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For nearly four decades, West Valley Light Opera has been wowing local audiences with Broadway-quality musicals. This season promises an exciting and eclectic mix of classic musical theater, with the community group offering productions of Kiss Me, Kate, Forever Plaid and George M in its 200203 season.
West Valley Light Opera presents three shows a year with talent from all over the Bay Area. The season opener of Kiss Me, Kate includes residents of Cupertino, Willow Glen and Pacifica, with costumes created by San José State University students. Each production truly is a community effort.
"We all do it because we love it," says Marge Hand, who, along with husband Ed, has been involved with the group since 1980. "That's why we call it 'community theater'--we bring the community together."
Hand knows entire families that have been involved with a show. Dad might be onstage, with Mom helping out backstage and the kids assisting with lighting.
A staple in Saratoga, West Valley Light Opera shows and rehearsals are held at the Saratoga Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave. The 300-seat theater is often filled to capacity, with a large and active subscriber base supporting the group. According to Hand, the small space allows an audience to see and hear everything from any seat.
The 11-member board of directors works each season to choose productions that are appropriate for the entire family and for the mood of the culture. They consider their audience when creating the lineup. The final production this season isGeorge M, which the group hasn't put on since 1976, when it was performed in honor of the bicentennial celebration of America. The patriotic songs, made famous by George M. Cohan, such as "Yankee Doodle Dandy," seem well-suited to the emotional state of so many Americans, says Hand.
Open auditions are held to prepare for each show, casting non-equity actors who spend three months rehearsing for each production. The cast volunteers its time in addition to holding full-time jobs outside of the Light Opera. Because they spend so much time together, Hand says they end up forming family-like bonds.
The organization relies on its subscription ticket sales and donations to fund each season. Since the group rarely receives subsidies or grants, local community support is key.
To better serve that community, the board is mindful of the needs of the children and seniors who often attend performances. This year, an additional Saturday matinee has been added to the Kiss Me, Kate lineup. Sunday matinees typically sell out quickly so the group is hoping to better accommodate its daytime theater-goers.
West Valley Light Opera will celebrate the opening of its 38th season with a champagne reception at the first performance of Kiss Me, Kate on Nov. 9.
Kiss Me, Kate runs Nov. 9-Dec. 7. Tickets are $1622. For more information about the West Valley Light Opera, call 408.268.3777 or visit www.wvlo.org.
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