You can still make the final performances of Center Rep’s “The Roommate,” which continues through Sunday at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center.
Part mystery and part comedy, Jen Silverman’s play explores what it means to be middle aged and single. When Sharon finds herself in this situation, she looks for a roommate to share her Iowa home. Another middle-aged woman responds, and the two form their own odd couple as they navigate single life.
For tickets, call 925-943-7469 or go to centerrep.org.
Berkeley: Set against the social politics of the 1950s, a young teenage girl adjusts to life following the death of her mother and the family’s move from Pensacola, Florida, to Brooklyn, New York. Such is a quick synopsis of Lynn Nottage’s beautifully written “Crumbs from the Table of Joy.”
The thought-provoking play will be presented by the Aurora Theatre from April 26 through May 25 at the company’s theater on 2081 Addison St. in Berkeley.
The two-time Pulitzer Prize winning playwright tells her story through the eyes of 17-year-old Ernestina Crump as she chronicles the complexities of race, religion and societal expectations during a time of significant social change. Adding to the chaos, Ernestina’s father has found solace in religion and has married a white woman — hardly acceptable in the era. Throw in a communist-sympathizing aunt who decides to drop by for an extended visit and you have a complex-yet-fascinating story.
“The 1950s was such a moment in American history in which I felt so much change — everything I had seen was in black and white. And I wanted to make it colorful. So, I started writing ‘Crumbs from the Table of Joy’ to try to understand the era,” wrote Nottage in the program of a 2006 production.
I’m not sure if I understood the ’50s any better after seeing a production of the play several years ago, but I was enraptured by the story and fell in love with Nottage’s compelling characters.
“Lynn Nottage is one of the most significant American playwrights working today,” said Artistic Director Josh Costello. “We’re honored to bring this early work of hers, showcasing all her insight and passion, to the Aurora stage. And I’m thrilled to welcome back director Elizabeth Carter.”
Carter’s cast includes Anna Maria Sharpe as Ernestine with Jamella Cross as her 15-year-old sister Ermina. Asia Jackson portrays her Aunt Lily and David Moore takes on her father Godfrey with Carrie Paff as the new wife.
For tickets, call 510-843-4822 or go to auroratheatre.org.
Martinez: What is in a name? Juliet poses that question in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” while Oscar Wilde explored the same subject in “The Importance of Being Earnest” with a heavy dose of satirical comedy thrown in as well.
The hilarious antics of Wilde’s characters will be on display May 2-18 as B8 Theatre Company presents the play at Martinez’s Campbell Theater.
Becky Potter directs this witty comedy which features Annie Larson, William Lewis, Isaac Oleole, Stefanie Suzuki, Lucy Swinson, Matthew Travisano, Mitchell VanLandingham and Maureen-Teresa Williams.
For tickets, go to campbelltheater.com.
Oakland: Following its hit production of “I Am My Own Wife,” Oakland Theater Project presents Martyna Majok’s “Ironbound” May 2-18.
Directed by Emilie Whelan, the play features Lisa Ramirez as an immigrant woman struggling to survive in a run-down New Jersey Town. Over the course of 20 years and three relationships she negotiates for her future with men who can offer her love or security, but never both.
This darkly funny piece shows how the American Dream is just out of reach for this Polish immigrant.
For tickets, call 510-646-1126 or go to oaklandtheaterproject.org. The theater is located at the FLAX art & design building on 1501 Martin Luther King Jr Way in Oakland.
El Cerrito: Comedian Steve Hofstetter appears at Contra Costa Civic Theatre on 951 Pomona Ave. as part of the theater’s comedy series on May 7 at 7:30 p.m. The former columnist for Sports Illustrated and writer for the The New York Times has appeared on The Late Late Show, Comics Unleashed and Comedy All-Stars among others. To purchase tickets, go to ccct.org and click on tickets.
Pleasant Hill: Diablo Women’s Chorale holds its spring fundraiser “Hats Off to Spring,” an afternoon tea and silent auction, May 12 from 2-5:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1601 Mary Drive. For tickets, go to diablowomenschorale.org. Haute head wear is encouraged but not required.
Castro Valley: Plethos Productions invites high school students to its first-ever teen program where they will learn theater skills, enjoy farm life and perform “Into the Woods.”
The stagecraft camp takes place June 9-20 with performances June 20-22 at a working farm in the beautiful Heirloom East Bay on 9990 Crow Canyon Road. For more information, go to plethos.org.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.