Lewis Family Playhouse launches new season
Jlife caught up with Kevin Shimko, Community Services Entertainment Superintendent with the City of Rancho Cucamonga. Shimko, who came to his position four months ago, discussed his background, his goals, and the upcoming season at the Lewis Family Playhouse.
Jlife: What inspired you to enter the theater management field, and what special skills do you bring to Lewis Family Playhouse?
Shimko: I’ve always loved theatre, the performing arts, and the power of storytelling—it’s a unique experience that connects us, fills us with joy, and ignites imagination. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various roles with many great theatres: acting, directing, producing, sweeping stages, fixing toilets, ushering, house managing, running the box office, selling concessions, raising funds, negotiating contracts, preparing budgets, programming seasons, and more. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the creativity, hard work, skills, teamwork, and intricacies behind every production.
Jlife: What are your objectives for Lewis Family Playhouse, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Shimko: My journey, fueled by a passion for theatre and its success, alongside a curiosity to learn from and support artists and creatives, has led me to theatre management. I’m grateful to be here at the Lewis Family Playhouse with an incredible team, serving the Rancho Cucamonga community and beyond. I’m dedicated to ensuring the theatre’s vibrant future by fostering creative and strategic thinking, engaging with the community intentionally, and delivering impactful, high-quality programming to our audiences.
Jlife: How long has Lewis Family Playhouse been in existence?
Shimko: The Lewis Family Playhouse and Victoria Gardens Cultural Center was built in 2006.
Jlife: What was the impetus for building it?
Shimko: The stated vision of the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, “began with a unified dream of creating a place that inspires education, imagination, adventures, and dreams,” and a belief that, “the performing arts enriches a community, stimulates its economy, and enhances its quality of life.”
Jlife: How is the playhouse supported?
Shimko: The Lewis Family Playhouse is supported by the City of Rancho Cucamonga and we’re incredibly grateful to have the support of our community. An engaged audience will always be the most essential form of support a theatre can receive. We are also grateful for the support of our season and show sponsors, which can vary each season.
Jlife: What are some of the special amenities of the playhouse?
Shimko: From the first time I walked into the Playhouse, I was so impressed with the venue. Here are some things of note: o The theatre is intimate with 560 seats and no seat is farther than 60 feet from the stage, making every seat a good one.
• The theatre has a brand-new, state-of-the-art sound system installed this year.
• The state-of-the-art video system utilizes SDI transmission protocols.
• The Lewis Family Playhouse and Victoria Gardens Cultural Center always strive to be an accessible venue for all. ADA-compliant restrooms, elevators, seating, and parking are available.
• We are centrally located in Victoria Gardens, an open-air lifestyle center with plenty of dining and shopping options right outside our doors.
• There is free parking.
• We offer concessions for most shows including snacks and beverages. Some shows have alcohol. Though food is not allowed in the theatre, all drinks are.
Jlife: What kinds of performances have been there?
Shimko: The Lewis Family Playhouse has hosted a diverse array of performances spanning legends like Martin Short, Vanessa Williams, Henry Winkler, and Rita Moreno, to high-quality Broadway-style plays and musicals, TYA (Theater for Young Audiences) productions, and comedic acts such as Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, Bill Engvall, and Rita Rudner. We’ve welcomed musicians from around the globe, showcased modern dance and ballet, and collaborated with local production companies and artists on multiple productions. Additionally, offerings include school shows, community showcases, cultural events, and special programs like library reading programs—all enriching the lives of our audience and community.
Jlife: Why is there such an eclectic mix of performances?
Shimko: Each season at the Lewis Family Playhouse is intentionally eclectic, hopefully offering something new and exciting for audiences with each visit. Theatre and the performing arts celebrate diversity through a variety of art forms, showcasing unique voices, perspectives, and cultures. All of this enriches and inspires the entire community. Whether you’re a regular at the Playhouse or coming for the first time, there are opportunities for everyone to discover unexpected and wonderful performances. It’s important to hear directly from the community on what they want to see on stage. This happens via surveys, meaningful conversations, and connections with artists. All of this helps keep programming fresh and engaging.
Jlife: What are some of the highlights of the new season?
Shimko:
• There are exciting opportunities for youth and families such as Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Sound of Music, Charlotte’s Web, and Omnium Circus: I’m Possible, an exciting show described as,
• “America’s most extraordinary, inclusive, diverse, multi-sensory, accessible family circus experience.”
• Tony-Award winning play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” is a truly powerful story featuring incredible technical effects. The Lewis Family Playhouse is partnering with CCAE from Escondido on this venture, which is an exciting opportunity to work with other artists in the region.
• We’ve got legendary comedian, writer, and actor Paul Reiser coming to perform stand-up in November!
• And we have a wide range of concerts with many that pay tribute to music legends! These shows are always a huge hit with the community and it is great to see our audiences dance and sing along. This year, we’ve got Britain’s Finest: The Ultimate Beatles Experience, Kings of Queen, The Landsharks (a Jimmy Buffet tribute show), A Tribute to Selena, and Frontiers (a Journey tribute show).
Jlife: What is the range of ticket prices?
Shimko: There’s a wide range of ticket prices depending on the show and seat selection. We also have some shows with youth prices or VIP add-ons. It’s important to stay in alignment with the market, ensure artists are being properly compensated, and provide opportunities for all in the community to afford live entertainment throughout the year.
For more information please visit
https://lewisfamilyplayhouse.com
Ilene Schneider is a contributing writer to Jlife Magazine.
