Lots of youthful talent and energy will be displayed as I Can Do That! Performing Arts Center brings “9 to 5: The Musical” to Walnut Creek’s Del Valle Theatre in January.
With book by Patricia Resnick and music by the incredible Dolly Parton, the musical tells of three women determined to take charge in their male-dominated office. A true male chauvinist, their boss, Franklin Hart, certainly gets his due in this funny story about female friendship, resilience and empowerment. All great qualities for teens to strive for.
“This ensemble of young performers are some of the most creative, hardworking and talented individuals I have ever worked with in musical theatre,” said Clay Rosenthal, assistant director of the production. “Their curiosity, dedication and support of each other continually impress and inspire me. Plus, they are insanely talented and entertaining!”
The play is double cast with the following alternating in the major roles: Micaela Hartley/Chloe McCarrick (Violet), Lauren Beck/Natalie Shepherd (Doralee), Bevin Clary/Bella Arechaederra (Judy) and Baker Hanshaw/Robert Earthman (Franklin).
Located in Danville and founded by Shayna Rowen and Jarusha Ariel, the I Can Do That! Performing Arts Center offers a variety of classes and productions for 5- to 18-year-olds. They have also begun daytime adult classes
“9 to 5” runs Jan. 17-26 with performances at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays along with 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at Del Valle Theatre on 1963 Tice Valley Road in Walnut Creek.
For tickets, go to simpletix.com/e/9-to-5-the-musical-tickets-188982.
Also in Walnut Creek: From those improvisational sensations, Synergy Theater, comes the world-debut of “Improvised Law and Order: A Spontaneous Mockery of Justice!” This tribute to the legendary cops-and-courtroom television show (which has spawned so many others) takes place Jan. 16-26 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center on 1601 Civic Drive.
Keeping to the TV show’s format, there’s a murder during act one, which the police investigate, while in act two the district attorneys try the case in court. Lynn Shields plays the no-nonsense police lieutenant.
“The TV show is famous for dealing with relevant themes and social issues that are plucked from the headlines,” said Artistic Director Kenn Adams. “It’s the perfect style for Synergy Theater because that’s what we try to do, blend the humor of improvisational theater with important themes and issues worth thinking about.”
Audience members become the jury in Synergy’s hilarious homage to “Law and Order.” Will the jury convict? Will law and order finally prevail? Only the jury knows!
For tickets, call 925-943-7469 or go to lesherartscenter.org.
More at Lesher Center: The new year certainly won’t lack for concert series with the NBC “The Voice” favorite Ms. Monét bringing her powerful voice to Walnut Creek on Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Also, on Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at one of the Lesher’s other venues is “Motown Mania: The Golden Hits of the Temptations and the Superstars of Motown.” The show is presented by West Coast Performing Arts and stars Best Intentions.
Go to lesherartscenter.org for tickets to either musical event.
Orinda: Broadway’s reigning funny lady, Faith Prince brings her incredible voice and incomparable comedic timing to a special concert at the gorgeous Orinda Theatre.
While Prince made her mark as the iconic Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls,” she has followed that with many other memorable shows including “The King and I,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Noises Off, “Annie” and “Billy Elliott.” Somehow, in between shows, she’s also managed to tour the world singing and found time to play recurring roles on such TV shows as “Spin City” and “Modern Family.”
While the Jan. 12 concert at 5 p.m. is sold out, the theater is maintaining a waiting list. To get your name on it, email mdw500@gmail.com.
San Leandro: If you happened to miss Ronstadt Revolution’s performances at the Lesher Center and at Antioch’s El Campanil, 2025 gives you another chance. The popular local group with impeccable musical credentials performs Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. at San Leandro’s historic Bal Theatre on 14808 E 14th St.
The Linda Ronstadt tribute features Natalie Amaya as lead singer, who seems to be channeling Ronstadt at times, as well as keyboardist David Esparza, vocalist Marisa Barley, guitarist Don Schiff, who played for Elvis Presley and Tina Turner to name just a few, drummer Brayden Cone, lead guitarist Craig Relyea and Grammy-nominated saxophonist Jeff Teczon.
For tickets, go to baltheatre.com.
Berkeley: The Marsh continues its reputation for presenting eclectic, interesting and provocative programming with its presentation of renowned actor and director Robert Townsend in “Living the Shuffle” Friday through Feb. 2.
Townsend takes audiences on a roller-coaster journey of his trailblazing career as he navigated many career highs and lows. He goes from the dangerous street of Chicago to his groundbreaking film “Hollywood Shuffle,” which established him as a pioneer in Black cinema.
For tickets, go to themarsh.org/box-office.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.