ANTIOCH
Do you fancy yourself a king? A queen? A court jester? If so, the new Drama Factory production may be for you. “The Death of Triboulet (A Comedy)” has all that and more.
The play centers around Triboulet, the court Jester to the king of France, in his own comedy of errors as he tries to save the king from certain death, all the while hoping to save his own life in the process. Auditions are Jan. 17-18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Nick Rodriguez Theatre in Antioch at 213 F St. Auditions will be held in open-call style. Drama Factory staff will take a photo of each auditioner, who will fill out a couple of papers and briefly read aloud from the script for the director.
The Drama Factory is seeking 15 adults or teens to fill the roles for this original new play. The rehearsal schedule will be Tuesday through Thursday evenings with performances in March. More information is online at www.dramafactory.org. Current proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all cast and crew members.
— The Drama Factory
ORINDA
‘My Sailor, My Love’ showing for a week starting Jan. 20
The Orinda Theatre will present the premiere of “My Sailor, My Love,” a co-production from Finland and Ireland, for one week starting Jan. 20. Klaus Haro (“The Fencer,” “Elina”) directed this touching English-language film.
“My Sailor, My Love” is a story about a guilt-affected daughter-father relationship, but it’s also a love story between two elderly people, proving that a new beginning is never too late. The film centers around Howard, a retired sea captain who refuses any help from his daughter, Grace. When she hires Annie as domestic help for him, Howard unexpectedly falls in love. He gives all his affection to Annie and her family but rejects his own daughter. For more information, go to internationalshowcase.org.
— International Film Showcase
LIVERMORE
Bankhead Theatre brings dazzling offerings this month
Livermore Valley Arts is continuing a January packed with hits in the new year with a taste of the Great White Way (the iconic lights of Broadway) in the Tri-Valley. From a comedy stacked with Broadway-level talents in “Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 to a current Broadway star, Jessica Vosk from “Wicked” at 8 p.m. Jan. 27, the Bankhead will bring some dazzling live theater offerings for the community in this first month of the year.
Both of these performances will be at the Bankhead Theater. Tickets are $2 to $80 for “Lucy Loves Desi” and $55 to $65 for the Vosk show. Call 925-373-6800 or go to livermorearts.org/event-list.
— Livermore Valley Arts
WALNUT CREEK
See Valley Art Gallery’s ‘Wintermission’ exhibit till Feb. 4
“Wintermission,” Valley Art Gallery’s new show-between-shows, features selected works by gallery artists designed to warm and brighten even the longest, darkest winter days. Reflecting a wide range of styles, prices, motifs and media, it continues the gallery’s mission of presenting the best of the best from more than 100 East Bay artists. Also on hand is a juried selection of locally created, one-of-a-kind fine crafts and jewelry. It will continue through Feb. 4.
“Wintermission” will be followed by an exhibit featuring the well-known East Bay artist Maralyn Miller. Miller works primarily in oils and pastels, painting the golden, rolling hills of California and depicting the rhythm of the lights and shadows as they sweep across the horizon. Her show will open Feb. 7 and run until March 18.
At 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, in Walnut Creek, the Valley Art Gallery is free and open to the public from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, go to valleyartgallery.org, call 925-935-4311 or e-mail valleyartgallery@gmail.com.
— Valley Art Gallery
Bedford Gallery to host Fong’s ‘Sensation of Color’ exhibit
The Bedford Gallery will soon present “Erin Fong: The Sensation of Color,” an exhibition that explores how the world’s myriad hues inform day-to-day experiences in subtle, often unconscious ways.
Through dedicated experimentation, the Bay Area artist and letterpress printer delves into how color affects emotional responses. “The Sensation of Color” will transform the Bedford Gallery into a vibrant lab full of the artist’s prints, paintings and installations. Visitors will be invited to tap into their individual and collective experience as they are immersed in hues across the spectrum, considering how colors make people feel and how they foster human connection.
This exhibition will feature several immersive installations, including “The Color Corridor,” a 17-foot maze that gradually changes color, allowing viewers to gauge how their feelings and mood change as they journey through it; and “Color Communion,” a large-scale sensory experience that incorporates light and sound components to let visitors further connect with themselves and the colors that surround them. Paintings and prints from Fong’s studio practice will also be highlighted.
The exhibit will be on view from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday from Jan. 14 through April 2 at the Bedford Gallery inside the Lesher Center for the Arts at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. For more information or to purchase tickets ($5 for general admission and free for Bedford Gallery members and children younger than 13), visit bedfordgallery.org online. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
— Bedford Gallery
ANTIOCH
‘Wizard of Oz’ to be shown in theater’s Classic Film Series
El Campanil Theatre will show “The Wizard of Oz” in its continuing Classic Film Series at 2 p.m. Jan. 14.
One of the most gorgeous films ever to grace the silver screen will be presented in glorious 4K resolution to get the new year off to on a good start. When a tornado blows through Kansas, young Dorothy Gale is whisked away to the wonderful world of Oz. To get back home, she’ll need to defeat the Wicked Witch of the West, but she won’t be alone — a simple-minded scarecrow, a melancholy Tin Man and a lion in search of courage will help her along the way.
One of the most stunning musicals of all time, filled with such songs as “If I Only Had A Brain,” “The Merry Old Land Of Oz” and the iconic “Over The Rainbow,” it’s appropriate for the whole family. Tickets are $10 each or $8 for seniors and youth. The theater is at 602 W. Second St. For tickets or more information, visit us.patronbase.com/_ElCampanilTheatre/Productions online.
— El Campanil Theatre
LAFAYETTE
Sustainable Contra Costa benefit concert set for Jan. 14
The Jim Ocean Band will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at Creekside Commons in Lafayette as part of a benefit bash for the group Sustainable Contra Costa. The band will treat the audience to a live performance of their new album, “FrankenClime” — a humor-infused rock ‘n’ roll monster mash spotlighting the environmental challenges of these times.
In addition to the music, this lively action-packed event will include a special message from activist/thought-leader Bill McKibben, a “trashy fashion” show, the “Green Meanies” dance troupe, “FUNdraising” games and an interview with the “Zero Waste Events” queen, Green Mary. Premium beer, wine and tasty snacks and desserts will be available for sale. Plan to bring an item for the sustainability-in-action “Bring a gift, take a gift” table — a fun way to upcycle a like-new, no-longer-needed household item or that unwanted holiday gift.
Sustainable Contra Costa is a community of citizens, educators, innovators and organizations designing and building pathways to ecologically sustainable, economically vibrant and socially just communities for all. Since its inception in 2007, Sustainable Contra Costa has grown into one of the broadest-reaching nonprofits in Contra Costa County, providing tools and resources that help people take action. Learn more at sustainablecoco.org.
This concert is part of the band’s “Fossil Fools Tour” in support of the FrankenClime project. Tickets are available online at PartyForThePlanet22.eventbrite.com.
— Sustainable Contra Costa
DANVILLE
Art gallery’s clay art, technology exhibit to open Jan. 21
The Village Theatre Art Gallery will start the new year with an exhibit featuring examples of different applications in clay alongside detailed information on the process of how they were made and how they are used.
“From Sand to Silicon Chip: New Technology in Clay” will open Jan. 21 and will be curated by longtime Bay Area resident John Toki, who has had a robust career as an artist, arts educator and lecturer and has been the recipient of many accolades and awards.
The exhibit will feature a comprehensive examination of the many uses of clay, how technology has been used to advance clay and vice versa. “From Sand to Silicon Chip” will run through March 18 with an artists’ opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 21 in the Village Theatre Art Gallery at 233 Front St. in Danville. Toki will be at the reception along with exhibiting artists and engineers. A date for a panel discussion will be announced in January.
The Village Theatre Art Gallery is open Wednesdays through Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Viewings are available by appointment Monday and Tuesday. For more information, contact Visual Arts Coordinator Marija Nelson Bleier at 925-314-3460 or mnelsonbleier@danville.ca.gov. Exhibit details are available online at danville.ca.gov/artgallery.
— Village Theatre Art Gallery
Submit area arts-and-entertainment On Tap items to Judith Prieve at jprieve@bayareanewsgroup.com.
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