Two local theater companies send a grateful thank-you to donors who helped them exceed revenue goals. Berkeley’s Shotgun Players exceeded their $130,000 goal and can’t wait to say “thank you” in person to patrons when they finally launch their 30th anniversary season. The Oakland Theatre Project also joins in with a hearty thank-you to those who helped them exceed their $50,000 goal by $3,000.
Oakland Theatre Project begins its 2021 season with “Binding Ties: The 16th Street Station.” Part of the company’s Drive-in Theater project, the show takes place at the historic 16th Street Station in West Oakland at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays Jan. 29 through March 7. Weaving original video interviews and historical narratives, “Binding Ties” tells the story of former Southern Pacific Railroad workers while also exploring the economic and cultural forces surrounding the station and the migration of Oakland’s black and immigrant communities. Prices are per vehicle with a limited number of “pay-what-you-can” tickets available. For more information, go to oaklandtheaterproject.org.
SF Playhouse: It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, take a stand or turn around and go back. It’s the stories and characters of today. It’s “Songs for a New World,” streaming through Jan. 15. The first musical by Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown, “Songs” was produced by San Francisco Playhouse. The company filmed the show on stage and has been streaming it since Dec. 12. Directed by Bill English and featuring John Paul Gonzalez, Cate Hayman, Rodney Earl Jackson Jr. and Katrina Lauren McGraw, the filming took into account all COVID-19 protocols with the set even incorporating plexiglass partitions separating the performers. For tickets, go to sfplayhouse.org.
Smuin: Looking to stay in shape and support an arts organization at the same time? Smuin Contemporary Ballet has the answer. Virtual dance classes for all sizes, shapes and abilities. Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, fitness and even an “Easy Movement” class geared for seniors.
Some classes even help support a variety of local nonprofits. “Heels for Meals,” taught by Smuin artist Cassidy Isaacson, asks participants to bring their attitude and wear high heels, low heels or no heels at all as they strut, swirl and have a lot of fun. The class, which takes place Jan. 22 at 5 p.m., combines jazz, salsa, ballroom and contemporary dance. All proceeds go to the San Francisco/Marin Food Bank.
“We want to use our art to continue to positively impact issues that are important to our community,” said Ballet Master Amy London. For more information, go to smuinballet.org.
Woodminster: Since we can’t go to New York to enjoy a Broadway show, Woodminster Summer Musicals has brought the show to us. The beautifully filmed version of “Estella Scrooge: A Christmas Carol with a Twist” continues to be available through Jan. 31, and now you can see it and receive a hefty discount. Just use the code DICKENS45 to reduce the ticket price by 45%. Produced by Streaming Musicals and featuring Broadway stars, the show gives 30% of the proceeds to Woodminster Summer Musicals. Go to woodminster.com/estella-scrooge.html.
Ghostlight: In 2017, just before the presidential inauguration, thousands of arts workers across the country gathered to create a “light” for the dark times ahead and make or renew a pledge to stand for and protect the values of inclusion, participation and compassion for everyone regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, ability, age, gender identity or sexual orientation. Many of our local theaters joined in, and now we all have an opportunity to do so again.
Named after the tradition of theaters keeping a single light on stage when the theater isn’t in use, the Ghostlight Project plans another gathering at 5 p.m. Jan. 19. Part pep-rally and part teach-in, this virtual event will bring together artists and organizers from across the country to share actions and offer resources for the years ahead. For more information or to join the group action on Jan. 19, go to theghostlightproject.com.
Women’s chorale: Looking for something to lift your spirits? Try the Diablo Women’s Chorale. Auditions are open, by appointment only, to all female voice parts via Zoom on Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. For information on membership and auditions, contact Nancy Hickman at 925-899-5050 or hickmandg@gmail.com. Find out more about the group at DiabloWomensChorale.org/join-us.
Sally Hogarty can be reached at sallyhogarty@gmail.com. Read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.