Warburton brings Darwin argument to TOHS stage
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

Patrick Warburton

Actor Patrick Warburton will turn the Thousand Oaks High School Performing Arts Center into a professional theater every weekend in September with his production of "Darwin in Malibu."

Warburton, a Santa Rosa Valley resident, has cast himself as Darwin's defender Thomas Huxley in the modern comedy that focuses on the argument between science and creationism. In the show, characters from the 1800s somehow find themselves in modern Malibu.

"It's a stretch for me. When you produce something, you can put yourself in a part no one else would hire you to do," Warburton said.

Finding a part he'd never be hired to play seems unlikely for the local actor, who appears in many films and TV shows, including "Rules of Engagement," a series with David Spade.

He's also in Dreamworks' upcoming "Bee Movie," a computer-animated film with Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger and Chris Rock.

And in Disney's "Underdog" Warburton plays an overgrown evil henchman who threatens to destroy Capital City.

During the Darwin play, which he's putting on in Thousand Oaks with longtime friend and neighbor Gary Saderup, who plays Darwin, no superhero canines or other child pleasers will appear.

The lighthearted comedy is expected to entertain the audience with its humor, but it's only for mature audiences, Warburton said.

The topic is provocative, and the audience is expected to leave energized and ready to discuss what went on during the play.

Warburton, a father of four, is used to protecting children.

"I don't let my own young children watch 'Family Guy,'" he said.

Warburton is the voice of Joe Swanson in the animated television series.

His wife and children mean everything to him, he said. He doesn't even complain about commuting to the Los Angeles area so that his family can live in such a lovely area.

"Every time I drive home I am stunned by the beauty I find. We love this place, and we love that our children can grow up here," Warburton said.

The play will run at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Sundays for four weeks beginning Sept. 7.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students. For reservations, call (805) 491-8919. Tickets will also be available at the box office.