Altarena Playhouse » Shows http://www.altarena.org Frederick L. Chacon, Artistic DIrector • 1409 High St. • Alameda, CA 94501 • (510) 523-1553 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:13:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Sylvia http://www.altarena.org/2010/03/17/sylvia/ http://www.altarena.org/2010/03/17/sylvia/#comments Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:09:12 +0000 Armando Fox http://www.altarena.org/?p=633

A Play by A.R. Gurney
Directed by Gene Kahane

May 14-June 13 Long-married empty-nesters Greg and Kate adopt an abandoned street-smart mutt named Sylvia after the kids have grown up and moved out. But will Sylvia be a companion, a rival for affection, a distraction from life’s little dissatisfactions…or just a “bone of contention” between them? Through Sylvia’s eyes, we see how Greg and Kate deal with the hilarious complications and ultimately learn to welcome Sylvia into the family, reminding us that our hearts always have room for one more.

Featuring: Analisa Svehaug • Chris Ciabattoni • Leontyne Mbele-Mbong • Jamie Olsen

]]> A play by A.R. Gurney
Directed by Gene Kahane

May 14—June 13
Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 2pm,
Thursdays Jun 3 & 10 at 8pm

Long-married empty-nesters Greg and Kate adopt an abandoned street-smart mutt named Sylvia after the kids have grown up and moved out.  But will Sylvia be a companion, a rival for affection, a distraction from life’s little dissatisfactions…or just a “bone of contention” between them?  Through Sylvia’s eyes, we see how Greg and Kate deal with the hilarious complications and ultimately learn to welcome Sylvia into the family, reminding us that our hearts always have room for one more. 1995 Drama Desk Award nominations included Outstanding Play and Outstanding Actress (Sarah Jessica Parker).

Featuring: Analisa Svehaug • Chris Ciabattoni • Leontyne Mbele-Mbong • Jamie Olsen

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2010/03/17/sylvia/feed/ 0 Bus Stop http://www.altarena.org/2009/11/19/bus-stop/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/11/19/bus-stop/#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:58 +0000 Armando Fox http://www.altarena.org/?p=352 Bus Stop “A terrific show with a great cast, in an excellent little theater” … Get tickets now, or subscribe to our 2010 season and save 20%!

Long before “The Breakfast Club”, there was “Bus Stop”. It’s winter on the Great Plains, and a snowstorm near Kansas City has stranded a group of bus passengers at a local diner. During their weather-enforced overnight layover, the diverse group of strangers develop short-lived but revealing relationships as they learn about each other—and about themselves.

Directed by Michael Ryken

Featuring: Xanadu Bruggers • Charles Evans • Hannah Knapp • Charles Lewis • Adam Reeser • Cynthia Roberts • David Roberts • Stephen Steiner

]]> A play by William Inge
Directed by Michael Ryken

Bus Stop

Bus Stop

January 8 – February 6

Long before “The Breakfast Club”, there was “Bus Stop”.  It’s winter on the Great Plains, and a snowstorm near Kansas City has stranded a group of bus passengers at a local diner.  During their weather-enforced overnight layover, the diverse group of strangers develop short-lived but revealing relationships as they learn about each other—and about themselves.

Featuring:  Xanadu Bruggers • Charles Evans  •  Hannah Knapp  •  Charles Lewis  •  Adam Reeser  •  Cynthia Roberts  •  David Roberts  •  Stephen Steiner

This play is recommended for audiences 13 and over.

Xanadu Bruggers
Charles Evans
Hannah Knapp
Charles Lewis
Adam Reeser
Cynthia Roberts
David Roberts
Stephen Steiner

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/11/19/bus-stop/feed/ 0 Brian Copeland’s “Not A Genuine Black Man” returns to Altarena http://www.altarena.org/2009/10/14/brian-copeland-not-a-genuine-black-man/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/10/14/brian-copeland-not-a-genuine-black-man/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:00:49 +0000 Armando Fox http://www.altarena.org/?p=376
Altarena Playhouse and CaroLena Productions present Brian Copeland in the exclusive Alameda performances of hisNot A Genuine Black Man, the longest-running solo show in San Francisco history! Two performances only, December 4 and 5 at 8:00 PM. Sure to sell out, so buy your tickets now!


Subscribers: Purchase in advance and get $5 off per ticket!

]]> Altarena Playhouse and CaroLena Productions Present

Brian Copeland
in
Not A Genuine Black Man

The longest-running solo show in San Francisco History

Exclusive Alameda appearances: a Benefit for Altarena Playhouse
December 4 & 5 at 8:00 PM

Get Tickets
Subscribers: $5 off per ticket if you purchase in advance!

We’re excited to announce the return of award-winning playwright/performer Brian Copeland to Altarena Playhouse to perform his acclaimed show, Not A Genuine Black Man.

Genuine is the longest-running solo show in San Francisco history—the witty, trenchant, and ultimately ennobling story of Brian’s growing up in San Leandro when that town had some of the highest racial tensions in Bay Area history. Brian’s show, and the companion bestselling book (which he’ll be signing after each performance), have garnered so many accolades that he hardly needs any introduction! We at Altarena are extremely proud to count Brian as a member of our Honorary Board of Directors, and we’re thrilled to remain the exclusive Alameda venue for his performance.

Brian Copeland is generously giving a substantial fraction of the show’s proceeds to benefit Altarena Playhouse. All performances followed by complimentary champagne reception and book signing with the artist.

Brian performed at Altarena in 2006 and sold out in just a few days!
Get your tickets now as these are sure to go fast!


]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/10/14/brian-copeland-not-a-genuine-black-man/feed/ 0 The Nerd http://www.altarena.org/2009/07/11/the-nerd/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/07/11/the-nerd/#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:34:13 +0000 Armando Fox http://www.altarena.org/?p=276
A Play by Larry Shue
Directed by Richard Robert Bunker

September 18 – October 25

A young architect is visited by the man who saved his life in Vietnam, but the visitor turns out to be completely inept, hopelessly stupid, and seemingly impossible to get rid of. Widely considered one of the funniest plays ever written, The Nerd is directed by Richard Robert Bunker, who directed our sold-out production of Shue’s The Foreigner in 2006. Featuring Timothy Beagley, Judy Beall, Matthew Beall, Noah Han, Misha Madison, Jillian Seagrave, Christopher Ciabattoni.

]]>

A Play by Larry Shue
Directed by Richard Robert Bunker

September 18 – October 25

Widely considered one of the funniest plays ever written, The Nerd centers on the hilarious dilemma of a young architect who is visited by a man he’s never met but who saved his life in Vietnam. The visitor turns out to be a socially inept, hopelessly stupid “nerd” who overstays his welcome with a vengeance. Directed by Richard Robert Bunker, who directed our sold-out production of Shue’s The Foreigner in 2006, The Nerd is sure to be the hysterical highlight of the 2009 season. Get tickets now!

Featuring Timothy Beagley, Judy Beall, Matthew Beall, Noah Han, Misha Madison, Jillian Seagrave, Christopher Ciabattoni

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/07/11/the-nerd/feed/ 0 The Spitfire Grill http://www.altarena.org/2009/05/08/the-spitfire-grill/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/05/08/the-spitfire-grill/#comments Fri, 08 May 2009 18:55:04 +0000 Webmaster http://www.altarena.org/?p=242 Music and Book by James Valcq
Lyrics and Book by Fred Alley
Directed by Frederick L. Chacon

July 10 – August 16, 2009

The Spitfire Grill is one of the most heartfelt and uplifting musicals to come along in recent years. When a young woman is released from prison and decides to start a new life in a small midwestern town, she finds a place for herself working at the Spitfire Grill. But she – and the town – have old wounds that need healing, and it takes an unusual contest to begin pulling everyone together. A tuneful and stirring tribute to small town life, The Spitfire Grill is homespun, honest, and hard to resist.

]]> The Spitfire Grill at the Altarena PlayhouseMusic and Book by James Valcq
Lyrics and Book by Fred Alley
Directed by Frederick L. Chacon

July 10 – August 16, 2009

The Spitfire Grill is one of the most heartfelt and uplifting musicals to come along in recent years. When a young woman is released from prison and decides to start a new life in a small midwestern town, she finds a place for herself working at the Spitfire Grill. But she – and the town – have old wounds that need healing, and it takes an unusual contest to begin pulling everyone together. A tuneful and stirring tribute to small town life, The Spitfire Grill is homespun, honest, and hard to resist.

Buy Tickets Online

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/05/08/the-spitfire-grill/feed/ 0 A Streetcar Named Desire http://www.altarena.org/2009/03/03/a-streetcar-named-desire/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/03/03/a-streetcar-named-desire/#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:19:21 +0000 Webmaster http://www.altarena.org/?p=177 A Play by Tennessee Williams
Directed by Sue Trigg

May 8 – June 7, 2009

Tennessee Williams’ steamy and sensual A Streetcar named Desire is best known as the landmark American drama that introduced Marlon Brando to the world. But there’s so much more to this vivid story of Blanche DuBois and her tragic struggle with fantasy and reality. Rediscover Streetcar’s smoldering poetry and shocking intensity in our intimate, ‘in-the-round’ production. Notably, this is the very first production of a full-length Tennessee Williams play in the Altarena’s history. [May not be suitable for children under 13.]

]]> A Streetcar Named DesireA Play by Tennessee Williams
Directed by Sue Trigg

May 8 – June 7, 2009

Tennessee Williams’ steamy and sensual A Streetcar named Desire is best known as the landmark American drama that introduced Marlon Brando to the world. But there’s so much more to this vivid story of Blanche DuBois and her tragic struggle with fantasy and reality. Rediscover Streetcar’s smoldering poetry and shocking intensity in our intimate, ‘in-the-round’ production. Notably, this is the very first production of a full-length Tennessee Williams play in the Altarena’s history. [May not be suitable for children under 13.]

Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM
Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM

$20 General Admission
$17 Students (under 18) and Seniors (62+)

Cast:
Eunice Hubbell….. Karol Loque
Neighbor, Flower Seller, Nurse….. Elaine Pintoe
Stanley Kowalski….. Eric Herzog
Stella Kowalski….. Veronica Mannion
Blanche DuBois….. Gigi Benson
Steve Hubbell….. Raymond Mark
Harold Mitchell (Mitch)….. Charles Evans
Pablo Gonzales….. Tony Rocha

Performance Schedule:
Buy tickets online or call (510) 523-1553 to buy tickets by phone (Tues – Sat, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM). No service fees or handling fees are added to online or phone orders.

Friday, May 8, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, May 10, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Friday, May 15, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Friday, May 22, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, May 10, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Friday, May 29, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Friday, June 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 2:00 PM

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/03/03/a-streetcar-named-desire/feed/ 0 Gypsy http://www.altarena.org/2009/03/03/gypsy/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/03/03/gypsy/#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:23:38 +0000 Webmaster http://www.altarena.org/?p=164 Directed & Choreographed by Christina Lazo
Music Direction by Armando Fox

February 27 – April 5, 2009

Gypsy is one of Broadway’s most popular and enduring musicals, often cited by critics as one of the all-time greatest. Inspired by the life of burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee, it’s the story of the ultimate showbiz stage mother trying to raise two young daughters on the Vaudeville circuit while struggling to make it to the ‘big time.’ Gypsy is brimming with memorable characters, great songs, and plenty of heart. Directed and choreographed by Chicago director Christina Lazo, Gypsy at the Altarena is sure to be the hottest ticket in town.

]]> Gyapsy at the AltarenaBook by Arthur Laurents
Music by Jule Styne
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Directed & Choreographed by Christina Lazo
Music Direction by Armando Fox

February 27 – April 5, 2009
Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm
Sunday Matinees at 2:00pm

$20 Adult General Admission
$17 Students (under 18) and Seniors (62+)

GGypsy is one of Broadway’s most popular and enduring musicals, often cited by critics as one of the all-time greatest. Inspired by the life of burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee, it’s the story of the ultimate showbiz stage mother trying to raise two young daughters on the Vaudeville circuit while struggling to make it to the ‘big time.’ Gypsy is brimming with memorable characters, great songs, and plenty of heart. Directed and choreographed by Chicago director Christina Lazo, Gypsy at the Altarena is sure to be the hottest ticket in town.

Cast (in alphabetical order):

Derrick Apperson….. Newsboy, Kiddie Show Contestant
Scott Ayres….. Herbie
Jennifer Beall….. Baby Louise
Matt Beall….. Jocko, Mr. Goldstone, Pastey, Phil
Kerry Chapman….. Mazeppa, Mother, Hotel guest
Matthias Christensen….. Newsboy, Clarence
Caleb Draper….. Tulsa
Nina Dumas….. Geraldine, Showgirl, Cow, Hotel guest
Katie Francis….. Electra, Cratchitt, Mother
Danny Guzman….. LA, Bougeron-Cochon
Noah Han….. Newsboy, Kiddie Show Contestant
Nick Hodges….. Angie, Georgie
Olivia Hytha….. Baby June
Meghan Ihle….. Dainty June
Rebecca La Fleur….. Agnes, Showgirl
Tom Leone….. Pop, Cigar, Mr. Kringelein
Erin Little….. Marjorie May, Showgirl, Renee, Hotel Guest, Mother
Erin Lucas….. Toreadorable, Showgirl, Waitress
Lisa Price….. Louise
Youssef Riahi….. Yonkers
Donna Turner….. Rose
Paula Wujek….. Tessie, Mother, Hotel Guest
Zaria Zinn….. Balloon Girl

Performance Schedule:

Friday, February 27, 2009 at 8:00 PM [Sold Out]
Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 8:00 PM [Sold Out]

Friday, March 6, 2009 at 8:00 PM [Buy Tickets]
Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 8:00 PM [Buy Tickets]
Sunday, March 8, 2009 at 2:00 PM [Buy Tickets]

Friday, March 13, 2009 at 8:00 PM [Buy Tickets]
Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 8:00 PM [Buy Tickets]
Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 2:00 PM [Buy Tickets]

Friday, March 20, 2009 at 8:00 PM [Buy Tickets]
Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 8:00 PM [Buy Tickets]
Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 2:00 PM [Buy Tickets]

Friday, March 27, 2009 at 8:00 PM [Buy Tickets]
Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8:00 PM [Sold Out]
Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 2:00 PM [Buy Tickets]

Friday, April 3, 2009 at 8:00 PM [Buy Tickets]
Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 8:00 PM [Buy Tickets]
Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 2:00 PM [Buy Tickets]

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/03/03/gypsy/feed/ 0 “Love At First Bite” http://www.altarena.org/2008/10/03/love-at-first-bite/ http://www.altarena.org/2008/10/03/love-at-first-bite/#comments Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:25:44 +0000 Webmaster http://www.altarena.org/?p=140 Bat Boy, The Musical opened at the Altarena last weekend to sold-out crowds and standing ovations. So we had a pretty good idea that there's a lot of love for for our pointy-eared hero, but it's always nice to see that the local critics [...]]]> Bat Boy at the AltarenaBat Boy, The Musical opened at the Altarena last weekend to sold-out crowds and standing ovations. So we had a pretty good idea that there’s a lot of love for for our pointy-eared hero, but it’s always nice to see that the local critics agree.

Ken Bullock of the Berkeley Daily Planet writes:

“It’s a raucous, goofy, off-kilter dysfunctional family entertainment, staged with elan by Alameda’s Altarena Playhouse”

and

“From Bat Boy’s first melodic ululations, swinging in his cage, to production numbers featuring the batty boy in top hat, with cane, accompanied by the entire cast of 14 (and the stalwart quartet in the flies, guitar, bass and drums led by Sierra Dee on keyboards), the songs wash over the fast-moving, brilliantly paced show.”

In her review titled “Love At First Bite” for the Alameda Sun, Sharon Edler Reid agrees, adding:

“There is a strong underlying theme of acceptance that flows throughout the show but because the show is so funny and layered, it never feels heavy-handed. And in the capable hands of co-directors Angelo Benedetto and Paul Plain, the cast delivers that message with high energy and big laughs. The bat boy himself is played with rabid abandon by Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez is in his element as the misunderstood monster of the abandoned mines, an iconic role in the vein of Frankenstein’s monster.”

Bat Boy, The Musical runs through November 1 and tickets are selling fast (which seems to be the rule around the Altarena this year). Don’t miss out; get your tickets through our online box office today. It’s quick, secure, and there’s never an additional handling or processing fee.

Embrace your inner Bat Boy this Halloween season!

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2008/10/03/love-at-first-bite/feed/ 0 Local Critics Love Hay Fever http://www.altarena.org/2008/07/25/local-critics-love-hay-fever/ http://www.altarena.org/2008/07/25/local-critics-love-hay-fever/#comments Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:01:20 +0000 Webmaster http://www.altarena.org/?p=120 The reviews are in for our production of Noel Coward's "Hay Fever," and everyone seems to agree... it's a hit! Alice Chalip, writing for the Alameda Journal, opens this way:
"Politely sexy, magnificently costumed and produced, and downright hilarious are apt descriptions of "Hay Fever," the [...]]]> Hay Fever (2008) The reviews are in for our production of Noel Coward’s “Hay Fever,” and everyone seems to agree… it’s a hit!

Alice Chalip, writing for the Alameda Journal, opens this way:

“Politely sexy, magnificently costumed and produced, and downright hilarious are apt descriptions of “Hay Fever,” the wild show currently gracing the 70-year-old stage of Altarena Playhouse.”

Ken Bullock, in the Berkeley Daily Planet, writes:

“Hay Fever, an ensemble show if ever there was one, is put on with panache at Altarena Playhouse, with a cast of nine—four ravenous and infighting family members and four increasingly gun-shy weekenders, plus the redoubtable Clara—directed by artistic director Frederick Chacon, all of them working together to make the pieces fit in a hilarious jigsaw puzzle of a pristine day in the country reflected in a sideshow mirror.”

And Gabriella Centurion’s review for the Alameda Sun can be summed up by its headline:

“Howls of Laughter for Hay Fever”

“Hay Fever” runs through August 9th, but shows are selling out quickly. Get your tickets before they’re all gone.

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2008/07/25/local-critics-love-hay-fever/feed/ 0 Hay Fever Opening Night Weekend Sold Out http://www.altarena.org/2008/07/11/hay-fever-opening-night-sold-out/ http://www.altarena.org/2008/07/11/hay-fever-opening-night-sold-out/#comments Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:36:40 +0000 Webmaster http://www.altarena.org/?p=115 Hay Fever (2008) Tickets are selling briskly for our production of Noel Coward's delightful comedy Hay Fever; in fact, the opening night performance weekend is completely sold out. Frederick L. Chacon directs this very British "comedy of deliciously bad manners," and the cast features a [...]]]> Hay Fever (2008) Tickets are selling briskly for our production of Noel Coward’s delightful comedy Hay Fever; in fact, the opening night performance weekend is completely sold out. Frederick L. Chacon directs this very British “comedy of deliciously bad manners,” and the cast features a mix of favorite veteran Altarena performers and exciting newcomers. It has all the makings of the “must see” show of the summer, and judging from ticket sales, we’re not the only ones who think so. You can purchase tickets for Hay Fever from our secure online box office (no service fees!) or by calling (510) 523-1553. But don’t wait; you can only catch Hay Fever through August 9th.

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