Martinez Campbell Theater

Ohhhhhh Yeahhhhhhh! It's ALWAYS time for a "good time" with Improv for Good!!!!! Join us virtually THIS Friday so we can all laugh together!!!!!

Jene Bombardier. 1960- Nov. 19, 2020 One of Onstage Theatres’ brightest stars has taken her final bow. I’ll leave it to her family and friends to detail her ...life beyond our theater company and concentrate on her success as our favorite musical director, as well as her talents as a vocal coach, graphic artist, actor, videographer, and vocalist. I first met Jené at the Old School House for the musical Two By Two. As musical director and with only one professional singer in the cast, she set about transforming the rest of us into a cohesive ensemble. We never did manage her five-part harmony, but, as she muttered on opening night, at least we were singing in the same key. The show was a big hit with wonderful reviews. It was the first of many shows she would work on for Onstage, including Olympus On My Mind, Esperanza, and Canyon Road. Early on we discovered her talents as a vocalist. I remember driving to a rehearsal and listening to her CD of standards, so beautifully sung, with astonishing phrasing, a voice so pure I could not understand why she wasn’t famous. She had worked with Joe Barnett on the arrangements and this CD remains a true treasure. When we moved our stage into the Martinez Campbell theater, she caught the attention of the renowned artist David Auerbach who produced fourteen original arrangements for her. Backed by an instrumental trio with David on the piano she performed her one-woman show Here for the Night to houses packed to the roof with fans old and new who cheered for each number. It remains to this day the single biggest solo musical performance at the Campbell. Jené designed many stunning showcase posters and programs. Her graphic design work is exquisite, she was a true perfectionist, (frustrating for us who had to wait while she spent hours going pixel by pixel). She took up acting, in both comedy and dramas, working with different theater companies and honing new skills. And then, Canyon Road. Written by Gretchen Givens and Linda Gregg, music by Gretchen Givens, she had made the original recordings nearly ten years before, singing both the female characters. In 2018 she was both the musical director and the character June, mother to Grace (Lilia Gowdy) daughter of Chloe (Ella Wolfe) with Bill Dietz as William. It was a wonderful show, with many returning to see it more than once (and bringing extra Kleenex for the emotions that accompanied tender music). During the final performance weekend, she began to have headaches that ultimately lead to her fatal diagnosis. She stood up to the chemo and pain with true courage and always a smile on her face, at least in the presence of her many friends. Her one goal was to sing the Canyon Road finale at the 2020 Shellies. Weeks of difficult rehearsals and with much credit to the support of Ella and the rest of the cast she worked as hard as she ever had. Right up until moments before the performance we did not know if she would be able to go on. But she did. After receiving her well-earned Shellie for contribution to the arts, she walked slowly out onto the stage on the arm of Bill Dietz. Rising to the occasion, looking frail but with her voice strong, together with Ella and Lilia, voices blending once more, it was an amazing number. She left the audience cheering and those who knew her situation, in tears. It was her last performance, and she was beautiful. Talented, generous, gregarious, professional, stubborn, dependable, loyal - these words only begin to describe Jené Bombardier. All great stage performers instinctively know how to find their light. I hope that with her final breath she was walking into her own. Rest in peace dear friend. Mark Hinds Onstage Repertory Theater Co.

Looking for a safe way to entertain up to 25 guests during these unusual times? How about hosting a Watch Party at the beautiful Martinez Campbell Theater? You supply the movie and we'll supply theater! Give us a call and let's get your party planned!!!

https://www.campbelltheater.com Click on the link above to go to our webpage to donate or to see more about the Campbell theater and Onstage Repertory Theater

Can’t wait to perform in this show! Raising money for Onstage Theatre Company and the Martinez Campbell Theater!

Friday and Saturday, November 6th and 7th two shows and two times the fun. Don't miss it!!