Grossmont College events

Prepare for a rollicking good time in Gilbert and Sullivan’s uproarious comic opera, brimming with endearing pirates, bumbling policemen, zany escapades, and delightfully ridiculous paradoxes.
 

Photos by Heather Longfellow

March 25, 2025 (La Mesa) — The Pirates of Penzance is a comic opera that was created by Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert. Directed and Choreographed by Melissa Glasgow, with Musical Direction by Patrick Marion, this is one show at the Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre you won’t want to miss. 

If you’re not familiar with the story, it follows Frederic, a loveable pirate’s apprentice, who is head-over-heels in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley. Frederic is due to be released from his apprenticeship on his 21st birthday, but there’s a twist. He was born on February 29, which means he’s technically still a youngster. Torn between his love for Mabel and his dedicated sense of duty, Frederic must find a way to navigate a series of hilarious hurdles. 
 

If you enjoy musicals or comedies, then this show is for you. Most of the story is told through songs, and the singing was fantastic. All of the singers have beautiful voices, many of the performances were either memorable or funny, and all of them had me tapping my foot and humming along. 
 

Frederic the Pirate Apprentice (Drew Low) was a perfect protagonist. The character was endearing and quite memorable. Low brought the perfect energy to this character, and had me rooting for Frederic the entire time. Low also has a fantastic singing voice.

Mabel (Izabella “Izzy” Newman) was just as charming and memorable. Newman’s stage presence was strong, and easily has one of the most memorable singing voices. The chemistry between Frederic and Mabel was outstanding. 

Rounding out the cast, you have Major-General Stanley (Kaylee Kloberdanz), The Pirate King (Cameron Avendano), Lieutenant Samual (Iker Leal Chavez), Sergeant of Police (Ryan Robbins), and Ruth the Pirate Maid (Erica Rose). All of them were standouts in their own right, and each of them brought something special to the show. 

My favorite character was definitely The Pirate King. Avendano has excellent stage presence, which made his character entertaining. Avendano also has a great singing voice. 
 

The actors who played the rest of Major-General Stanley’s daughters, the rest of the pirates, and the rest of the officers were great supporting characters. 

The set was memorable, and a big part of the show in its own way. It had two looks, since the show was split into two acts. The first set was a collection of objects that had a pirate aesthetic, and the second set had fancy pillars. The staff who put the set together did an excellent job. 

The costuming was excellent. All of the costumes definitely felt fitting for the overall tone and story of the show. The staff who created the costumes did an amazing job. 

The music was easily the best part of the show, and everyone did a great job with it. The cast had great musical direction, and as mentioned earlier, everyone has great singing voices. 
 

A quick shoutout to everyone involved with the show. There’s a lot that goes into productions like this, and it’s nice that playbills were handed out that have everyone’s names and crew positions listed inside. 

If you haven’t had the chance to see the show yet, you can still see it at 7:30 p.m.on March 27, March 28, and March 29, as well as at 2:00 p.m. on March 29. 

Tickets are $18.00 for the general public, $14.00 for educators, seniors, and military members, and $10.00 for students and GCCCD employees.

Click here to buy tickets:

https://gcccd.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?SeriesID=35 

The Performing and Visual Arts Center (PVAC) is in Building 22, at 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020. 

Coming Soon: You can check out “Twelfth Night,” at the Grossmont College Stagehouse Theater, later this year, in May. 

East County News Service

February 21, 2025 (El Cajon) - The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra welcomes its new conductor, San Diego Symphony Orchestra violinist, Hernan Constantino.  He is also on his seventh season as the music director for Mainly Mozart with the San Diego Symphony. His first concert performance is titled “Spanish Nights: A Concert of Passion and Fire” on March 7 at 7:30 p.m.

By G. A. McNeeley 

February 19, 2025 (El Cajon) - There’s a lot happening on Grossmont Campus, including a variety of free and paid events open to the general public as well as students, staff and faculty. These include concerts, movies, theatrical productions, blood drives, and more.

Below are details. To see more details for these events and more, click here: https://www.grossmont.edu/events/index.php 

Blood Drives each month 

The San Diego Blood Bank and The Health & Wellness Center are organizing several Blood Drives on campus. Join them in the Main Quad, to donate blood and make a difference in your community. No appointments are necessary, and walk-ins are welcome. You can donate on the following days: February 19, March 11, March 19, April 15, April 30, May 13, and May 21. The times for each date are the same: 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Your donation could save a life. 

Movie Night Feb. 20 

The First Year Experience is organizing a movie night at the Griffin Gate. Join them on February 20, from 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., for a screening of Get Out. Chairs will be provided, but feel free to bring blankets, pillows, or anything that'll make you comfortable. Plus, you can also enjoy popcorn, snacks, and refreshments throughout the evening. Feel free to bring your friends. 

Pull Back the Curtain:  A Dance Immersive Experience Feb. 20-21 

Griffin Community Concerts and Grossmont College Dance are co-sponsoring “Pull Back The Curtain.” Kevin Jenkins returns to Grossmont College (where he graduated in 2006) with his company, Ballet Counterpointe. He will shed light on the development of his choreography, with behind the scenes videos that bring the audience into the dance making process. This is not just a performance, but also an immersive experience. Check it out on February 20 or February 21, from 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., at the Performing & Visual Arts Center. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for seniors, military people, and GCCCD employees, and $15 for anyone else. 

Grossmont College Concert Band Concert March 5 

The Music Department is organizing a free concert, where you’ll get to watch the Grossmont College Concert Band. They're a dynamic ensemble of talented wind and percussion musicians, featuring students, educators, and community members. Whether they're bringing their classic wind band repertoire to life, or premiering new works, they’ll deliver a vibrant and electrifying performance. Join them on March 5, from 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the Performing & Visual Arts Center. 

Pirates of Penzance musical March 20-22 and March 27-29 

The Theatre Arts Department presents “The Pirates of Penzance,” which is a campus produced performance of the comic opera of the same name. Join them for an uproaring and rollicking good time that’s brimming with endearing pirates, bumbling policemen, zany escapades, and delightfully ridiculous paradoxes. Tickets are $10 for students and GCCCD employees, $14 for seniors, military people, and educators, and $18 for anyone else. Showings dates and times are as follows: March 20, March 21, March 22, March 27, March 28, and March 29 (7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.), and March 22 and March 29 (2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.). 

Free concerts May 1, 15, and 16 

The Music Department is organizing free concerts, as music majors take the stage for their music recital. A diverse collection of solos and ensembles will be showcasing incredible talent across a variety of genres and styles, from classic to contemporary. Join them on May 1 and May 15, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Performing and Visual Arts Center. You can also check out the advanced music major recital, on May 16, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., which is also at the Performing and Visual Arts Center. 

Entrances and Exits Dance Concerts March 8-10 

The Dance Department is organizing “Entrances & Exits,” which is a faculty-choreographed, student-performed dance concert. It’s a showcase of innovative choreography and dynamic performances that highlight the diverse talents of dance faculty and students. Join them on March 8, March 9, and March 10, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Performing and Visual Arts Center. Ticket sales begin on March 1. 

Twelfth Night Shakespearean comedy May 15-17 and May 22-24 

The Theatre Arts Department presents “Twelfth Night,” which is a campus produced performance of the play of the same name. Join them for a whirlwind of mistaken identity, tangled romance, and laugh-out-loud confusion in this timeless comedy. Tickets are $10 for students and GCCCD employees, $14 for seniors, military people, and educators, and $18 for anyone else. Showings dates and times are as follows: May 15, May 16, May 17, May 22, May 23, and May 24 (7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.), and May 17 and May 24 (2:00 p.m.. to 4:00 p.m.).