Workplace comedy and Halloween scares on local stages

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Oct. 15, 2024) — Lots of excitement at Endeavor Hall in Clayton as the Clayton Theatre Company opens its fall show “9 to 5.”

Dolly Parton, who starred as Doralee in the move, decided it would also make a great play. She wrote the music and lyrics, with Patricia Resnick writing the book.

The crazy musical follows three office workers who decide to teach their sexist boss a lesson. They manage to kidnap him and turn the office into an efficient and profitable workplace, until an unexpected visit from the company CEO threatens to bring everything crashing down. Lots of fun and cute songs.

Directed by Roxanne Pardi with choreography by La Tonya Watts and music direction by Jess Reyes, the musical features James Bradley Jr. as the boss Franklin Hart Jr., and Jeffrie Givens (Violet), Victoria Gregory (Judy) and Hillary Rogers (Doralee) as the women determined to make him pay. The large cast also includes Desiree Capote, Kevin Coren, Kenji Costantini, Katie Guilbeaux, Jonathan Paden, Katherine Patterson, Nathan Rogers, Linda Sciaqua, Tevin Whack and Susan Yancey.

“9 to 5” runs Oct. 18-27 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. For tickets, call 925-334-0880 or go to www.claytontheatrecompany.com.

Spooky shows for Halloween

Just in time for Halloween, Onstage Theatre presents Radio Plays 2024 featuring “People Just Disappear” and “Frankenstein 4.1.” Bill Chessman wrote and directs both shows, which will be performed and recorded before a live audience Oct. 18-20 at the Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez.

The first show deals with Bernice Bannerman, who has been trying to communicate with alternate universes. Mysteriously, people have also started disappearing.

In “Frankenstein 4.1,” Dr. Lola Frankenstein is fired from the Biology Department at Transylvania U and, naturally, plots revenge on her department chair.

Continuing with its theme of mystery and suspense, Onstage Theatre presents “Clue” Nov. 1-17 at the Campbell. Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the rope or Col. Mustard in the library with the knife? There’s only one way to find out.

For more information and tickets on both shows, go to www.campbelltheater.com.

Dragon Lady

“Dragon Lady,” a solo cabaret musical, comes to Walnut Creek’s Center REP Oct. 27-Nov. 24.

Written and performed by Seattle-based storyteller and activist Sara Porkalob, “Dragon Lady” is the first in her trilogy of musicals featuring her Filipino-American gangster family. The fascinating storyline for each show takes a female character from a different generation as the protagonist – grandmother, mother and granddaughter – and makes them the hero for that story’s journey.

“Following a thrilling engagement at Marin Theatre last year, Center REP is thrilled to welcome back ‘Dragon Lady’ to the Bay Area stage,” said Center REP artistic director Matt M. Morrow. “Sara Porkalob’s fearless storytelling, her vibrant portrayal of complex family dynamics and her ability to weave humor, heart and history into a compelling narrative make this production an unforgettable experience.”

Original and adapted music performed by Hot Damn Scandal features Pete Irving (guitars and vocals), Mickey Stylin (upright bass) and Jimmy Austin (trombone).

The Lesher Center for the Arts is at 1601 Civic Dr. For tickets, call 925-943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Sheila Morison

In August, the theater community lost a truly bright light with the passing of Sheila Morrison following a hard-fought battle with the neurodegenerative disease ALS.

A celebration of her life takes place 1-5 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr., Walnut Creek. Sheila’s son Mike and daughter-in-law Susan would like an idea of how many will be attending. To confirm, email Susan at sheilashiningstar@yahoo.com.

Send comments for Sally Hogarty to sallyhogarty@gmail.com.