RAMONA

Ramona Bowl

Brrrr ... it was a chilly Sunday (March 27th) but so worth it.  (about 38-40F/8-10C)

We went to the dress rehearsal for the 88th Season of the outdoor play "Ramona" at Ramona Bowl in Hemet.   Just a $10 ticket for a 2 1/2 hour play with the most amazing 'stage' we have ever experienced and an  AMAZING SHOW with hundreds of cast members, including a dozen horses, carriage & horses and donkeys!!!  The stage is the entire outdoor grounds of the old mansion but also the hillside to the left of the photo - yes, all the way to the top were actors/actresses of all ages; and horses.

A 'pre-show' from the local dance club.

The Play begins in S. California with Mexican & Indian children playing around the rancho and asked to be quiet due to an ill Felipe (the son of the owner).  Alessandro, the captain, (an Indian) of the sheepshearers is asked to remain on the racho through the season.  The Padre leaves the rancho so a festival takes place.

Alessandro returns after being asked to leave the Rancho because he falls in love with Ramona (she is the niece of Senora Moreno - owner) - he is Indian!  He finds out Ramona's mother was Indian & they go off to live with the Native Indians (the Senora Moreno does not like Ramona & eventually tells Ramona she is native born).

Alessandro & Ramona have a baby girl and a festival ensues in their native land.

The white man comes along, gunfights take place over land issues and Alessandro is murdered.  Ramona (baby has died) returns to the Mexican's and the village she has known.

An incredible display of talent and they must be fit to star in this play - you can see the horses come down from the top of the hillside & as above, you see the stars of the play - at the top of the horizon!

Not to make it small at all - these actors & actresses are actually 'stars.'  Ramona has held her leading role for five years ... she has starred in many broadways productions  but also been a speaker & advocate for Domestic Abuse.   Also been on Oprah and has her nine children involved in Ramona over the years.  Her husband, Alessandro (Duane) is a full-blooded California Native American from the Paiute Tribe and Yurok Tribe from the Klamath River area.  He is co-owner & chief investigator for a full service private investigations agency covering all of California.

The Ramona Bowl hosts music throughout the April/May season and Sally Struthers will be the opening day special guest (most noted for her role in All in the Family).

Alot more has been going on ... been very 'slow' on posting lately.   The weather has changed immensely between cold, wet and hot!