It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays with all the entertainment surrounding us. Some venues offer more traditional holiday fare while others take you on crazy journeys to distant places.
In the zany mode, Masquers Playhouse presents the wacky, fast-paced “39 Steps” directed by John Maio through Dec. 8.
Related Articles
Curtain Calls: Laurie Roldan brings cherished memories to stage at Lesher Center
Curtain Calls: Get ready to be haunted by harmonies from OTP in ‘Ghost Quartet’
Curtain Calls: In Campbell, catch comedic ‘Clue’ through Nov. 17
Curtain Calls: Michelangelo and da Vinci compete in ‘The Contest’ at Berkeley City Club
Curtain Calls: ‘Thanksgiving Play’ starts Friday at Alameda’s Altarena
The show features Gene Mocsy, Amy Stringer, Samuel Barksdale and Damion Clark. These talented actors play 60-plus characters through the course of the show — except for Mocsy, who has the challenging role of superhero Richard Hannay.
“A John Maio-directed show is always the highlight of a season, and this one certainly will not disappoint,” said Managing Director Michael Sally. “This clever and ingenious mash-up of Alfred Hitchcock films will certainly surprise and tickle you, at a time when we all need it most.”
Unfortunately for those of us in the theater community, this will be the last Maio production as he plans to retire from theater and spend more time traveling and with family. I was never cast in one of his productions, but I certainly have enjoyed watching his creativity in many productions over the years.
“He has been the inspiration and guide for many of us doing this work, and his humor, insight, talent and friendship will be missed by so many of us,” Sally said.
Masquers will also feature Brian Copeland’s “Jewelry Box” on Dec. 13. This touching autobiographical story about a young boy saving for a special present for his mother plays one night only.
For tickets to “39 Steps” or “The Jewelry Box,” call 510-232-3888 or go to masquers.org. Masquers Playhouse is located at 105 Park Place in Richmond.
Oakland: A reimagining of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” entitled “The Nutcracker Bird” awaits Dec. 7-8 courtesy of Berkeley Ballet and Post:ballet.
Berkeley Ballet Theater Studio Company dancer as an Ocean Sprite in “The Nutcracker Bird,” a reimagining of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” with performances at Oakland Scottish Rite Center on Dec. 7-8. (Photo by Tricia Cronin / Berkeley Ballet)
According to artistic director and choreographer Robin Dekkers, the story takes audiences on a magical journey through the natural world, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale. In this version, Clara and Charlie are enjoying a family party when a Nutcracker Bird and Snowy Owl invite them outdoors into the magic of a blizzard to remind them of the natural wonders around us.
Berkeley Ballet Theater Youth Division dancers as Storybook Children in “The Nutcracker Bird, a reimagining of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” with performances at Oakland Scottish Rite Center on Dec. 7-8. (Photo by Tricia Cronin / Berkeley Ballet)
Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, the production features a multi-generational cast, including 140 students ages 6 to 21 from BBT’s Youth Division, dancers from BBT’s Adult Division and professional dancers from Post:ballet.
Performances take place at Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. For tickets, go to berkeleyballet.org/nutcracker.
S.F.: “Peter Pan” like you’ve never seen it before comes to the Presidio Theatre on 99 Moraga Ave. in San Francisco from Dec. 3 through Dec. 29.
This performance takes on the traditional British holiday entertainment known as a “panto.” It combines slapstick humor, outrageous characters and parodies of current events and people as well as over-the-top costumes. Audiences get into the action by booing the villains, cheering the heroes and occasionally being pelted themselves with candy from the stage.
It features such favorite characters as Peter, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, Wendy and the Darling children, the Crocodile and Smee, not to mention Pecker the smart-mouthed, singing and dancing rooster and his entourage of feisty chickens and the deliciously whacky dame character, who narrates the action and spills a lot of Neverland gossip.
For tickets, go to presidiotheatre.org.
Also in S.F.: Dan Hoyle’s “Takes All Kinds” has been extended through Dec. 13 at The Marsh San Francisco, located on 1062 Valencia St.
A master storyteller, Hoyle traveled across the country, meeting Americans of all types and creating his one-man show. The first half delivers a raw snapshot crafted from interviews with people in swing and purple states. The second half shifts to hope, spotlighting individuals striving for progress across the country — reflecting the challenges and resilience of our nation.
For tickets, go to themarsh.org.
More in S.F.: Tony Award winners Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire have revised the score and book for the upcoming tour of “Shrek the Musical,” creating a more intimate and engaging experience that emphasizes loving ourselves and one another.
Running Dec. 6-8 at the Golden Gate Theatre on 1 Taylor St., the show features everyone’s favorite ogre, the wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess.
For tickets, go to broadwaysf.com/events/shrek.
Daly City: Also, across the Bay is “The Great Dickens Christmas Fair” at the Cow Palace on 2600 Geneva Ave. in Daly City through Dec. 22. The fair includes something for the entire family as you go through the winding lanes and Victorian houses of London.
Activities include several theater performances, dance parties, charming shops and Dickens’ era food with various Dickens’ characters wandering about. Look out for an impromptu sword fight or the Ghost of Marley to cross your path. The characters of Jekyll and Hyde might also stop by and encourage you to help them solve a mystery.
For more information, go to dickensfair.com.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.