The Ojai Performing Arts Theater (OPAT) announces a new show, an original comedy, written and performed by our Emmy winning Artistic Director, Richard Camp.

The show is an irreverent, laugh-out-loud comedy about people who have been dealt the bottom card from the deck but lived, thrived and survived.

“Up until I was about five years old,” says Camp, “I thought everyone in the world was deformed because everyone in my immediate family WAS… a stepdaddy with a crossed eye so you couldn’t tell who he was yelling at, our sweet Baptist church piano player with missing fingers who could almost get the chords right, an aunt with a cleft palate who could almost form words and her husband with a backward club foot who could ‘kick your butt comin’ or goin.’” But, nobody pitied them, they were accepted as they were.”

The show’s stepping off point is a five year old’s first funeral, where he interacts with all these characters who “scared the bejesus out of him” and starts to wrap his young mind around the concept of god at the funeral service, where the pallbearers drop the casket. 

“You laugh all the way through,” says OPAT CEO Joan Kemper.  “The main character’s southern accent makes the show even funnier.”

A comedy mixed with heartfelt moments, the show is produced by OPAT but plays at the Ojai Art Center, where its Board has graciously allowed us to rent the theater.  It runs one weekend only, just three chances to see it. 

Treat yourself to Saturday's VIP Night!  Help us support OPAT and theater in the Valley while mingling with our Board of Directors, supporters of the performing arts, and other fun luminaries who love to eat our gourmet nibbles and enjoy our drinks.  

• The incomparable Mike Gaidano, board member and master of fine cuisine and mixology will be surprising us with an onslaught of southern style hospitality, “mint juleps” included.
• Enjoy reserved parking across the street.
• And something new:  We will let VIPs into the theater 15 minutes before the rest of the audience so you can pick any seats you like.  Join us for this special evening!

Questions about the Saturday night VIP gig, contact Bob Kemper directly at [email protected]. 

OPAT prides itself on producing professional theater in the Ojai Valley.  For 25 years now, OPAT has developed a reputation for high quality productions using a combination of professional and amateur talent.  Each year we produce 3 to 4 shows which typically includes at least one musical. Our most recent phenomenal production of “Into the Woods” earned countless accolades likening it to “Broadway quality.” Not only do we perform well known shows, are always searching for new and innovative talent. And OPAT believes in giving back to the community.  Not only do we strive to mentor young, aspiring performing arts students, we donate a tremendous amount of time and money to the Ojai Unified School District (OUSD) to help them maintain and expand their performing arts programs.  We also support many local nonprofits like Help of Ojai, the Land Conservancy, etc.