Phone: 714-741-9550, ext 221.

Website: www.info@onemoreproductions.com

Runs through Sunday, Aug. 11

Proceeds from sales at this stand will go to “Santa’s Siren,” which helps less fortunate children and families at Christmas-time.

At right is Bud Heitman. who is working on the booth.

Fireworks can be purchased July 1-4 and can be set off from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Independence Day.

One great way is by enjoying the water features at Great Wolf Lodge, shown above and below.

For more information about the lodge, 12681 Harbor Blvd. in Garden Grove, visit www.greatwolf.com.

The festival draws nearly 300,000 fun-seekers every year, with many eager to show off their bravery on exhilarating rides like the Mega FLIP, Turbo, Vertigo, Quasar, Himalaya, Giant Pole Position Coaster, Giant Wheel, Wave Swinger, 1001 Nights, Grand Carousel and Orbiter.

Those who want a gentler experience can board any of the nine major rides such as the Tilt-A-Whirl, Starship 3000, Kite Flyer, Eagle 16, Wacky Worm, Mardi-Gras, Scrambler, Zombie Carnival and the Giant Slide.

And 15 more rides are perfect for little kids:  Dizzy Dragon, Pirate Jet, Frog Hopper, Looney Tooter Train, Chopper Hopper, Lolli Swing, Firehouse, Tom Kangaroo, Wet Boats, Jungle of Fun, Wacky Tracks, Quad Runner and Jet Ski.

Special one-price ride-all-day wristbands will be offered for all festival days at $30 per wristband on Friday and $35 each on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  Tickets for individual rides can also be purchased separately at $1 per ticket.

Local civic groups and non-profit organizations — including athletic booster clubs, Boy and Girl Scout troops, churches and schools—will be setting up game booths to raise money.  They will challenge players’ skills with a wide range of toss games.

Friday afternoon in the amphitheater the festival will hold its annual Tiny Tots King and Queen Contest.  The cute little crowned winners will be honored with a ride in the Saturday morning parade.  In the afternoon following the parade this venue will host the famous Ochoa Boyz Band which has been touring across America, performing at hundreds of concerts.

In addition to writing and co-producing their own music and music videos, they are all working actors on television and the big screen. Ryan Ochoa was featured in the hit shows Nickelodeon’s iCarly and Disney XD’s Pair of Kings. Raymond Ochoa voices Arlo in Disney/Pixar’s movie, The Good Dinosaur, and Robert Ochoa is in the latest season of Shameless on HBO.

The Amphitheater is also where festival-goers can find the Berry, Berry Beautiful Baby Contest, the Redhead Roundup and the Strawberry Idol Karaoke Contest, as well as a performance by the Foundations Dance Company.

The line-up of live entertainment performing on the Showmobile stage features local top performers such as Frenzy, a “Metro-Retro” band playing renditions of hits from the 60’s to the present,  plus The  Rockin’ Neptunes, who recapture old and new Rock ‘n Roll and country music.  Festival-goers can dance to the bluesy tunes of Dudes Got Blues and The 3rd Degree Band, then enjoy the Takes 3 Band, who will be playing everything from pop to rock to country.  Full Spectrum Band, a classy, high-energy ensemble, will be putting out jazz, swing, blues, classic rock, R&B, plus current Top 40 and hip hop.

A full list of events and times is available at www.strawberryfestival.org

For more information, call 714-638-0981 or visit www.strawberryfestival.org.

One More Productions takes on the 1982 Tony Award-winning provocative musical, “Nine,” which was originally based on Director and Screenwriter Fellini’s classic 1963 semi-autobiographical film 8 ½.

With book by Arthur Kopit and music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, Nine follows the journey of celebrated and flamboyant Italian film director Guido Contini, who is tumbling head -first into a major mid-life crisis as he is turning the big 40.

He is desperately trying to resurrect his failing career with three recent flops blocking his view, and he is bereft for an idea for his new film even though he has signed a contract that could end his teetering career if he doesn’t come through.

Wait! There is more… he has a devoted wife, a naïve mistress, and a bored leading lady to deal with as well.

He may be turning 40, but emotionally, he is a mere child of 9 with mom in tow, and the lines are blurred between reality and his inner self. Guido’s compulsive nature and unbridled sexual desires are some of the barriers he has placed before him. He is out of chances unless he is willing to face life head-on and ultimately face the music.

And, yes, then there is the music. Skillfully led by Co-founder/Director/Musical Director Damien Lorton, one of One More Productions’ greatest gifts to its audience is its magnificent rendering of Nine’s beautiful, award-winning score.

With its outstanding 22-piece live orchestra (conducted by Adrian Rangel-Sanchez) on stage and the exquisite vocal talents of the 19 utterly irresistible women of Nine, along with the good-looking Guido himself (Ian Michaels), OMP’s Nin eis one of its best works.

Lorton says he has compiled “…15 years of leading ladies in one show,” and each one of these talented stars gives a show-stopping performance. As Guido muses on this symphony of beautiful women throughout the show, time and space disappear. Some favorite moments are Luisa’s  (Nicole Cassesso) “My Husband Makes Movies”; Carla’s (Brittany Gerari) “A Call From the Vatican”; Liliane Le Fleur, Stephanie Necrophorus, and Company (Beth Hansen, Megan Walker, and Co) “Folies Bergeres”; Guido’s (Michaels) “Only With You”; Sarraghina, Little Guido, and Company’s (Adriana Sanchez, Eliot DeLucia, and Co) “TiVoglio Bene/Be Italian”; and Luisa’s (Cassesso) “Be On Your Own.”

Brittany Gerari’s eye-popping animalistic depiction of the Italian mistress Carla is sensual and mistress-worthy!

Beth Hansen’s Le Fleur is so good that Hansen literally owns the role. Erika Baldwin’s Claudia is in command and it’s easy to see that Claudia has earned it. Nicole Cassesso’s Luisa has all women filled with love for her wittrue heartfelt compassion for anyone who has ever been in OMP’s Co-founder, Producer, and as Nine’s Luisa, Nicole Cassesso says that working with this cast has been like forming a sisterhood that is an amazing experience (and, then, of course there is Guido)!

The camaraderie and closeness of this cast evokes that energy on stage, and the One More Productions’ Nine is a winning combination of talent, hard work, and performance, and in the end, it is simply stunning.

“Nine”

The Gem Theatre

12852 Main St.

Garden Grove

714-741-9550

Runs through May 19

Well, here comes Peter Cottontail hopping down the bunny trail because Easter is on its way to Stanton.

Our town’s annual Easter egg hunt, pancake breakfast and resource fair will be held at Stanton Central Park on Saturday April 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

All egg hunts will begin at 10 a.m. Candy-filled eggs will be hidden throughout the egg hunt areas. The age group sections will be 0-2 years, 3-4 years, 5-7 years, 8-10 years and11-13 years.

Registration is not required so just show up and be ready for a fun-filled morning. Remember to bring a container, bag or basket for egg hunt goodies.

If participants are lucky and find a “GOLDEN EGG,” they will receive a special prize. The Easter Bunny will pay us a special visit and will be available for pictures for everyone. Parents, please bring your cameras. The Pancake Breakfast is $3.50 and benefits the Stanton Youth Assistance Foundation.

Stanton just keeps on ticking like the energizer bunny when it comes to family fun. In addition to this exciting event, be sure to check out the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa Claus and Halloween Family and Fun celebrations coming in the future.

If you have ever wondered why we decorate eggs at Easter, let me try to explain.

Poultry eggs have been a human food for as long as humans could find eggs in a bird’s nest. It wasn’t long thereafter, in a time of no refrigeration, that people realized eggs don’t keep very well.  One way to lengthen the safety of eggs is to hard boil them. Bird eggs have also long been a symbol of fertility, rebirth and the beginning of life.

As Christianity grew in Western Europe, the Catholic Church adapted many pagan customs. The egg, already long a symbol of new life, came to represent the Resurrection. Some Christians also regarded the egg as a symbol for the stone being rolled from the sepulcher. For the most part, the use of painted and decorated Easter eggs was first recorded in the 13th century.

During Lent and Passover, eating eggs was forbidden, so hard boiling or pickling the eggs were ways to preserve them. So, if for a week, you can’t eat the eggs your chickens are laying, what do you do with them after hard boiling or pickling them? Given the symbolism already established, people began to decorate the eggs.

Chocolate Easter eggs were first made in Europe in the early 19th century in France and Germany. Early eggs were solid, until the technique for mass-producing molded chocolate was invented.

Chocolate eggs (and, of course, chocolate bunnies) have become very popular with children in western  cultures. And of course, Cadbury makes creme-filled chocolate eggs.

The 17th and 18th centuries saw the manufacture of egg-shaped toys, which were given to children at Easter. The Victorians had cardboard, plush and satin covered eggs filled with Easter gifts and chocolates.

And by the 1970s, colorful plastic eggs became popular for obvious reasons: they cannot spoil, do not break easily and are favorites with children.

Everyone would naturally rather have a candy-filled egg. Plastic, candy-filled eggs are commonly used in most communities.

Children were taught to prepare nests for the Easter Bunny, who would lay colorful eggs during the night provided the children were well behaved. The eggs were typically dyed by simmering them in water with onion skins, which imparted a reddish-brown color. Additional colors were achieved with madder root, walnut hulls, hickory bark and other materials. Most of the eggs were eaten over the holiday. The extra decorated eggs were often exchanged as gifts.

Egg hunting was an important game in which Easter eggs are hidden for children to find. Real hard-boiled eggs, which are typically dyed or painted, artificial eggs made of plastic filled with chocolate or candies, or foil-wrapped egg-shaped chocolates of various sizes are hidden in various places. The game is often played outdoors but can also be played indoors. The children typically collect the eggs in a basket. When the hunt is over, prizes may be given out for various achievements, such as the largest number of eggs collected. Eggs are placed with varying degree of concealment to accommodate children of varying ages and development levels. In many folk traditions it was customary to add extra obstacles to the game by placing them into hard-to reach places.

Finally, what is Easter without a major event?

The Easter parade is an American cultural event consisting of a festive strolling procession on Easter Sunday. Typically, it is a somewhat informal and unorganized event, with or without religious significance.

Persons participating in an Easter parade traditionally dress in new and fashionable clothing, particularly ladies hats, and strive to impress others with their finery. The Easter parade is most closely associated with Fifth Avenue in New York City, but Easter parades are held in many other cities. Starting as a spontaneous event in the 1870s, the New York parade became increasingly popular into the mid-20th century. In 1947, it was estimated to draw over a 1 million people. Its popularity has declined significantly, drawing only 30,000 people in 2008.

So put on your Easter bonnet, grab a basket full of colored eggs, eat a chocolate bunny, hide eggs for your kids to find and enjoy a Happy Easter with all of your family.