‘9 to 5’ set to music in Clayton; ‘Blithe Spirit’ takes over Martinez
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Sept. 18, 2024) — Lots of talented newcomers are making their way to Clayton to appear in “9 to 5 the Musical,” which runs Oct. 18-27. The cast of 14 includes eight in their first performances with Clayton Theatre Company.
“We have actors from near and far, including Kensington and Oakland as well as Clayton and Pittsburg,” said managing director Roxanne Pardi. “And wait until you hear them sing and watch them act and dance.”
You may have seen the 1980 movie “9 to 5” starring Dolly Parton. That same story was reborn when Parton developed a musical version in 2008. She wrote all the music and lyrics, with dialogue adapted by Patricia Resnick. The musical was a hit, garnering 15 Drama Desk awards and four Tony nominations.
This story of friendship and revenge in the office place follows three women – an overworked office manager, a jilted wife and an objectified secretary. The three have finally had enough from their sexist boss and plot their revenge.
They kidnap him and make major changes at the office while he’s gone. But an unexpected visit from the company CEO threatens to bring their schemes crashing down.
The show performs at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Get your tickets early for this rousing musical by calling 925-334-0880 or going to www.claytontheatrecompany.com.
Blithe Spirit
If you’re looking for a witty comedy, you can catch Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” until Sept. 22 at the Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez.
In this fun spoof from Plotline Theatre Company, socialite and novelist Charles Condomine (Gregory Brown) invites the eccentric Madame Arcati (Melynda Kiring) to his house to conduct a séance as research for his next book. The séance backfires when Arcati brings back Charles’ deceased wife Elvira (Shiv Harris).
Only Charles can see the mischievous spirit, who goes out of her way to disrupt her former husband’s marriage to his new wife Ruth (Paige Whitney). Set designer Diane McRice has outdone herself fashioning the Condomines’ upper-class abode, with myriad objects falling seemingly unaided.
Clad in costume designer Jana McDowell’s late 1930’s fashions, the cast is well directed by Dianne Schepers. Kiring is a hoot as Madame Arcati and Becky Doyle a riot as the hard-drinking doctor’s wife. Bill Dietz, as Dr. Bradman, is the perfect straight man for his wife, with Savannah Daniels a wonder as the ditsy maid Edith. Brown and Whitney show the necessary angst as the Condomines, while Harris brings the playful Elvira to life.
Meanwhile, Dirty Cello will be at the Campbell at 8 p.m. Oct. 5. If you’ve never heard them, you’re in for a treat.
Performing all over the world, the group plays Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Bill Monroe and a lot more. I’ve heard them go from funky to romantic to sexy in a wild show that sometimes even includes a bit of classical music.
For tickets to both shows, go to www.campbelltheater.com.
Killer comedy
There’s also time to catch Center Rep’s season opener, “Arsenic and Old Lace.” The crazy comedy about two killer old ladies runs through Sept. 29 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr.
This gender-bending comedy features Michael Patrick Gaffney and Danny Scheie as the two well-meaning elders.
For tickets, call 925-943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.
Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com
Read more Stage Struck columns by Sally Hogarty.
Sally Hogarty
Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com