Welk Resorts San Diego activities include fine theater and new company Roustabouts debuts

Energy, enthusiasm, strong voices and high-stepping choreography make "The Music Man" a delight at Welk Resort Theatre.

David Humphrey's swindling Professor Harold Hill charms the town -- and the audience -- in a joyful production of "The Music Man" at Welk Resort Theatre. Musicals and tribute shows are often on tap.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

and courtesy Ken Jacques

Welk Resorts San Diego: Activities include lively theater

If you're searching for a weekend getaway that blends relaxation, entertainment, and scenic beauty, Escondido might surprise you.

Nestled within the expansive Welk Resorts property, the Welk Theater offers more than just a show -- it’s part of a full experience.

Think peaceful surroundings, beautiful landscape, resort-style amenities and an evening of live entertainment to cap a perfect day.

Cookie and Keller, center, met the spirit of Lawrence Welk in a poster behind them at the museum in Welk Resort Theatre. Their fellow musical theater fans are Melody and Larry Cogsdill, left, and Chuck and Cathy Colclasure.

WHEN PROFESSOR Harold Hill steps out of the train, promising to give Iowa a try with his roving flim-flam operation, we know we're in for a treat of Welk Resorts San Diego activities.

We smile as he romances Marian the Librarian, breathing life into the stodgy town of River City and giving young grieving Winthrop hope.  The whole town comes alive -- and so do we, the happy audience smitten by the spell this classic of American musical theater weaves.

Welk Theater in Escondido is well worth the drive from San Diego, for its nature setting and a series of fine musicals and tribute shows. Contact: thewelksandiego.com

Welk Resort Theater, north of San Diego, does Meredith Wilson's legacy proud.  Its version of the 1962 Tony Award winner is larger than life, befitting its charismatic leading man.

I GREW UP with Broadway musicals and have long loved the tale of the swindler reborn with the love of a good woman (with the voice of an angel.) The two leads are masterfully played by David S. Humphrey as Harold Hill and Charlene K. Wilkinson as Marian.  While he's going straight, she's discovering the joys of love and romance. It's a pleasure to watch their chemistry develop.

Robin LaValley as the Mayor Shinn's wife, Eulalee, is a comedic hoot, backed by the other lively Pick-a-Little gossips.  Bobby Chiu's Winthrop is endearing as he emerges from his cocoon of sorrow, and the Barber shoppers are a harmonic delight.

Direction and choreography by Ray Limon is old-fashioned musical theater at its best -- full of energy with the ability to place us in the heart of the story.

WE SIX JUNKIES of musical theater loved it. Check out Welk Theater and enjoy the journey!

thewelksandiego.com

Roustabouts: New Theater Company Makes an Impressive Debut

Ruff Yeager created a determined, egotistical and believable professor in his character, Anton Myrvold, in a world premiere, "Margin of Error," by the new company, Roustabouts.

.

Four talented actors did honor in the world premiere of a new company in San Diego. Roustabouts debuted at Horton Plaza's Lyceum and moves to Diversionary for a second work.

BRAVO, ROUSTABOUTS, WE LOOK FORWARD TO MORE!

Joel Miller is Gray Foxberry and Roxane Carrasco is Sunita Myrvold in a new company's premiere play.

IT IS ALWAYS a pleasure to add a new theater to our engaging and diverse list of troupes. San Diego's balmy weather produces more than avocados and surfers. The theatrical offerings are impressive.

A new company, the Roustabouts Theatre Company, recently debuted and its first production is an enticing promise of brilliant collaborations with more to come.  

A beautifully rendered opening production, "Margin of Error," was directed by veteran San Diego actor Rosina Reynolds. Her daughter, Kate Rose Reynolds, is featured in the play. ion.

Kate Rose Reynolds is Britt Carlsson in Roustabouts premiere production. Two more ` works are planned this first season.

The work is a fast paced drama that explores issues of morality, science, loyalty and politics in the academic world. Beautiful language by Will Cooper, a Roustabout founder, with nuanced direction by the versatile Reynolds make it clear that Roustabouts will be a major contender in San Diego's burgeoning theatrical repertoire.

THE TROUPE'S second show will be the new comedy “Withering Heights” (yes a spoof on Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights.") "The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe" follows, originated by Lily Tomlin and written by her longtime partner and collaborator Jane Wagner.

Extraordinary violinist and storyteller Yale Strom promises more klezmer treats at the upcoming Lipinsky Family Jewish Arts Festival, celebrating its 24th season.

UP NEXT: The talent and pleasures of the annual Lipinsky Family Jewish Arts Festival are upon us. Check out the array of performances, from Yale Strom's freewheeling Klezmer Summit, to Yiddish vocals and pop tunes, theater, readings, art and more. We've written about this festival for several years and its 24th season of treats is coming up in June.  Check it out at the Lyceum and elsewhere then mark your dance cards for spectacular work.

Remember to explore, learn and live and check us out weekly for a fresh look at performance, travel, nature and more. If this destination sparked your wanderlust, there’s plenty more waiting for you to explore more travel stories, tips and inspiration at WhereIsCookie.com