FALL 2023


Las Magnificas

The Core Ensemble Presents “Las Magnificas”- Three Legendary Latinas & the Transformative Power of Music

Performance Date: October 1 at 2pm

Tickets: General: $15, Military/Senior: $10, Student Zero Cost Tickets with Code: core

Location: Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center, Mainstage

Co-sponsored by the Napa Valley College Department of Music, Office of Student Affairs, and Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Core Ensemble will kick off a new monthly music recital series.

“Las Magnificas” is a Chamber Music Theatre piece for singing actress and trio(cello, piano and percussion) exploring the lives and times of three towering figuresin Latin American cultural history: the iconic Mexican Ranchera singer Chavela Vargas, Cuban Singer Celia Cruz, “The Queen of Salsa” and Chilean Singer Violeta Parra, the Mother of Latin American Folk Music. Text by Marjorie Agosin. Music to include songs made famous by the artists: Tu Voz, Gracias a la Vida, La Vida es un Carnaval, La Llorona and Volver a los 17, as well as instrumental music by Latin American Composers: Ernesto Lecuona, Eduardo Sanchez de Fuentes, Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Victor Jara, and Tania Leon. Featuring Nadya Encarnacion.

For schools interested in attending our weekday student matinee performance, please reach out to [email protected] for details.


The Laramie Project- A Staged Reading

Performance Date: October 7 at 7pm

Location: Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center Main Theater

Directed by Jennifer King

Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can

About The Laramie Project:

After Matthew’s murder in 1998, members of the Tectonic Theater Project in New York City traveled to Laramie, Wyoming, to interview residents about how the attack on Matt had affected the town. These transcripts were transformed into the play The Laramie Project, which tells the stories of real people who lived at the epicenter of one of the nation’s most heinous anti-gay hate crimes. The Laramie Project is one of the most frequently performed plays in America, as its messages still resonate with audiences today. The Matthew Shepard Foundation supports dozens of productions of The Laramie Project and its epilogue The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later every year across the country. It’s the goal of the Matthew Shepard Foundation to create an environment where people are afforded an opportunity to discuss the play and its messages, the hate they encounter in their own lives, and how they can work collectively to build a more understanding and compassionate community.

About NVC The Laramie Project, a staged reading:

Directed by NVC Theater Art’s Jennifer King, this staged reading will contain excerpts from the production and feature cast members from the Napa Valley College Theater Art’s 2002, 2007, 2010 productions as well as current students and Napa County Community members.

This reading is being presented to the public following the “Flag in the Map” exhibit at Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center on Friday 10/6/23. “Flag in the Map” is an extraordinary collection of photographs and stories from LGBTQ+ people around the globe. Come see how these brave freedom fighters from Kenya, China, Ukraine, Brazil and over 40 countries passionately describe how the Rainbow Flag has changed their everyday existence. Sometimes hopeful, sometimes harrowing, always fascinating.” Visit the “Flag in the Map” Event Website: https://sites.google.com/view/fitmevent for more information.


The Wizard of Oz

Performance Dates: October 20, 21, 27, 28 at 7pm and 22, 29 at 2pm

Location: Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center Main Theater

NVC Performing Arts in partnership with Cafeteria Kids Theater.

This beloved tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, has entertained audiences worldwide for generations. Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale this production features the iconic musical score from the MGM film.

Directed by Olivia Cowell and Aimee Guillot, Music Direction by Dr. Christina Howell.

Tickets: General: $25, Student/Senior: $20, Military: $20, Youth (under 12): $15, Group of 15 or more: $15

This production is presented in partnership with Cafeteria Kids Theater www.cafeteriakidstheater.org

Some characters are double cast, please note the performance and cast delineation:

Emerald Cast: Tahlia Smith, Alex Corey, Gabe Reyes, Franklin Nagayo, Hannah Perez | Performance Dates: 10/21, 10/27, 10/29

Ruby Cast: Sophia Passaris, Gabe DuBois, Giovanny Perez, D’Angelo Cipriano, Emma Wilson | Performance Dates: 10/20, 10/22, 10/28


Holiday Happenings

Performance Dates: December 2023

Location: Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center, Studio Theater

Directed by Jennifer King

Holiday Happenings is a heartwarming and enchanting world premiere play that unfolds against the backdrop of the festive holiday season. Through a series of beautifully crafted vignettes, the play delves into the intricate web of human connections that form during this bustling time of year. Much like the beloved film Love, Actually, and the play, Almost Maine, the stories of the characters intertwine, each revealing a delicate balance of humor, tenderness, and genuine emotions. Amidst moments of vulnerability, heartache, and unexpected joy, Holiday Happenings captures the multifaceted spirit of the holidays. With its skillful blend of wit and heartfelt sentiment, the play offers a poignant and distinctive perspective on the rich tapestry of the human experience during this special time.

Tickets: General: $25, Student/Senior: $20, Military: $20, Youth (under 12): $15, Group of 15 or more: $15


Es Una Vida Maravillosa

Performance Dates: December 2023

Location: Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center, Mainstage

Adapted and Directed by Aisha Rivera

The new Latinx/Latine world premiere Spanish language stage adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life by playwright and director Aisha Rivera, who is also the Napa County’s Poet Laureate.   Es Una Vida Marvillosa brings new life into a story about the power of love and community. and will be performed in Spanish and feature English subtitles in performance in the Napa Valley College main theater. This Napa Valley College and Shakespeare Napa Valley production is sponsored in part by Napa Valley Presents, Napa County, and Arts Council Napa Valley.

Tickets: General: $25, Student/Senior: $20, Military: $20, Youth (under 12): $15, Group of 15 or more: $15


2nd Annual Cookies and Carols Concert

Performance Date: December 10th at 4pm

Location: Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center, Mainstage

Conducted by Dr. Christina Howell

NVC Chorale rings in the holiday season with a selection of family friendly carols, crafts, and cookies! NVC Chorale is comprised of NVC students and community members.