Native Americans, including these dancers, are a vital part of “Ramona.” Photo courtesy Stephen Savage
Native Americans, including these dancers, are a vital part of “Ramona.”
Photo courtesy Stephen Savage

California’s Official Outdoor Play opens its 92nd season on April 18. This year, Stephen Savage of Idyllwild has rewritten the historic play, “Ramona.”

Savage admits that some people are uncomfortable with any changes to the historic play, however he discovered during his research that the original script has been revised multiple times since its first performance in 1923.

“The first five minutes will be unbelievable,” Savage said proudly. There will be cowboys, horses, gun shooting and the Mexican Army with an authentic 1850 cannon weighing 3,000 pounds.

When asked a year ago to assess Hemet’s Ramona Bowl activities and offer suggestions to improve the productions and attract larger audiences, Savage said, “What I envisioned, I never thought they’d be willing to do, including the 3,000-pound cannon.”

Stephen Savage (left), executive creative director, at the Ramona Bowl and Artistic Director Dennis Anderson block scenes for this year’s “Ramona Pageant.” Photo courtesy Stephen Savage
Stephen Savage (left), executive creative director, at the Ramona Bowl and Artistic Director Dennis Anderson block scenes for this year’s “Ramona Pageant.”
Photo courtesy Stephen Savage

He searched throughout Southern California for a replica cannon, until one group mentioned that a re-creation group in Hemet had a period cannon. “They had been calling to offer it for seven years,” Savage said. “I told them, ‘Your dream came true.’”

Savage’s version hews closer to Helen Hunt Jackson’s 1884 original novel “Ramona” rather than the original script by Garnet Holme, the pageant director from 1923 to 1928. Four films, between 1910 and 1936, emerged from the book and a Mexican telenovela this century.

A 3,000-pound period cannon will be part of this year’s “Ramona Pageant” starting April 18. Photo courtesy Stephen Savage
A 3,000-pound period cannon will be part of this year’s “Ramona Pageant” starting April 18.
Photo courtesy Stephen Savage

Relying on the original sources, Savage’s script adds a few new characters. The presentation during the 1980s to now is much different that the original production, he said.

“Some thought a change in the play is sacrilegious,” Savage said. “But they don’t know the history of the play. My initial research led me to research the real Ramona and Alessandro. Even the Helen Jackson novel is not truly accurate. But the board president and vice president were right behind [it], even though they knew the changes would be scary.”

Besides a grander and more exciting opening, Savage has brought several other changes to the performance. Irene Bedard has recorded a narrative to complement the actors’ performances. The Arias Troubadours have created an original score based on period music that will be the background for Bedard’s narrative.

A new sound system has been installed, too. “You’ll think there are a thousand soldiers there. No longer can people say, ‘I can’t hear the play.’ That problem will disappear,” Savage said.

Ramona and Alessandro. Photo courtesy Stephen Savage
Ramona and Alessandro. Photo courtesy Stephen Savage

A new marketing team is involved in filming a new commercial video.

And finally, one of his proudest acts is the use of more Native American actors in the production. Next summer he hopes to offer some acting classes through the local reservations.

With sponsorship from the Coachella Valley Weekly, ticket sales have already exceeded last year, according to Savage. But Idyllwild residents can still take advantage of a local special.

The regular ticket price is $30 or $44, but the local ticket price of $20 has been extended to Idyllwild residents. “Anyone who wants can get a great package deal,” Savage promised.

Performance dates are April 18, 19, 25 and 26 and May 2 and 3. All performances start at 3:30 p.m. Identification at the gate will be sufficient, according to Savage, to purchase at the local ticket price.