Now before the show you get your choice of meat, fish or chicken that comes with rolls and a small cheesecake for dessert. For an additional fee you can get some more elaborate desserts and some really good appetizers. I recommend the Chicken Wellington, yummy!

Now on with the show….heading the “Happy Days” cast and basically telling the story is Chaz Feuerstine as Richie Cunningham. He narrates, reminisces and guides the story while having some really touching moments of music all to himself.

For me, the headliner of the production and focal point for all characters was Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli, played sharply by Johnny Fletcher. His vocal talent and range was quite impressive. His Fonz, along with the ensemble and music made the entire production a real joy to watch. Johnny really has a nice vocal style and delivers his troubled Fonz with more than a little attitude.

Another singer that stood out was Ralph Malph played by Alex Mendoza. Alex is an extremely talented performer with both acting and singing chops that could rival Broadway itself. And if you want to see the most upbeat and peppiest Arnold (restaurant owner) in the land, you have to see Hisato Masuyama. He was energetic, funny and always one of the cast you can count on for broad acting and humorous chops. Hisato was just a ‘hoot’ to watch and he can sing too!

Other stand out performances included that of Howard and Marion Cunningham, who’s parental advice was perfectly played by Joe Garcia and Melinda Messenger-Stout. They did an amazing job trying to sing certain life lessons into their kids that were not necessarily received and understood.

Shane Cottrell and Stanton Morales do a pretty amazing job performing and singing several characters as both the Malachi Brothers and as James Dean and Elvis (among others too!). They are hysterical to watch and carry some pretty snappy tunes throughout the show. Also, keep an eye on Jill Morrison playing Pinky Tuscadero and along with Johnny as the Fonz, have some really fantastic numbers and duets together.

How can you go wrong? Drive to Fontana, have a wonderful meal and watch a fantastically energized show that I’m sure you know very well. The whole gang is back and with the musical score and choreography by Pinky herself – Jill Morrison – you are in for a great evening. Check them out at www.centerstagefontana.com.

John Grant and Lori Dina-Power are two of the stars of “Motown Motor City Revue” at Center Stage Theatre.

If the music of Motown puts a smile on your face, you’ll be a very happy person at Center Stage Theatre.

An all-new show called “Motown Motor City Revue” is bringing the joy and excitement of many of Motown’s greatest hits to Fontana during the upcoming weekends.

Seven talented performers, led by energetic MC Sean Sooter, deliver songs created by a wide range of artists, including Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Martha and the Vandellas, the Jackson Five, and many more.

Each one of the cast members brings something special to the show.

For John Grant, being able to perform a stirring rendition of Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” is a big blessing. And being a Highland resident, he is delighted that Inland Empire theatre aficionados don’t have to drive far in order to experience some of the world’s best music.

“Culturally, this is something we need for our younger people,” Grant said. “And this theatre is something that I’m excited about because it’s close to home.”

Another performer, Lori Dina-Power, said this show is a perfect fit for her.

“Motown is so enjoyable to sing; it’s my favorite type of music,” she said. “These are the great songs that everybody likes to sing and everybody likes to hear. They’re great to listen to and great to dance to.”

Also contributing to the success of the show are Marissa D. Cottrell, Nicholas Hernandez, Alexandria Hoffmann, and Sherman McLaurin.

When “Motown” opened last weekend, there were some technical problems, but overall the performance was solid thanks to the direction of Todd Vigiletti and the choreography and costume designs of Jennifer Vigiletti.

In between songs, the audience was able to learn some interesting tidbits about Motown founder Berry Gordy.

Two of the wildest moments of the show came when “Diana Ross” and “MC Hammer” took the stage.

Performances of “Motown Motor City Revue” run through June 10. Dinner and show performances are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. (There will be a special performance of the Kaiser High School musical “Alice” on Sunday, April 29.)

Dinner and show prices range from $39.95 to $49.95. Entree choices for dinner guests are prime rib of beef, citrus salmon, chicken florentine, or vegetable pasta.

Cocktails, beer, wine, and a la carte appetizers and dessert are available at an additional cost for all attendees.

Guests may also enjoy the show without dinner for $18.

Center Stage is at 8463 Sierra Avenue. For more information, call (909) 429-SHOW (7469) or visit www.centerstagefontana.com

Tibbies Center Stage is truly the crown of the Inland Empire. The dinner theater retains the elegance and charm of a by gone era, as it was originally designed in 1937 by one of the best known theatrical architects of the time, Carl H. Boller. In 2008, the City of Fontana invested 6.5 million dollars in modernizing and renovating the theater in to a state of the art facility that includes the latest in audio, video lighting, and presentation technology, all without losing its old fashioned enchantment.

Tibbies is currently featuring Motown Motor City Review, a fantastic rendition of the greatest hits of Motown. The energy of the cast was electric as they had me dancing in my seat. I felt like I was being transported back in time on a musical journey. Performers Sean Sooter and Alexandria Hoffmann were every bit as captivating and memorable as Lionel Richie and Diana Ross in their touching duet of Endless Love.The show was literally a celebration of the music of Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Martha and the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pips, the Jackson Five, Diana Ross and even more!

As if the atmosphere and music weren’t enough, the food was divine! Since I am sure many of the stars portrayed on stage are already in heaven, I had to check to make sure I hadn’t joined them. How else can I describe such a celestial experience! I was able to cut the roasted prime rib of beef with a butter knife. My guest enjoyed the Chicken Florentine, a boneless, skinless breast of chicken stuffed with fresh spinach, Swiss cheese and topped with a tarragon cream sauce. No matter what you order from the menu, rest assured it will be cooked to absolute perfection.
The Motown Motor City Review at Tibbies Center Stage in Fontana is the ultimate date night experience!

“A Chorus Line” is really more than just a show. It’s even more than a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning show – but still.
Its story speaks to the most basic level of humanity.

“It’s for anybody who’s had a dream,” said Brian Thomas Barnhart, who’s directing the show for Tibbies Center Stage Dinner Theater in Fontana. “Maybe they haven’t fulfilled it yet, or maybe they’re on their way to fulfilling it, or maybe their dreams have been smashed. It’s for anyone who believes in themself; for anyone who believes they can be greater than they are. This piece speaks to all of those.”

The 1975 musical, which debuts in Fontana tonight, centers around professional dancers auditioning for spots in the chorus line of a Broadway show. During each audition, characters allow the audience entrance into their personalities, past-life experiences and artistic ambitions.

“Basically they’re being asked, `Why do you do this?’ That can be applied to anyone who is working hard to achieve their dream,” said Barnhart, who during the past 12 months also has directed “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Xanadu” for Center Stage. “These are real people telling real stories. A lot of research went into each character.”

Barnhart is an accomplished independent filmmaker who has spent more than a dozen years thinking about such productions from camera angles.

“All of a sudden I’m directing not only theater, but musical theater. It’s been a challenge and I’ve loved it,” he said. “I like doing things outside of my comfort zone.”

Barnhart, who says “A Chorus Line” presents “some of the most challenging material I’ve ever worked with,” believes his film experience allows him to bring a new perspective to the production.

“I come at it from a completely different angle than someone who has been well-versed in the genre; different, fresh from what’s expected,” he said. “I’m constantly trying to find the truth in each performance to bring in a rawness and grittiness. It’s my hope that the audience walks away saying, `Wow, I’ve never seen anything like that before.’ “

Bobby Collins as Thalia

Bobby is thrilled to be working at Center Stage Theatre once again! He is so excited for you to see and hear the tremendous talent this cast has to offer. Bobby has performed locally as well as internationally in numerous musical shows, plays, and concerts. He has had the pleasure of working with many artists including Pat Sajak, The Kingston Trio, the Pacific Symphony, Tyne Daley, Scott Bakula, and Bill Hutton. He also had the honor of once conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. Bobby has recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, England, as well as Capitol Records in Hollywood, with the Karousel Kids (for which he is now music director and general manager). He enjoys teaching first grade in Claremont, performing around the Inland Empire, and working with his private voice and tap students. Enjoy the show!

~Back To Complete Cast Bios

Jonathan Arana

Jonathan, a resident of the beautiful city of Colton, is blessed to return and perform with so many friends this Holiday Season! Credits Include: Holiday Follies 2009, 2010, and Those Fabulous Forties with Center Stage Fontana, Chip Tolentino (25th Annual… Spelling Bee), Horton the Elephant (Seussical the Musical), Mary Sunshine (Chicago), Officer Barrel (Urinetown), Henrik (A Little Night Music), Dennis (All Shook Up), Simeon (Joseph…Dreamcoat), John Brooke (Little Woman), Tom Sawyer (Big River). Most recently Jonathan completed two-staged reading of Anyone Can Whistle and The Most Happy Fella with Musical Theater West.

~Back To Complete Cast Bios

Photo By: Fontana Herald News

For two nights, Center Stage Theatre became the temple of Latin passion through sensual and rhythmic moves that mesmerized and captivated the audience during the “Latin Dance Fire” shows.

Produced by professional dancers Josie Neglia and Jared Marquez, “Latin Dance Fire” offered breathtaking performances on Aug. 19 and 20 at Fontana’s glamorous downtown venue.

The astonished attendees reveled in the hot sensual Caribbean dances of Salsa, Cha-Cha, Bachata, and Argentine Tango in addition to the spectacular Samba from Brazil and the dazzling Argentine “bombos” and “boleadoras.”

With intense body movements that required each muscle to project, Katia Vaz performed the Brazilian dance that originated in Bahia, one of the 26 states of Brazil: Samba. Paying tribute to its African roots, Vaz twisted her hips, shook her shoulders, and stretched her arms at an incredible speed to perform the icon of Brazilian national identity.

Charlene Rose and David Nieto followed Vaz with an impressive execution of a Salsa song called “Gitana” (Gypsy Woman), written by the great Willie Colon. The dancers respected the fixed tempo of ballroom Latin dancing to differentiate it from street dancing. The acrobats and well-executed spotting and “Allongés” (stretching of arms and legs) gave the dance a vivid, elegant, and natural feeling.

The couple used the same techniques to execute “Quimbara,” made famous by the popular Celia Cruz; and “Mi Bongo,” a dance that required lots of stamina and endurance generated by an excellent breathing technique.

Neglia and Marquez demonstrated why they are a renowned Salsa dance couple, executing the Colombian rhythm of Bachata with plenty of sensuality, the Argentine Tango with extreme passionate moves, and “Merecumbe” by Nuyorican Willie Colon, who paid tribute to Francisco “Pacho” Galan, creator of Merecumbe rhythm — a mix of Merengue and Cumbia.

Just when audience members thought the dancers needed a break, Esti Ashkanazi and Rodrigo Guzman delivered the Cha-Cha, a ballroom version of the Cuban rhythm Cha-cha-cha created by violinist Enrique Jorrin in 1953. Ashkanazi and Guzman, world-renowned Salsa champions, performed a sensual dance called Latin Burlesque.

The erotic couple also performed “El Yoyo,” made famous by the great “timbalero” Tito Puente, a song that requires a perfect ear in order to offer a synchronized execution. The sound of piano, bells and trumpets, in addition to the congas, bass and trombones, made people’s hearts beat faster as the couple performed each acrobatic move with elegance and gusto.

Energy abounded with a performance by Mario Marine, who displayed his talent with the “bombos” and “boleadoras.” The “bombos,” a type of drum, and “boleadoras” or “bolas” (balls), are throwing weapons superficially similar to the surujin (a Japanese weapon), made of weights on the ends of interconnected cords, designed to capture animals by entangling their legs.

Marine, however, used the “boleadoras” to produce music that, synchronized with the “bombos” and “zapateo” (gaucho’s tap dance), became an exhilarating performance. To demonstrate his ability with the “boleadoras,” Marine blew a candle off a woman’s head and even slapped a cigarette off the same woman’s lips — a dramatic performance considering his “boleadoras” are made of hard plastic.

Michelle “Star” LaVon, who has performed on many TV shows and movies, turned in a spectacular version of the Fire Dance. She swirled around with fire and even swallowed fire in front of the spellbound audience members, including actor and comedian Tommy Chong.

With music by Michael Battista and first-class choreography by Neglia and Marquez, the “Latin Dance Fire” show provided Fontanans with a highly entertaining virtual tour of the Caribbean and South American countries.

Photo By: Dylan Hernandez

Five Guys named Moe is a must see production by Center Stage Theater in Fontana!

A lively, feel good show revolving around a guy on the path of self destruction who is helped by five “Moes” in a kickin’ performance that’s guaranteed to get you out of your seat and dancing with the crew. Enjoy the well choreographed adventure with fluid movements. The delightful cast and talented live jazz band received a well deserved standing ovation as the truly hilarious and fun skit carried an important message about life.

Tickets for dinner and show are $59.95 for adults, $55.95 for senior citizens (65 and over) and military personnel, and $31.95 for children 12 and under. Tickets for the show only are $28.

For reservations or more information, call (909) 429-SHOW or visit www.centerstagefontana.com

Contributed photo by Dylan Hernandez

What should you do when you’ve got the blues? Consult “Five Guys Named Moe.”

And even if you don’t have the blues, the Moes will give you “Moe” than enough good reasons to go see their show.

Center Stage Theater in Fontana is presenting “Five Guys Named Moe” during the upcoming weekends, providing lots of nonstop entertainment thanks to terrific performances by its six stars.

Otha Womack (Big Moe), Desmond Newson (No Moe), Sherman McLaurin (Eat Moe), Ty London (Little Mo), and Andrew Johnson (Four Eyed Moe) comprise an energetic and harmonious fivesome in this production, which features the songs of jazz legend Louis Jordan.

The Moes magically come out of a radio owned by Nomax (Frank Holiday), a man who is sinking into misery because his girlfriend left him. Nomax is stunned by the sudden appearance of these wisecracking singers in his house, but eventually he starts to listen to their worthwhile advice, which is simply: Start thinking and stop drinking.

There’s not much of a plot to this musical revue, but there doesn’t need to be one because the audience gets swept away by the lively singing and dancing of the performers, while six background musicians add much to the festive atmosphere.

As with all Center Stage shows, audience interaction with the stars is a big bonus, and the Moes take it to a whole other level by starting a conga line midway through the show. Director Paul Edward Brown and musical director Sean Sooter make sure the fun factor stays high throughout.

Center Stage is bringing back this Tony Award-winning musical (which was originally presented two years ago) by popular demand, and it’s not hard to see why. The Moes deliver top-notch renditions of such songs as “Let the Good Times Roll,” “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby,” “Caldonia,” and of course “Five Guys Named Moe.”

The only thing that is lacking about this otherwise well-written production is the dearth of a female perspective. It might have been nice, for example, to incorporate the character of Nomax’s girlfriend into some scenes. Or — maybe there could be a sequel: “Five Gals Named Mona.”

In addition to the “Moe” show, Center Stage offers fine dining, and I think this food prepared by executive chef Ron Sugapong is his finest ever. I loved the delicious chicken wellington, along with the tasty vegetables and top-notch cheesecake. Other entree choices include filet mignon, baked citrus salmon, and chef’s special pasta.

“Five Guys Named Moe” will run on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons through Oct. 17.

Tickets for dinner and show are $59.95 for adults, $55.95 for senior citizens (65 and over) and military personnel, and $31.95 for children 12 and under. Tickets for the show only are $28.

For reservations or more information, call (909) 429-SHOW or visit www.centerstagefontana.com