CRE Outreach is a non-profit performing arts organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth, people with disabilities, and military veterans in greater Los Angeles. Since 2007, CRE (which stands for Create, Reflect, Empower) has utilized theatre, the performing arts, and educational programs as a means to enhance self-esteem, encourage self-expression and empower individuals to overcome the challenges in their lives.
One of CRE’s foremost goals has been the creation of their own studio and performance space, which has now been achieved with the complete renovation of a two-story building at 9617 Venice Blvd., Culver City, now known as THE BLUE DOOR.
It is the first theater of its kind with workshop, rehearsal, and a 50-seat performance space dedicated to individuals with disabilities, military veterans, and underserved youth, and is now the home of Theatre by the Blind, Rex and Friends, Film by the Blind, Veterans Empowerment Theatre, Creative Youth Theatre, and Outreach Through the Arts, all signature programs of CRE Outreach. Learn more about CRE Outreach and its programs at https://creoutreach.org.
CRE Outreach is pleased to present the World Premiere of LOST IN THE LIGHT, an original play written by Pelita Dasalla with original songs by Laurie Grant and Chloe Copoloff, and directed by Greg Shane as the inaugural production at CRE’s new theater, The Blue Door in Culver City, opening Friday, April 13 through May 12.
“Lost In The Light” is performed by Theatre by the Blind, the only blind theater company in the country, and by the gifted musicians with autism from Rex & Friends. This awe-inspiring production challenges conventional expectations about the capabilities of individuals who live without sight, who struggle with movement, or who have difficulty understanding the complexities of social interactions.
“Lost In The Light” centers on headstrong student Angel Taylor, blind since birth, who has always taken her sighted family’s hyper-vigilance in stride alongside their overwhelming love and support. At the dawn of her budding journalism career, Angel learns about a rare opportunity to gain her vision through an experimental surgery. Along with her family, Angel grapples with the conflicting notions of seeing for the very first time or continuing to live in darkness. What will happen if she gains her vision but then finds herself lost in the light?
The original songs performed by Rex & Friends provide insight into the character’s thoughts and feelings as Angel grapples with her life-altering decision.
Featured in the cast from Theatre by the Blind are Magally Ocampo (as Angel Taylor), Kenny Lee, David Sandoval, Ernest Pipoly, Sylvia Taylor, Willie Ruth “Cookie” Cooke, Connor “Coco” Head, Matthew Saracho, Arnett Coates, Melanie Hernandez, Sheila Walker, Lee Pugsley, Sherman Wiggs, Julio Hoyas, and Leela Kazerouni. The gifted musicians and singers on the autism spectrum from Rex & Friends accompanying them include Rex Lewis-Clack, August McAdoo, Patrick Storey, Alan Davis, Jonetta Ward, Igor Zaninovich, Jennifer Bevans, and Spencer Harte, with special guest rapper Rio “Soulshocka” Wyles, all of whom are extraordinary performers who have discovered the power of music to transcend any disability.
“Lost In The Light” opens Friday, April 13 and runs through Saturday, May 12, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m., at The Blue Door, located at 9617 Venice Blvd, Culver City, 90232.
Please note these exceptions to performance dates when ordering your tickets: dark Saturday, April 28; Sunday, April 29 at 7 p.m. only; dark Friday, May 4.
General admission tickets are $15 and may be purchased in advance at https://creoutreach.org/lostinthelight or beginning one hour prior to each performance at the box office, contingent on available seats. The show’s run time is approximately two hours with one 15-minute intermission. Limited metered street parking is available in the area with two Culver City parking lots within walking distance at 3846 Cardiff Ave. and 3844 Watseka Ave. And be sure to pick up a Dinner and a Show flyer at THE BLUE DOOR and take advantage of special discounts at the listed local restaurants and bars when you present your LOST IN THE LIGHT program when ordering.
CRE Outreach is a proud member of the Culver City Chamber of Commerce, with whom their Grand Opening ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at THE BLUE DOOR on Thursday, April 12. The public is invited to stop by between 4-6pm that day to take a tour of the new theater at 9617 Venice Blvd., Culver City, meet the CRE Outreach team, and purchase tickets for “Lost In The Light.”