It’s a crazy world of theater, from ‘Frankenstein’ to ‘Strange Ladies’ -

“The Mel Brooks’ Musical Young Frankenstein” opens Clayton Theatre Company’s 8th season.

“Young Frankenstein” is a parody of classic horror films such as “Frankenstein” and “Son of Frankenstein.” It stars Chip Renner in the title role, and Nathalie Archangel as Frau Blucher.

The hysterical musical features silliness, sexual innuendo and physical comedy that will leave you in stitches. This electrifying adaptation runs Oct. 17-Nov. 2 at Endeavor Hall. Visit claytontheatrecompany.com or call 925-222-9106.

Concord’s B8 Theatre Company opens its new season at the Concord Historical Society with “Strange Ladies” by playwright Susan Sobeloff, Sept 27-Oct. 13. JanLee Marshall directs, with musical director Becky Potter.

Set in World War I, the play focuses on a group of radical American suffragists. The show commemorates the 100th anniversary of women winning the right to vote. Period protest music weaves through the play, dramatizing the suffragists’ political strategies.

The strong ensemble cast includes Alan Cameron, Zara Chastain, Marissa Clarke, Deborah Cortez, Phoebe Jones, Semhar Negasi, Maureen-Theresa Williams and Pam Drummer-Williams. Tickets at b8theatre.org or 925-890-8877.

*Andrew Mondello, front, and Greg Lynch star in “The Legend of Georgia McBride” at Town Hall Theatre through Oct. 19. (photo: Stu Selland)*

Catch Town Hall Theatre’s 75th anniversary opener, “The Legend of Georgia McBride,” starring Andrew Mondello. Cindy Goldfield directs this gender-bending, campy and heartfelt celebration of divas.

In the comedy, Mondello plays a young Elvis impersonator who transforms himself into a drag queen. The show runs through Oct. 19 in Lafayette. Tickets at 925-283-1557 or townhalltheatre.com.

Campbell Theater managing director Mark Hinds is a busy man and jack of all trades. He is past president of the Pleasant Hill Rotary and owns Hindsight Insurance in Concord. Now he stars as President Warren G. Harding in Onstage Repertory Company’s 42nd season opener, “Camping with Henry and Tom,” by Mark St. Germaine.

The play is inspired by an actual camping trip taken by Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Harding. Randy Anger directs an all-star cast including Wayne McRice, Gary Mutz and Joseph Hirsch. It plays through Sept. 29 at the Campbell Theater in Martinez. (Click here to read our review of “Camping..”)

Up next for Onstage, Edwin Peabody directs “Insignificance.” Starring Jennifer Lynn Brown Peabody, Ryan Terry, Jerry Motta and Randy Anger, it plays Oct.11-27. For more info, campbelltheater.com or 925-350-9970.

Center REPertory Company artistic director Michael Butler directs “Native Gardens” by Karen Zacarías. It is a hot new comedy where gardens and cultures clash, turning friendly neighbors into feuding enemies. It runs Oct. 18-Nov. 16 at the Lesher Center. Tickets at 925-943-SHOW or lesherartscenter.org.

Beth Chastain and William McNeil are featured in “Barefoot in the Park,” staged by Diablo Actors Ensemble through Sept. 21 at the Lesher Center. (photo: Champaign Media)

“Seussical the Musical,” produced by the Diablo College Theatre Department, is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza.

Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters. Fun for the whole family, it runs Oct. 18-Nov. 3 in Pleasant Hill. Call 925-969-2358 or visit dvcdrama.net.

This is your last chance to enjoy Diablo Actors Ensemble’s classic comedy “Barefoot in the Park” before it closes Sept. 21 at the Lesher Center.

Artistic director Scott Fryer commands the stage, with daughter Samantha Fryer and Austin Pierce playing young newlyweds. Beth Chastain plays the meddling bride’s mother, and William McNeil is the couple’s eccentric next door neighbor. Tickets at 925-943-SHOW or lesherartscenter.org.

Calling all writers

Oct. 31 is the deadline to submit unpublished, 10-minute original plays to Ghostlight Theatre Company. The one-act festival will be held March 27-29 at the Brentwood Community Center. The plays need minimal productions requirements and will be performed in the round. Contact Helen Dixon at helen@ghostlightte.org.

Wendy White
Tanika Baptiste shines in Pittsburg Community Theatre’s “Sister Act,” playing through Sept. 22 at the California Theatre.

Kick up your heels and join the Disco-Divas, a convent of nuns in a newfound sisterhood, in Pittsburg Community Theatre’s production of the hysterical musical “Sister Act.” It’s only playing through Sept. 22 at the California Theatre. Call 925-427-1611 or visit pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com.

Contra Costa Musical Theatre brings us an entertaining story of two drag queens and a transgender woman who contract to perform at a resort town in a remote Australian desert in “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, The Musical.”

It’s a flamboyant, funny, heart-warming and disco-fueled story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance. The score features a hit parade of dance floor favorites. This campy musical runs Oct. 11-Nov. 9 in Walnut Creek. Call 925-943-SHOW or visit lesherartscenter.org.

Kathryn G. McCarty is well-known around the Bay Area as an educator, playwright and journalist. Send comments to KGMcCarty@gmail.com.