Welcome to Our 2025–2026 Season
Welcome to a brand-new season with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation! I’m honored to step into the role of Board President as we continue TOCA’s proud tradition of celebrating the arts in all their beautiful diversity.
For over three decades, TOCA has been a cornerstone of creativity and connection in the South Bay. That legacy continues today because of the passion and dedication of our community—our artists, audiences, partners, donors, and volunteers. Together, we make it possible to bring inspiring, thought-provoking, and joy-filled performances to our stages.
At TOCA, we believe the arts are for everyone. Whether it’s your first time in the theater or you’ve been with us since the beginning, we invite you to explore this season’s lineup and find something that speaks to you. From laugh-out-loud comedy to moving musical performances and cultural celebrations, there’s truly something for every taste.
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support. I hope you’ll consider deepening your connection with TOCA—subscribe to our season, become a donor, or lend your time as a volunteer. However you choose to engage, know that you are a vital part of our mission.
I look forward to seeing you at the theater—and to all the unforgettable moments we’ll share this season.
Warmly,
Camilla Seferian President, Board of Directors
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
Welcome to the 2025/2026 season at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation!
As we turn the page from our milestone 30th year and look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude—not only for where we’ve been, but for where we’re going. Each season is a new opportunity to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate the incredible power of live performance.
At TOCA, we’re not just curating a season—we’re creating space for discovery, connection, and joy. Whether it’s world-class music, laughout-loud comedy, soul-stirring theater, or family programming that ignites young imaginations, our goal remains the same: to offer something memorable for everyone who walks through our doors.
I continue to be inspired by the artists we work with, the team behind the scenes, and especially you— our audience, donors, and community partners—who make it all possible. Your enthusiasm and support are what keeps TOCA vibrant and thriving.
Please explore this brochure and find the shows that speak to you. And as always, if there’s anything we can do to make your experience better, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@TorranceArts.org.
Let’s make this season one to remember. See you at the theatre!
Chris Wolf Executive Director
Assisted listening devices available. Ask the House Manager or usher for assistance.
Few artists can claim the same lasting impact as Country Music legends Johnny Cash and June Carter!
Starring Charles Evans Jr. as Johnny Cash and Caitie Grady as June Carter, “Because You’re Mine” brings to life the timeless hits that defined a generation. This concert experience celebrates the prolific careers and towering love story of Johnny and June with a musical authenticity and storytelling that cannot be matched. “Because You’re Mine” feels like an evening with Johnny and June at the height of their powers.
BRIAN DALL (Drums)
CHARLES EVANS JR. (Johnny Cash)
San Bernardino-born and Denver-raised, Charles Evans Jr. is an award-winning actor, vocalist, and guitarist. For the last 13 years, he has called San Diego home, and his theatrical career includes work with Lamb’s Players Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Cygnet Theatre, ion Theatre, New Village Arts, and San Diego Repertory Theatre. He has given hundreds of performances as the legendary Johnny Cash, and his portrayal in Lamb’s Players Theatre’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet” garnered him a San Diego Critics Circle award. “Because You’re Mine” is the culmination of many years of work. He is so grateful to be giving tribute to these incredible artists alongside his wife Caitie, the June to his Johnny. www. becauseyouremine.com IG: @because.youre.mine
CAITIE GRADY EVANS (June Carter)
A Coronado native, Caitie Grady Evans is a regular face in the San Diego theatre community. A company member at Lamb’s Players, she has been seen in over 40 productions since 2010, including Once, for which she received the 2018 Craig Noel Award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical. Caitie has performed with the San Diego Symphony in To Life! Bock and Harnick on Broadway, alongside Danny Burstein and Susan Egan, and at Cygnet Theatre, and the La Jolla Playhouse WOW Festival. She holds a BFA in theatre from the Boston Conservatory.
Drummer/Percussionist, Brian Dall, enjoys providing some rhythm to the San Diego music community. With over 20 years of experience performing for stage, screen, and recording, Brian is humbled by the opportunity to create and perform with many inspired luminaries including Jason Mraz, The Flaming Lips & Haley Montgomery, and looks forward to collaborating on projects yet to be realized.
MACKENZIE LEIGHTON (Bass)
Mackenzie Leighton is a bassist, composer, and educator from San Diego, CA. He has performed with jazz legends such as Pat Metheny, Donald Brown, and Geoffrey Keezer, and works regularly with Southern California jazz heroes Peter Sprague, Gilbert Castellanos, and Kamau Kenyatta. He also works with local theaters including The Old Globe, Cygnet Theater, and most recently as Brother Jay in over 100 performances of Million Dollar Quartet at Lamb’s Players Theater. His compositions have been featured on recordings by San Diego State University and themattsmithneujazz trio and his own album of original music MLTRIO. He is a lecturer at CSU San Marcos where he directs the Jazz Ensemble and teaches History of Rock, and holds a Masters in Music from San Diego State University.
ERIK OLSON (Guitar)
Guitarist, mandolinist, and singer-songwriter Erik Olson has been playing in San Diego bands for over 20 years. He’s grateful to have been able to tour all over the US and Europe, bringing his style of country and rock guitar playing to global audiences. Also a recording artist; his work has been recognized by the San Diego Music Awards, twice winning Best Americana Band. When he’s not working as a Fire Engineer, he can be seen performing in his country/Americana band, Westwinders, and Western Rock ‘n’ Roll band, Dust Bowl Diamonds. A lifelong love of old-timey and Irish music leads him to his adopted home in the west of Ireland multiple times per year to perform and continue learning directly from the source. www. westwinders.com or @0l.so
Thank You
SEASON PARTNER
City of Torrance
Eleanor Marie Land
Family Trust
$10,000 - $49,999 - STARS
Paul & Rita Keil
Pearlston Family Trust
Torrance Refining Company
$5,000 - $9,999 – CO-STARS
Sares-Regis Group
Supervisor Janice Hahn
Surf Management, Inc.
$2,500 - $4,999PRODUCERS
Jean Adelsman
Continental Development Corporation
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Jane and Jim Isomoto
Dale Korman (In Memory of Maestro Frank Fetta)
Lori Mizuguchi
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
$1,000 - $2,499 - DIRECTORS
Ann and Marty Gallagher
Nancy and George Mannon
Ted and Carolyn Porter
$500 – ANGELS
Tammy Khan
Rod and Crystal Macdonell
Gerald and Carol Marcil
Ellenmary Michel
William Oberholzer
Jim Olds (In Memory of A.Y. & Joyce Olds)
Athena Paquette Cormier
$250 - FRIENDS
Reuben and Sabrina Ayala
John and Louise Bye
Mary Hoffman and Bob Habel
Glen and Fumiko Isobe
Russell and Carole Lefevre
Frank and Marilyn Miles
Fred and Ann Peitzman
Andrea and Ron Perez (In Memory of John Popovich)
Nancy Richards
Laura Savitz
Winnie Seieroe
Sylvia Stadlman
Christian and Robin Wolf
$100 - FANS
Amy Blomgren
Janice Burrin
Ann and Victor Cooper
Helen Dennis
Lynn Fernandez
Judy Golden
Gary Hastings
Janet Johnson
Eleanor Jones
Pentti and Ginger Jussila
Lynda Kraemer
Kenneth and Doris Nakakura
George and Helen Nakano
Peter and Vicki Pellerito
Pamela Popovich
Maurine Swilley
Hazel Taniguchi
Paula and John Verbeck
Kurt Weideman and Sue Golden
TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION BOARD
Katy Geissert, Founding President
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Camilla Seferian, President
Heidi Cunningham, Vice President/Secretary
Winnie Seieroe, Treasurer
David Kartsonis, Immediate Past President
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jean Adelsman
Sara Baillie
Liliana Dongo
Jim Olds
Peter Pettler
Laura Savitz
Ray Zepeda
ADVISORY BOARD
David Benoit
Shannon Dean
Scott Douglas
Donna Duperron
Steve Fechner
Patrick Furey
Ann Gallagher
Jonah Hirata
Sherry Kramer
Gesuina Lafayette
George Nakano
Steve Napolitano
Bill Oberholzer
Ted Porter
Ritas Smith
Kurt Weideman
STAFF
Christian Wolf, Executive Director
Sharon Sapigao, Administration
Susan Lyon, Artist Hospitality
Tes Schaff, Graphic Design
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
