Curtain Calls: Hear all about it as ‘Newsies’ brings high-energy show to East Bay
Inspired by the real-life newsboys’ strike of 1899, “Newsies” features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and book by Harvey Fierstein. Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, the show follows Jack Kelly and a band of young newspaper sellers who rally together to stand up against powerful publishers and fight for what’s right.
“‘Newsies’ is such a powerful story about young people finding their voices and standing together,” said Director Jarusha Ariel. “Our teen cast (ages 14-18) has poured an incredible amount of energy, passion and teamwork into this show, and I am so proud of the dedication they bring to every rehearsal and performance.”
For tickets, call 925-217-4582 or go to icandothatpac.org.
Danville: A group of artists, writers and intellectuals gathered in Provincetown, Massachusetts, in the summer of 1915 to create a new type of theater. A year later, aspiring playwright Eugene O’Neill joined the fledgling group. Christening themselves the Provincetown Players, they became instrumental in changing the American Theater forever.
The Eugene O’Neill Foundation (EONF) brings three of the group’s works to Danville Jan. 9-11 for script-in-hand performances. “Tales from the Edge” features O’Neill’s “The Dreamy Kid” and his highly auto-biographical “Exorcism” as well as fellow Provincetown writer Pendleton King’s “Cocaine.”
“The Dreamy Kid” deals with personal loyalties in difficult circumstances while “Exorcism” is a highly auto-biographical account of Eugene O’Neill’s brush with death. “Cocaine” delves into struggles with addiction.
“These stories represent an edge in two ways,” said EONF Artistic Director Eric Fraisher Hayes. “In addition to the characters in these plays experiencing the desperate circumstances brought on by living on the fringes of society, the plays themselves represent the work of writers trying to bring a new face to the American Theatre.”
Hayes and guest director Kimberly Ridgeway co-direct the three short plays, which take place at Danville’s Museum of the San Ramon Valley on 205 Railroad Ave.
For tickets, go to eugeneoneill.org.
Walnut Creek: I hope many of you had the opportunity to see Center Rep’s new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Unfortunately, press deadlines and a short run conspired to make a review in this column before the show closed impossible. I was so enthralled by Harrison David Rivers’ adaptation, however, I wanted to include a few words and, if Center Rep decides to do this version next year, I encourage you to attend.
While true to Dickens’ story, Rivers’ adaptation breathes new life and heart into the cherished tale. Rivers adds Tim Cratchit (not called Tiny in this work) to several scenes and has him making a wish on a candle that invokes Scrooge’s ghostly visitors.
Jared Mezzocchi’s inspired direction and the collaboration with Axis Dance Company’s disabled and nondisabled performers gave this production a new urgency and depth. On opening night, four performers, including Brayden K. Sinkay as Tim, used their wheelchairs with such dexterity that they became an integral part of their characters and, in no way, a disability.
For more information on the current season, go to centerrep.org.
S.F.: An all-new winter circus spectacular is currently running in San Francisco through Jan. 4.
Circus Bella’s “Starlight” features lots of new acts, gorgeous costumes as well as artists from across the U.S. as it brings the nostalgia and beauty of an old-time circus to town.
Performed in a 350-seat big top circus tent built in Italy, the show offers an intimacy and immediacy not possible with larger venues. Directed and conceived by Abigail Munn, the show features a cast of 13 performing feats of balance and strength, demonstrations of grace and poise and comedy.
“Now, more than ever, we all need opportunities to laugh with our neighbors,” said Circus Bella co-founder and Director Abigail Munn. “We’re thrilled to be back with our resplendent tent at the East Cut, in the city I call home, and be a part of activating the city with arts and entertainment.”
Circus Bella performs under the big top in the East Cut neighborhood on 221 Beale St. (at Howard) in San Francisco. For tickets, call 415-480-4239 or go to circusbella.org.
Also in S.F.: I never would have thought a musical comedy about a pair of mismatched missionaries sent halfway across the world would smash long-standing box office records around the world. But such is the case with “Book of Mormon.”
If you, like me, have not seen this multiple award-winning musical, now is your chance. It runs Jan. 13 through Feb. 1 at Broadway SF’s Golden Gate Theatre on 1 Taylor St.
Written by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone, the show has been performed on three continents and won over 30 international awards.
Call 888-746-1799 or go to broadwaysf.com.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.