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This multi-Toni Award production recreates all the characters from the Disney movie, from Lumiere the living candlestick, to the clock, teapot, chest of drawers and the delightful rug. Wrapped up in Rob Roth’s direction and Matt West’s creative choreography, this fast-moving production will keep adults and kids in awe and wonder.

What better time for a grand moment of laughter? Lend Me a Tenor brings us into a wonderful farce that ends all farces. With two “Ortellos” and an abundance of hot ladies ready to make their dreams come true with the greatest tenor in the world who has an over-the-top jealous Italian wife. Laughter starts with the first moments when the really uptight general manager of the Cleveland Opera can’t find his temperamental, lady-chasing tenor for the evening’s performance.

When Morgan Hill resident Daniel Reyes would tell his friends and family that he was a writer, some would respond with skepticism and ask for a sample of one of his published works.

“I was here last Saturday, and this place was packed.” Chris Reeves, our river pilot from Tributary Whitewater Tours, was amazed how quiet the Oxbow put-in location was by the edge of the Middle Fork of the American River. Chris is used to guiding busy weekend trips, but it was a beautiful Monday morning, and we practically had the river to ourselves.I rummaged through a pile of wetsuits, lifejackets and helmets to properly suit up for the adventure ahead. My friends and I were attending an Outdoor Writers Association of California conference and had chosen this sixteen mile river adventure from among several conference activities. It had been years since I had been on a white water trip, and I was excited for the adventure ahead.A handful of Class IV rapids awaited us—water without a sense of humor. We gathered around Chris for a review of safety and paddling protocol. I paid special attention when Chris pointed out a rope line around the perimeter of the raft. “If you fall overboard, grab that rope.” That seemed important.On board and underway, we bounced through a succession of fun Class II and Class III rapids, each of us responding promptly to Chris’s hollered commands. Two miles down the river, we encountered our first Class IV rapid: the Tunnel Chute. The Tunnel Chute is actually a manmade feature built by miners in the late 1800’s to divert water around a spot that, once it became accessible, yielded huge quantities of gold. The roiling 80-foot chute ended with a squeal-inducing drop. Just like that, mayhem turned into utter stillness as we slid quietly though a dark ninety-foot tunnel; smiles and chatter all around.After our nifty handling of Tunnel Chute, I was looking forward to Kanaka Falls, our next Class IV rapid. My recollection is a bit foggy. All I know for sure is that one minute I was paddling and the next I was in the water. As I went overboard, I remembered Chris’s words that morning and thought to myself, “Grab that #$@&%* rope!” I did. My boat mates snapped into action and in a flash I was back on board.As we did after each rapid, we excitedly recounted the drama at Kanaka Falls. Steve’s wife, Kathy, would have joined me overboard had Steve not snatched her out of mid air. I teased Jack that while I was in the water, I thought I saw him going through my wallet.Drifting along in peaceful water; time to soak in the deep and magnificent canyon this river had cut. The steep walls, cloaked in a variety of conifers and oaks, easily reached 2,000 feet above us. Near one bend in the river, soft afternoon sunlight from around the corner gilded the edges of the mantle of trees above us. Fabulous.Soon, we reached Chunder, another Class IV rapid, and once again, it was, “Man overboard,” and once again, it was me. When I popped to the surface (don’t let go of that rope!), my boat mates warned me that we were about to hit a huge granite wall named Mike Tyson with me as the front bumper. I turned around in time to cushion the impact.My tale suggests more danger than fun when you run the Middle Fork of the American River. Not so. Acquaintances became friends, and smiles were the order of the day.  River rafting, or whatever activity you prefer, our hosts proved that Placer County is a great outdoor play land.

When Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall joined The Roundabout Theatre to recreate the Tony Award-winning Cabaret, they brought in a nastier, gaudier and cruder production than had ever been brought to any stage. If you have seen this play before, you will immediately feel how much further they went to bring the audience to back a time of incomprehensible foreboding.

SpeakeasyMorgan Hill Historical Society wants to build community at its historically inspired Annual Speakeasy: Prohibition Party fundraiser. Join in on the fun with dinner, a no-host bar with prohibition-era drinks and live music by the Zinfandel Stompers. Get out the suspenders, feathers and lace on Saturday, June 25 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Villa Mira Monte at 17860 Monterey St., Morgan Hill. Tickets are $59 per person. Call (408) 776-1060 or visit mhhistoricalsociety.org. Blues festivalThe Annual Fountain Blues Festival all started 35 years ago with names like Ron Thompson and Charlie Musselwhite. Through the years you’ve heard the sounds of John Lee Hooker, Sista Monica and even a few locals known to the South County such as John Garcia, Shane Dwight and Lara Price. This year you’ll find The Delgado Brothers, The California Honeydrops and Otis Taylor. The art of the blues taps into all demographics on Saturday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez, located at 170 South Market St., in San Jose. Admission is $20. Get your tickets at Poor House Bistro at 91 South Autumn St., or online at fountainblues.com. Bacon blissFind your bacon bliss at the Monterey Bacon Festival with Chef Todd Fisher, host of TV’s United States of Bacon, and Tony Baker as they pay homage to all things bacon. Discover for yourself some of the most delectable bacon concoctions presented in both sweet and savory dishes such as bacon dipped in chocolate or bacon nachos. Those of age can stop by the “BaconBar” and check out a bacon margarita or bacon bloody mary. Both days include a great lineup of musical entertainment on the Garden Stage. Bleacher seating is limited so bring chairs or blankets on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Monterey County Fairgrounds and Event Center at 2004 Fairgrounds Rd. Find out more at montereybaconfest.com. Motorcycle rallyThe Hollister Independence Rally has been a tradition since the 1930s, known then as the Gypsy Tours. After World War II, motorcycling became a substitute for wartime experiences such as adventure, excitement, danger and camaraderie despite the negative impact from the 1947 “riot” that put Hollister on the map. Today the event has grown to include bike shows, live music, poker runs and vendors selling all things motorcycle. Start the weekend off with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast at United Methodist Church at 521 Monterey St. All are welcome for this three-day, free event starting Friday, July 1 until Sunday, July 3., from dawn to dusk, beginning on San Benito Street in downtown Hollister. For details go to hollisterindependencerally.com. Sister citiesMorgan Hill Historical Society’s Villa Mira Monte House will be commemorating the 10-year relationship and cultural exchange with one of its sister cities, Mizuho, Japan. The goal of the Sister City program is to “promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation one individual, one community at a time” The public is invited to attend the celebration and listen to Mayor Steve Tate and Mayor Ishizuka and other dignitaries recount memories and achievements made between these two cities. Adding to the celebration will be a special presentation of both countries’ national anthems and a Taiko drumming performance. The celebration is Saturday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to Noon at Villa Mira Monte, 17860 Monterey Rd., in Morgan Hill. To learn more go to morganhillsistercities.com.

Everywhere he went, people kept asking Andrew Brinton, 38, of Gilroy, the same question: ‘So, when are you going back to work?’

After eight years and 250 "Getting Out" columns, I have learned the local trails. Logging miles on any trail is a time well spent, but there is no question that some are sweeter than others. Here are my four favorites.