Moorpark students, staff save summer review
By Heather Milo
Acorn Staff Writer

When budget cuts came down the pipe at Moorpark College, students and staff took matters into their own hands to save the school’s fifth annual Summer Musical Review, donating time and fundraising efforts to rescue a beloved tradition. Now they invite the community to enjoy the fruits of their efforts.

The show, "Wild on Broadway," was run through its initial steps in December, as it does every year, in order to be prepared for four weeks of dancing and singing courses later in the summer. After the dust around budget cuts had settled, the show was cancelled in January. One month later, a flood of letters stormed the school’s offices, and Moorpark administrators agreed to lend use of the theater for the show—but said that no money was available for the production.

Staff member and choreographer Dennon Rawles saw an opportunity. "There was uproar among the students," he said. After over one hundred letters poured in from students and concerned citizens, Rawles suggested the Moorpark College Dance Club support the show with a fundraising effort.

Ashley Bergin, Dance Club president, and club officers headed up the campaign, which involved acquiring business and corporate donations. Students went out and asked businesses for donations. "We’re circumventing the state budget crisis," was the catch phrase they relied on. "It’s an example of what positive things can happen when the student body gets involved," said Rawles.

The club began working toward its goal of $20,000 needed to produce the annual summer review. Last month, the club staged a show, "Fundraising Follies," which pulled in $3,000. In all the details of producing "Fundraising Follies," the club would not take no for an answer, said Rawles. "It’s a success story already."

Rawles and his wife, Sayhber Rawles, are both choreography teachers. They are also producers, directors and choreographers from the professional world, having choreographed such well-known Hollywood productions as "Staying Alive" with John Travolta and "Bugsy" with Warren Beatty. The two have also worked with Liza Minnelli.

The summer review will be an original musical review, written, directed and choreographed by the Rawles, who took a pay cut in their jobs but refused to let the production die. Normally, said Rawles, there are 50-60 cast members in the summer review. This year, the show has piqued the interest of approximately 100 cast members, all singers, dancers and actors. "Even though it’s self-producing, it’s the biggest event ever," said Rawles.

"Wild on Broadway" will feature music from such greats as Steven Sondheim and Cole Porter. Musical direction is by David Watkins.

The show will be held at the Performing Arts Mainstage Theater at Moorpark College. Showtimes are 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15. Admission is $14 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $7 for children. Group discounts are also available. For tickets and information, call (805) 378-1437.

All monies go to the Moorpark College Dance Club, which provides costumes, props, scenery, lighting, technicians and everything else required to put on the show. "Every single cent had to be raised—that’s why every cent is crucial," said Rawles.

The review is billed as a Moulin-Rouge-style evening, with the audience serving as the fictional club in the story known as "Che Broadway."