Sonora, CA…This holiday season Stage 3 Theatre Company, located at 208 S Green Street in downtown Sonora, closes their 2016 season with Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits, Volume 1, opening, Saturday November 26 and playing until December 18. In this long-running Off-Broadway hit musical revue, Broadway’s greatest musical legends meet Broadway’s greatest satirist in this hilarious, loving, and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of the theatre’s greatest stars and songwriters.

Created by Gerard Alessandrini, with direction, musical direction and choreography by Shelly Bort, an Elly nominated actress for the role Rita in Cowgirls the Musical, Forbidden Broadway will not only be the last show for the 2016 season, but it will be the last show in Stage 3’s current configuration as the planned renovation of the performance space is set to begin right after Forbidden Broadway closes.

“We’re very excited about the changes coming to Stage 3 and to downtown Sonora, overall,” Stated Production Manager Rocky Rhoades, “And having Shelly Bort back at Stage 3 to close out this space and our season is icing on the cake.”

For Director Shelly Bort, Stage 3 has become a bit of a home away from home. “Stage 3 was an immediate home for me. I have had many other jobs at many other theatres over the past 20 years. From the first day I walked into stage 3 to meet with the staff, I felt like this was the place for me,” She said.

Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits Vol 1, stars Velvet Gale, Gillian Garrett, Adam Kittler, Dwight Mahabir, Kyle Moses and Aidan O’Connell, with contributions from Director Bort as the piano player and she even sings on a few songs.

Dwight Mahabir, who audiences will remember from the breakout hit, Looking Over the President’s Shoulder, the musical Blues in the Night, and his supporting role in 2016’s Elly’s Best Production winner Talk Radio is having fun stretching himself in a musical comedy revue. “I’m having a ball working with Shelly Bort and this young and energetic cast. Shelly is amazing, her energy is second to none and she is funny and quirky to boot.”

Adam Kittler is performing at Stage 3 for the first time, before Forbidden Broadway he had appeared in Summer musicals for his high school. “Forbidden Broadway has been super fun and is high energy, working with everyone has been great.”

Forbidden Broadway pokes fun at everyone from Stephen Sondheim to Liza Minnelli, with parodies some of our all time favorite shows such as Les Miserables, Mama Mia, Into the Woods and many, many more. With so many songs in this two act musical revue Shelly Bort has a hard time picking a favorite. “Whichever one we’re doing at the time seems to be my favorite. The ending of A Chorus Line is fun because of the mock seriousness of the song it’s hard for us to get through without laughing until we cry. Hairspray is going to knock people’s socks off and Rent is really, really fun.”

Velvet Gale, featured as a soloist and part of the ensemble is returning to the stage after a five year absence. “I’m excited to be back on stage.” Said Gale. “It’s been many years since the last time I’ve performed in a musical and when I auditioned I wanted to be involved in something that would push me to grow as a person and performer.”

Director Shelly Bort is sold on the idea of community theatre in the foothills, “Stage 3 has changed my life and reignited my passion for creating fun and heartfelt musicals, and Forbidden Broadway is a great holiday gift for the community. Home away from home? I would move upstairs into the costume closet if they would let me.”

“Again, we could not be happier with having Shelly Bort and this cast at Stage 3 for this very special final production in a space that has seen so much great theatre over the last twenty plus years.” Added Rhoades. “Look for a major announcement about Stage 3 moving forward and our 2017 season in December.”

Forbidden Broadway opens Saturday, November 26 and plays until December 18 with shows on Friday night, two shows on Saturday and a Sunday matinee. In the final week there is a special added performance on Thursday night. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30 with live music in the lobby forty-five minutes before curtain, and Saturday and Sunday matinees beginning at 2pm. Stage 3 is located at 208 S Green Street in historic downtown Sonora. Ticket prices are 17.00 for students, 22.00 for seniors and 25.00 for general admission. For reservations or more information visit Stage3.org or call 209 536 1778.