Time to get ‘Working’ for Clayton auditions, or head over to ‘The Heights’

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (May 18, 2023) — If you enjoy watching the entertaining shows that Clayton Theatre Company produces and have thought about getting involved with the company, now is your chance.

Auditions for the fall show “Working” take place 7-10 p.m. May 22 and 23 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton.

Based on the book by Studs Terkel, the musical follows workers in a variety of occupations as they go about their jobs. Clayton Theatre will be using the 2012 revised version. Rehearsals begin Sept. 5, with the show running Oct. 13-28.

Proof of vaccination required to audition. Actors should prepare a two-minute monologue and 32 bars from a Broadway show. Go to www.claytontheatrecompany.com to download the audition form.

New director

Meanwhile, Walnut Creek’s Center Repertory Company welcomes new artistic director Matt M. Morrow to the Lesher Center for the Arts.

“Matt brings a fresh vision for balancing much-loved traditional works alongside new voices, a wealth of experience in fundraising and organizational leadership, and a track record of meaningful actions to advance diversity, equity and inclusion at theater companies,” said Carolyn Jackson, general manager of the Lesher Center and managing director of Center Rep. “We can’t wait for the Bay Area to get to know Matt.”

Morrow, who has a BFA in drama from Carnegie Mellon University, has developed new work with the Sundance Theatre Institute, the Old Globe, American Conservatory Theater and Lincoln Center, to name just a few.

“The leader of an arts organization is first and foremost in service of the community in which they live and work,” said Morrow. “My goal as a theater-maker is to bolster a diverse family of artists and arts lovers through the programming of ambitious work that entertains and provokes in equal measures.”

In the Heights

The award-winning Morrow begins his position just as Center Rep readies Lin-Manual Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes’ “In the Heights” for a May 27-June 24 run. Miranda wrote the first draft to the musical while attending Wesleyan University, long before he dreamed about “Hamilton.” He even played the role of bodega owner Usnavi de La Vega in the Off-Broadway run.

His portrait of the predominately Dominican American Washington Heights neighborhood in transition went on to Broadway, where it won four Tony Awards and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for drama.

“In the Heights” follows a diverse cast of characters who dream of a better life as they struggle to make a living in their changing neighborhood. The close-knit community supports one another as economic and societal changes challenge family stability.

For tickets, call 925-943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Pittsburg Theare

Pittsburg Theatre Company’s original new musical “It Shoulda Been You” opens June 17 and runs through June 25 at the California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg.

Playwright Brian Hargrove invites you to a wedding day you’ll never forget, where anything that can go wrong does and love pops up in mysterious places.

For tickets, go to www.pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org.

Campbell Theatre

Lots going on at Martinez’s Campbell Theater. Improv Partners in Crime performs at 2:30 p.m. May 21, with Open Mic that evening at 6 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. May 24, it’s the Bob Dylan Birthday Show presented by Martinez Music Mafia. Then at 8 p.m. June 16 and 17, Orinda Theatre owner Derek Zemrak performs his one-man show about Alzheimer’s, “Looking Out the Window.”

For more information on any of these, go to www.campbelltheater.com.