Quite the characters – from ‘Ladies’ to ‘Frankenstein’
Concord’s B8 Theatre Company celebrates 100 years of women having voting rights with “Strange Ladies” by Susan Sobeloff at the Concord Historical Society Sept 27-Oct. 13. Artistic director JanLee Marshall directs, assisted by Becky Potter.
Also, save the date for B8’s annual Gala & Fundraiser on Sept. 14. For more information, visit b8theatre.org.
Clayton Theatre Company presents the Summer Stage production “Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr.” on July 25. Directed by Roxanne Pardi and La Tonya Watts, the show is based on 1970s cartoons and features clever catchy tunes.
Meanwhile, the Clayton troupe will open its 8th season with the East Bay premiere of “The Mel Brooks’ Musical Young Frankenstein.” With its silliness, sexual innuendo and physical comedy, this electrifying adaptation runs Oct. 17-Nov. 2. Visit claytontheatrecompany.com or call 925-222-9106.
Onstage Theatre has announced its 42nd season, opening with company member John Allred’s “Girl of My Dreams” Aug. 14-30. Following that is “Camping with Henry and Tom” Sept. 13-29. Edwin Peabody directs “Insignificance” Oct. 11-27. The reprise of last year’s hit show “I am My Own Wife” by Doug Wright, featuring Randall Nott, plays Nov. 8-24, while I reprise my comedy “(Not) A Christmas Carol” Dec. 13-22.
The 2020 portion of the season includes “Same Time Next Year” directed by Allison Means March 27-April 11 and “Quadrille” by Bay Area native Melynda Kiring April 24-May 10. Artistic director Helen Means rounds out the season with “Steel Magnolias” May 22-June 2.
All shows will be at the Martinez Campbell Theatre, which will also host seasons by Plotline Theatre Company and Women of Words. Season packages and single tickets for all shows are available at 925-350-9770 or campbelltheater.com.
Town Hall Theatre is celebrating its 75th anniversary season with a Masquerade Gala Oct. 26. This season, the company presents a wide fare, including “The Legend of Georgia McBride” Sept. 26-Oct. 19, “Cinderella” Dec. 5-21, Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard” Feb. 27-March 21, 2020, and “Violet” May 28-June 20, 2020. Visit townhalltheatre.com or call 925-283-1557.
Dedrick Weathersby stars in the musical “Remembering James” celebrating the story of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. An eight-piece band accompanies the show at the Campbell Theatre Sept. 7-22. Call 925-350-9770 or go to campbelltheater.com.
Women of Words presents the endearing “Charlotte’s Web,” based on E.B. White’s classic story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. It runs through July 28 in Martinez. Call 925-350-9770 or visit campbelltheater.com.
Kick up your heels and join the Disco-Divas, a convent of nuns in a newfound sisterhood, in the Pittsburg Community Theatre production of the hysterical musical “Sister Act,” Sept. 7-22. Call 925-427-1611 or visit pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com.
Diablo Actors Ensemble presents the Neil Simon comedy “Barefoot in the Park” Sept. 6-21 at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Samantha Fryer and Austin Pierce star as young newlyweds who discover their apartment really isn’t all they hoped it would be. Call 925-943-SHOW or visit lesherartscenter.org.
Since it hatched in 1993, “HONK!” has winged its way around the world and now lands at Ghostlight Theatre in Brentwood through July 20.This family musical celebrates the acceptance of what’s different, offering a universal story for all of us. Directed by Chris Finetti. Visit ghostlightte.org or 925-354-2117.
Center REPertory’s Company’s Young REPertory Theatre will host a performance workshop featuring students July 25-Aug. 1 at the Lesher Center, directed by Kerri Shawn and Jeff Draper. According to Shawn, the company is process-oriented, and showcases grow out of classroom work and production workshops. 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.