Ventura's Rubicon features witches, young love in new production

Wes Woods II, Ventura County Star
·2 min read
Jake David Smith as John the Witch-Boy and Ava Delaney as Barbara Allen star in a production of "Dark of the Moon: A New Musical," continuing through April 16 at the Rubicon Theatre Co. in Ventura.
Jake David Smith as John the Witch-Boy and Ava Delaney as Barbara Allen star in a production of "Dark of the Moon: A New Musical," continuing through April 16 at the Rubicon Theatre Co. in Ventura.

Editor's note: A previous version of this article gave an incorrect name for one of the actors in "Dark of the Moon: The Musical." The correct name is Jake David Smith.

A new musical at the Rubicon Theatre Co. in Ventura features 29 cast members, bluegrass and rock musicians and two young lovers from different worlds.

"Dark of the Moon: The Musical" is about John the Witch-Boy (Jake David Smith), who will give up everything to be with rebellious girl Barbara Allen (Ava Delany), who is from a fictitious Appalachian town.

The James O'Neil-directed production about the worlds of humans and witches opened last week and runs through April 16 at the Ventura theater. "Dark of the Moon: The Musical" is a cross between “Twilight” and "Romeo and Juliet," said Karyl Lynn Burns, co-founder and producing artistic director of the theater company.

The musical is adapted from an original 1939 play that was rewritten in 1942.

The story is timeless and ultimately about acceptance, said actress Lesli Margherita, who portrays a witch trying to keep the young couple apart.

"We have differences with people and we have to learn to accept those differences and co-exist somewhat peacefully," said Margherita, who won a 2009 Laurence Olivier Award, a London professional theater prize. "This is a cautionary tale that is so great to tell and sad to be telling it....The humanity of the whole piece is really special."

The production is 2 and ½ hours long plus intermission, Burns said.

Audiences will enjoy the back-and-forth styles of the bluegrass and rock sounds and twists and turns of the story, including how characters enter a scene, said Choreographer Christopher Gattelli, who won a Tony Award for choreography in 2012.

"There's a lot to love about it," said Gattelli.

He said he instantly decided to take part when he heard the first two songs of the score and the theme of the production.

The production, which features Ventura bluegrass band Whole Hog, is the largest in cast size and budget in the company's history, Burns said.

The popular show sold out its first weekend.

If you go

What: Dark of the Moon: A New Musical When: Various times on Wednesdays through Sundays through April 16 Where: Rubicon Theatre Co., 1006 E. Main St., Ventura Cost: $30 to $79.50, including fees Tickets and information: www.rubicontheatre.org

A production of "Dark of the Moon: A New Musical" is continuing through April 16 at the Rubicon Theatre Co. in Ventura.
A production of "Dark of the Moon: A New Musical" is continuing through April 16 at the Rubicon Theatre Co. in Ventura.

Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura's Rubicon features witches, young love in new production