Local troupes bring on the holiday fun

Get rid of the holiday blues and prepare to be Scrooged. Center REPertory offers “A Christmas Carol,” with Michael Ray Wisely once again starring as Ebenezer Scrooge Dec. 12- 22 in Walnut Creek. Scott Denison directions, with adaptation by Cynthia Caywood and Richard L. James and choreography by Jennifer Perry. Tickets at 925-943-SHOW or lesherartscenter.org.

Meanwhile, Onstage Theatre Company will produce “(Not) A Christmas Carol” at the Martinez Campbell Theater Dec. 13-22. I wrote this modern interpretation of the Charles Dickens’ classic. Contact campbelltheater.com or 925-350-9970.

Light up your holiday season with Smuin’s “The Christmas Ballet!” Enjoy classical selections set to cherished carols alongside red-hot contemporary numbers set to pop favorites in this yuletide spectacular. The beloved Bay Area tradition runs Nov. 22-23 in Walnut Creek. Tickets at 925-943-SHOW or lesherartscenter.org.

The sun comes out tomorrow for Pittsburg Community Theatre, which is presenting the classic musical “Annie” through Nov. 29. The plucky orphan is on a mission to find her parents in 1930s New York City after they abandoned her on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie escapes and experiences adventure in the Big Apple beyond her wildest dreams. Performances are at the California Theatre. Contact 925-427-1611 or pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com.

Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble brings the fun, holiday-themed melodrama “Misdeeds At Mistletoe Mine” to the East Bay. Written by Tim Koenig and directed by Kyle Conley and John Ruzicka, it will be at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center in Antioch Dec. 6-7. Visit www.ghostlightte.org.

Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill presents ­“Kentucky,” by Leah Nanako ­Winkler and directed by Charlynn Knighton, Nov. 22-Dec. 1. Themes of identity, religion and love collide in this unique coming-of-age story. Contact 925-969-2358 or dvcdrama.net.

“Cinderella: A Fairytale,” by Sally Cookson and Adam Peck, is up next at Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette Dec. 5 -21. Directed by artistic director Clive Worsley, the play features a slew of Bay Area performers of all ages. Tickets at 925-283-1557 or townhalltheatre.com.

The lights dim at Role Players Ensemble as the board of directors unanimously decided to dissolve and end operations. According to board members, reasons include a lack of funds and projected liquidity.
Over the past 39 years, RPE has produced amazing works in Danville’s Village Theatre. I was honored to work with the company, directing “The Dining Room” (2003) and “Putting It Together” (2007). They provided incredible entertainment and opportunities to the East Bay. They will be sorely missed.

Kathryn G. McCarty is well-known around the Bay Area as an educator, playwright and journalist. Send comments to KGMcCarty@gmail.com.