CTC’s Mysterious ‘Mousetrap’ set to enthrall audiences in Clayton

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Feb. 15, 2023) — Lots of talented performers will be bringing Agatha Christie’s iconic “Mousetrap” to life at Clayton Theatre in March.

The uber-popular murder mystery features Nathalie Archangel, James Bradley Jr., Kevin Coren, Ron Craven, Bill Dietz, Deborah Huaco, Chip Renner and Peggy Scalise.

“The more I study my lines, the more I’m loving my part as Mr. Paravicini,” said Dietz, who plays the mysterious foreigner.

The longest-running show in London’s West End (not to mention the world), “The Mousetrap” takes place at Monkswell Manor where a snowstorm has isolated the proprietors and their guests from the rest of the world. Of course, there is a murderer roaming about and soon everyone becomes a suspect or a victim. Lots of twists and turns to keep everyone guessing.

LaTonya Watts directs the show, which runs March 17-April 1 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Call 925-334-0880 or go to ­claytontheatrecompany.com.

David Burnham

Here’s your chance to see Broadway star David Burnham up close and in person when the star of “Wicked” appears at the Orinda Theatre at 5 p.m. March 5.

Burnham’s multi-faceted career began on a high note when he was still in college. Crashing a Broadway audition for “Ragtime,” which he didn’t get, the producers asked him to audition for another show – “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Donny Osmond, appearing in the title role on the North American tour, was leaving the cast and they needed a replacement. Before he knew it, the young Burnham found himself in Canada taking over for the teen heart throb. Not a bad way to start a career.

Burnham went on to create the roles of Fiyero in “Wicked” and Fabrizio in “Light in the Piazza” on Broadway. He even played the prince in the animated version of “The King and I” and has the action figure to prove it.

“I’ll pull out the doll during the show,” said Burnham. “I’m really looking forward to coming to Orinda for the concert. The producer, Michael Williams, and myself have been trying to get me up there for a while but our schedules just didn’t work together. We finally made it happen this year.”

In his “Mostly Broadway” show, Burnham will sing many of his hit songs as well as some from his latest album and the Great American Songbook.

“I’ll also tell lots of behind-the-scenes stories about different roles and what it was like working with Stephen Schwartz on ‘Wicked’ and all the changes it went through during the five-year creative process,” Burnham said.

The Live at the Orinda concert series often sells out, so get your tickets early at www.orindamovies.com.

The Red Bike

You can still catch Center Rep’s “The Red Bike” running through Feb. 25 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center.

Produced by Center Rep and directed by Jeffrey Lo, playwright Caridad Svich’s story is a wildly imaginative, highly choreographed “ride” on a red bike with an 11-year-old narrator. Riding through his/her small town in America, the youngster shares thoughts and feelings about the town’s transformation as stores close and both the town and the country seem more divided than ever.

“I had never written a play with a child as the main character and thought it would be interesting to have them comment on social and political things when they can’t vote yet,” said Svich.

For tickets, call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

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