Woo, we're spent! "Bearded" was a gigantic success, so thank you to all of our incredible fans for continuously supporting our work!
But it's time for us to take a little break.
We'll be back next week with some exciting updates about our 2014!
Happy New Year!
Tomorrow night we at CCdd are sad to see our hit production of "Bearded" fly away in its sled...but sadly it's just time. We are floored that this production took off in the way it had. Rave reviews, packed audiences, and a whole lot of love from our community. BUT! There are a handful of tickets left for tonight and tomorrow- and we want it to sell out! So, this is a list of why you should make it a point to get to "Bearded" before it's gone!
#1. The Cast.
Critics agree- this is a group of artists on par with SNL for their abilities to change a character as quickly as their clothes, and their stellar comic timing that never drowns out the most poignant moments in the production. Missing their stellar performances should be a crime.
The cast bows. By Rich Soublet.
#2 Patrick Kelly created a piece that will put the modern Holiday spirit in your heart.
We didn't know if it was possible- but we wanted desperately to create a play that was able to tell a tale about modern/real Christmas magic. And honestly, with a subject like Mall Santas, most of our audiences assumed we'd go for crass or anti-Christmas. That was never our hope, and with a collection of compassionate Mall Santas as interviewees, and with Patrick Kelly at the helm as Director- something magical did happen with "Bearded". We don't want to give it away- but Patrick Kelly took heart to the message of this season, and if you're looking to put your Christmas pants on- we're here to help make that happen for you.
Director Patrick Kelly at work. By Rich Soublet.
#3 Because you want something different.
"Bearded" originated because we wanted to take a crack at the seasonal trend of Holiday Productions. Audiences love this season, and so do we! "Bearded" is an entirely new Christmas story, and according to many of our critics it holds its' own compared to many of the classics you've come to enjoy. We hope you'll open up to a new tradition this season with our enchanting and heartfelt show.
"All I want for Christmas is something new to review. Well, wish granted, thanks to the emerging theater company Circle Circle dot dot." - David Codden, San Diego CityBeat.
#4 Because you want CCdd to stick around.
We're so happy to kick off our 3rd Season with such a strong show as "Bearded". Every show we make builds and improves from the last. Pam Kragen from U-T San Diego states that "Bearded is one of the strongest shows to date for the young, promising theater company." The only way we can grow is by continuing. The only way we can continue is if audiences keep showing up to our productions. While "Bearded" has been one of our best-selling shows in our history, we still have a long way to go to be on-par with the local playhouses, and in reaching our goals.
So grab a friend, and come to "Bearded"! We do suggest grabbing those last-minute tickets online to avoid being turned away from a sold-out house- but we do hope you all make it out.
Happy Holidays!
Patrick Kelly, Santa, Katie, Shaun and Ashley. Photo by Rich SoubletIt's rare that I get into the Christmas spirit. I'm really more of a "if I hear sleigh bells one more time..." kind of guy. But this year has been different. After all the trials and tribulations of the year I was given the opportunity to stand at the helm of a wonderful show with a brilliant cast and a whole lot of fun. "Bearded" has been one of the easiest productions that we have dealt with to date. We had amazing community stories to glean from and create the heartwarming script. We had a company that came together to make sure everyone made it to Opening without losing all of our hair. To then be graced by such positive reviews and joyful audience reactions is a blessing like no other.
Each year my wish is that I get to make good theater, but this Christmas that wish came early. I want to thank our whole team and all of you who have attended the show so far for this magical experience. I hope that if you haven't seen the show you'll get a chance to, because it really is a great one.
2013 has been crazy for me. I Directed 2 shows, built 3 sets, ran a fringe festival, CCdd became a 501(c)3, I got a new day job, and a new cat. It has been hectic sure, but it has all been worth it and I feel it all bodes well for an amazing 2014. Thanks for taking the ride with me!
-Patrick Kelly, Director of "Bearded" and Technical Director of CCdd.
Last night we Opened "Bearded"- and it was a huge success! You are NOT going to want to miss this production this Holiday Season. We are exceptionally proud of the production and it's really the best cure for your bah-humbugs, and your Holiday blues.
Cast member Keith Hammond took a moment to chat a little bit Christmas music:
Cory and Keith. Photo by Rich Soublet.
Like most people I have a love/hate relationship with Christmas music. I absolutely love it during the Holiday Season and can’t stand it any other time. That why I think I love Christmas music so much since I don’t listen to it year round. I mean chocolate chip pancakes are amazing, but eating them for every meal would get tiring after probably day 61 (maybe).
As much as I love Christmas songs, have you noticed that a few are kind of… ummm… creepy? I don’t know, maybe it’s me, but if I were to make an awkward Christmas Album here would be three of my tracks:
3. “Baby It’s Cold Outside” sung by Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus
Key lyrics: The neighbors might think.. Say what’s in this drink?... I wish I knew how… To break this spell… (Miley passes out…)
2. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” sung by the NSA
Key Lyrics: He sees you when you’re sleeping… He knows when you’re awake…
1. “The Hanakuah Song” sung by Mel Gibson.
Key Lyrics: Any of them
Did I miss any?
Feel free to share with us your own creepy Christmas Songs! And make sure to get your tickets to "Bearded" today!
I was 6 years old. Our family of 6 had piled into the white minivan for the 13 hour drive from the Southern to Northern border of California, from San Diego all the way to Grandma and Grandpa Rowley’s house. This was Christmas vacation. I had survived 13 hours of my older brother putting his smelly feet on my head from the back seat. I had survived 13 hours of my 2 little sisters, fussing, crying and barfing. I had survived 13 hours of Kenny G music, winding roads and rest stop bathrooms, but it was all worth it, because Grandma and Grandpa Rowley live in one of the most magical places on earth. The small town of Willow Creek rests in the mountainous forests north of Humboldt county. The Trinity River flows beside it and rumors of Bigfoot sightings permeate local conversation.
It was Christmas eve. I had been forced to share my bed with my little sister. She was a restless sleeper, kicking me and stealing all the blankets. But I was too excited to sleep anyway. Santa was coming. I stared at the wall in front of my bed and dreamed about what toys he might bring me. A My Size Barbie was first on the list above a Pretty Pretty Princess board game and My Little Pony dolls. This was a few years before my tomboy phase and subsequent feminism. My siblings and I had made sure to prepare Grandma’s house with all the recommended offerings. Carrots for the reindeer, cookies and milk for Santa, laid out on the coffee table with a Christmas themed napkin right next to the notes that the children had written so that Santa could read them while enjoying his favorite snack. I lay in bed hoping Santa would not think I was too greedy with a list about 20 items long. I wanted to make sure he had options. I didn’t know if he would have what I was looking for in his sack. I worried that he would have trouble deciphering my hand writing. I had only recently learned to write and my spelling wasn’t very good. As I lay there, staring at the wall, trying to remember if “pretty” should be spelled with and “i” or and “e” the most incredible thing happened. Right in front of me, on the wall I was staring at, a shadow formed. The silent figures of 8 little reindeer flew past my view with Santa trailing behind in his sleigh.
A couple years later when I learned the truth about Santa, I protested, “But I saw him!” Well I saw his shadow anyway. Or did I? Was it a dream? Was I just delirious from the 13 hour drive? Was it the limitless imagination of a 6 year old girl? Could it have been the magic of the forest of Willow Creek? To this day I cannot explain what I saw. And I don’t really care too. To the 6 year old version of myself that Santa sighting was absolutely real. It was as real as the presents I opened the next morning. It was as real as the empty plate with nothing left but cookie crumbs and the empty glass with milk film rolling down the side. Santa exists because of Children. And Santa continues to exist as long as there are little ones that believe in him. That is the magic of the legend of Santa. The rehearsal process for Bearded has really reconnected me with this magic. And I am so delighted for our audiences to rediscover it with us!
