Curtain Calls: Jimmy Smits brings star power to East Bay production of ‘All My Sons’

Director David Mendizabal’s thoughtful production of Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons” at Berkeley Rep feels just as relevant today as it did when it premiered in 1947. Here, a central character hides behind so many layers of deceit, he almost believes his own version of the truth while his wife refuses to believe their son died in the war. The pitfalls of capitalism and the hollowness of the American Dream certainly resonate today as they did after World War II.

Real-life couple Jimmy Smits (Joe Keller) and Wanda De Jesús (Kate Keller) bring their extensive experience and star power to Miller’s work. Although a bit unsteady in Act I, the couple brings a powerful intensity and honesty to their characters in Act II.

Alexjandro Hernandez (Chris Keller) gives a stunning performance as his character’s innate optimism is forced to confront unpleasant truths while Brandon Gill (George Deever) sizzles with passion as the Kellers former neighbor.

Other cast members (Mayaa Boateng, Cassidy Brown, Brady Morales-Woolery, Regina Morones, Elissa Beth Stebbins) also bring a realism and nice energy to Miller’s work.

Anna Louizos creates the perfect setting for Miller’s seminal work to unfold. Two beautifully detailed homes surrounding a welcoming backyard gives testament to the American Dream at least physically fulfilled. Russell H. Champa’s lighting, especially the night scene with thousands of stars overhead, and Toni-Leslie James’ costumes further the 1940s middle-class feel.

“All My Sons” continues through March 22 at the Roda Theatre on 2025 Addison St. in Berkeley. For tickets, go to berkeleyrep.org/shows.

Martinez: If only today’s soldiers carried chocolate rather than ammunition, the world might be a lot safer. Possibly obese but safer.

Just such a soldier exists in B8 Theater’s production of George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man,” which plays through March 22 at the Campbell Theater on 636 Ward St. in Martinez.

Shaw’s witty dialogue, verging on melodrama, satirizes social conventions and the absurdity of war through a young girl’s romantic illusions and a professional soldier’s realism.

Set at the end of the 1885 Serbo-Bulgarian war, Shaw’s plot follows Raina Petkoff (Samira Sheahan), a young Bulgarian with idealized notions of war. When the realistic Swiss mercenary Captain Bluntschli (Mitchell VanLandingham) hides in her bedroom with his pockets full of chocolate, she begins to question her romantic ideals.

B8 Theater Company and Director Becky Potter allowed me to attend the company’s dress rehearsal last week. While Shaw’s topics still ring true, his over-the-top prose can cause problems for actors. Jason Berner as Raina’s father and John Mosa’ati as Raina’s fiancé, however, found the right amount of posturing and comedic timing to make their characters effective.

Other actors included Avery Burnap (soldier), Helen Kim (Raina’s silly mother), Addam Ledamyen (the wisecracking servant) and Kayla McConnell (the feisty maid).

Costumer Taśa Gleason added to the fun with colorful period outfits.

For tickets, go to campbelltheater.com.

More in Berkeley: Playwright Patricia Milton packs her latest work “After Happy” with a pleasing mix of comedy and serious environmental concerns for an entertaining 70 minutes of entertainment. Receiving its world premiere at Berkeley’s Central Works, “After Happy” runs through March 29.

The play takes place shortly after Hurricane Happy devastated parts of Lake Charles, Louisiana leaving residents anything but happy. It is also time for the annual Pirate Festival and Brenda Barrow (Jan Zvaifler) vows to make the festival so successful people will forget the devastation as well as her own oil company’s contribution to climate change.

As Brenda attempts to find a woman to play the Pirate Queen, her niece Kat (Lauren Dunagan) appears with her colleague Steph (Rezan Asfaw). Supposedly returning to help Brenda, both young women are part of the Climate Commandos dedicated to eradicating oil companies just like Barrow’s.

Gary Graves directs the three accomplished performers with Dunagan and Asfaw bringing a powerful intensity to their roles while Zvaifler’s character adds comic relief that sometimes feels too over-the-top.

For tickets, call 510-558-1381 or go to centralworks.org/after-happy. Performances take place at Berkeley City Club on 2315 Durant Ave.

Also in Berkeley: “Once,” which is receiving a stellar projection at Berkeley Playhouse, 2640 College Ave., has extended the run of the popular piece through March 29.

For tickets, go to berkeleyplayhouse.org/event/once.

Point Richmond: Masquers Playhouse dives into the controversial waters of abortion with Leanna Keyes’ “Dr. Voynich and Her Children.” Running Friday through March 22, the show follows Dr. Voynich and her apprentice, Fade, as they travel the American heartland dispensing herbal medications and covertly performing abortions.

Directed by Kari Warfield, the cast includes Sarah Mooney, Jules Hensley, Kristin Brewer, Natalie Tichenor and Liliana Serpa.

For tickets, go to masquers.org.

Hayward: “Avenue Q” brings its zany comedy to Chabot College on 25555 Hesperian Blvd. on March 18-29.

The Tony Award-winning musical features both puppets and human performers. For tickets to this fun, racy, adult parody of Sesame Street, go to chabotcollege.edu/academics/arts-media-communications/theater-arts/upcoming-shows.php.

Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.