A princess and a lord square off in ‘Nomen’

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Mar. 12, 2024) — I’ve always been a bit in awe of Melynda Kiring, whether she is displaying her prodigious acting talents or writing one of her engaging works. Her current play, “Nomen,” just increases my respect for her diverse abilities.

Set in a fantasy reality of 1880, “Nomen” features two enemy camps who have been battling for years. The young Princess Atalanta (Skyelar Clouse) has honed her fighting skills with the help of her secretary Emma Hargreaves (JanLee Marshall) as she attempts to hold on to her kingdom from the usurper Lord Terasid (Ben Nakamura-Bush).

While set in 1880, the power-hungry rivals could easily be mistaken for some of our current politicians running for office.

Kiring refers to the two-act play as a romantic fantasy – an interesting description for a show set on the battlefield. But it’s true, since Lord Terasid promises to stop the war if the princess agrees to marry him. Although intrigued, Princess Atalanta adamantly refuses to share her kingdom. She sends Hargreaves to negotiate a peace, with unexpected consequences.

The four-member cast also includes Jim Kilpatrick in a double role: the princess’ royal servant and Lord Terasid’s slightly disgusting Evil Toady. All do an admirable job, with Clouse bringing youthful enthusiasm to the princess while Marshall easily makes the transitions necessary for her role. Nakamura-Bush is alternatingly infuriating and charming, and Kilpatrick adds nice humor with his Evil Toady.

Diane McRice once again does wonders with the Campbell Theater’s small stage, with Jana McDowell designing the period costumes. Princess Atalanta’s rather feminine military outfit is particularly nice. “Nomen” runs through March 17 at the Martinez Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St. For tickets, go to campbelltheater.com.

More local theater

Onstage Theater presents “Florence Nightingale: The Reluctant Celebrity” in Martinez March 21, 22 and 24. Candy Campbell portrays the visionary health-care worker in a thought-provoking, fun and poignant exploration of our current state of health.

For tickets, go to campbelltheater.com.

Also at the Campbell Theater, Spontaneous Mind offers “Improv for Good” at 7:30 p.m. March 23. The show features a combination of short form games made up from audience suggestions. Proceeds go to one of the group’s charity partners.

Just in time for March Madness, Center Rep presents Lauren Yee’s “The Great Leap.” The award-winning play follows a University of San Francisco college basketball team as it travels to Beijing in 1989 for an exhibition game.

Yee simulates the fast action on the court with his own rapid-fire dialogue in this sharp-witted dramatic comedy. Coaches and players claim personal victories on and off the court and learn the cultural and political risks of raising one’s voice and standing one’s ground.

“The Great Leap” runs through April 7 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Call 925-943-7469 or go to lesherartscenter.org.

But Why Bump Off Barnaby?

There is still time to catch Clayton Theatre Company’s “But Why Bump Off Barnaby?” playing through March 17 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. Director La Tonya Watts and her talented cast supply lots of comedic craziness before the killer is unmasked.

For tickets, call 925-334-0880 or go to claytontheatrecompany.com.

Ghostlight Theatre will hold Festival 10 at the Brentwood Community Center April 12-14. The unique event features 20 10-minute plays. It’s a wonderful way to see new playwrights and directors as they perform a variety of comedies, mysteries and sci-fi shorts.

The center is at 35 Oak St. For more information, go to ghostlightte.org.

Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com.