As we complete our tenth year, we would like to look at the next ten years of our company as a new start. We wanted to look at this as if it were the first year once again, with all new eyes and the wide-eyed optimistic point of view that we had ten years ago.

So, we went back to the beginning. As part of a new outlook for the company, we are determined to listen to what our patrons have to say. Three or four productions this year are among the top ten shows chosen by our patrons. Furthermore, our audiences made it clear that they preferred family friendly musicals as the primary entertainment source of the season. This year our season meets these requirements as we are set to present Peter Pan, Pirates of Penzance and Music Man.

An exciting addition for those of you who love drama is the formation of an all-new play season. Of those polled, 50% of audience members preferred a play season. So, because you have requested it, we will present our first year of plays at the California Theatre including: Driving Miss Daisy, Steel Magnolias and Love Letters.

We are going to try to make it a point to develop at least one new production each year. Last year's production of Mermaids was our first deal that we arranged with MGM On stage. This year's newest production is Jingle Bell Rock, which we expect to be an exciting way to celebrate the Christmas season.

The VIP Lounge will be returning this year. During the course of the year, patrons have come to know that the VIP Lounge is a great way to get a drink and hors d'oeuvres prior to the production with other distinguished guests.

We are very proud of the history we have made in our short time here. We have presented a number of firsts at the California Theatre. Among them were productions of Mermaids, Cats, Mamma Mia, Miss Saigon, Rent, Ragtime, Chicago, Stomp, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Saturday Night Fever, Smokey Joe's Café and Fosse, among others.

So, today we have the same goal we had when we began. It is our mission to produce or present the highest quality productions that meet the needs of our community while maintaining the company's fiscal health. We hope to make the next ten years the best in California Theatre's history.

Welcome back and enjoy the show,

Joseph, Allen and Bob