Oklahoma rides into Redding with Root members in tow.

Lisa Collins & Hillary Rogerson
Two Root members couldn't resist the allure of one of America's biggest Broadway hits as Rodgers and Hammerstein's first ever collaboration "Oklahoma!" makes it to the stage of the historic Cascade Theater in downtown Redding this August 9th through the 11th.
Lisa Murphy Collins is playing Aunt Eller and Bob Koroluck is playing Andrew Carnes with Collins calling this version of the almost 70 year old musical
"a wonderfully organic and earthy interpretation (no jazz hands and bright colors here!)"
For those unfamiliar, this is the story of Laurey and two rivals for her affections: Cowboy Curly and farmhand Jud. The show is set in the Indian territory at the turn of the century around 1906 when cattlemen and farmers were fighting over fences and water rights. Besides catchy tunes the play tackles class issues between settlers in the still-developing, rugged landscape of a state in its infancy. Oklahoma! won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1944 and was the longest running musical during it's day. It held the record for 15 years, until it was taken over by My Fair Lady.
The Westside Performing Arts Company presentation is one weekend only August 9 through 11th with tickets available at www.CascadeTheatre.org
Lisa Murphy Collins is playing Aunt Eller and Bob Koroluck is playing Andrew Carnes with Collins calling this version of the almost 70 year old musical
"a wonderfully organic and earthy interpretation (no jazz hands and bright colors here!)"
For those unfamiliar, this is the story of Laurey and two rivals for her affections: Cowboy Curly and farmhand Jud. The show is set in the Indian territory at the turn of the century around 1906 when cattlemen and farmers were fighting over fences and water rights. Besides catchy tunes the play tackles class issues between settlers in the still-developing, rugged landscape of a state in its infancy. Oklahoma! won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1944 and was the longest running musical during it's day. It held the record for 15 years, until it was taken over by My Fair Lady.
The Westside Performing Arts Company presentation is one weekend only August 9 through 11th with tickets available at www.CascadeTheatre.org
World View In Rural Setting Inspire Artist Dynan

"Mark Lovelace"
A brief yet insightful look into Red Bluff Root member Phil Dynan is up at Redding.com where the multi talented man chats about his past, present and future with some clips of his art shown.
The story touches upon not just his own physical works but those of others he brings from all over the world with Michelle Bourke-Girgis of Ireland visiting Red Bluff Art Gallery's Artist-in-Residence program this August and partial September.
Dynan's work is on display in downtown Redding through July at Vintage Wine Bar and Restaurant at 1790 Market Street as well as 2nd Saturday Art Night from 5 to 8 p.m. When not hopping around the north state with several other projects, he and his wife Anastasia Nelson can be found stoking the artistic flames of their community via their Gallery at 601 Walnut Street in Red Bluff, CA. Inquiries on upcoming events like their "First Friday Art Night" can be answered at (530) 529-1332 or on the web at RedBluffArt Gallery.com
The story touches upon not just his own physical works but those of others he brings from all over the world with Michelle Bourke-Girgis of Ireland visiting Red Bluff Art Gallery's Artist-in-Residence program this August and partial September.
Dynan's work is on display in downtown Redding through July at Vintage Wine Bar and Restaurant at 1790 Market Street as well as 2nd Saturday Art Night from 5 to 8 p.m. When not hopping around the north state with several other projects, he and his wife Anastasia Nelson can be found stoking the artistic flames of their community via their Gallery at 601 Walnut Street in Red Bluff, CA. Inquiries on upcoming events like their "First Friday Art Night" can be answered at (530) 529-1332 or on the web at RedBluffArt Gallery.com
Johnson To Kill A Mockingbird at Riverfront Playhouse
After directing our March 2010 production of Conor McPherson's "The Weir" in Redding, Root member Elizabeth Johnson makes a return to her craft with Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “To Kill a Mockingbird” at Riverfront Playhouse in Redding starting July 14th.
Although not a Root Theatre production we support and encourage our members to challenge themselves within their chosen field of art and Mockingbird is a time tested classic dealing with racism, loss of innocence, the judicial system as well as the duty of every citizen to their community. Our scope of vision is available on this website under "Root's Core" for those wishing to suggest projects or ask for support.
For the unfamiliar, the story centers on small town attorney Atticus Finch defending a black man accused of raping a white woman in the segregated south of the early 1930's and how the proceedings affected the his two small children as well as the community.
The drama opens at 7:30 pm July 14 and continues weekends through Aug. 11 with 2pm matinees on Sundays. Tickets are between $15 and $22 and attainable by calling 243-8877 or visiting www.CascadeTheatre.org. Riverfront Playhouse is located in Redding at 1620 E. Cypress Ave east of Lowes and Safeway Shopping Center.
Photos of the cast can be seen online via Redding.com's coverage of the project.
Although not a Root Theatre production we support and encourage our members to challenge themselves within their chosen field of art and Mockingbird is a time tested classic dealing with racism, loss of innocence, the judicial system as well as the duty of every citizen to their community. Our scope of vision is available on this website under "Root's Core" for those wishing to suggest projects or ask for support.
For the unfamiliar, the story centers on small town attorney Atticus Finch defending a black man accused of raping a white woman in the segregated south of the early 1930's and how the proceedings affected the his two small children as well as the community.
The drama opens at 7:30 pm July 14 and continues weekends through Aug. 11 with 2pm matinees on Sundays. Tickets are between $15 and $22 and attainable by calling 243-8877 or visiting www.CascadeTheatre.org. Riverfront Playhouse is located in Redding at 1620 E. Cypress Ave east of Lowes and Safeway Shopping Center.
Photos of the cast can be seen online via Redding.com's coverage of the project.
Soffian Searches for Summer Sanctuary
For those out of the loop, Root co founder Robert Soffian has been exploring new arenas for awhile now with interesting and unique results happening in the past few months on canvas instead of the stage.
With sizes ranging up to 36X48 inches and materials as diverse as ink, acrylic, pastels, pigmented latex, tea bags and plastic biscotti containers among other things one need to look close or miss out.
Those familiar with Soffian's theatre work, especially his lighting, know he is no stranger to effective use of color.
His graphics are stunning in imagery as well as tint and soon can be seen via his web page. For now one can visit his Facebook page for glimpses or his under construction website www.RobertSoffian.com.
With works on display this past April at 5 Windows Gallery in Weaverville, the Chair of the Theatre Department of Shasta College in Redding is looking forward to a Summer of exploration and creation.
With sizes ranging up to 36X48 inches and materials as diverse as ink, acrylic, pastels, pigmented latex, tea bags and plastic biscotti containers among other things one need to look close or miss out.
Those familiar with Soffian's theatre work, especially his lighting, know he is no stranger to effective use of color.
His graphics are stunning in imagery as well as tint and soon can be seen via his web page. For now one can visit his Facebook page for glimpses or his under construction website www.RobertSoffian.com.
With works on display this past April at 5 Windows Gallery in Weaverville, the Chair of the Theatre Department of Shasta College in Redding is looking forward to a Summer of exploration and creation.
Summer Script Parties Possible Return.
Our series of parties where we read from various potential projects was such a success last summer that discussions are in the works for a return in Redding or perhaps Chico. Email theroottheatre@gmail.com with your thoughts and suggestions of works as well as locations.
The parties started as a way to stay connected over the summer break with many new faces and visitors showing up. It was also a chance to hear members voices as they read and possibly inspire future casting.
Over the summer our monthly focus of dream projects in order was Yasmina Reza's God of Carnage, The Aliens by Annie Baker, Dead Man's Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl and Monsieur Ibrahim and the Flowers of the Koran by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt. These were and are projects that The Root is interested in still.
The parties started as a way to stay connected over the summer break with many new faces and visitors showing up. It was also a chance to hear members voices as they read and possibly inspire future casting.
Over the summer our monthly focus of dream projects in order was Yasmina Reza's God of Carnage, The Aliens by Annie Baker, Dead Man's Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl and Monsieur Ibrahim and the Flowers of the Koran by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt. These were and are projects that The Root is interested in still.
I Understand New Brando Release
Cynthia Brando has been strumming away with harmonic Humboldt results lately with her SoundCloud page sharing a brand new track described as "modern old fashioned."
Featuring Gerry Blue, this is Cynthia at her best with poignant lyrics, strong vocals and addicting musical arrangement. Often compared to Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch and Patsy Cline, her new work "I Understand" has the Eureka resident continuing to make her own unique niche in the music industry.
Please feel free to share the link below and if interested in contacting the artist please do so at her website CynthiaBrando.com as she is updating new material to send out to producers and publishers.
Featuring Gerry Blue, this is Cynthia at her best with poignant lyrics, strong vocals and addicting musical arrangement. Often compared to Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch and Patsy Cline, her new work "I Understand" has the Eureka resident continuing to make her own unique niche in the music industry.
Please feel free to share the link below and if interested in contacting the artist please do so at her website CynthiaBrando.com as she is updating new material to send out to producers and publishers.







