“Night Must Fall” director Richard Camp announced a special involvement by “pillars of the community” for the first production of the Ojai Art Center Theater’s 80th season. For each of the 12 performances, a different community member will take on the role of Lord Chief Justice. The character will open by delivering a monologue of the judge’s ruling in this thrilling whodunit play.
“I wanted a way to include the community for our historic 80th season,” said Camp. “It was important for me to kick off this year in a unique way, to show how grateful we are for the continued support of Ojai. I thought it might be difficult to find non-actors who’d want to tread the boards, but nearly everyone I asked immediately leaped at the chance. Who knew our town was filled with such hams?”
“Night Must Fall” will have 12 members of the community grace the stage by reading the Lord Chief Justice’s declaration, one for each performance. Opening night Feb. 15 will feature Ojai Mayor Johnny Johnston, followed by the rest of the pillars donning the judge’s robe and wig to hold court. Come join Camp, his cast, crew and fellow community members Friday, and Saturday evenings or for a Sunday matinee Feb. 15 through March 10.
Here is the schedule, showing the cross-section of Ojai “pillars” represented:
Feb. 15: Johnny Johnston, Ojai mayor
Feb. 16: Therese Hartmann, co-president, Ojai Education Foundation
Feb. 17: Severo Lara, former Ojai mayor, past council member
Feb. 22: Tony Thacher, Ojai Living Treasure, farmer
Feb. 23: Cheree Edwards, president, Rotary Club of Ojai
Feb. 24: Michael Addison, chair, Ojai Arts Commission
March 1: Jamie Fleming, CEO, Chamber of Commerce March 2: Paul Blatz, former mayor, attorney
March 3: Judith Hale Norris, president, Ojai Festival Women’s Committee
March 8: Mark Lewis, president, Ojai Valley Museum
March 9: Jamie Bennett, president, Ojai Music Festival
March 10: Peggy Russell, co-founder, Ojai Women’s Fund
“Night Must Fall” runs weekends from Feb. 15 to March 10, with Friday and Saturday night performances at 7:30, and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Box office opens 45 minutes before each show. Ticket prices are $25 general admission, $20 seniors and Art Center members, and $10 for those under 25. You can purchase online at https:// www.ojaiact.org or call 805- 640-8797.