Offering the perfect play for the season, Masquers Playhouse performs “Spring Awakening” through May 5.
Written in 1891 by German playwright Frank Wedekind, the story provides a look at the repressed life of young people in a provincial German town in the 1890s. The modern Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater musical version (produced by Masquers) won eight Tony Awards for the folk-infused alt-rock musical.
The beautifully remodeled playhouse in Pt. Richmond has put together an entertaining production of the show full of teen sexual impulses, young love and heartbreak under the direction of Kyle Carrillo-Enders. Neither the musical nor Carrillo-Ender’s direction shy away from sensitive subject matter and difficult realities such as abortion, teen pregnancy and sexual abuse.
A strong cast takes on the myriad characters with Arup Chakrabarti and Jane Harrington doing a stellar job portraying all the adult characters. The 11 actors playing teens bring considerable skills to the production, especially Thomas Nguyen and Ash Brown as the young lovers, plus Gia Mirra, CJ Molloy, Michael Sacco and Natalie Tichenor as angst-ridden friends. Sacco receives special kudos for the masturbation song in particular!
Music director Tekina Tongi put together a talented group of musicians. Unfortunately, they consistently drowned out the vocalists. I’m not sure why Masquers does not mic its performers — I’m sure cost has something to do with it — but it’s a mistake when more than a piano provides accompaniment. I’m hoping some accommodations were reached following opening night so audiences can enjoy both the talented instrumentalists and vocalists in this well-done production.
For tickets to the Masquers Playhouse, 105 Park Ave., Pt. Richmond, call 932-232-4031 or go to masquers.org.
Oakland: Continuing its fascinating selection of shows, Oakland Theater Project presents the world premiere of Amelio Garcia’s “Red Red Red.”
Garcia weaves ancient myth and post-modern times together in this genre-bending queer love story inspired by Anne Carson’s “Autobiography of Red: A Novel in Verse,” with the Greek myth of Geryon, a triple-bodied red-winged monster, turned it into a queer youth who falls in love with his neighbor.
OTP has its work cut out for them as set designer Christopher Fitzer transforms the group’s intimate performance space into a “bedroom floating in space.”
“Red Red Red” runs Friday through May 19 at FLAX art and design, 1501 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. For tickets, call 510-646-1126 or go to oaklandtheaterproject.org.
Walnut Creek: Center Repertory’s new artistic director, Matt M. Morrow, just announced his first season of play selections for the Walnut Creek company.
The 2024-25 line-up features two world premieres, a completely new look at a favorite comedy, a solo musical, a comedic mystery and the return of the holiday favorite “A Christmas Carol.”
“For this season, I’ve been drawn to stories that use comedy as the doorway to explore curiosity and how that can lead to unexpected places,” Morrow said. “Our final choices share the common theme of mischief, binding the season as a cohesive journey. This collection of works also celebrates the rich relationships between the older and younger generations, which I personally find deeply healing.”
In addition to the six regular productions, there will be a one-night-only event featuring the amazing Rita Moreno for a special conversation about her remarkable career onstage and onscreen. “A Fireside Chat with Rita Moreno” takes place Sept. 18.
The regular season begins Sept. 8 with a campy, mischievous, queer makeover of “Arsenic and Old Lace” featuring comedic powerhouse Danny Scheie. “Dragon Lady,” in association with Marin Theatre Company, takes over Oct. 27 with musical tour de force Sara Porkalob.
“A Christmas Carol” returns Dec. 12 for the holidays, with the world premiere of “Froggy” scheduled for Feb. 9, 2025. Written by Jennifer Haley, the digital thriller combines live performance with groundbreaking digital-media design.
March 30, 2025, Jen Silverman’s “The Roommate” follows 50-something Iowan divorcee Sharon as she takes in a new roommate in this comedic mystery full of twists and turns. Another world premiere opens June 1, 2025 with “Happy Pleasant Valley: A Senior Sex Scandal Murder Mystery Musical.” Co-produced with TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, the lively new musical by Min Kahng is set in a senior living community.
For season tickets, call 925-943-7469 or go to centerrep.org.
Clayton: Auditions for Clayton Theatre Company’s “9 to 5” are almost here. No appointment necessary for auditions April 29 and 30 from 7-10 p.m. Go to Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Rehearsals begin Aug. 26.
Berkeley: The fabulous singer/actress Margaret Belton once again brings her “Patsy Cline” show to Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. This time she’ll celebrate Cline as well as mothers everywhere in a special Mother’s Day show May 11 at 8 p.m.
For tickets, go to thefreight.org.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.
