Good news for Mark and Garbeau's fans

From Allen Schmeltz, artistic associate for the Young People's Theatre of Folsom, at Stage Nine

After closing his 28-year-old dinner theatre June 1, Garbeau's owner and CEO, Mark Ferreira, is now the marketing director for Stage Nine Theatre in Folsom. "We've been great friends for years," said Ferreira, beginning a thought. "And now we're family," finished Connie Mockenhaupt and Mike Jimena, founders of Stage Nine Theatre.

Apart from marketing the theatre located on Sutter Street in Historic Folsom, Ferreira also has an eye toward eventually re-opening Garbeau's in a new venue. To start the fundraising, Stage Nine will be launching "Garbeau's Mini," a cabaret of Broadway showtunes the first and third Sundays of each month beginning in July. Ferreira will be at the piano and ticket sales will go toward a fund to reopen Garbeau's.

Ferreira will also serve as the [Stage Nine] theatre's pianist beginning with the July 31st opening of "Hats! The Musical." The show highlights The Red Hat Society, a national organization for women age fifty and above. Through his position at Garbeau's, Ferreira was made an honorary member of the society and said, "Though it may end all hopes for a political career, at some point in each show, I will indeed be wearing the very buxom hat made specifically for me by the society."

The Stage Nine Theatre board, owners, staff and crew are excited about Mark taking on the marketing responsibilities as we complete our third year and move into an exciting 2010.

(Comment from D-dawg and Pat: "We wish Mark and Stage Nine all the best and also hope to see new life for Garbeau's in a new venue!")