Contra Costa theater companies create online experiences
I give thanks every day for the resilience of our local performing artists who refuse to let COVID-19 stifle their creativity. With no live theater in sight, our intrepid local theater companies endeavor to bring what art they can via streaming of past performances, live broadcasts of new performances, Zoom readings of plays, music and more.
Orinda Starlight Village Players designed a special murder mystery experience for players to enjoy from the comfort of their homes. “A Night of Creeps, Haunts and Murder” takes place Thursday evenings throughout July and maybe beyond as online guests try to solve the murder of the ultra-rich curmudgeon Bartholomew Mugwort.
Mr. Grim leads you through the evening, offering riddles and clues to help you solve the murder at Mugwort’s ghostly manor in Amity Hill. Not only are their eight suspects, but the manor itself seems to be alive and definitely not in a good mood.
Up to nine guests can enter the manor and try to solve the murder. They can interrogate the eight suspects and receive clues from Mr. Grim after solving one of his puzzles or riddles.
It’s done through Zoom, with guests and suspects all on view. So, sharpen those detective skills and have your favorite beverage and snacks at the ready for a fun evening of suspense. The event is free, although donations are gratefully accepted. For more information and reservations, call 925-528-9225 or email info@orsvp.org.
Center Repertory Theatre
Meanwhile, Center Repertory Theatre has been putting together entertaining and educational interviews conducted by artistic director Michael Butler and entitled “Ask Three Questions.”
Currently available is a chat with choreographer Kevin Gruwell and actor/dancers Glenn Delos Santos, Justin P. Lopez and Carleena Manzi about the music, story and some thoughtful questions regarding Rep’s 2019 production of “Native Gardens.”
This new play by Karen Zacarias provided some unique challenges for the three performers, who star as the Gomez Landscaping team. They managed to dismantle and install major set/landscaping pieces while dancing up a storm. Usually as an audience member, I want set transitions to happen quickly so we can get back to the action, but in the case of “Native Gardens,” I was happen to have the transitions linger.
Center Rep’s previous interview with actor/singer Katrina Lauren McGraw is also available. McGraw, who was fabulous as Bessie Smith in Rep’s early 2020 production of “The Devil’s Music,” reflects on the singer’s life and legacy. Both interviews can be seen at centerrep.org.
Contra Costa Civic Theatre
Contra Costa Civic Theatre (CCCT) has resumed its Reading Stage series, albeit online. Launched in 2015, Reading Stage offers audiences the opportunity to hear contemporary theater as local actors create a special evening.
The current production features Pamela Kingsley and Kimberly Ridgeway in Jen Silverman’s “The Roommate.” Directed by CCCT artistic director Marilyn Langbehn, the dark comedy follows the recently divorced Sharon (Ridgeway), who takes in a roommate (Kingsley) to help make ends meet.
It soon becomes apparent that the new roommate is a fugitive of sorts. As the two women become friends, they each attempt to transform their lives. The show performs live on Zoom at 7 p.m. Monday, July 20. Suggested donation is $10. RSVP to ccct.org/reading-stage-the-roommate/.
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