There’s so much to say about Ophelia’s Jump I had to write a blog post on it. Claremont is sitting on a treasure and it’s called Ophelia’s Jump Productions𑁋a non-profit local theater company since 2013 based in Claremont. It’s founded by artists and educators who believe “the purpose of theater is to create unending conversations, spark imagination, incite conscience and elicit a visceral response.”
Many of the performances are at the Ophelia’s Jump Productions (OJP) theater located at 2009 Porterfield Way, Suite H & I, Upland, CA 91786. The OJP theater (Suite I) seats 87 people with not a bad seat in the house. Their doors open an hour before a show begins to serve you wine, craft beer, cocktails, and various snacks.
Performances at the OJP theater provide the ideal opportunity to mingle and meet new people or sit down in their lounge area and admire the ambient lighting and charming decor. While there, you’re more than likely to run into Artistic Director, Beatrice Casagran and Randy Lopez, CEO of OJP𑁋be sure to say hi and introduce yourself. They love to meet their patrons and show their gratitude for attending.
Other performances are presented at the Sontag Greek Theater located at Pomona College. The Annual Midsummer Shakespeare Festival is co-produced by Pomona College and is a Claremont tradition drawing thousands of visitors each year. Join the mailing list and follow their Instagram for updates on 2023’s Midsummer Shakespeare Festival.
“With two stages, Ophelia’s Jump has grown in 10 years to include our mainstage theater as well as our intimate venue for live music performances, special events and community events. Every July, our Annual Midsummer Shakespeare Festival at the Sontag Greek Theatre in Claremont brings thousands of people from all over the country to experience a favorite annual event.” - Randy Lopez, CEO/CMO, Ophelia’s Jump
OJP’s Tenth Anniversary Season
This 2023 season is a special one for OJP as it marks their 10th anniversary providing Broadway caliber performances.
“Our 10th Anniversary Season celebrates our tradition of centering works by women and featuring women in meaty roles. That doesn’t mean the guys are left out though, of course, but we like to give the ladies a chance to soar. Aside from it being our 10th anniversary, (where did the time go?) it’s our first season equally divided between musicals and non-musicals. In the wake of theater and music venue closures during the past three years, OJP wants to make sure we are serving all the theater and music lovers in our area. We’ve done some fantastic musicals in the past but are now intently focused on adding interesting new musical offerings to our repertoire on a regular basis. We think our audiences will appreciate new, exciting musical productions just like they’ve enjoyed the thought provoking non-musical plays we put on.” Beatrice Casagrán, Artistic Director, Ophelia’s Jump
Here are the brilliant performances you can look forward to attending in 2023 at either the Sontag Greek Theater or OJP Theater:
Date | Program/Description |
Jan 20 | Mingle & Munch Cabaret is a Theatre for Good program |
Feb 11⎼Mar 12 | Well Behaved Women? A Misbehaved Musical at OJP Theater |
Apr 1⎼May 7 | Native Gardens: A Hot-Button Comedy by Karen Zacarías at OJP Theater |
Jul 13, 15, 21, 23 | Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare at Sontag Greek theater |
Jul 14, 16, 20, 22 | Pirates of Penzance- Marvelously Miscast at Sontag Greek theater |
Sep 23⎼Oct 29 | Deadly, a gothic mystery musical by Vanessa Stewart at OJP Theater |
Nov 24⎼Dec 9 | Sealed Orders By local Claremont playwright Jean Collinsworth at OJP Theater |
OJP Music Lounge Series
In 2022, OJP expanded to open the OJP Music Lounge (Suite H) which accommodates various live music performances and can seat up to 55 people. This space is also available for rent for small events. Their music lounge features cocktail tables that surround the band/musician and tiered stadium seating, ideal for an intimate and exclusive environment to sit back and enjoy the musical journey.
“The OJP Music Lounge is an intimate space for music where artists are the focus. We host an eclectic list of artists from all over the US and even the UK as well as beloved local bands who play their original music. We wanted to widen the audience we serve to include music-lovers who want a more intimate music-focused experience. With several music venues having closed in the past three years, the lounge seems a great way to serve the community. We hope it will become a home for music lovers in Claremont and the surrounding area.” - Beatrice Casagran, Artistic Director, Ophelia’s Jump
I’ve personally been to several concerts and have had a blast each time meeting new people and chatting with the musicians.
Here are some upcoming concerts you can look forward to:
Date | Band/Musician |
Feb 3⎼4 | Not A Moment Too Soon |
Mar 18 | The Old Grey Cats |
Mar 25 | Mick Rhodes & The Hard Eight |
May 19⎼21 | The Silence Within Her: A Cabaret |
May 27 | Jazz Fellowship |
Jun 24 | Mick Rhodes & The Hard Eight |
Jul 29 | Jazz Fellowship |
Aug 26 | Jazz Fellowship |
Nov 17⎼19 | Canciones de mi Gente- an evening with Javier Solís, King of the Bolero Ranchero |
If you’re a musician or know a musician who’d be interested in performing at the OJP Music Lounge, email Beatrice Casagran at beatrice@opheliasjump.org
Become a Member of Ophelia’s Jump
You can support local theater and local music by becoming a member of Ophelia’s Jump.
There are various membership packages all offering the following benefits:
Donation receipt
Free tickets for all mainstage performances (members can come see each show again for free subject to availability)
Discounted on additional tickets for theater performances and the music lounge
Discount at concessions
Invitations to special events
A cool OJP T-shirt
Ophelia’s Jump theater and music lounge is a true community gem. I strongly encourage you to attend a concert or theater performance to experience for yourself how much of a staple this theater is in our community.
I hope to see you there!