Time to get a ‘Clue,’ or get in on some holiday cheer

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Nov. 12, 2024) — Kudos to Onstage Repertory Theatre and director Dianna Schepers for attempting the impossible with their fun production of “Clue” at the Campbell Theater.

The show calls for a replica of Boddy Manor, with its many rooms necessitating a series of doors and reversible walls on the Campbell’s small stage. Thanks to the talents of a dedicated cast and crew, however, Onstage has proved that the impossible is sometimes a real possibility.

Based on the Hasbro board game, the show has all the familiar characters: Mr. Boddy (Patrick Atkinson), Mrs. Peacock (Gwendolyn Sampson Brown), Cook (Ginger Burnett), Professor Plum (Bill Dietz), Mr. Green (John Holst), Mrs. White (Helen Kim), Wadsworth (Phillip Leyva), the maid Yvette (Atessa McAleenan-Morrell), Miss Scarlet (Shelly McDowell, who also did the choreography) and Col. Mustard (Brian Moore). And what would a murder mystery be without the police (Craig Anderson, Atkinson, Burnett) and a singing telegram girl (Sami Maher)?

Jana McDowell designed the gorgeous costumes, with Schepers and Diane McRice devising the extremely versatile set and Dave Pursley creating the many lighting effects. “Clue” continues through Nov. 17 at 636 Ward St., Martinez.

Following “Clue,” improv takes over the Campbell Theater.

Naked Stage

Improv Playhouse of San Francisco performs “Naked Stage” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23. The series of stories takes place on a single set with the improvisers playing one character each. All the actors must produce an entertaining story with only a bare stage, a simple suggestion from the audience and each other.

Then at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Improv Partners in Crime continues its serial production of two crime fighters. The ongoing story follows the exploits of two partners who rely on audience suggestions to help create their evolving characters.

For tickets to any of these shows, call 925-350-9770 or go to www.campbelltheater.com.

Christmas at the Biltmore

Steve Kinsella brings back his popular “Christmas at the Biltmore” for Thanksgiving weekend, 7 p.m. Nov. 29-30 and 6 p.m. Dec. 1.

Set at a fictional upstate New York hotel, guests arrive carrying baggage much heavier than their actual suitcases – which they unpack during the course of the play. Add the spirited hotel staff, a wacky radio announcer and a Scrooge-like character, and you have a recipe for a poignant and hopeful start to the holiday season.

Performances take place at Black Diamond Middle School Theater, 4730 Sterling Hill Dr., Antioch. For tickets, go to https://brentwoodteentheater.com.

Christmas Ballet

Smuin Ballet hopes to spread holiday cheer with “The Christmas Ballet,” Nov. 23-24 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr.

The festive performance is a holiday tradition for many dance lovers. This year features a return to Michael Smuin’s original pieces, plus a few new surprises from artistic director Amy Seiwert – including Seiwert’s world premiere classical ballet.

Act I concentrates on elegant classical ballet set to beloved carols, followed by joyful contemporary numbers set to pop favorites in Act II.

Dragon Lady

You can also catch Center Rep’s “Dragon Lady” at the Lesher Center through Nov. 24.

The acclaimed solo musical adventure features Sara Porkalob in a tour-de-force act of honoring her grandmother’s life and legacy. Porkalob embodies countless colorful characters from her grandmother’s sensational history – from a Manila nightclub teeming with gangsters and lovers to a Washington state trailer park where the bonds of family are forged.

For tickets to “Dragon Lady” and “Smuin Ballet,” call 925-943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

There are still a few performances left of Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” which runs through Nov. 17. The show takes place at 140 Birch St., Brentwood. For tickets, go to https://ghostlightte.org/arsenic-and-old-lace.

Auditions

Clayton Theatre Company will audition for Michael Frayn’s hilarious comedy “Noises Off” 4-6 p.m. Dec. 8 and 7-9 p.m. Dec. 10 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton.

No appointment is necessary. Bring a headshot and resume and prepare a two-minute monologue. You may also be asked to do a cold read from the script. Go to www.claytontheatrecompany.com and click on the “More” tab.

Pittsburg Theatre Company is auditioning for a mysterious musical. They aren’t divulging the name yet. Maybe you can find out at auditions Dec. 8-10, with the production scheduled for May 2025.

“We can’t tell you the name of the musical, but we know it comes straight from the Windy City, so you’ll not want to miss out,” said the company’s website.

For audition information, go to https://pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org.

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Read more Stage Struck columns by Sally Hogarty.