The Tony Award-winning musical “Spring Awakening” is thriving in Richmond

Masquers Playhouse in Pt. Richmond presents the alt-rock musical “Spring Awakening” through May 5. From left to right, Gina Mirra, Sheccid Donnatt, Ash Brown, Vivian Wall and Natalie Tichenor play some of the teens involved in this musical about awakening sexuality.

Offering the perfect play for the season, Masquers Playhouse performs “Spring Awakening” through May 5.

The story, written in 1891 by the German playwright Frank Wedekind, offers a look at the oppressed lives of young people in a German provincial town in the 1890s. Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s modern musical version (produced by Masquers) won eight Tony Awards for the folk-infused alt-rock musical.

The beautifully renovated playhouse in Pt. Richmond has put together an entertaining production of the show full of teenage sexual impulses, young love and heartbreak under the direction of Kyle Carrillo-Enders. Neither the musical nor Carrillo-Ender’s direction shy away from sensitive topics and difficult realities such as abortion, teenage pregnancy and sexual abuse.

A strong cast takes on the numerous characters, with Arup Chakrabarti and Jane Harrington doing a fantastic job portraying all the adult characters. The eleven actors playing teenagers bring considerable skills to the production, especially Thomas Nguyen and Ash Brown as the young lovers, plus Gia Mirra, CJ Molloy, Michael Sacco and Natalie Tichenor as anxious friends. Especially for the masturbation song, Sacco gets a special compliment!

Music director Tekina Tongi put together a talented group of musicians. Unfortunately, they consistently drowned out the vocalists. I’m not sure why Masquers doesn’t mic its performers – I’m sure cost has something to do with it – but it’s a mistake to have more than one piano providing accompaniment. I hope that some accommodations are made after opening night so that audiences can enjoy both the talented instrumentalists and vocalists in this well-executed production.

For tickets to the Masquers Playhouse, 105 Park Ave., Pt. Richmond, call 932-232-4031 or visit maquers.org.

Oakland: Continuing its fascinating selection of shows, Oakland Theater Project presents the world premiere of Amelio Garcia’s ‘Red Red Red’.

Garcia weaves ancient myths and postmodern times together in this genre-bending queer love story, inspired by Anne Carson’s Autobiography of Red: A Novel in Verse, with the Greek myth of Geryon, a triple monster with red wings, turned into a… turns into a strange boy who falls in love with his neighbor.

OTP has their work cut out for them as set designer Christopher Fitzer transforms the group’s intimate performance space into a “bedroom floating in space.”

“Red Red Red” runs Friday through May 19 at FLAX art and design, 1501 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. For tickets, call 510-646-1126 or visit oaklandtheaterproject.org.

Walnut Creek: Center Repertory’s new artistic director, Matt M. Morrow, has just announced his first season of stage selections for the Walnut Creek company.

The 2024-2025 lineup includes two world premieres, an all-new take on a favorite comedy, a solo musical, a comedy mystery and the return of the holiday favorite “A Christmas Carol.”

“This season, I was drawn to stories where comedy is the gateway to exploring curiosity and how that can lead to unexpected places,” said Morrow. “Our final choices share the common theme of mischief, making the season a cohesive journey. This collection of works also celebrates the rich relationships between the older and younger generations, which I personally find deeply healing.”

In addition to the six regular productions, there will be a one-night event with the amazing Rita Moreno for a special conversation about her remarkable career on stage and screen. “A Fireside Chat with Rita Moreno” takes place on September 18.

The regular season kicks off on September 8 with a campy, mischievous, strange makeover of “Arsenic and Old Lace” starring comedy powerhouse Danny Scheie. “Dragon Lady,” in collaboration with Marin Theater Company, takes over October 27 with musical tour de force Sara Porkalob.

“A Christmas Carol” returns for the holidays on December 12, with the world premiere of “Froggy” scheduled for February 9, 2025. The digital thriller, written by Jennifer Haley, combines live performances with groundbreaking design for digital media.

On March 30, 2025, Jen Silverman’s ‘The Roommate’ follows fifty-something, divorced Iowan Sharon as she takes in a new roommate in this twist-filled comedy mystery. Another world premiere opens June 1, 2025 with “Happy Pleasant Valley: A Senior Sex Scandal Murder Mystery Musical.” Min Kahng’s vibrant new musical, co-produced with TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, is set in a senior living community.

For season tickets, call 925-943-7469 or visit centerrep.org.

Clayton: The auditions for Clayton Theater Company’s ‘9 to 5’ are almost here. No appointment necessary for auditions on April 29 and 30 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Go to Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Rehearsals start on August 26.

Berkley: The fantastic singer/actress Margaret Belton is once again bringing her “Patsy Cline” show to Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. This time, she’s honoring Cline and mothers everywhere in a special Mother’s Day show on May 11 at 8 p.m.

For tickets, visit thefreight.org.

Reach Sally Hogarty at [email protected] and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.

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