As our sheltering in place continues into the summer, some businesses can begin coming back to life, albeit slowly and in limited ways. Live performances, however, will be further in the future than most enterprises. So while we content ourselves watching creative streaming and taking online classes from our favorite theater companies, we can look forward to once again attending live performances as groups begin announcing their 2021 seasons. From the peaks of romance to a Khmer Rouge war criminal to a sweeping musical, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s 2021 season is worth waiting for.
“The launch of our 2021 season is a promise to our patrons that we will be back, and we will reopen when it is deemed safe to reopen,” said Managing Director Susie Medak. “It also signals our investment in the future — a return to normalcy and the future of Berkeley Rep. At the same time, the safety and well-being of our audiences, our artists and staff is top of mind. If it is not safe, we’ll move our dates.”
Beginning in late winter, Berkeley Rep’s season begins with the west coast premiere of “Sanctuary City,” by Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok followed by Dave Malloy’s off-Broadway hit and West Coast premiere of “Octet,” in early spring. Lauren Yee’s “Cambodian Rock Band” takes to the boards in the spring as well with the world premiere of “Swept Away,” featuring music by the Avett Brothers slated for late spring. Political activism and the injustice of the 1960s takes the lead as the world premiere of Christina Anderson’s “The Ripple, the Wave that Carried Me Home” unfolds in early fall 2021. The season will close with the irresistible vibes of African, jazz and R&B music with Jocelyn Bioh’s world premiere musical “Goddess.” Subscription packages are now on sale. Go to berkeleyrep.org for more details.
Also in Berkeley: While pausing its 30th season productions, Central Works has certainly not paused its creativity. The company has focused its mission on a new initiative: The Central Works Script Club, a book club with scripts! Each month the company will take a play from the Central Works catalogue or a new script, make it available to read and invite the participants to send in questions for the playwright.
A moderated interview with the writer and Central Works Resident Playwright Patricia Milton will be posted on the Central Works website (centralworks.org) on the final Tuesday of the month. The Central Works Script Club offering for June 2 was to be “The Human Ounce” by Nicole Parizeau. On June 30, the online interview will be uploaded with participants’ questions. Visit centralworks.org/central-works-script-club or follow them on Facebook or Twitter (#CWScriptClub). The club is free, but donations will gladly be accepted.
Castro Valley: Chanticleers Theatre has moved the remainder of its 2020 season to 2021. I feel very fortunate that I and my fabulous castmates and crew were able to complete the company’s production of “Steel Magnolias” just before the COVID-19 shutdown. The postponed shows include “The Bridges of Madison County” (now April 16 through May 16, 2021), “Mamma Mia” (July 16 through Aug. 15, 2021) and “The Foreigner” (Oct. 15 through Nov. 7, 2021). The schedule is pending approval by the royalty houses and, of course, the coronavirus pandemic.
“If possible, we do plan to create some art for our patrons during the remainder of 2020 and early 2021,” said Chanticleers Board President Jacklyn L. Wilferd. “We’re exploring some options to present a small-cast, one-act show and/or a cabaret-style show via online streaming.”
For more information on shows, ticketing and refund policies, go to chanticleers.org.
Wardrobe masks: While costume designers may not be busy building new costumes, Ross Valley Players’ resident designer has found a new calling. Michael Berg, who has designed for shows in Marin County and the East Bay, is taking scrap material from his previous shows and putting together some pretty cool protective masks.
He sent one to his sister-in-law, an administrator at Oakland’s Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, and soon found himself filling orders not only for other Kaiser employees but bank employees and other theater contacts. He’s working on a request for masks from the San Francisco City and County Public Defender’s office, as courts are about to reopen. Look out! You might recognize someone’s mask fabric from a show you’ve seen.
Of artists and elders: Are you an artist or elder who wants to play? Well, local theater artists have just the project for you. “Artists and Elders” is a new program in which participants are matched with each other and meet several times via phone or video conference. The artist then creates a bespoke piece of art inspired by and performed for their partner. The elder could create for the artist as well.
“In a moment when we are being encouraged to keep distance between us, the act of intentionally building connection with a stranger, especially one belonging to the most vulnerable population, feels both subversive and deeply necessary,” said artist Lauren Spencer. For more information on how to “play,” go to foryou.productions/artistsandelders.
Sally Hogarty can be reached at sallyhogarty@gmail.com. Read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.
