Big Oak Theatre Kicks It Country... and More

Drive slowly along the driveway and be mindful of the critters. You’ll see a tiny donkey, miniature horses and beautiful, colorful chickens as you proceed to the back of the vintage 1913 house, one of the oldest in Chatsworth.

The barn on the property was converted into the 55-seat Big Oak Theatre by owners Patrick and Bonnie Hart who moved there in 1995. Its mission is to provide quality local theater productions with local and professional talent at affordable prices.

On Saturday, the theater will launch its latest musical revue, **it Kickin’ Country Goes to Broadway … With a Coupla Hot Chicks, a show combining country songs with tunes from hit musicals.

Patrick Hart is a 40-year veteran of stage and screen. He and his wife, Bonnie, owned a 600-seat theater in the Pacific Northwest for 14 years producing more than 120 musical and dramatic theatrical productions.  He currently produces and directs the World Championships of Performing Arts opening and final competition with more than 40 countries competing in dance, singing, variety and instrumental categories annually in Hollywood.

The Harts followed their children to the Los Angeles area but wished to be as far away as they could get from L.A. proper. They thought the property in Chatsworth owned by Linda Menary Pony Rides was ideal. They lived in the little house while building the big house, and got miniature horses and other animals for their granddaughters.

Three years ago with no advertising other than word of mouth, Big Oak Theatre mounted a production of Scrooge, the Musical. “It had great songs, a short 50-minute script, but retained all the characters of Dickens’ novel,” Hart said.

What came next was a musical revue called Ain’t No Spring Chickens and a Couple o’ Hot Chicks. Audiences apparently loved the all-'50s music because the show was sold out for two years. 

This Saturday's world premiere of **it Kickin’ Country Goes to Broadway … With a Coupla Hot Chicks is another '50s and '60s musical revue conceived, produced and directed by Patrick Hart. The show features classic and newer well-loved country tunes blended with musical selections from Broadway’s Spamalot, Chicago, The Sound of Music and Cabaret, among others.

Hart says, “[I’m] grateful to have been given the gift of passion, a wonderful gift. At my age, 72, theater keeps me going. So does [Bonnie,] my wife of 27 years who has supported me and my passion. She handles box office and promotion. I’ve directed productions but there is no way in the world I could ever do this without her doing all the things I’m not equipped to do.”

The Big Oak Theatre is at 22200 Chatsworth St. Ticket prices are by suggested donation of $23 general admission and $20 for seniors and groups. Show dates are Saturdays, Oct. 8, 22, 29 at 7 p.m., and Sundays, Oct. 9, 23 and 30 at 4 p.m. Call 818-998-0185 or email   avenueact1@att.net. Some performances are already sold out.