Ramona Theater Troupe Is Thinking 'Out of the Box'

A special production is flying into Ramona on a magic carpet thanks to a new theater company featuring youth players.

A production of Aladdin, by the newest youth theater troupe in town the Out of the Box Players, will be showing this Friday and Saturday in town at the Bonham Bros. & Stewart Chapel.

"There is music! There is comedy! There are fabulous costumes!" said director and founder of the troupe, Juliana Stewart. "Best of all, there is a cast of 17 that is excited to take their audience on a magic carpet ride through the enchanted land of Hasbah."

This weekend's production has been adapted by Kathryn Schultz-Miller and though Friday's show is sold out, residents eager to see the talented youth can buy tickets for Saturday's show, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. for $3 by calling 760-789-0856.

Out of the Box Players was founded last year by Stewart, who also owns Bonham Bros. & Stewart Mortuary, in an effort to provide Ramona youth valuable experience in performing in, assisting with and production of live theater.

"We established Out of the Box Players to give the backcountry some theatrical choices in quality theater," Stewart said in an email. "We have mostly youth theater, but our guest artists are adults and we will be incorporating adults into shows in the future."

Out of the Box Players is a family affair, with Stewart's husband taking care of the technical aspects of production and her sister helping out with props and ser pieces.

"I home school my two children and they love being involved in the productions, as well," Stewart said. "For Aladdin, I was fortunate enough to have one of the parents costume our show—Connie Sedach—she has been a God-send!"

In 2013 the troupe will present several shows and the chapel, which seats 200, will host two special events to be performed by guest artists.

Check out the Out of the Box Players 2013 season below and email outofboxplayers@aol.com for information or tickets to Saturday's showing of Aladdin.

Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m.: Witness to Gettysburg

• On the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, Out of the Box Players is proud to present guest artist Annette Hubbell in.
• Miss Turner takes you back in time to the Battle of Gettysburg, its horrific aftermath, and a small town’s efforts to care for the 30,000 Union and Confederate casualties. 
• Includes a Q & A with playwright/actress, Ms. Hubbell, after the show.
• Tickets $8 (not suitable for small children)

Saturday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m.: Tea with Mrs. Roosevelt

• Out of the Box Players is proud to present guest artists Annette Hubbell and Elaine Lyttleton in
• Written and Directed by Sherrie Colbourn
• Investigative reporter  Lorena Hickok, famous for her reporting on the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, talks to Eleanor Roosevelt in an interview brimming with insights into the First Lady’s life and family.
• Includes a Q & A with the playwright after the show.
• Tickets $8 (non suitable for small children)

Friday and Saturday, October 4, 5: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

• By Washington Irving
• Adapted by Kathryn Schultz-Miller
• Directed by Juliana Stewart
• A spooky Halloween classic filled with chills, thrills, lots of laughs and the ride of the Headless Horseman.
• Auditions TBA (all youth production)

Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13 and 14: A Christmas Carol (in the Wild, Wild West)

• By Charles Dickens
• Adapted by Kathryn Schultz-Miller
• Directed by Juliana Stewart
• A joyous musical based on the ever popular and heartwarming Christmas classic. 
• Auditions TBA (all youth production – adult carolers)

All performances held at Bonham Bros. & Stewart Chapel, 12th and D Streets in Ramona.