Theatre Review: “Beauty and the Beast” and “Live From Lafayette Radio” and “Joseph”

Music and nostalgia at local theater

Musicals and radio nostal-gia highlight this week's reviews. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is currently at the Del Valle Theatre and Beauty and the Beast is at the Dean Lesher Regional Center. Also, take a trip down radio memory lane with Old Time Radio at the Town Hall Theatre.

If you have been missing the Randy Anger and Sarah Reynolds “Old Time Radio Theatre” productions at Town Hall then stop, learn and listen, there are more to come. These radio show reproductions are a fun-filled revival of that wonderful form of entertainment that we used to know as “Radio Theater.” However, these shows are performed live in front of the audience in the Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette.

Two weeks ago, a superb cast of well known local actors performed “All About Eve” and “Baby Snooks and Daddy,” classic shows from the 1940s.

This week's production was performed this past Monday and was a special tribute to a couple of famous comedians in a show that never actually was produced on radio, “Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel.” Written for Groucho and Chico Marx, this show's entire script, in fact an entire series of scripts, have been rediscovered and will be presented for the first time on the Radio Theatre broadcasts in Town Hall. This show included Jerry Motta and Mike Reynolds as Groucho and Chico. In addition, they presented another episode of “The Bickersons” with Randy Anger and Sarah Andrews Reynolds as the Bickersons. In addition, the very talented Tina Walsch performed a radio monologue called “The Waltz.”

In the next production scheduled for Monday, April 24h, the company will present the second episode of “Flywheel, Shyster & Flywheel” and “Sherlock Holmes and the Musgrave Ritual” starring Mike Reynolds, John Hetzler, Randy Anger, Tina Walsch, Gary Little, Harold Manishas and concert violinist, Ethan Filner. This radio show production will be rounded out with the classic mystery thriller, “Sorry, Wrong Number” starring Sarah Andrews Reynolds.

If you haven't gone to these radio show reproductions, then it's time to “tune in” by calling the Town Hall Theater at 284-1557 for reservations. The Town Hall Theatre is located at 3535 School Street (corner of Moraga Road and School Street) in Lafayette. Tickets are a very reasonable $10. Hope to see you there on April 24.

Entertaining “Joseph” presented by CCCT

Right next door to Rossmoor, in the Del Valle Theatre, the Contra Costa Christian Theatre is presenting a highly entertaining amateur production of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Director John Goodson has put together a fun-filled show with a broad based and diverse group of actors and performers, combined with some very innovative staging concepts that make this one of the very best amateur productions I have seen to date.

This is the biblical story of Jacob, his many sons and how his favoritism of one son, Joseph, created great jealousy among his progeny, setting in place a series of events over many years that would allow his son Joseph, to eventually save future generations of many Egyptians and Israelites.

While there are many theatrical neophytes in this cast, there are several experienced professional or near professional level entertainers such as Laurie Kinsella (who plays the narrator), Gary Mutz (the father, Jacob), Mark Stover (Joseph) and several of Joseph's brothers, including Alexander Murphy, Doug Brown, and Tom Randolph. There are many, many children interjected into this show that you will not see in other productions, but they are a shear delight as is the entire show. This is a wonderful family entertainment production that is lighthearted, filled to overflowing with comedic moments, heart-felt poignancy and the truly great music.

Costume designers seldom get the recognition they deserve and the costumes conceived and designed by Cynthia Sarmiento add measurably to this production. In this show, costuming takes a very important role.

The choreography under the direction of Kate Leland works exceedingly well when performed by the excellent dancers cast in this show. Musical director Sheila Hittle and set designer Doug Ham have likewise contributed to this wonderful community theater experience.

This show plays Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on April 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. The theater is located at Acalanes Adult Center next to Rossmoor. Call 943-7469 for reservations.

“Beauty and the Beast” in Regional Center

The Contra Costa Musical Theater Company is presenting an absolutely exquisite production of Walt Disney's “Beauty and the Beast” through May 13 at the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Once again, Tim Rice contributes lyrics to this Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice production.

Director Scott Denison, along with musical director Mark Hanson and choreographer Jennifer Denison Perry, have created a family theatrical production that is thrilling audiences and that will be remembered for a long time. Once again, the costumers, Melissa Anne Paterson and Michael Borg have delivered designs that have contributed in large part to this show's success.

Nothing could contribute more to this production than the brilliant cast, the beautiful voices and the overall production team that has brought this wonderful show to fruition.

The very attractive Megan Gallup plays Belle, the heroine, exceptionally well. She portrays this character with great comic and romantic style and has a beautiful voice.

Nephi Speer, who plays the Beast, does it so well that I have to rave about his choice by the director for this role. I first saw Nephi locally in CTA Crossroad's Theater's wonderful musical about Johnny Mercer's music, “Moon River,” and was blown away at that time. I am sure you will long remember this young man and hope to see him in other productions.

The supporting roles of Scott Strain (as Cogsworth, the clock) Joshua Hollister (as Gaston, the ego-centered villain), Joel Roster (as Lefou, Gaston's friend and worshiper), Michael McCarty (as Lumiere, the candelabra-man), Jessica Magers-Rankin (as Mrs. Potts), Tiffany-Marie Austin (as Babette, the maid), Jeanine Perasso (as the wardrobe), Tom Flynn (Belle's father, Maurice) and Grant Strain (as Chip, the tea-cup) were equally superb. There are far too many fine contributing talents to name in this article due to space restrictions, but the overall production is a winner from every aspect.

This classic fairy tale is about a young woman who meets a prince bewitched and turned into a beast, and who falls in love with him despite his outward appearance and bestial qualities. This is another wonderful family show that you ought to see, even if your children are grown. Take the grandkids; you and they will love it. It is extremely funny, lighthearted and up-beat, with superb voices and orchestration.

“Beauty and the Beast” plays through May 13. The Regional Center is located at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Call 943-7469 or visit the Web site at www.dlrca.org for reservations. Also, visit the Contra Costa Musical Theatre Web site for information at www.ccmt.org.

April Special Events sponsored by Recreation

The following are the April Special Events sponsored by the Rossmoor Recreation Department. For more information on any of these events during the month, check the Special Events listing on the calendar page each week, look for the article in the Arts and Leisure section of the News, or call the Recreation Department at 988-7732. Events are free unless otherwise noted. This information is posted throughout the month of April on the Rossmoor News Web site at www.rossmoornews.com

Acalanes High orchestra performs at Fun Day

The Acalanes High School Orchestra will perform at Fun Day on Thursday, April 13, at noon in the Sierra Room at the Del Valle Clubhouse.

Al Geto presents dramatic reading

Al Geto will present his popular dramatic reading program about Irwin Shaw on Tuesday, April 18, at 1:30 p.m. in Peacock Hall at Gateway.

Ashmolean Singers to present spring concert in Fireside Room

The first annual spring concert of the Ashmolean Singers is scheduled for Sunday, April 30, at 3 p.m. in the Fireside Room of Gateway Clubhouse.

Ballroom dance features Manny Guiterrez band

Rossmoor Ballroom Dance Club members will be entertained by the Manny Guiterrez band at the monthly dance on Saturday, April 15, at 7 p.m.

Bonnie Weiss to perform “The Poets of Broadway”

Popular presenter Bonnie Weiss will present her program, “The Poets of Broadway,” on Monday, April 17, at 11 a.m. at Peacock Hall at Gateway. The program this week will cover the career of Sheldon Harnick.

Cabaret singer Wesla Whitfield to perform at Regional Center

Wesla Whitfield will sing her repertoire from the Great American Songbook, featuring selections from her latest recordings, “Livin'on Love,” for one show only on Sunday, April 23, at 2:30 p.m. at the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. She will be accompanied by the Mike Greensill Duo.

Community chorus presents spring concert

The Rossmoor Community Chorus will present its spring concert on mother's Day, May 14, at 3 p.m. in the Fireside Room at Gateway.

Contra Costa Wind Symphony program commemorates S.F. earthquake centennial

In a concert on the same date as the great earthquake and fire in San Francisco 100 years ago, Tuesday, April 18, the Contra Costa Wind Symphony celebrates its 25th season with the premiere of a composition it commissioned to commemorate the centennial of the disaster.

Dixieland Jazz Club sets April program with Natural Gas Jazz Band

The San Francisco based Natural Gas Jazz Band will perform their dynamic sounds for the Dixieland Jazz Club on Wednesday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Sierra Room at Del Valle Clubhouse.

Father Mark presents a cabaret show at Hillside

Father Mark will present a cabaret show in the Diablo Room at Gateway on Sunday, April 23, at 5 p.m., sponsored by St. Anne's Society.

Foreign Film Fans Club to see “Tango”

The Foreign Film Fans Club will see “Tango” on Monday, April 17, at 4 p.m. at Peacock Hall at Gateway.

Free recital presented Saturday at Gateway

A free recital of classical, art song, opera and musical theater will be presented on Saturday, April 15, at 3 p.m. in the Fireside Room at the Gateway Clubhouse.

Learn to draw the human figure with Norman Weiner

Norman Weiner, a Rossmoor art instructor, will introduce a six-week figure drawing class. Participants will learn how to draw the graceful forms of nude and draped models.

“Memoirs of a Geisha” shows Thursday, Friday

The 2005 drama, “Memoirs of a Geisha” starring Ziyi Zhang and Ken Watanabe, will be shown in Peacock Hall at Gateway on Thursday, April 13, at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. and again on Friday, April 14, at 10, 1, 4 and 7 p.m.

Norman Weiner will teach quick sketching

Rossmoor resident Norman Weiner will conduct a six-week sketching class beginning on Wednesday, May 3, and ending on June 14. There is no class on May 10. Classes are 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Studio I at Gateway.

Oakland children's chorus to sing at Gateway

The All Star singers, an auditioned group of middle school students from 10 Oakland schools, will present a concert on Friday, April 21, at 4 p.m. in the Fireside Room at Gateway.

Pianomania features six classical pianists

The Pro Art Symphony will present Pianomania, an evening of dazzling classical piano music played by Bay Area professional pianists, on Saturday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church.

Role Players Ensemble Theatre presents “Gun Shy”

What do you do when your divorce isn't working?

Rossmoor Hour features Community Club programs

Each week on Channel 28's Rossmoor Hour, programs produced by Rossmoor's Video Club are featured. The programs for the week are seen daily from 4 to 5 p.m. and repeated on Monday at 9 p.m., giving viewers many opportunities to see each show.

Single men and women invited to Fourth Sunday Dance

The Fourth Sunday Dance Club will hold its next dance at Del Valle Clubhouse from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 23.

Theatre Review: “Beauty and the Beast” and “Live From Lafayette Radio” and “Joseph”

Music and nostalgia at local theater

“The Constant Gardener” is Saturday movie

The 2005 drama, “The Constant Gardener” starring Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz, will be shown again by popular demand in Peacock Hall at Gateway on Saturday, April 15, at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. The showing at 1 p.m. will feature language captions.

Town Hall Theatre presents “Live From Lafayette Old-Time Radio Series”

The Lafayette Town Hall Theatre Company presents “Live from Lafayette Old Time Radio Series” through June 19.