‘Re-Education’ an emotional journey at Town Hall

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (July 13, 2022) — Town Hall’s New Voices series highlighting local playwrights continues with “The Re-Education of Fernando Morales” on Aug. 20.

Written by Justin P. Lopez, the staged reading tells of young Fernando Morales. His family sends him to a place that can “fix him” of being gay. The ambitious work splits time between the present and the future and includes a soundtrack featuring Mozart’s “Requiem.”

“Structurally, it is rare to see a play that does what Justin’s does – let alone a play that addresses such a poignant and, for many people in the queer community, such a scary topic, “said Daniel J. Eslick, curator of artistic programming. “Yet, Justin managed to thread a needle with an intimate, personal narrative that left me in tears.”

There will be a talkback after the reading with the cast and creative team. The one-night only event begins at 8 p.m. at Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School St., Lafayette. Tickets are $20. Call 925-283-1557 or go to www.townhalltheatre.com.

Fiddler on the Roof

STARS 2000 presents the company’s final production, “Fiddler on the Roof,” July 15-31. Mark Cornfield directs, with Diane Kamrin music director and choreographer.

The show is double-cast to give all the talented members of the company a chance to perform in the charismatic musical, with its compelling story of a small Russian village and such tunes as “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker” and “If I Were a Rich Man.”

The teen theater, “Where the stars of tomorrow are born,” has been around since 1992. It’s bittersweet to have this wonderful company close its doors. So many talented young people have grown up and perfected their art here and now perform with local and regional companies.

The show will be at the Diablo Valley College Performing Arts Center, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. For tickets, call 925-324-7359 or go to www.stars2000.org.

Lesher Center

The Lesher Center just announced its 2022-’23 Headliner series, beginning with Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt on Nov. 4.

Lovett has a gift for storytelling – fusing country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues into a vibrant performance. I’ve always loved watching him on television and now here’s my chance, and yours, to see him in person.

The series also includes Canadian Brass (Nov. 25), Bush/Marshall/Meyer/Meyer (Jan. 22, 2023), the Peking Acrobats (Jan. 27), College Notes A Cappella (March 10-11), Dance Theatre of Harlem (March 16-17), Paul Taylor Dance Company (April 7), Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra (June 2) and Fiesta Cultural (June 21-25).

In addition, Center Rep announced its season, beginning with a personal favorite “Always … Patsy Cline” (Sept. 9-25), “Clue” (Oct. 28-Nov. 20), “A Christmas Carol” (Dec. 8-22), “Red Bike” (Feb. 3-25, 2023), “Sweat” (March 24-April 16) and, ending on a high note, “In the Heights” (May 26-June 24).

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

Clayton Theatre, run by the dynamic duo of Roxanne Pardi and LaTonya Watts, is back and ready to entertain beginning with its fall musical, “Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits” by Gerard Alessandrini. The musical revue runs Oct. 14-29 at Endeavor Hall in Clayton.

Check out www.claytontheatrecompany.com for details and to purchase tickets to this little local gem.

Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com.