San Gabriel Valley Repertory Theatre Presents ‘The Dean’s Deception’ in Covina, Glendora, Arcadia

San Gabriel Valley Repertory Theatre’s (SGVRT) next Dining Dramatically melodrama dinner theatre production is “The Dean’s Deception” June 2, 3, 4 and 9, 10, 11 at Mari’s Kitchen, 1319 N. Grand Ave., Covina, CA 91724. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Additional performances will be June 16, 17 at the Glendora Continental, 316 W. Route 66, Glendora and June 24, 25 at the Oak Tree Room, 1150 Colorado St., Arcadia.

With Shaun Hade as Host, “The Dean’s Deception” follows the devious plan by Dean Mean, aka Sneaky Dean, to become the big man on campus at Watertable State College of Unapplied Science. It means heartbreak for beautiful Professor Antoinette Antonym, ruining the career of stalwart Associate Professor Bartholomew Craterdigger and destroying their happiness together, but it’s all in a day’s work for Dean Mean. Can cleaning lady Olga Carbuncle help defeat the evil scheme of Dean Mean? And just why is cheerleader Sparky Sparkson so happy all the time?

Answers will be revealed to guests who make reservations for this rousing night of delicious food and fine theatre. Tickets are $55 and include a three-act play and a three-course dinner.

Clayton Gorman portrays the diabolical Dean Mean. Gorman worked in microbiology labs for seven years before switching gears. From New Mexico to California, he trained in acting, voice acting and six years of trumpet. He appears in various short films and the web series’ “Good Girls.”

Aditya Joshi plays Associate Professor Bartholomew Craterdigger. He received his BA in media studies in Pune, India and his MFA in acting for film from New York Film Academy in Burbank, California. Although born in India, he has spoken English almost all his life, has a long list of theater and film productions to his name with dance and stage combat training. He is also a competitive swimmer and certified scuba diver.

Wendi De Barros portrays Olga Carbuncle and Professor Aimless Oakley. A whistler with behind-the-scenes-work experience at KABC-TV, De Barros was born into a theatrical family. Most recently, she co-starred in FX’s “Baskets” and NBC’s “This is Us” and has a long list of training and work experiences in various Internet, film and stage productions.

Joy Ann-Marie plays Sparky Sparkson and Babs. A theatre major at Citrus College, she was recently seen in “Much Ado About Nothing” as Hero and as Rosencrantz in “Hamlet” for the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Anne-Marie previously acted for SGVRT in “The Villain of Mystery Island” as Amber Giving.

Christa Collins portrays Professor Antoinette Antonym. A multimedia artist, Collins started in musical theatre with the touring company of “Les Miserables.” Her career includes television, commercials, modeling, print and voiceovers. She also toured nationally and internationally with several bands.

Reservations with dinner choice are required by one week before show date. They can be made by paying with a credit card at www.sgvrt.com, by calling (909) 643-4123 or sending an email to [email protected] and then paying (with cash or check only) at the door. Use Promo Code PRHiss3 to receive $5 discount when ordering tickets.

Founded by Carolyn Bushnell, Deborah Gould, Darya Harris and Patrick Towles, SGVRT’s mission is to contribute to the cultural enrichment of the San Gabriel Valley community by creating theatrical experiences available to people of all walks of life, collaborating with local businesses, donating to local charitable organizations and providing multiple outlets for artistic expression as well as educational opportunities.
From its 2015 inaugural season, SGVRT’s Dining Dramatically has so far donated more than $575 to University of La Verne’s Veteran Students Success Service, which helps veterans achieve their educational goals and complete their degrees.

For more information about San Gabriel Valley Repertory Theatre, visit www.sgvrt.com, and “Play, With Your Food.”