Inland Valley Repertory Theatre (IVRT) is bringing live theater back to La Verne. On September 1, IVRT will have a grand re-opening to inaugurate its season of two plays in repertory at the Dailey Theater on the campus of the University of La Verne. IVRT’S production season will feature Jerry Herman’s award-winning musical Mame (view calendar) on the mainstage and Neil Simon’s comedy The Sunshine Boys (view calendar) on the cabaret stage, an intimate 75-seat theater.

The story of Mame reminds the audience that there is a wild, adventurous spirit inside everyone who lives for the moment and believes that “life is a banquet!” It’s the height of the 1920s and Mame Dennis has become the guardian for her ten-year old nephew, Patrick. Auntie Mame’s life is turned upside down, many of her priorities change, but Mame never stops living life to the fullest. The production will feature the artistic talent of Alisa Shyer, choreographer and Barbara J. Durost, musical director, complete with a cast of 40, over 200 costumes, and a live orchestra.

The Sunshine Boys is the story of a 43-year working relationship between Al Lewis and Willie Clark, a successful vaudeville comedy team, with a not so successful personal life. After having avoided each other for the past eleven years, a television station wants them to appear together in a special entitled “The History of Comedy.” Their reluctant reunion sparks a delicious comedy.

Both productions will be directed by IVRT’s founding artistic director Frank Minano Jr., with set and lighting designed by University of La Verne’s technical director, Elizabeth Pietrzak. Pietrzak has designed many productions for IVRT, including “Amadeus” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Minano is an alumnus of University of La Verne. 

The Board of Directors of Inland Valley Repertory Theatre announced at a benefit reception on June 2 that the company will re-open this September, launching its mission as a creative force for high quality, live theater in the community.

IVRT was founded in 1990 by La Verne residents Frank and Donna Marie Minano, with the goal of providing high quality theatrical productions in the community. During its first six seasons, IVRT stayed true to its mission and its emphasis on professional quality performances, live music and high production values earned IVRT kudos and honors such as the Rancho Cucamonga Community Foundation’s Primavera Award for outstanding contributions to the arts, and several Inland Theater League awards for acting and directing.