What do you look for in a date or a mate? Do you blindly connect with someone on a dating app looking for a pleasurable one-night stand, or do you hope to meet the person of your dreams?
The last question describes the two singles at the heart of Leah Nanako Winkler’s new play “Thirty-Six.” The world premiere of this fascinating piece currently runs through Dec. 22 at Shotgun Players on 1901 Ashby Ave. in Berkeley.
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This very provocative story follows Jenny (Lauren Andrei Garcia) and David (Soren Santos) on a rather dynamic first date. She wants sex. He wants more. She hides her feelings, while he’s optimistic and open. He wants them to answer 36 questions he found in a “New York Times” article on finding the perfect mate. She thinks it’s stupid and would prefer they go to her place for sex. The date almost ends before it begins but, luckily for the audience, it continues into a challenging, sexy, funny and often poignant theatrical experience.
Cleverly written by Winkler and beautifully staged by director Michelle Talgarow, the play’s setting features scenic designer Randy Wong-Westbrooke’s all-white environment with a plethora of different-shaped white lights hanging from the ceiling. A white armchair on an elevated platform highlights the third character, Stage Directions (nic feliciano), while Jenny and David sit in separate white swivel chairs with glass tables on opposite sides of the stage. Lighting designer Spense Matubang adds further interest with his wash of colors, especially during the final minutes.
All three actors give superb performances with Garcia and Santos also simulating dancing and sex without leaving their respective chairs. While some of the sexual language might be too raw for some, having it said by feliciano makes it more palatable. Plus, these three wonderful performers find every bit of humor in Winkler’s clever dialog.
For tickets, call 510-841-6500, x 303 or go to shotgunplayers.org.
Walnut Creek: The holiday season’s favorite curmudgeon returns to Center Rep spreading his “humbugs” throughout Victorian London in the forever popular “A Christmas Carol.”
Running Dec. 12-22, the annual treat brings Christmas carols, dancing, special effects and, of course, spooky spirits to Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center.
“Center REP’s production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ has become a beloved Bay Area holiday tradition, bringing the timeless story of redemption, family and festive spirit to life year after year,” said Center REP Artistic Director Matt M. Morrow. “This universally beloved tale invites us to embrace the magic of the season and serves as a reminder that compassion, generosity and second chances are at the heart of the holiday spirit.”
The large multigenerational cast includes Michael Ray Wisely, who plays Ebenezer Scrooge for the ninth year, Kerri Shawn returning as the Ghost of Christmas Past for 20-plus years and counting, and Jeanine Perasso in her 26th year as Mrs. Fezziwig. The cast also features Scott Coopwood (Ghost of Jacob Marley), Michael Patrick Wiles (Bob Cratchit), Terrance Smith (Ghost of Christmas Present) and Scott Maraj (Ghost of Christmas Future).
Included in one of several multigenerational families is long-time director Scott Denison, wife/actress Kerri Shawn, daughter/choreographer Jennifer Perry and granddaughter/actress Grace Perry.
For tickets, call 925-943-7469 or go to centerrep.org.
Lafayette: Town Hall Theatre has its own take on holiday entertainment with “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!).”
Running Dec. 7-21, This fast-paced delight blends an array of beloved Christmas stories, characters and traditions with a playful, slightly irreverent twist.
Directed by Ciera Eis, the cast features Cecilia Palmtag, Kristy Aquino and Benjamin Garcia playing a crazy assortment of characters.
For tickets, call 925-283-6673 or go to townhalltheatre.com.
Oakland: You may remember his “black odyssey” performed at California Shakespeare Theater in 2017 or enjoyed the film “The Color Purple,” for which he wrote the screenplay. Now Oakland Theater Project closes out 2024 with “A Thousand Ships,” a new play from award-winning playwright Marcus Gardley.
The Oakland-born writer spins an extraordinary tale of friendship between two Black women and their families, taking audiences from their wartime work in the Oakland shipyards to the fulfillment of a dream — opening their own hair salon. With the gracefulness of the sea, Gardley travels back and forth through time in this story that spans generations.
Composer Molly Holm infuses the work with music and vocals as Gardley’s love letter to Oakland and the healing power of community unfolds.
“We are thrilled to present this story — told in a style full of rituals that bring meaning, alongside an uplifting dose of humor — during the holiday season, when many of us are looking for a way forward in the face of loss,” said director Michael Socrates Moran.
“A Thousand Ships” runs Dec. 13 through Jan. 5 at Oakland Theater Project on 1501 Martin Luther King Jr Way. Call 510-646-1126 or go to oaklandtheaterproject.org/ships.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.