A return to live entertainment – from ­comedy & ‘Company’ to ‘Scalia/Ginsburg’

A return to live entertainment – from ­comedy & ‘Company’ to ‘Scalia/Ginsburg’
Nikki Einfeld and Christopher Bengochea star in Solo Opera’s long-awaited “Scalia/Ginsburg” Sept. 10 and 12 at the Lesher Center. (Vero Kherian Photography)

Columns Sally Hogarty Stage StruckCONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Ready to laugh a bit? Stand-up returns to the El Campanil Theatre in September as comic Todd Barry visits Antioch for the first time on his 2021 Stadium Tour.

“While El Campanil boasts an impressive 640 seats, this was probably the first time in its nearly 100-year history that it has been dubbed a stadium,” noted executive director Joel Roster. “We are very flattered.”

Barry has appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Conan,” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” His acting credits include “The Wrestler,” “Road Trip,” “Flight of the Conchords,” “Chappelle’s Show,” “Spin City” and “Sex and the City.”

You may have also heard the busy comedian’s voice on the animated series “Bob’s Burgers,” “Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist” and “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.” And he authored the critically acclaimed 2017 travel memoir “Thank You for Coming to Hattiesburg.”

Reserve tickets are on sale at $25 for the 8 p.m. Sept. 25 show at elcampaniltheatre.com or 925-757-9500.

Scalia/Ginsburg

Solo Opera’s long-delayed (blame the pandemic) production of “Scalia/Ginsburg” by Derrick Wang is scheduled for Sept. 10 and 12 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts.

The opera’s theme of “We are different, we are one” resonates a clear message of the importance of diversity and inclusiveness.
Tickets go on sale June 15 at 925-943-SHOW or lesherartscenter.org.

For an update on the origins and future of opera in the United States, try Opera America’s (OP) virtual road trip featuring our local Festival Opera and Solo Opera at 6 p.m. June 30. The interactive presentation from OP president/CEO Marc A. Scorea will also include the roles of Festival and Solo Opera in the landscape of American opera. Register for the event here.

Company

Todd Barry will perform at Antioch’s El Campanile Theatre on Sept. 25. (Mindy Tucker photo)

Live theater returns to Pittsburg in June with the musical “Company.” The show is jointly produced by Pittsburg Community Theatre, Pinole Community Players and Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble of Brentwood as part of its outdoor “Plays in the Park.”

The 1970s musical comedy follows confirmed bachelor Robert on his 35th birthday. Over the course of several dinners, drinks and even a wedding, his friends (married and single) explain the pros and cons of taking a spouse.

Directed by G.A. Klein with music direction by Mark Dietrich and choreography by Chelsea Bardellini, the production features Ben Ball as Robert. The show is sponsored by Pittsburg Community Theatre June 11-13 at Church of the Good Shepherd Spiritual Park, 3200 Harbor St., Pittsburg (tickets at 925-439-7529), by Pinole Community Players June 18-20 at Four Fools Winery, 13 Pacific Ave., Rodeo (pinoleplayers.org) and by Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble June 25-27 with the location TBA (ghostlightte.org).

Looking for a fun place to get friends together and watch a movie? You could rent the Campbell Theatre in Martinez for the low cost of $75. Bring your own Blu-Ray or DVD and invite up to 25 people. The theater has a 17-foot screen plus access to snacks and cocktails. For more information, call 925-350-9770, option 5.

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

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