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Art News & Press

Oceanside Theatre Company and Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation Select Artist for Oceanside’s Public Piano Project

Award-Winning BJ Lane to Transform “Miss Mary” into Tribute to Theatre and the Arts

"Miss Mary" Piano Reveal (Pre-Paint)

(Oceanside, CA) – May 16, 2025 – Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) and the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) are proud to announce that award-winning artist BJ Lane has been selected to transform a donated upright piano—Miss Mary, named in honor of Mary Hendricks—into a vibrant work of public art. Chosen from a competitive pool for her creativity and interpretation of the theme theatre and performing arts, Lane will reimagine Miss Mary as part of the Oceanside Public Piano Project, which places hand-painted pianos in public spaces citywide.

Miss Mary is the fourth piano in the initiative and will be on display in the lobby of the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater (217 North Coast Highway), with an official reveal and ribbon cutting during the Brooks Theater Gallery’s Artist Open House on Friday, June 13 at 5:30 PM.

Launched by Robert Parker in partnership with OCAF, the Oceanside Public Piano Project merges visual art and music to encourage spontaneous public interaction. Other pianos are currently featured at the Oceanside Museum of Art, Civic Center Library, and 101 Cafe. Inspired by The Piano Project and Play Me Again Pianos, it aims to bring creativity directly to the community.

“I’ve always supported public pianos, but seeing the ‘Play Me Again’ project showed me the potential for turning them into art,” said Robert Parker, OCAF Vice President. “This is about bringing people together through art and music. I can’t wait to see Miss Mary transformed.”

The piano was donated by The Piano Outlet, LLC, with owner Yen Lee covering delivery costs. Naming rights were gifted in memory of Mary Hendricks, a trailblazer in the arts who passed away in 2024 at over 100 years of age.

“She appeared in Our Gang comedies at age three and later broke the glass ceiling in business,” said Michelle D’Elia, her daughter-in-law. “She worked her way up to head of treasury at SoCal Gas and volunteered with City of Hope. She adored theatre and ushered well into her 90s. Her spirit lives on in this project.”

Miss Mary will celebrate the performing arts with bold imagery of instruments, actors, and musicians—Lane’s signature theatrical style. A Fallbrook-based artist with a 50+ year career, BJ Lane is known for emotionally expressive work that bridges cultural and human experiences. She has until June 10, 2025, to complete the transformation.

“This is more than painting a piano—it’s a celebration of shared creativity,” Lane said. “I’m honored to contribute to this community through my work.”

“The Public Piano Project has been a beautiful collaboration,” said Carol Naegele, Brooks Theater Gallery Curator and OTC Board Member. “BJ Lane’s design will embody the energy, color, and spirit of the theater. We can’t wait to see her vision realized.”

This project highlights the shared mission of OTC and OCAF to enrich the community through accessible, interactive art that inspires connection and creativity.

About Oceanside Theatre Company
Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC), resident company of the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside, is a cornerstone of the Oceanside California Cultural District. OTC presents professional theatre, music, and visual arts, alongside year-round educational programs and youth outreach. Learn more at www.oceansidetheatre.org or follow @oceansidetheatrecompany on social media.

About Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation
For over 30 years, OCAF has championed the arts in Oceanside. Through events and scholarships, the organization fosters a vibrant, inclusive creative community. Learn more at www.ocaf.info or follow @ocaf.arts.

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News & Press Support

Frontwave Arena Joins Oceanside Theatre Company As Live Auction Sponsor for Annual Gala Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 

Frontwave Arena joins community partners for OTC’s Garden Party Gala
at El Corazon Senior Center in Oceanside

(Oceanside) September 17, 2025 – Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) at the Brooks is proud to announce Frontwave Arena as the exclusive Live Auction Sponsor for their 2025 Garden Party Gala on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 3 PM to 6 PM at El Corazon Senior Center (3480 Village Commercial Drive, Oceanside). 

Frontwave Arena’s partnership brings a major-league highlight to this year’s event, with exclusive VIP suite experiences for live sports included in the live auction – two packages valued at over $4,000. Guests will have a chance to bid on unforgettable experiences including San Diego Clippers and San Diego Sockers games at North County’s newest state-of-the-art venue. Each suite features luxury amenities, premier views, exclusive team merchandise, and an unbeatable atmosphere. 

“We’re thrilled to have Frontwave Arena’s support in making our Live Auction a truly extraordinary experience for our guests,” said Kevin ‘Blax’ Burroughs, Artistic Director of OTC at the Brooks. “Their generosity helps us raise essential funds to bring more live theatrical and visual experiences, arts education, and cultural programming to the Oceanside community.”

In addition to Frontwave Arena’s headline support, OTC is grateful for the generosity of many community partners who are helping make the Garden Party Gala possible, including Petite Madeline Bakery & Bistro, The Brick Hotel, One Kitchen Collective, Chef Savage, Seaside Flowers, and Ashley’s Party Rentals & Catering.

“Our work at the Sunshine Brooks Theater is only possible through strong community partnerships,” said OTC Board Vice President, Leann Garms. “Together, we’re able to keep the arts alive and accessible in Oceanside.”

The 2025 Garden Party Gala at El Corazon will feature live performances, hor’dourves, and spirited bidding in both silent and live auctions—all in support of OTC’s mission to inspire, educate, and entertain through the visual and performing arts. Funds raised will support OTC’s artistic programming, youth education initiatives, and community outreach.

Frontwave Arena, the newest premier sports and entertainment venue in North County, has quickly become a hub for unforgettable live events. By partnering with OTC at the Brooks, they extend their commitment to enriching the cultural life of the region.

Sponsorships and underwriting opportunities for the Garden Party Gala are available beginning at $1,500.

Event Details
Oceanside Theatre Company’s 2025 “Garden Party Gala”
Sunday, September 21, 2025
3:00-6:00 PM
El Corazon Senior Center
3480 Village Commercial Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056

Tickets: OceansideTheatre.org/garden-party-gala
760-433-8900

Tickets: $175 Individual Ticket; $1,500 Table Sponsor (Seats 8, Limited, Premium Location)

About Oceanside Theatre Company

Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC), the resident company of the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside, is a cornerstone of the Oceanside California Cultural District. OTC presents professional theatre, live music, and visual arts, along with year-round educational programs and youth outreach initiatives. Learn more at oceansidetheatre.org or follow @oceansidetheatrecompany on social media.

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Programs Youth

Oceanside Theatre Company Youth Academy Brings Classic Musical Comedy to The Brooks Theater with Once Upon A Mattress

Beloved Family Musical Runs November 14–23 Alongside
OTC’s First-Ever Fall Youth Technical Workshop

(Oceanside) October 29, 2025 – Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC)’s Youth Academy brings laughter and royal fun to the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater (217 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA) with the classic comedy Once Upon a Mattress, running November 14–23, 2025. Tickets are $25 for adults beginning November 1. Seniors and military enjoy a $20 rate, and students are $18 throughout the run. Tickets are available now at OceansideTheatre.org or by calling (760) 433-8900.

Directed by Sharon and Anna Duchi, this beloved Broadway favorite is a whimsical retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea — filled with quirky characters, show-stopping songs, and a heart full of humor. Written by Mary Rodgers (music), Marshall Barer (lyrics), and Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer (book), Once Upon a Mattress became a Broadway favorite and launched Carol Burnett’s career.

In a faraway kingdom ruled by the overbearing Queen Aggravain, no one can marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, finds a suitable princess — but she’s rejected every hopeful candidate through a series of impossible “royalty tests.” When Sir Harry returns with Princess Winnifred the Woebegone, an unconventional noblewoman from the swamp, chaos and comedy ensue. As the Queen plots a final test involving twenty mattresses and one tiny pea, it’s up to Winnifred and the kingdom to prove that true nobility comes from the heart.

Performance Details:
Performance Dates: November 14 – 23, 2025
Showtimes: Fridays and evenings at 7 pm | Sunday matinee performances at 2 pm
Tickets: $18-25 
Venue: Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside

Expanding Youth Opportunities Behind the Scenes: OTC Launches Its First Fall Youth Technical Workshop

Alongside the production, OTC proudly launches its first-ever Fall Youth Technical Workshop, extending its popular summer program to the school year. Led by Nate Cargill, Associate Technical Director at OTC and Technical Director at Oceanside High School, the workshop offers students ages 12–18 hands-on training in lighting, sound, and stagecraft while preparing them to work on a live show. Participants will join the technical crew both backstage and running equipment for Once Upon a Mattress, gaining real-world experience in running lights, sound, and scene changes during performances.

About the Creative Team:
SHARON DUCHI – Director / Musical Director
Sharon has a Master’s in Education from Old Dominion University and has served as Artistic Director of Act One Community Theater in Temecula for over seventeen years. She has directed, musically directed, and produced numerous award-winning productions, including Shrek, RENT, and Little Women the Musical.

ANNA DUCHI – Director / Choreographer
Anna Duchi holds a degree in Theatre Arts and Dance from Humboldt State University and has been in theater since the age of eight. A performer at Legoland California, she has served as Director and Choreographer for OTC’s Youth Outreach Program since 2019 and has worked for theatres including Carlsbad Community Theatre, Act 1 Community Theater, Jefferson Middle School, and Moonlight Youth Theatre. 

NATE CARGILL – Associate Tech Director / Instructor, Fall Youth Technical Workshop
A proud Oceanside native, Nate began his theatre career at the Sunshine Brooks Theater twenty years ago. He currently serves as Technical Director for the Oceanside Performing Arts Center at Oceanside High School and Associate Technical Director for OTC at the Brooks. An Army veteran of eleven years, Nate spent over fifteen years working in Los Angeles as a Master Electrician and Carpenter at theaters including the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center and The Orpheum Theatre. He’s passionate about mentoring youth in lighting, sound, props, and set construction.

About Oceanside Theatre Company

Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC), the resident company of the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside, is a cornerstone of the Oceanside California Cultural District. OTC presents professional theatre, live music, and visual arts, along with year-round educational programs and youth outreach initiatives. Learn more at oceansidetheatre.org or follow @oceansidetheatrecompany on social media.

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Events

Oceanside Theatre Company PresentsWinter Wonders at the Brooks: A Festive Season of Winter Concerts and Classic Films

Oceanside Theatre Company invites the community to celebrate the holidays
with concerts, classic films, and festive fun

(Oceanside) November 18, 2025 – The holidays are shining bright at the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater as Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) celebrates the season with Winter Wonders at the Brooks — a joyful series of concerts and film screenings throughout December. From heartwarming holiday movies to unforgettable live performances, audiences of all ages can experience the magic of the season. Tickets for concerts and films are available now at OceansideTheatre.org or by phone at (760) 433-8900. All events take place at the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater, located at 217 North Coast Highway, in downtown Oceanside, CA.

The holiday season kicks off on December 5, 2025, when local musical theatre composer and performer Tyler Tafolla brings a one-of-a-kind holiday concert to the Brooks with Movin’ Merrily Right Along: A Christmas Tribute to Jim Henson. Joined by a lineup of SoCal’s most Muppetational performers and puppeteers, Tafolla pays tribute to the spirit of the holidays with songs from The Muppets, Sesame Street, and more. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in festive or Muppet-inspired attire for an evening filled with laughter, nostalgia, and cheer. General admission tickets are $25, Student, Military, and Senior tickets are $25, and VIP in the first two rows are $40.

On Saturday, December 6, Blue Suede Christmas: A Rockin’ Holiday Tribute to the King takes the stage, starring Scot Bruce in a high-energy celebration of Elvis Presley’s iconic Christmas songs including “Blue Christmas” and “Santa Bring My Baby Back.” General admission tickets are $35.

Holiday music continues later in the month with five-time GRAMMY® nominee and multi-instrumentalist David Arkenstone returning this holiday season with A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends on Wednesday, December 17. Known for his cinematic blend of world, Celtic, and new age sounds, Arkenstone and his talented ensemble ignite the season with beloved holiday classics reimagined, lively seasonal originals, and surprises that get audiences clapping and celebrating together. General admission tickets are $30, Student/Senior/Military tickets are $25, and VIP tickets (in the first two rows) are $50. 

In addition to these live performances, Oceanside Theatre Company invites the community to gather for a festive series of holiday film screenings as part of Movies at the Brooks, made possible by a generous grant from Las Patronas, whose support funded the theater’s new state-of-the-art projector and screen.

General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students, military, and seniors, with a special group rate of $5 per ticket for parties of ten or more. Audiences wearing their favorite holiday sweater will receive a complimentary gourmet hot chocolate, and family-friendly treats such as candy canes will be available throughout the run.

The film lineup includes Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) on Saturday, December 6 at 2 PM; a double feature of “Classic Cinema” favorites — It’s a Wonderful Life at 1 PM and White Christmas at 4 PM — on Sunday, December 21; the beloved comedy Elf on Monday, December 22 at 7 PM; and A Christmas Story closing out the season on Tuesday, December 23 at 12 PM and 7 PM.

About Oceanside Theatre Company
Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC), the resident company of the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside, is a cornerstone of the Oceanside California Cultural District. OTC presents professional theatre, live music, and visual arts, along with year-round educational programs and youth outreach initiatives. Learn more at oceansidetheatre.org or follow @oceansidetheatrecompany on social media.

Categories
News & Press

Oceanside Theatre Company to Break Ground on Phase I of Sunshine Brooks Theater Revitalization Project

Ceremonial ‘Wall-Smashing” Set For December 16, 2025 as OTC Begins Major Capital Improvements to Historic Downtown Venue

(Oceanside) December 16, 2025 – Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC at the Brooks), stewards of the City-owned Sunshine Brooks Theater, will officially launch Phase I of the Brooks Theater Revitalization Project on Tuesday, December 16 at 1:00 PM with a public groundbreaking ceremony and symbolic “wall smashing.”

(Oceanside) December 16, 2025 – Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC at the Brooks), stewards of the City-owned Sunshine Brooks Theater, will officially launch Phase I of the Brooks Theater Revitalization Project on Tuesday, December 16 at 1:00 PM with a public groundbreaking ceremony and symbolic “wall smashing.”

The event will include brief remarks from project and community leaders including Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez and County Supervisor Jim Desmond, followed by a ceremonial demolition inside the area slated for renovation. This wall-smashing marks the first physical step in opening up the Brooks Theater’s lobby, adding six new restrooms and creating a new internal connection to Studio 219 (219 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA), improving accessibility, circulation, and overall patron experience. OTC leadership will be joined by City and County officials to commemorate the milestone.

“We’ve been thrilled to see Oceanside Theatre Company become a pillar in the community and region for professional theatre,” shared Brooks Revitalization Co-Chair, Chuck Lowery. “This project represents an important new chapter for OTC to extend our impact further with upgraded facilities and flexible capacity.”

Phase I of the renovation—made possible through a strong public–private partnership with the City of Oceanside—focuses on critical infrastructure improvements, including tripling restroom capacity, enhancing ADA accessibility, and creating new passageways between the lobby and Studio 219, the theater’s black box performance space.

The City’s support includes a $500,000 lead gift and a 20-year lease agreement, underscoring a shared commitment to ensuring the Brooks remains a vibrant cultural asset for decades to come. The County of San Diego also provided early funding to support architectural and engineering work.

“We’ve spent years enhancing the artistic programming at the Brooks, and now we’re excited to begin improvements that elevate the patron experience from the moment audiences arrive,” said OTC Artistic Director Kevin “Blax” Burroughs. “With expanded facilities—including triple the number of restrooms—our audiences will feel more comfortable from arrival to curtain call.”

A Pivotal Moment for Oceanside’s Creative Future
Built in 1936 as the Margo Theater, the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater—soon celebrating its 90th anniversary—was donated to the City of Oceanside in 1993 by Hattie ‘Sunshine’ Brooks. Over the decades, the Brooks has mirrored the evolving cultural life of Oceanside and today serves as an anchor of the Oceanside California Cultural District and a vital hub for the arts.

Since its founding in 2011, Oceanside Theatre Company has carried forward the vision of community champions including Hattie “Sunshine” Brooks, former City Councilmember Colleen O’Harra, and OTC founding board members Christopher and Tracy Williams. Their leadership laid the foundation for what has become one of North County’s most active and impactful arts organizations. More information about the history of the Brooks can be found at Oceansidetheatre.org/about/history/.

Today, OTC operates as a seven-days-a-week performing arts center, presenting theatre, music, film, dance, comedy, visual arts, literary events, and year-round arts education programs that serve thousands of residents and visitors annually.

At a time when arts organizations nationwide are facing closures, OTC continues to grow—reaching over 700 students each year through youth and after-school arts education and providing hands-on opportunities for young performers, designers, and storytellers. As audiences and programming at the Brooks have expanded, so too has the need for facility upgrades that support accessibility, safety, and long-term sustainability.

These improvements were shaped through extensive community engagement, with feedback gathered from patrons, artists, neighbors, and partners to ensure the revitalization reflects the needs and values of the people who use and love the Brooks.

“What began several years ago as a conversation about addressing restroom capacity has grown into a comprehensive revitalization plan,” said OTC Vice President Leann Garms. “This project will offer a more welcoming lobby, a flexible connection to Studio 219, improved safety and accessibility throughout the building, and thoughtful preservation of the Brooks’ historic character. With City support and community leadership, OTC is poised to transform the Brooks into a cultural destination worthy of Oceanside’s growing arts ecosystem.”

Project Team 

The revitalization design is led by Object Projects (www.object-projects.com), a women-owned architecture studio founded by Ann Worth and Sarah Hirschman, known for their focus on arts- and community-centered projects. The team has proposed strategic updates to the historic structure that enhance safety, accessibility, and flexibility while honoring the theater’s legacy.

“Nearly 90 years ago, on the heels of the Great Depression, this theater opened as a symbol of renewal for the City of Oceanside,” said Worth. “Today, while the region continues to grow, the Brooks remains a beacon of arts, culture, and community connection. This revitalization is about preserving that civic space for the next generation.”

About Phase 1 (See Press Room for project details, renderings and historical photos)
Phase 1 construction (December 2025–March 2026) includes:

  • Tripling restroom capacity
  • A more welcoming, flexible lobby that nods to the theater’s Art Deco history
  • New accessible passageways between the lobby and Studio 219
  • Infrastructure improvements essential to long-term sustainability, including HVAC

Wall-Smashing Ceremony Details
Tuesday, December 16 at 1 PM
Sunshine Brooks Theater
217 N. Coast Highway
Oceanside, CA 92054

Elected officials, OTC leadership, project partners, members of the arts community, and the Brooks Revitalization Campaign Committee will participate in the ceremonial wall smashing between Studio 219 and the Brooks Theater.