Upcoming college production explores religious subject matter
Cast will feature several Simi residents

Moorpark College's Performing Arts Department announced recently that it had selected the cast for the upcoming performance of "JB" by Archibald MacLeish, to be performed March 23 through 31 at the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center as part of the Year of Science and Religion program.

"JB," which won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1958, mingles biblical and contemporary matter to create a poignant commentary on the Book of Job and addresses the tough questions that are at the core of many religious beliefs.

In this production set in modern times, J.B. is a devout, wealthy and charitable businessman whom Satan runs through the wringer. In a play within the play, two circus vendors, Zuss and Nickles, assume the roles of God and Satan. As they watch J.B.'s life unfold, they comment on their own characters.

As a humanist, MacLeish merged the human and the divine. "Our labor always," MacLeish wrote, "is to learn through suffering to love."

The production is directed by Moorpark College Theatre Arts faculty member John Loprieno.

Playing Zuss is Jack McGee of Thousand Oaks, with Kamahni Huck of Newbury Park in the role of Nickles. The title role of JB is played by Jodi Solbrig of Thousand Oaks, and Karolina Augstyn-Mole of Simi Valley plays his wife, Sarah.

Job's children are portrayed by a quartet of child actors from East Ventura County.

Zach Anderson of Simi Valley is in the role of Boy. His father, Bob Anderson, also appears in the show.

The rest of the ensemble cast includes Kire' Horton, Tina Thompson, Eric Wallworth, Bob Anderson, Robyn Thomas and Kelby Cross of Simi Valley.

Show times for "JB" are 8 p.m. March 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31; 3 p.m. Sunday, March 25; and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28.

Tickets for adults are $15, for students and seniors $9 and for children under 12 and staff are $8.

For information or tickets, call the box office at (805) 3781485, or purchase tickets online at www.MoorparkCollege.edu/.