Operetta Fest

If Ventura County doesn’t turn into some sort of theatrical center, it’s not for lack of high aspirations. This summer alone, Ojai has hosted Shakespeare and playwrights’ festivals, and last week the first Ventura County Gilbert & Sullivan Festival opened in Simi Valley.

That shindig--which includes a full version of “Ruddigore,” a revue of the duo’s songs, a series of sing-alongs (amateurs invited) and a workshop for children--is presented by Comedy Tonight Productions.

And the cast features veterans of many local Gilbert & Sullivan productions staged by Comedy Tonight and Moorpark College--to whose veteran musical theater professor, Marilyn Anderson, the event is dedicated.

First up is the group’s rendition of “Ruddigore,” staged--like the rest of the festival--at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. “Ruddigore” adds ghost-story elements to the familiar witty lyrics, lovely melodies, patter songs and romance.

Here’s the story: An ancient curse forces the Baronet of Ruddigore to perform one crime a day upon penalty of death. Spirits of previous baronets, stepping down from their portraits on the picture gallery wall, make sure he performs his odious tasks.

Unwilling to commit his daily crime, the baronet, Sir Ruthven (Andrew Krigel), has faked his death. That leaves his brother, Sir Despard (Gabriel Vega), to assume the title and follow the demands of the curse, unaware of the deception.

Fighting for the hand of fair Rose Maybud (Elizabeth Bowes) are Sir Ruthven (disguised as a farmer) and his foster brother, Dick Dauntless (Brian Donohue), a randy sailor. Complications ensue.

The cast is excellent--Bowes and Donohue are real finds--and the direction by Zachary Spencer, who is also the production’s pianist, is imaginative. Choreographer Joy Enright accomplished the rare feat of not overcrowding the rather small stage with her rather large cast, and set designer Travis Miller has created an impressive picture gallery.

* The Ventura County Gilbert & Sullivan Festival continues through Sept. 4 at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave. (at Church Street).

“Ruddigore” will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday through Sept. 6. The original comedy revue “Here’s a Howdy-Do! The Best and Funniest of Gilbert & Sullivan” opens Aug. 20 (a postponement) and continues Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. through Sept. 3. Tickets for all performances of “Ruddigore” and “Here’s a Howdy-Do” are $16; $14, seniors and students; and $9, children 12 and under. (805) 581-9940.

Singers are invited to join one of four Gilbert & Sullivan Sing-Alongs at 2 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 5 at the Cultural Arts Center: “The Mikado” Saturday; “H.M.S. Pinafore” Aug. 22; “Iolanthe” Aug. 29; and “Pirates of Penzance” Sept. 5. Audience tickets are $5. For information, or to sign up, call Comedy Tonight Productions, (805) 389-3193.

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Melodrama Reunion: Numerous alumni of the former Moorpark Melodrama will gather this weekend in a fund-raising revue. Among the performers are several couples who met while performing with the group. Returned owner Linda Bredemann requests donations be made to “Moorpark Playhouse,” because mail addressed to the “Melodrama” is going to the interim management.

* “A Pocket Full of Memories,” 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday; and 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday at Moorpark Playhouse, 45 E. High St. $15. For reservations or further information, call (805) 529-1212.

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Casting Call: Siana-Lea Gildard and Patricia Marsac will hold auditions Friday night in Thousand Oaks for the original “Broken Glass, Shattered Lives,” which they describe as “a performance-art piece addressing the issues of domestic violence, rape, child abuse, abortion and gay rights, presented through poetry, monologue, music and movement.” They’re looking for “seven versatile women actors,” ages 16 and up. Call (805) 494-4790.

Michael Maynez, founder and artistic director of Ventura’s Plaza Players, will hold auditions Wednesday and Aug. 20 for his original script, “Paella Valenciana.” He’s looking for women from late teens through 40s, and men from their early 30s through 60s. Call (805) 653-2378.