Saddleback College Presents 99 year-old Crooner Shep Shepherd Free CD Release Party

 Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – The Department of Theatre Arts once again brings free summer of theatre to Saddleback College. Along with a full month of live entertainment, the Saddleback Big Band brings back 99 year-old crooner Shep Shepherd for a special CD Release party with the Saddleback Big Band on Friday, July 15^th. The CD was recorded with the Big Band earlier this year. Some of the memorable songs being performed include S’Wonderful, You Are Too Beautiful, When You’re Smiling, Blame it on My Youth,and You Make me Feel so Young. 

For those who don’t wish to bring a blanket or sit on beach chairs, reserved seating is available at $25 per person (presale only). For reserved seats, call the ticket office at 949-582-4656 (Tues-Fri, Noon to 4:00 p.m.)

Mr. Berisford “Shep” Shepherd is an arranger, composer, drummer, trombonist, contractor, and singer. Born in Honduras in 1917, and raised in Philadelphia, he attended Jules E. Mastbaum Area Conservatory and Vocational School where he was being groomed to play percussion in the Philadelphia Orchestra. Shep served four years in the army composing, arranging, conducting, and playing trombone. After his service, he settled in New York City where he played and contracted for Broadway shows. Shep has performed and written for seminal figures such as Benny Carter, Cy Oliver, Artie Shaw, Patti Page, Lionel Hampton, and Lena Horne among others. Because of the high-demand for his arrangements, the catchphrase “Get Shep” became common among New York musicians. He toured with various Broadway shows while based in New York. One of these shows led to San Francisco, where he eventually settled and was the house drummer at Finocchio’s for 23 years. Shep moved down to South Orange County in 2007 where he met his wife, Joy. She and Shep currently reside in San Clemente, California.

The free outdoor entertainment begins with Beauty and the Beast, continues with the Big Band/Shep Shepherd release party, two Shakespeare productions, and ends with the quirky musical comedy, Little Shop of Horrors.

On Friday and Saturday, July 8^th and 9^th, Beauty and the Beast in Concert will grace the outdoor stage on the upper campus quad. Directed by Scott Farthing with musical direction by Lex Leigh, and choreography by Deidre Cavazzi, this concert will feature the familiar characters and songs from Disney’s beloved musical. The score/story is being told by actors playing the roles with an onstage orchestra. Enjoy a night out under the stars with this gem of a show – an enchanted story as old as time -- for the entire family.

On Saturday, July 16^th and Sunday, July 17^th, The City of Mission Viejo presents Shakespeare by the Sea’s productions. On the 16^th,Othello, directed by Stephanie Coltrin, is an emotionally gripping thriller where gossip turns friendships rancid, and rumor brutally murders innocence. On the 17^th, Cymbeline, directed by Cylan Broan, is an action-adventure fairy-tale romance.

On Friday and Saturday, July 22^nd and 23^rd, enjoy a summer night under the stars to the fully-staged production of Little Shop of Horrors,directed by Scott Farthing, with  musical direction by Lex Leigh, and choreography by Deidre Cavazzi. Don’t miss a chance to hang out with street singers Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon as they tell the story of a singing plant, a daring hero, a sweet girl and a demented dentist in this loveable comedy-horror musical.

Location: The Saddleback College Upper Campus Quad (in front of the Administrative & Governance Building‐AGB), located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692. Parking is free for this event in Parking Lots 9 & 10. All shows will begin festival seating at 6:00 p.m., with areas available for blankets, low-back chairs, and high back chairs. Guests are invited to bring a picnic dinner or enjoy food from several local food trucks including Beach Bus Bistro, Classic Tacos, a falafel truck called Falasophy, and two dessert trucks, Marcel’s Waffles, and Longboards Ice Cream. For further more detailed information go to www.saddleback.edu/summer-theatre.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community.  Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals.  For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.