With exquisite timing, Town Hall Theatre Company began its run of “The Revolutionists” on Sept. 27. On that date, one could listen to the excruciating testimony of Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh and comments from the Senate Judiciary committee by day and, by night, attend this marvelous comedy about four strong women trying to find their place in life and history during the French Revolution.
Told in contemporary language, Lauren Gunderson’s clever comedy tells of four women in 1793 during the Reign of Terror (these reigns seem to repeat themselves!). Struggling playwright Olympe de Gouges (Sarah Mitchell) finds herself invaded by: Haitian rebel Mariannne Angelle (Kimberly Ridgeway) in need of copy for her anti-slavery pamphlets; assassin Charlotte Corday (Heather Kellogg) who wants some last words before killing extremist Jean-Paul Marat; and deposed Queen Marie-Antionette (Suzie Shepard) who could really use better press.
While these four women deal with one of the most violent times in history, Gunderson has built so many wonderfully clever, funny lines into the dialogue that you find yourself laughing throughout the play. Director Susan Evans has found the right balance of poignance and comedy to make this production a winner.
Of course, the fact that she has four consummate actresses doesn’t hurt either. These clever ladies ground their characters in reality, making the comedy fresh and the serious moments credible. Shepard, in particular, has a way of going from crazy comedy to dead seriousness with complete believability in a flash.
The action plays out on Liliana Duque Pineiro’s wonderfully versatile set, complete with a colorful mural. Primarily used as an artist’s loft, the set combines mirrored and open skylights, one of which drops down to become a gangplank to “Madame Guillotine.” Hope Birdwell built the gorgeous period costumes with Linda Nye wigs to complete the picture.
“The Revolutionists” continues through Oct. 20 at Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School St. in Lafayette. Call 925-283-1557 or go to www.townhalltheatre.com. Let’s hope this play outlasts the comedy/drama currently taking place in Washington, D.C.
Alameda: The Altarena Playhouse has assembled a wonderful cast and director to bring Bruce Norris’ Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning satire “Clybourne Park” to Alameda. The marvelous Daren A.C. Carollo directs with Ted Barker, Peter Budinger, Leslie Howard, Champagne Hughes, Khary L. Moye, Shay Oglesby-Smith and Steve Rhyne bringing Norris’ spin-off of “A Raisin in the Sun” to life.
This hilarious yet poignant satire examines attitudes towards race and property over the years. The setting is the same house, first in 1959 when a white couple has inadvertently sold their home to a black couple and the effect that has on the white neighbors. Then, in Act II, it’s 50 years later and a young white couple has purchased the home in what is now a predominantly black neighborhood. It’s a fascinating study in race relations and property values.
“Daren has done an amazing job,” says Artistic Director Sue Trigg. “It’s a wonderful show, very powerful and engaging.” “Clybourne Park” runs Oct. 5 through Nov. 11 at 1409 High St. in Alameda. For tickets, call 510-523-1553 or go to www.altarena.org.
Martinez: Directing a world premiere musical is a unique challenge,” says Mark Hinds, who previewed Gretchen Givens and Linda Gregg’s new musical, “Canyon Road,” on Sept. 28. “You get to work directly with the authors and, lucky for me, we were able to cast four wonderful actors: Jené Bombardier, Ella Wolfe, Bill Dietz and 10-year-old Lilia Gowdy.”
I was privileged to see a workshop production several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the beautiful music. Givens and Gregg have written three musical plays, a book and a screenplay together, mostly through emails and long-distance phone calls, after Gregg married and moved to Hereford, England.
“I’m sure we’ve helped AT&T stay afloat with our numerous all-nighters,” laughs Givens. “It’s absolutely magical watching the characters that Linda and I conceived come to life,” says Givens. “Canyon Road” runs through Oct. 13 at the Campbell Martinez Theatre, 636 Ward St. in Martinez. For tickets, call 925-350-9770 or go to www.campbelltheater.com.
Antioch/Brentwood: Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble presents Ken Ludwig’s hilarious “The Fox on the Fairway” Oct. 12-14 at the Shadow Lakes Event Center, 401 Lakeview Drive in Brentwood. Evidently you don’t need to know or care about golf to enjoy this madcap adventure about love, life and man’s eternal love affair with golf. For the first time, the company is offering discounted tickets if purchased in advance, and all tickets include a dessert buffet and coffee service. Sounds good to me! For more information, go to www.ghostlightte.org.
Also, check out auditions for “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” at Stage Right Conservatory Theatre in Antioch. Directed by Lily Metcalf, this C.S. Lewis story about the adventures of four children will be performed Dec. 7-16. Auditions take place Oct. 15-16 at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F St. Roles available for ages 8 to 18. For more information, call 925-216-4613.
Berkeley: Interested in auditioning? Live Oak Theatre at 1301 Shattuck Ave. is auditioning for Thornton Wilder’s “The Skin of Our Teeth” from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 7-8 at Old Finnish Hall, 1819 10th St. in Berkeley. Thornton Wilder’s 1943 Pulitzer Prize-winning allegory about humanity’s survival runs Jan. 4-26. For more information, go to www.aeofberkeley.org.
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.