Arts & Entertainment
Two productions take on classic plays
By CHARLIE JARRETT Martinez News-Gazette Columnist In his first hit play, The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams wrote a heartfelt story based on his own life and that of his domineering mother, still living her colorful life as a southern belle, and created a fragile-as-glass sister, reflecting the emotions imprisoned in her painfully shy, somewhat erratic […]
Production tackles political climate
By CHARLIEJARRETT Martinez News-Gazette Columnist In The Great American Sh*T Show, Brian Copeland and Charlie Varon are now engaging audiences through meaningful monologues revealing their own deeply disturbing concerns about where America is morally and materially heading today, by combining wisdom and witticism in making Americans Think Again! Their new show, of which I saw […]
Two great productions worth the drive
By CHARLIE JARRETT Martinez News-Gazette Columnist This week’s two reviews take us first to San Francisco for some thought-provoking discourse on the pain of segregation to children and their families, as described in Brian Copeland’s award-winning solo show, “Not a Genuine Black Man”. Next, in Alameda, the terrific little theater known as Altarena Playhouse has […]
Celebrate 50 Years of Art in the Park
MARTINEZ, Calif. – Discover something delightful, entertaining, amusing, thought-provoking, delicious or just fun at Art in the Park. The 50th annual Martinez Arts Association (MAA) event will be held at Susana Park on Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and over 60 local artists are expected this year. Along with live music, food […]
Billy Elliot the Musical shines at Woodminster Ampitheater
By CHARLIE JARRETT Special to the Gazette “Billy Elliot the Musical” is a moving, inspiring, and delightful musical based primarily on the 2000 film of the same name. The music in this musical was created by Elton John, and the book and lyrics are by Lee Hall, who wrote the film’s initial screenplay. My wife […]
‘Delightfully humorous Charlotte’s Web comes to Campbell Theater
This week’s reviews take us to Orinda and Martinez where we can find two delightfully humorous and engaging theatrical performances at a very reasonable price. I’m going to encourage you to go to the Campbell Theater where you will see a wonderful children’s story by author E. B. White, “Charlotte’s Web”. This delightful story was […]
Winning woodcarver, a wildlife lover
MARTINEZ, Calif. – Jim Marieiro, local woodcarver and environmentalist won Best of Show for Fish, in the Open (Master) class at the national Pacific Flyway Decoy Association’s 3-day “Best in the West” Fish and Bird Carving competition in Sacramento last weekend. Marieiro teaches woodcarvers, young and old, just as Mario Marchi (locally renowned carver) mentored […]
Political humor at Chanticleers Theater; ‘Wedding Singer’ comes to Pinole
By CHARLIE JARRETT Special to the Gazette This week, I want to introduce you to a great little theater called the Chanticleers, located in Castro Valley. This is one I have gone to for many years but not recently. The Chanticleers Theater is currently presenting the very funny political comedy, Born Yesterday. This story was […]
Noelle Arms of Poison Apple Productions honored by participating in the tenth annual “Freddie G Fellowship” Class of 2019
New York, N.Y. – West Concord’s Noelle Arms of Poison Apple Productions was one of eight outstanding educators from schools and performing arts centers around the U.S. to work one-on-one with Broadway greats at the 10th Annual Freddie G Fellowship which just wrapped in New York. The four days of classes and activities honored instructors […]
Victoria Theater production of ‘Hairspray’ not to be missed
By CHARLIE JARRETT Special to the Gazette How many of us still remember Dick Clark and the American Bandstand show in the mid-50’s? It formulated in Philadelphia until it was moved to the ABC television Center Los Angeles in 1964. At much the same time, there was another similar show hosted by Winston “Buddy” Deane […]
