I thought I had stepped into a film noir set when I attended the opening of Altarena Playhouse’s “The Wisdom of Eve.” Thanks to Ava Byrd’s fabulous costumes and Jeremy Letheule’s hair designs and wigs, I found myself transported to 1940s New York where snappy dialog, moral ambiguity and unchecked ambition drive the action.
Written by Mary Orr in 1946, “The Wisdom of Eve” became a successful Hollywood film starring Bette Davis in 1950 and went on to become the musical “Applause! Applause!” It seems we can’t get enough of this cautionary tale.
Set in the competitive world of New York theater, “The Wisdom of Eve” tells of Eve (Anna Kosiarek), a young actress who manipulates her way into the world of Broadway star Margo (Sindu Singh) and begins to take over her life, not to mention her best friend Karen’s (Allison Gamlen) husband.
Singh flawlessly portrays the aging actress who befriends Eve, while Kosiarek easily transforms from Margo’s biggest fan to unscrupulous tart. Gamlen has the difficult role of narrator and character in the play which she handles beautifully, adding her own comedic flare along the way.
Kimberly Ridgeway’s impressive directorial skills keep the long play (135 minutes) interesting and moving at a good pace. Her cast also includes Dan Allan, Alan Kropp, Tyler Null, Shelbey Ballantyne and Dan Kolodny, all of whom create colorful and often comedic characters, especially Null as the stage manager Harvey.
“The Wisdom of Eve” continues through Nov. 23 at the Altarena Playhouse on 1409 High St. in Alameda. Call 510-523-1553 or go to altarena.org for tickets.
Point Richmond: The outrageous craziness of the musical “Catch Me If You Can” is up next at Masquers Playhouse on 105 Park Place.
Running Nov. 14 through Dec. 7, the show is based on the hit film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, and the incredible true story of a precocious teenager (Frank Abagnale, Jr.), who runs away from home and begins the adventure of a lifetime. Using his boyish charm, not to mention millions of dollars in forged checks, he poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer. He catches the attention of FBI agent Carl Hanratty, however, who chases Abagnale across the country to make him pay for his crimes.
Terrence McNally wrote the libretto with the score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. For tickets to this high-flying musical, call 510-232-3888 or go to masquers.org.
Berkeley: Shotgun Players on 1901 Ashby Ave. is busy readying its production of “Sunday in the Park with George” for a Nov. 15 debut. Featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, the uber-talented Susannah Martin directs with David Moschler as music director. These two powerhouses are thrilled to tackle the epic Sondheim classic.
“I’ve never experienced a musical which gets so deeply into the experience of being an artist and the process of making art,” said Martin. “The questioning, doubting, fear, rage and joy that goes into making something; the way this musical captures that love and joy — the passion and necessary obsession that goes into art making is captivating – along with the impact that obsession has on those we love and our relationships.”
For tickets, call 510-841-6500 x303 or go to shotgunplayers.org.
Also in Berkeley: That endearing orphan with the cute dog takes over Berkeley Playhouse with its production of the musical “Annie.” Directed and choreographed by Megan McGrath, the show runs through Dec. 21 at 2640 College Ave.
Emma Jillizian and Cara Impallomeni alternate in the title role with Melinda Meeng as Grace, Sarah Bylsma as Miss Hannigan and Brendan Simon as Oliver Warbucks.
For tickets, call 510-845-8542 x351 or go to tickets.berkeleyplayhouse.org.
Book release: Recipient of the 1979 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, winner of 10 Obie Awards and so much more, the elusive Sam Shepard becomes more defined with the publication of “Coyote: The Dramatic Lives of Sam Shepard.” Released this Tuesday by Scribner, the biography by Robert M. Dowling gives a glimpse into this fiercely independent playwright and actor.
The book chronicles Shepard’s creative explosion from 1960s New York to 1970s Hollywood back lots and film shoots to horse ranches where Shepard got his much-needed solace.
I remember attending some of Shepard’s early works at the Magic Theatre in San Francisco and being awed by the gritty, often fierce, portrait he painted. For many years, the Magic Theatre was the place he premiered his work. Plays such as “True West,” “Buried Child” (which won the Pulitzer), “The Right Stuff” and more brought Shepard to prominence with his vivid portrayals of the American family and the mythology of the American Dream.
During his 73 years, Shepard wrote 58 plays, several books, acted in several notable films and had romantic liaisons with several prominent actresses. He died July 27, 2017, from complications of ALS.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.