BECOMING NORMAN Set to Open at NoHo Arts Center for 18 Performances Only, 8/6-9/12

Raul Espinoza, It's in the Cards, and the NoHo Arts Center Ensemble have announced the world premiere of Becoming Norman in North Hollywood. This new solo show with original music, written and performed by Norman P. Dixon, will play one preview performance on Friday, August 6 at 8pm and is set to open at the NoHo Arts Center on Saturday, August 7 at 8pm. The engagement will run through Sunday, September 12 only.

Becoming Norman is about opening up to reconnect with long-buried dreams and finding the courage to be yourself no matter what. This is the real-life story of Norman P. Dixon, a gay man who grew up in a conservative Mormon home in Utah and always wanted to be a performer. The show follows his struggle to accept himself even as he yearns for the love and approval of those around him. Looking back over his life and the stories that made him who he is, Norman finds the courage to stop hiding behind his fears and to finally let his voice be heard.

NORMAN P. DIXON has a BA degree in theatre from Brigham Young University. He returns to the stage after an absence of many years and is a proud member of the NoHo Arts Center Ensemble. Previously, he was a member of the L.A. Repertory Theatre Company and has appeared in such shows as Private Lives, George M!, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, My Fair Lady, Man of La Mancha, Sunday in the Park with George, Hamlet, and Richard III, among others. Norman is also a greeting card designer and started his own business, It's in the Cards, in 2001. His handmade cards are sold in fine stationery stores throughout southern California. He was featured on HGTV's Crafters Coast to Coast, where he showed viewers how he makes custom photo albums by hand.

Becoming Norman is directed by Debra De Liso, and musical director (also on the piano) is Steven Applegate. Scenic design is by Lacy Anzelc, the lighting design is by Coby Chasman-Beck, and sound design is by A.J. Nowak, who also serves as production stage manager. Teal Sherer is the associate producer.

The running schedule is as follows: there will be one preview performance on Friday, August 6 at 8pm and opening is set for Saturday, August 7 at 8pm. THE MEDIA IS INVITED TO ATTEND OPENING NIGHT ON 8/7, BUT IS ALSO WELCOME AT ANY OTHER PERFORMANCE AFTER THAT DATE. The regular performance schedule is Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm. The engagement ends on Sunday, September 12. Admission prices are $20 on Friday evenings and $30 for Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees. There will be a ‘Pay What You Can' performance on Friday, August 20. Tickets are available by visiting www.BecomingNorman.com or calling (800) 595-4849. Group rates can be obtained by phoning (323) 786-0823. The NoHo Arts Center is located at 11136 Magnolia Boulevard in North Hollywood.

 C. RAUL ESPINOZA is a theatrical marketing consultant and producer. He recently worked on the Los Angeles run of the first national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights at the Pantages Theatre. He spent seven years as Audience Development Manager at Center Theatre Group (Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, Kirk Douglas Theatre). Raul has been marketing consultant for various other theatre productions throughout the Los Angeles area from Culture Clash to events at the Ford Amphitheatre. He is an Associate Artist of Interact Theatre Company as well as a company member of the NoHo Arts Center Ensemble, and he also sits on its Board of Directors.

THE NOHO ARTS CENTER and THE NOHO ARTS CENTER ENSEMBLE (formerly Open At The Top Productions) were created in 2004, when theatre veterans James J. Mellon and Kevin Bailey purchased the American Renegade Theatre. Following extensive renovations, the newly christened NoHo Arts Center opened its doors in September of 2004. The Center's resident company - the multiple award-winning NoHo Arts Center Ensemble (NoHo ACE) - is comprised of actors, directors and writers, galvanized into a passionate ensemble that creates new plays and musicals, adopting as their vision statement "Theatre for Its Own Sake." Critically acclaimed and award-winning productions include Dorian, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Angels in America, Elizabeth Rex, Bush Is Bad, Palace of the End, and Yo Ho Ho! A Pirate's Christmas, among others.

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