Willows Takes on the ‘State”

By Sally Hogarty

JUMPING INTO THE political fray, Concord’s Willows Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of “Lying in State.” Directed by Richard Elliott, the political farce runs Sept. 29-Nov. 2.

If all the political ads in the newspaper and on television are getting to you, take a break with this tale of a state senator who unexpectedly passes on in the middle of his re-election campaign. Naturally, his family and friends gather to pay their respects. But a surprise mourner, the senator’s secret fiancee (a former erotic dancer) turns things upside down when she arrives to claim his senate seat. Add a misplaced corpse, a public rallying to vote for the late senator, a crazy group of scheming political advisers, and the president of the United States coming to the funeral and you have a recipe for a satirical evening of fun.

Playwright David C. Hyer called upon his 40-year career in governmental affairs for insight into the machinations of politicians to write this successful comedy. The Willows production features Cynthia Rogers Baggott, Ken Baggott, Yvonne Campbell, Chris Hayes, Chris Libby, Michael Medici and Deborah Del Mastro (known for her street-smart Sister Robert Anne in the Willows Cabaret’s “Nunsense” shows). Call 925-798-1300.

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Jumping on the political train, Role Players Ensemble in Danville opens its 25th anniversary season with Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man.”

Berkeley’s Aurora Theatre just finished a very successful run of Vidal’s relevant drama about two candidates vying for their party’s nomination in the 1960 presidential election. Both want the endorsement of an influential former president, and each ends up with scandalous information on the other that could end a political career. Will one or both succumb to dirty politics? Will the best man really win? These are the intriguing questions Vidal examines.

Sue Trig directs, with Richard Aiello and Jim Janisch portraying the political rivals. The show runs Oct. 10- Nov. 1. Call 925-820- 1278.

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Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre continues to entertain audiences with its current production of “The Graduate” through Oct. 11.

The nostalgic trip back in time to this iconic film has audiences enjoying Simon and Garfunkel classics well-performed by guitarist/ singer April Kavanagh.

“We try to honor the film, yet not be beholden to it,” says director Joel Roster. The cast has certainly added its own nuances to this well-known story, with Dennis Markham and Xanadu Bruggers bringing a freshness and definite chemistry to their roles as Ben and Elaine. Call 925-283-1557.

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The Willows Theatre announces auditions for two upcoming shows, “Nuncrackers” and “Mame.” Auditions for both take place Oct. 4 and 5.

“Mame” begins rehearsals Oct. 20 with performances Nov. 17-Dec. 28 at the Willows’ Concord theater. “Nuncrackers” starts rehearsals Nov. 3 with the show running Nov. 23-Dec. 21 at the Campbell Cabaret in Martinez.

Actor/singer/dancers, ages 20-65, are needed for “Mame,” with female actor/singer/dancers ages 20-50, as well as boys and girls third to sixth grades, needed for “Nuncrackers.” Call Alex at 925- 798-1824 to schedule an audition appointment.

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Role Players Ensemble auditions for Steve Martin’s “The Underpants” on Oct. 6-7 in Danville. Directed by Edward Hightower, the show runs Jan. 16-Feb. 7, 2009, and calls for two women and four men ranging in age from 25 to 60. Prepare a two-minute comic monologue. E-mail ewhightower@yahoo.com for an audition appointment.

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If you have a young person interested in learning more about acting, here are two classes starting soon: Judy Berlin’s TV Acting, Audition Skills and Improvisation at the Orinda Community Center, and Barrett Lindsay-Steiner’s youth drama class in Walnut Creek.

Berlin’s workshop runs on Sundays from Oct. 5-Dec. 7 (1:15 — 2:30 p.m. for ages 4-7; 2:45 — 4:45 p.m. for ages 7-12). Call 925- 254-4220.

Lindsay-Steiner’s class takes place on Saturdays from 9 a.m.- noon beginning Sept. 27. The class culminates in a ’60s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist” entitled “Twist.” Call 925-933- 7516.

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For the older thespian, Cal Shakes begins its fall classes on Sept. 24 with Diablo Actors Ensemble artistic director Scott Fryer teaching Acting for the Business Professional at DAE’s Walnut Creek theater. Cal Shakes also offers Acting Shakespeare with L. Peter Callender (Oct. 6-Nov. 24 in Berkeley) and Improvisation with Laura Derry (Sept. 30-Nov. 25 in Berkeley). For more information on these and all the youngster and teen classes, call 510-809-3293.

Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com.

(c) 2008 Oakland Tribune. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.