MOORPARK COLLEGE THEATRE ARTS Brings Nell Gwynn From Over The Pond And Puts It In The Parking Garage

Moorpark, CA – The Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department is proud to present live “indoor” theatre again.  Nell Gwynn by Jessica Swale with music by Nigel Hess is a joyous comedy about the true story of Nell Gwynn, a whore, turned orange-seller, turned mistress of King Charles in 17^th century London.  Adhering to the Covid -19 restrictions and after much debate, the theatre arts department asked and was granted access to turn the parking garage, located on the south east side of the campus, into a “indoor-outdoor” theatre in which to perform Nell Gwynn in.

“This decision to perform in a parking garage was not easy and it has presented many challenges.  But with those challenges have come unexpected triumphs.” states Professor Suzanne Fagan who directs the show. “The play is hilarious, and poignant. I love how well written it is but what really spoke to me was what a love letter it is to live theatre. Though we are not performing it in a traditional theatre, the play, the cast and crew solidified for me that theatre can be anywhere and is everywhere.”

Set designer Brian Koehler said “In facing the challenges of putting what feels like a traditional production like this in a very untraditional setting like a parking garage, we really wanted to re-examine how we looked at this.  It doesn’t work just ignoring this space and doing a show – it’s obvious where we are…  So how do we embrace our space versus ignore our space?  Hence, we’ve come up what we are referring to as “The Nell Gwynn Experience”…  We are not just doing the show, we are creating the environment in which the show exists…  We are attempting to create something that is as much art/scenic installation as it is theatrical production set.  It is exciting and a tad terrifying, and we hope you enjoy what we’ve created.

Sharing the role of our saucy and bawdy Nell are Jade Morrisey and Erin Baxter.  Jade says “This show is a great reminder of what live theatre is about, ‘That one moment…And then, it’s someone else’s’ is such a beautiful line written by an incredible female playwright.”

Erin says “I love Nell because she represents someone, I think, most people can relate and get attached to. She feels very real to me and I’m honored to be able to bring this amazing woman to life.”

Nell Gwynn will play from October 7^th until October 17^th.  Since seats are limited, there will be two nights to stream the performance for free as well.  Please check the website for details on tickets for the live performances and the free streaming performances, www.moorparkcollege.edu/pac email mcboxoffice@vcccd.edu, or call (805) 378-1485.  Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for non-students. For more details or information on how you can get involved, email Suzanne Fagan at sfagan@vcccd.edu.

Moorpark College Mission

Grounded in equity, social justice, and a students first philosophy, Moorpark College values diverse communities. We empower learners from local, national, and global backgrounds to complete their degree, certificate, transfer, and career education goals. Through the integration of innovative instruction and customized student support, our programs are designed to achieve equitable outcomes.

About Moorpark College

One of three colleges in the Ventura County Community College District, MC was founded in 1967. It is set on 150 beautiful acres, nestled in the foothills on the southeastern flank of Ventura County, about 40 miles from UCLA, and approximately 75 miles from UC Santa Barbara. It is also a short drive from CSU Northridge, CSU Channel Islands, and California Lutheran University. Moorpark College was recognized in the Huffington Post in March of 2015 as the fourth-best community college in the nation. It has an excellent reputation for university transfer preparation, and its signature career/technical programs include nursing, radiation technology, biotechnology, and exotic animal training, which incorporates the world-renowned America’s Teaching Zoo. The college also offers a dynamic range of classes and programs in the visual and performing arts, and its pristine athletic fields and mild climate provide an excellent home for student athletes.

Contact:  Suzanne Fagan, Moorpark College (805) 553-4847