Bakersfield Life

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     This year has ushered in another Beatles revolution, with the release of “The Beatles: Rock Band” and the reissue of their albums, and Bakersfield is no exception with a Beatles-themed musical added to the lineup of Broadway in Bakersfield, which begins its season this month.     “Rain — A Tribute to The Beatles,” which was included in Pollstar’s Top 20 North American Concert Tours of 2009 and Top 100 Tours Worldwide, is just one of the seven exciting shows headed our way for the popular musical series, presented by Tejon Ranch, at Rabobank Arena.      The 2009-10 season kicks off with “Cirque Dreams Illumination” on Oct. 23. Following in the spirit of “Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy,” the only show of its kind to ever perform on Broadway, “Illumination” is packed with action, set in a fantastical cityscape of dimension and special effects. An international cast of acrobats, flexible fanatics, world-class athletes and musicians populate the city of Illumination, performing extraordinary feats as electric linemen walk wires, trash collectors balance on cans and firemen leap tall buildings. An original urban score and more than 100 inventive costumes — telephones, fire hydrants, cars and road cones — bring the magical city to life.     Next up in time for the holidays is “The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller” on Dec. 15. Celebrate the spirit of the season with the "18th century rock band" known for the sound where classical, rock, acoustic and electronic music meet.     In January, sing along with “The Wedding Singer,” a fun musical based on the popular 1998 film. The show follows Robbie Heart. New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer, who’s down on love after being left at the altar. Then he meets a young waitress and it’s love at first sight. With a score that pays homage to pop songs of the ’80s, “The Wedding Singer” takes us back to when hair was big, collars were up and a wedding singer was the coolest guy in the room.     From an ‘80s flashback to a ’60s classic, the season shifts in musical high gear with “Camelot” in February. Rediscover the grandeur of one of history’s greatest love stories in Lerner and Loewe’s timeless masterpiece. A sumptuous tale set in a land where honor and chivalry reign, “Camelot” follows the love triangle of King Arthur, his Queen Guinevere and the young Lancelot set to the tunes of one of Broadway’s most enchanting scores.   After a visit to a fairy-tale kingdom, head to the place where a song and drinks help you forget your troubles in “Cabaret,” which premieres March 18. A decadent production set in 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power, the musical focuses on nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around young English cabaret performer Sally Bowles and her relationship with a young American writer.    In April, the series taps into Beatlemania with “Rain — A Tribute to The Beatles,” which The Denver Post described as “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles.” Packed with nearly 200 songs, the musical is a multidimensional experience featuring five different scene and costume changes, three video screens, and live camera projection, combining television commercials and historical video footage from the '60s. The show, which covers the Fab Four from “The Ed Sullivan Show” to Abbey Road, is a must for any Beatles fan.     Wrapping up the season in May is “The Wizard of Oz,” a spectacular celebration of the 1939 film. The entire family will enjoy traveling down the Yellow Brick Road and beyond with Dorothy, Toto and their friends in this lavish production. From munchkins to flying monkeys, this show will captivate audiences with its breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs.   From fantasy to feathered hair, this season of Broadway in Bakersfield delivers with fun and excitement for the whole family. Whether you make one show or see them all, it’s a great time to head to the theater.  Season at a Glance“Cirque Dreams Illumination,” 8 p.m. Oct. 23“The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15“The Wedding Singer,” 7:30 p.m. Jan 4“Camelot,” 7 p.m. Feb. 28“Cabaret,” 7:30 p.m. March 18“Rain — A Tribute to The Beatles,” 8 p.m. April 16“The Wizard of Oz,” 7:30 p.m. May 6To subscribe to the season, visit rabobankarena.com or call the subscription hot line at 852-7308. Prices range from $100 to $225, depending on the package.