B8 brings girl power to ‘Midsummer’

B8 brings girl power to ‘Midsummer’

Concord’s B8 Theatre Company artistic director JanLee Marshall spins a special B8 twist in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare, sponsored and performed at the Concord Historical Society through June 29.

B8 brings girl power to ‘Midsummer’
Alan Cameron and Beth Chastain appear in B8’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” through June 29 at the Concord Historical Society. (JanLee Marshall photo)

With all traditionally male roles played by females, her version of the classic comedy turns the tables on our world of male dominance. Also, save the date for B8’s annual gala and fundraiser on Sept. 14. Contact b8theatre.org.

Onstage Repertory Theatre Company peeks into “The Fitting Room,” a voyeuristic perspective on the search for meaning, truth and the perfect pair of jeans. Helen Means directs the comedy, which I wrote, at the Martinez Campbell Theatre through June 30. Call 925-350-9770 or visit campbelltheater.com.

On the Marquee
Craig Anderson begs Hayley Keenan to marry him in Onstage Theatre’s “The Fitting Room” through June 30 in Martinez. (Richard Schwab photo)

It’s a milestone anniversary for Pittsburg Community Theatre, which will host a 40th Anniversary Gala on June 29 to kick off of the 2019-’20 season. The evening features a special presentation honoring PCT founder Betty Brown and many original members of the company. The event is at the California Theatre in Pittsburg. Call 925-427-1611 or visit pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com.

Since it first hatched in 1993, “Honk!” by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles has winged its way around the world and lands at Ghostlight Theatre in Brentwood July 12-20.

This heart-warming tale of celebrating the acceptance of what’s different offers a universal story. Chris Finetti directs. Visit ghostlightte.org.

Women Of Words presents the endearing “Charlotte’s Web,” based on E.B. White’s classic story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Shows are July 12-28 in Martinez. Call 925-350-9770 or visit campbelltheater.com.

Children’s educational programs are blossoming in the Bay Area, and our community hosts many fine theatrical training programs for students.

Poison Apple Productions recently received a $16,200 Youth Arts grant from the California Arts Council. Artistic director Noelle Arms said that in the past five years, Bay Area schools have downsized performing arts programs by 70 percent and added money is much needed for education.

Clayton Theatre Company will host a Summer Stage production of “Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr.” at Endeavor Hall on July 25.

Based on 1970s cartoons, the show features catchy tunes. Roxanne Pardi and La Tonya Watts direct the youth company. Visit claytontheatrecompany.com.

Registration opens July 1 for Diablo Theatre Company’s SingOut, serving students 4-18.

This year’s shows include “Disney’s My Son Pinocchio” and “Rapunzel.” For audition information, email artistic director Chelsea Bardellini at singoutchelsea@gmail.com.

Center REPertory Company’s Young REPertory Theatre, celebrating its 46th year, will host a performance workshop at the end of the session. The company trains students interested in the theater arts as a vocation. Tickets to the midsummer showcases for musical theater, directing, new works and acting will be available soon. Call 925-943-SHOW or visit lesherartscenter.org.

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” Town Hall Theatre
Patricia Pitpitan, left, and Marah Sotelo are “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” in the Town Hall Theatre production.

You have one more chance to see “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” produced by Town Hall Theatre.

The feisty musical is a sexy romp about female resilience, following a trio of women in 1980s Madrid who serve up comedic chaos with a specially laced gazpacho – paired with an irresistible Spanish beat. It ends June 22 in Lafayette. Visit townhalltheatre.com.

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