By Kathy Carpenter

www.sdtheatrereviews.com Associate and Youth Reviewer

July 23, 2015 (El Cajon) - Grossmont College 2nd annual Summer Conservatory (where high school students work alongside college students in all aspects to put on a theatrical show) brought us Cinderella A New, Pop Musical. The classic story updated and written by Jennette Thomas, directed by Beth Duggan and Molly Stillens, with fresh music and songs from the 80's and 90's and a fresh attitude from Cinderella, who doesn't need a man to survive, a King willing to adapt to his son's happiness, and a Prince who still thinks Cinderella the most perfect of all.

The show was funny, fun, well-acted, and you couldn't help leaving the theatre with a smile on your face.  This is a perfect summer show for the students to weave their magic, proving as Cinderella's Godmother says "Anything is possible if you believe."

Listen to this week's Destination East County broadcast from the East County Magazine Show on KNSJ radio 89.1 FM! Click the orange link above.(note: sound files make take a few moments to load.)

By Miriam Raftery

July 28, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County features a once in a blue moon hike, a vocal and jazz trio concert, and a watermelon festival at a camel dairy. Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including movies at Santee Lakes, a Sip of Julian, the reopening of Rancho San Diego’s Farmer’s Market, and a rollicking new Lamplighters Theatre production.  So stay tuned for all of these events and much, much more!

East County News Service

July 28, 2015 (San Diego)--Mounarath-Powell Productions presents the premier of a new girl group, Tres, at the Visionary Performance Space (7202 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego) on August 14th at 7 p.m. 

This cabaret-style production features three powerhouse vocalists: Nicole Isablele, Caliope Marin, and Sophia Rogers. Listen to these young divas as they sing some of today's and yesterday's popular hits by artists such as Adele, Beyonce, Tina Turner and many more.

July 24, 2015 (Rancho San Diego) -- On Saturday, October 17th The Garden will once again be transformed into  "The Enchanted Garden." Wander a magical path through illuminated gardens as you enjoy ethereal music, delicious, garden-inspired fare and captivating entertainment.

July 23, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County features hikes and hops,Pine Valley Days, Music in the Garden and more. Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including a Sip of Julian and Watermelon Days at the Oasis Camel Dairy. So stay tuned for all of these events and much, much more!

East County News Service

July 20, 2015 (Julian) – From a film festival to guided hikes to a dinner in the meadow benefit and more, the Volcan Mountain Foundation is hosting an array of fascinating events coming up in August and September.  Below are details on these activities, which all benefit conservation efforts to preserve Volcan Mountain in the scenic and historic Julian area.

East County News Service

July 19, 2015 (Scripps Ranch)—In 2003, the Cedar Fire destroyed over 200 homes in Scripps Ranch. To make sure residents are better prepared, the Scripps Ranch FireSafe Council will host a Scripps Ranch Wildfire Preparedness Forum on Saturday, September 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marshall Middle School, 9700 Avenue of Nations in the Scripps Ranch community of San Diego.

East County News Service

July 19, 2015 (Alpine)—Libraries offer much more than books!  The County Library in Alpine’s  July calendar, for instance, offers story times for infants, toddlers and pre-school kids, as well as a bilingual story time every week this month.  There are also FUN-tastic Fridays with crafts, games and activities for kids.  For tweens and teens, summer programs include musical programs and meeting the author of two teen novel series.

July 16, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - If you're looking for a reason for a weekend road trip, hop on up to Julian for Hikes & Hops with Volcan Mountain Foundation and Anza Borrego Desert Foundation on July 25^th.Participants will receive a voucher for beer at Nickel Beer Company and a taste of Anza-Borrego Brew (a vanilla oatmeal stout ) after the hike, which will cover six miles with scenic views and cool, shaded groves.

By Ariele Johannson

July 15, 2015 (Mt. Helix) --The magic of Mary Poppins rises up on Mt. Helix this week - as she did in the sky above London - in this favorite  childhood story performed by Christian Community Theater. Mary Poppins: the Broadway Musical runs from July 9-August 2, 2015 and is the second summer production since CCT’s return to the Mt. Helix outdoor amphitheater. The players act, sing and dance their way into the hearts of the audience in this charming story of childhood and redemption, with a few surprises along the way.

Ultimate Dance Party and ‘80s dress-up contest July 18

July 14, 2015 (San Diego) -- Visionary Youth Theatre presents another installment of “Pop Rock”, a musical revue featuring Pop and Rock celebrating music of the 80s. The performances will be held  at the Visionary Performance Space (7202 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115). On July 16-18 at 7 p.m. with a matinee on July 19 at 2 p.m. The show is directed by Spencer John Powell with choreography by Mr. Powell and Ramon Montes.

This upbeat, fun, dance-heavy musical revue will have cast members rocking and popping to the sounds of the 1980’s.

East County News Service

July 10, 2015 (Rancho San Diego)—From “dog days” strolls with your canine companion to classes on turf-tossing and glass-making, a stargazing party, a wine walk and an evening of music with the San Diego Concert Band, the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College has a wealth of enriching activities and events coming up later in July.

Here are highlights:

July 8, 2015 (El Cajon) – From Rhinestone Grannies to Classic Cruises to a brand new Firehouse Museum, there’s a lot happening this month in El Cajon.

By Kathy Carpenter

Associate and Youth Reviewer www.sdtheatrereviews.com

July 7, 2015 (La Mesa) - Frustrated as a college student screenwriter, Chris Montgomery recalls, life happened. Years later, the La Mesa father decided his time had come.  After watching many children's shows both good and bad, he decided he could put together a movie kids would watch and  that parents would approve. Olivia's Island Adventure will premiere at the San Diego Performing Arts Center (4579 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego, CA 92120) on July 10-11, 2015 @ 6:45pm.