Marriages can be tricky, especially when an old flame returns. Such is the case for Jane and Julia. The two friends are each into their fifth year of supposedly happy marriages when a former flame ignites past passions and present desires fueled by generous helpings of champagne.
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The oh-so-witty Noel Coward has surrounded his romantic comedy in the sophistication of the 1920s as he unravels the complexities of love and desire. While today’s audiences may not find the plot and strong female characters shocking, “Fallen Angels” risked censure by England’s Lord Chamberlain when it debuted in 1925. The Lord Chamberlain took exception to the open discussion of premarital sex in the play, which he noted included “unnecessary frankness of expression among women.”
Fortunately, Lord Chamberlain’s restrictions are no longer valid, and we are left with Coward’s strong, witty and passionate female leads and a hilarious play.
Tom Ross directs a delightful cast consisting of Michael Barrett Austin (Fred Sterroll), Kevin Clarke (Willy Banbury), Cindy Goldfield (Saunders), Kina Kantor (Julia Sterroll), Emily Newsome (Jane Banbury) and Joel Roster (Maurice Duclos).
“Fallen Angels” runs Saturday through Nov. 17 at Berkeley’s Aurora Theatre on 2081 Addison St. For tickets, call 510-356-0434 or go to auroratheatre.org/fallen-angels.
Also in Berkeley: Mary Zimmerman has once again used her considerable skills as an adaptor and director to present “The Matchbox Magic Flute” at Berkeley Rep.
Running Friday through Dec. 8, the musical is an English-language adaptation of Mozart’s iconic “Magic Flute” using only 10 singers and five musicians. The story follows Tamino on a daring quest to rescue the captive Princess Pamina. Along the way, he encounters dragons and birdmen and must endure trials by fire as he enters Mozart’s enchanting world of magic and music.
Suitable for ages 10 and up, “The Matchbox Magic Flute” features Billy Rude as Tamino and Marlene Fernandez as Pamina.
For tickets, call 510-647-2949 or go to berkeleyrep.org/shows/the-matchbox-magic-flute.
Richmond: A not-so-loose group of women gather each week in the heart of New York City to knit. But as the sweaters pile up, their lives fall apart. Liz is having an affair, Gina has lost her job, Paula finds herself in an identity crisis and Margie just wants a date.
Enter Miles, a rich businessman on the lookout for a wife. He ends up going on blind dates with each of them in this crazy comedy about what men and women really want these days.
“Loose Knit” is part of Masquers Playhouse’s Envision series. Written by Theresa Rebeck, the show is directed by Anna Oglesby-Smith and runs through Sunday at 105 Park Place, Richmond.
Call 510-232-3888 or go to masquers.org.
Walnut Creek: Following its production of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” Center Rep presents “Dragon Lady,” a solo cabaret musical Oct. 27 through Nov. 24 at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive.
Written and performed by Seattle-based storyteller and activist Sara Porkalob, “Dragon Lady” is the first in Porkalob’s trilogy of musicals featuring her Filipino American gangster family. The storyline for each show takes a female character from different generations as the protagonist — grandmother, mother and granddaughter — and makes them the hero for that story’s journey.
“Sara Porkalob’s fearless storytelling, her vibrant portrayal of complex family dynamics, and her ability to weave humor, heart and history into a compelling narrative make this production an unforgettable experience,” said Center Rep Artistic Director Matt M. Morrow.
For tickets, call 925-943-7469 or go to lesherartscenter.org.
Brentwood: Joseph Kesselring’s “Arsenic and Old Lace” is a popular choice for local theater companies this year, with Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble producing the comedy Nov. 8-17. The company is also preparing to audition for “Brentwood the Musical — Not a Musical.”
For information on both, go to ghostlightte.org.
Martinez: Just in time for Halloween, Onstage Repertory Theatre presents Radio Plays 2024 featuring “People Just Disappear” and “Frankenstein 4.1” Friday-Sunday. Both shows are written and directed by Bill Chessman and will be performed and recorded before a live audience at The Campbell Theater on 636 Ward St.
The first show deals with Bernice Bannerman who has been trying to communicate with alternate universes. In “Frankenstein 4.1,” Dr. Lola Frankenstein is fired from the Biology Department at Transylvania U and, naturally, plots revenge on her department chair.
For more information, go to campbelltheater.com.
Castro Valley: Here’s your chance to pick up a unique Halloween outfit and help a local theater company. Plethos Productions is having a Garage “Sale” Giveaway on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at Castro Valley Hayward Storage, 2457 Grove Way, Unit 228.
To downsize its storage units, Plethos will be giving away seven seasons of treasures for tax-deductible donations of any amount. Costumes, set pieces, props and more are available.
For more information and photos, email info@plethos.org.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.