The Raven Players
The Raven Players organized in 2005, regrouping the original Raven Players to build a resident, self-sustaining community theater company in Healdsburg, California, known for consistently high quality productions and for being a popular destination for live theater in the North Bay. Shows are produced in association with Raven Performing Arts Theater and former highlights have included Miss Saigon, Seussical, and Steel Magnolias. The 2010-2011 season includes RENT.

2 by 5
January 22 - February 21 - The Broadway Hits of Kander and Ebb
Healdsburg performers: Hallie Beacham, Paul Downey, Jeanne FitzGerald, Joe Gellura, Tory Rotlesberger, Dana Scott
Directed by Joe Gellura, Music Director Chris Alexander and Choreographer Tony Giachetta

The Raven Players will razzle dazzle audiences with their upcoming performance of 2 by 5, a musical revue of popular Broadway hits by John Kander and Fred Ebb. This production begins on January 22 and runs through February 21. All performances will be held at Healdsburg’s historic Raven Theater, in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country.

Kander and Ebb, are the “2” in 2 by 5. This revue features many hit Broadway scores from “5” of their shows. Cabaret and Chicago are the two monster hits they are best known for. This performance will include Wilkomen, Money, Money, Razzle Dazzle, Cellophane Man, Maybe This Time, Cabaret, New York New York, and more.

“2 by 5 contrasts the songs and dance from Kander and Ebb’s most memorable Broadway shows,” said Producer John DeGaetano who will direct the Raven Players upcoming musical “Cats” in June 2010 and will appear next year an upcoming National Geographic docu-drama.

'2 by 5' show dates are:
January 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 31
February 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21.
All evening performances (Thursday-Saturday) begin at 8 p.m. Sunday matinee is at 2 p.m.

This musical review also launches the Raven Player’s Short Season which also includes:

Our Town
April 16-May 9 - by Pulitzer Prize winner Thornton Wilder
This winner of the Pulitzer Prize, is perennially one of the most popular plays performed in America. A beloved American classic, it follows the daily doings of townspeople as they pursue life, love, and the longing for more. The play provides a glimpse into their past and future, only to remind us of the power of the present.

Cats
June 25-July 25 - based upon “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot (score by Andrew Lloyd Weber)
'Cats' tells the story in song and dance of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats, at which time one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heavyside Layer. A true musical theatre phenomenon, Cats opened at the Wintergarden Theatre in New York City, and ran for 18 years, making it one of Broadway's longest running shows. It is Andrew Lloyd Webber's finest score, featuring the haunting song 'Memory'.

John DeGaetano on Big Blend Radio
Producer, Director & President of the Raven Players, John was a featured guest on Big Blend Radio's 'Champagne Sundays' variety show, which aired live on January 17, 2010. To meet the rest of the guests and listen to the entire show, please click here. To listen to John's interview, please double click on the Play Button below.

 
John DeGaetano –  As a Sonoma county resident, John has worked for many years in theatre, film, and public television. He’s played an assortment of roles in Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Peter Pan, Fiddler on the Roof, Brigadoon, Pirates of Penzance and a few productions at the Wells Fargo Center to name a few. Most recently, appeared in Evita, produced and asst. directed Miss Saigon, directed Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Monster Bash and will direct the upcoming June 2010 musical production of CATS at the Raven Theatre.

His theatrical career also includes roles in made for TV docu-dramas. He will be appearing in upcoming National Geographic docu-drama. John is President of the Raven Players Board of Directors and by profession an independent consultant to small businesses and banks. He is honored to be producing 2 by 5, working with such a great cast/crew and thanks them for their incredible hard work and support. John’s combination of duties keeps him very active in the community

Raven Performing Arts Theater
General seating is $15-30 with special pricing for seniors and students. Short Season Subscription for all three shows: $60 general/$45 seniors.
115 North Street, Healdsburg
Tel: (707) 433-6335
Web: www.ravenplayers.org