It’s hard to believe summer’s almost here, especially given the changeable weather patterns lately. But, it must be on the horizon because California Shakespeare Theater will soon be in full swing. The Orinda-based company will open its season with the world premiere of Octavio Solis’ “Quixote Nuevo,” running June 13 through July 1 at the beautiful Bruns Amphitheater, 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way in Orinda.
Considered one of the most prominent Latino playwrights in America, Solis crosses cultural and aesthetic boundaries with his ever-evolving work. In 2010, Cal Shakes premiered John Steinbeck’s “The Pastures of Heaven,” adapted by Solis especially for Cal Shakes.
“I’m so happy to be back at Cal Shakes and excited to bring Quixote Nuevo to Cal Shakes’ audiences,” comments Solis. “This company has not only permitted but has encouraged me to source the production in my own Texas and Chicano roots. I’m finally hearing my voice — in conversation with Cervantes’ in this play.”
KJ Sanchez directs. “I’ve been a huge admirer of Octavio’s for years, and I feel spiritually very close to the themes in Quixote Nuevo,” says Sanchez. “Aging, fighting monsters — both real and perceived. I want audiences to walk away from this show thinking about their own lives, their obligations to their family, their community and what they believe in enough to fight for it.”
Actor Emilio Delgado, well known for his more than 30 years on Sesame Street, stars as a man who loses himself in stories of chivalrous escapades and embarks on a quest of imagination, adventure and Tejano music. For more information, visit www.calshakes.org or call the box office at 510-548-9666.
Also in Orinda: Beginning its outdoor season as well are the Orinda Village Starlight Players, who perform in the Orinda Community Center Park Amphitheater, 28 Orinda Way. In keeping with tradition, the company opens with an Agatha Christie mystery. This year it’s “Spider’s Web” about a diplomat’s wife who discovers a murder victim in her drawing room. Full of suspense and humor as only Christie can deliver, shows run Friiday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. through June 30. There is also a Thursday performance at 8 p.m. June 7 and a Sunday matinee at 4 p.m. June 24. Call 925-528-9225 or go to www.orsvp.org.
Martinez: Artistic Director Joel Roster announces a new arts education program in downtown Martinez. Part of the new Other Other Theatre Company, the Academy will offer several weeklong summer camps for all ages that cover music and dance from Disney to “Hamilton” and even a Shakespeare scene study class for teens.
“I’ve noticed over the years that after-school arts education is severely lacking in downtown,” says the 10-year Martinez resident. “It’s a shame when we have this beautiful theater right in the heart of Martinez.”
Thanks to a generous sponsorship from the Onstage Theatre, The Academy will be housed in the Martinez Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St. For full class information and registration, go to www.otherothertheatre.com/classes.
Auditions: And speaking of the Onstage Theatre, they will be having auditions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 9 for a Martinez Talent Showcase. Open to anyone in the area, musicians, singers, dancers, rappers, actors, comedians, magicians and more are invited to try out. The show takes place at 7 p.m. June 23. For more information, call 925-350-9770 or email live@campbelltheater.com.
Berkeley: Northern California playwrights have an opportunity to share their creative offerings as the Musical Café presents works by four locals from June 1-3 at the Bay Area Children’s Theatre Osher Studio, 2055 Center St., in Berkeley.
Since its inception in 2014, the nonprofit café has produced a series of sold-out showcases with the goal of developing original “home-grown” musicals. “There aren’t many opportunities for writers of musicals to get feedback on their projects,” says team member Richard Jennings.
The June showcase features segments of “Finding Medusa” by Madeline Puccioni and Jeff Dunn, “The Oregon Trail Pages” by Jen Coogan, “The Last Ibex” by Joel Knopf and “Infinite” by Louis Lagalante and Julia Grace Scanlon. Cesar Cancino and Larry Tasse provide musical direction. For tickets, go to www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3426710. For information on future submissions, visit www.musicalcafe.org.
Also in Berkeley: Also celebrating new works is National Black Theatre Festival honoree, director, educator and playwright Ayasha J. Tripp. The Bay Area native recently saw the publication of her three plays: “The Skin I’m In,” “And An angel Came Down” and “Generation of Dreams.” She will read selections from her works at a release party from 3 to 5 p.m. June 9 at Neyborly (Poet’s Corner), 2043 San Pablo Ave. in Berkeley. Call the venue at 510-770-6510. For more information on Tripp, go to www.ayashaislife.com.
Across the bay: There is still time to the catch San Francisco International Arts Festival, which began May 24 and continues through June 3. According to Zenetta Zomalt, the running theme is to increase social awareness and bring people together through the arts. Local and international arts will explore such topics as women’s rights, LGBTQ issues, racial equality and more.
From Canada comes the U.S. premiere of Cirquantique in “Bang Bang,” a fusion of burlesque-inspired acrobatic acts. Ambiguous Dance from South Korea presents “Rhythm of Human” and from Taiwan, Pao-Chang Tsai offers “Solo Date.” For more information on the full lineup, go to www.sfiaf.org/all. For tickets, call 415-399-9554.
Sally Hogarty can be reached at sallyhogarty@gmail.com. Search for “Curtain Calls” by Sally Hogarty at eastbaytimes.com to read more of her reviews online.