Opening night at Redlands Theatre Festival

Prospect Park in Redlands on a Friday night was glowing. There was a yoga class in session, a young couple just got engaged with a photo shoot of the orange groves and mountain tops as the most romantic backdrop. A couple of young women had a picnic, one painted with water color, the other read. And then there was the theater, dap smack in the middle of the park as a shining cultural beacon.

The line up for this summer’s Redlands Theatre Festival selection is:

• A 1920’s musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” (a Tony award winning Canadian meta-musical)

• An absurd comedy “One Man, Two Guvnors” (a 2011 re-telling of the Italian Carlo Goldoni play from 1746)

• Join the adventure of the 1869 voyage down the Colorado River “Men on Boats” queer version

• A supernatural comedy “Blithe Spirit” (a Noel Coward classic from 1941 that aimed to distract the British audience from the grim realities of WWII)

• A sharp laugh-out-loud comedy “Native Gardens” about feuding neighbors

• Two nights of New Works Collections (new and exciting works)

• A one night concert: Teen Music Workshop

Because of other summer plans, I regret to inform (mostly to myself) that I could only make it to the opening night, Friday June 26, for the “One Man, Two Guvnors” performance. One man works two jobs when he can barely take care of himself. The play did not disappoint.

I’ve written about the local theater scene before, both here and for the local papers. One might think that on stage, you’ll see the local high school math teacher, your dad’s hairdresser or what not, the type of people that are endearing on stage because you know them. That is not the case here in Redlands, the audition process is serious, the actors know what they are doing, and they are gooood. Even if you actually know them.

Redlands Theatre Festival has a company of actors from all over the Inland Empire (including from Redlands) and beyond. These are seasoned actors and college students studying theater. They all commit to spending their summer on stage, each actor performs in multiple plays in the only rotating-repertoire theater in the Inland Empire. It’s kind of like a summer camp for adults.

My husband and I arrived early, so did a couple of old white men. It was us and them. Enjoying the sun setting behind the tree tops of palm, eucalyptus and oak. You can spot the French chateau Kimberly Crest behind the stage. The set design looked impressive with two floors and sliding walls, a picture of the Queen hung swaying to one side, it became the sign for the local pub when you turned it around. I think the theater itself has had an upgrade because everything looked amazing, fresh paint, new posts for the upcoming shows. This year is the 54th season.

I waved at Alexis (one of the directors) who came over and chatted for a while. I told her “One Man, Two Guvnors” was perfect for me, because I’m an over-committer. She laughed and said, “We’re all over-committers here [at the theater].”

Soon half the theater was full, and a four man band began playing folk rock n roll on stage. This band had two on guitars, one on bass and one on washboard (when did you last watch that in action?). I loved following the band throughout the play, switching instruments and especially how the washboard guy, became a single drum guy until he sat behind a full drum set. At one point someone played a melodica (when was the last time you saw that live?), another played the kazoo.

When the young lover and dramatic wannabe actor jumped on stage and started slapping his bare chest and tummy to the music, the audience roared with laughter. In Danish a washboard is the word for a six pack, so I thought that was an even better joke; a band member played on a washboard, an actor played on his washboard. From theory to practice.

I recognized the poor over-committed main actor, Francis (CJ Armstrong), when he sashayed on stage. I remember him from another play, I just can’t remember which one, his stage presence is phenomenal, great self-ironi and a refreshing self-unawareness/unashamedness (are those words?). Other memorable performances were Stanley who played a whole scene with his fly open (it was closed at the next scene), Rachel maneuvered the role of both male and female twin to perfection, Pauline had the best physicality on stage of them all and Dolly was a hottie.

Francis was hungry and eager to do anything (for his next meal), that’s why he said yes to work for two Guvnors to whom he promised not to let anybody know he worked for them. Chaos, panic and hilarious excuses ensued.

Poor Francis finally sneaked in a meal. The improvisations and inclusion of audience members added to the chaotic farce (or were they extras placed among us?). In the second half, Francis fought for his love interest (now that his tummy was full) with more twists and turns. They managed to get the audience into the chaos with them, one man’s problems became everyone’s problem. And it made me think, when I over-commit, maybe it’s not just my problem, maybe my family pay a price for the chaos I invite?

The music played, the actors made us all feel like extras and at that point we were all in this together, and isn’t that what community theater is really about?

The RTF season runs from June 26 through August 1st, 2026.

Bring a picnic blanket, some food and enjoy the park before the show begins at 8pm.

“The Redlands Theatre Festival is proud to unveil its Summer 2026 season, a vibrant, comedy-forward lineup that celebrates connection, chaos, and the beautifully unpredictable ways we build community,” said the press release prior to the season beginning.

“This season leans into comedy not just for entertainment, but as a way of navigating complexity,” said Artistic Director, Shannon Cabanilla Galuszka1 (she was the one who had directed the “One Man, Two Guvnors” play). “Each play asks: How do we live together? And the answer, again and again, is through laughter, empathy, and a willingness to be changed.”

Is it a wonder I love this theater so much? A company that searches for ways for us coming together in the most heartwarming yet provocative ways. To shake us out of our comfort zones and into each other’s arms.

Thank you for following my writing. I write primarily about events in and around Redlands that support our local community and make this city a better place. Sometimes, I write about the aspects of our community that we need to protect.

Please share, subscribe and like.

In Gratitude,

Siw