One of my favorite organizations will present its annual fundraiser on May 26-28. The Peter Pan Foundation does so much more than just “put on a show.” Founded in 2006, the organization is dedicated to inspiring children of all ages to reach their full potential by building confidence, character and creativity through music and theater, while instilling the value of community outreach and philanthropy.
While the large group performs annually at its “Wish Upon a Star” production, they also make the world a better place throughout the year as they perform in small groups for such organizations as the Bay Area Easter Seals, the patients at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland and many, many more.
Here’s your chance to see more than 200 performers dressed as princesses, villains, heroes and more fill the Diablo Valley College stage to entertain and amaze. Younger cast members perform May 27-28 at 10 a.m. with high school and adult casts performing May 26-28 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.peterpanfoundation.org.
El Cerrito: Christopher Durang’s witty spoof “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” is receiving its due and then some thanks to Contra Costa Civic Theatre, director Diana Trotter and a superb cast.
Set in present time, the Chekhovian parody tells of three siblings named after characters in Anton Chekhov’s dramas, thanks to their theater-loving, academic parents. Vanya and Sonia have stayed in the family home caring for their aging parents (who have since died) while the third sibling, Masha, has supported the family through her career as a movie star. When Masha unexpectedly comes home with Spike, her latest boy toy, and announces she is selling the house, family dynamics and Durang’s wit go into high gear.
This is not your parents’ dreary, despairing version of Chekhov. Here Durang seems to be having a ball poking fun at the master of unhappiness with a nod here and there to “The Seagull,” “Uncle Vanya” and “Three Sisters.” Add a prophesying housekeeper named Cassandra (what else?!) and a beautiful young neighbor called Nina, and you have a gentle farce full of delicate anguish, all delivered with a knowing wink.
It is a pleasure to watch Paul Araquistain (Vanya), Laurie Strawn (Sonia) and Donna Jean Turner (Masha) as they deliver one beautifully timed comedic line after another. Fortunately, these talented actors also choose to develop well-rounded characters rather than some thin version, making their pathos real and the comedy even stronger.
Lucas Brandt (Spike) and Elizabeth Jones (Cassandra) also anchor their over-the-top characters with a sense of reality, not to mention some of the best lines in the show, while Vessy Ivanova (Nina) adds a charming hint of normality to the craziness.
Scenic designer Kuo-Hao Lo creates a charmingly cozy home for the siblings, well lit by Courtney Johnson and filled with a lifetime of remembrances thanks to properties designer Devon LaBelle.
“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” continues through May 6 at Contra Costa Civic Theatre, 951 Pomona Ave. in El Cerrito. For tickets, call 510-524-9012 or go to www.ccct.org.
Pittsburg: There’s still time to catch Pittsburg Community Theatre’s presentation of “Next to Normal,” which runs through April 29 at the California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., in Pittsburg. Dianna Schepers directs this powerful look at how one suburban household deals with the effects of mental illness. This modern rock musical with a mix of musical styles gives a heartbreaking yet often humorous portrayal of one family’s struggle. Music director Mark Dietrich conducts the six-piece band. For more information, call 925-427-1611 or go to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com.
Berkeley: You also have time to see the Aurora Theatre’s “Eureka Day,” which runs through May 13. The world premiere by Jonathan Spector is set in a Berkeley private school where the debate over child vaccinations hits home in this comedy of liberal manners. For tickets, call 510-843-4822 or go to www.auroratheatre.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.
Two images included for possible use online:
1. Peter Pan Foundation
Photo Courtesy of Peter Pan Foundation
A costumed performer engages a young patient at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital.