Bakersfield Life

Spring into theater

Normal
0
0
1
37
215
1
1
264
11.1282

0

0
0

Shake off the winter doldrums with a show at one of the many local theaters in town From well-known musicals like “Cabaret” and “Rent” to children’s shows and Shakespeare, there are plenty of reasons to turn off the TV and experience live theater this spring.  Cal State Bakersfield9001 Stockdale Highway, 654-3150 The college’s season includes “a classic play for children, which plays on our campus before it goes on tour to local elementary students, and a rollicking comedy by Shakespeare,” said Mandy Rees, CSUB Theatre Department Chair. “The Arkansaw Bear”Directed by Kamala KruszkaCSUB Theatre for Young AudiencesNoon, 2 and 4 p.m. March 13; noon and 2 p.m. March 14Doré Theatre (Limited seating; tickets can be reserved for this production by calling 654-6070)$5; free for children 12 and underThe play blends realism and fantasy, pathos and humor as young girl Tish learns the meaning of both life and death with the help of the World’s Greatest Dancing Bear. “Merry Wives of Windsor”Directed by Maria-Tania Becerra8 p.m. May 20 to 22, 27 to 29; 2 p.m. May 30Doré Theatre$10; $8, seniors (60+) and CSUB faculty/staff; $5 students with IDFollow the adventures of Shakespeare's delightful scoundrel Sir John Falstaff as he faces two women set to expose his deceitful ways.  Bakersfield Community Theatre2400 S. Chester Ave., 831-8114$16; $12 seniors, students and active military “Class Action”March 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 Twenty-five short scenes and monologues on issues close to the hearts of teens: prom night, homework, alcoholism, pregnancy, detention, teen idols, peer pressure and class elections. “Deathtrap”April 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 30 and May 1, 2
This ingeniously constructed mystery offers a rare and skillful blending of two priceless theatrical ingredients: thrills and laughter “Winnie The Pooh”Dramatized by Kristin Sergal 
May 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23Come see Pooh, Christopher Robin, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore and all of your favorites in this classic tale for the whole family. “The 23rd Annual One Acts Festival”June 11, 12, 13, 18, 19
Local up-and-coming playwrights unveil their plays at Bakersfield’s own New Works Festival. “The Surprising Story of the Three Little Pigs”July 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18Three classic fairy tales (The Three Little Pigs, The Three Billy Goats Gruff and Goldilocks and the Three Bears) begin in their usual “once upon a time” fashion, but change on the way to “happily ever after.” “Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical”
Aug. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21

Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story about a brilliant doctor whose experiments with human personality create a murderous counterpart, this is an evocative tale of the battle between good and evil. Bakersfield College1801 Panorama Drive, 395-4326
 “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992”Directed by Kim Chin8 p.m. March 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13$5.50, adults; $3.50 for students, military and seniorsOriginally a one-woman show, this “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992” has 16-plus actors covering 40 characters based the real words of people sharing their thoughts/experiences with the L.A. riots, Rodney King beating and more. Spotlight Theatre1622 19th St., 634-0692$17 general admission“Parade: A New Musical”Directed by Jarred ClowesOpens 8 p.m. March 13In 1913, Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-born Jew living in Georgia, is put on trial for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, a factory worker under his employ. His only defenders are a governor with a conscience, and his wife who finds the strength and love to become his greatest champion.  “Rent”Directed by Brian J. Sivesind Opens 8 p.m. April 17The Pulitzer prize-winning musical follows a year in the lives of seven friends living the bohemian lifestyle in New York's East Village. “All In The Timing”Opens 8 p.m. May 22An evening of comedies combines wit, intellect, satire and just plain fun with six scenes, directed by six of Bakersfield's top directors. “A Little Night Music”Directed by Hal FriedmanOpens 8 p.m. June 19One of Broadway’s masterpieces, the romantic and achingly beautiful “A Little Night Music” deals with the universal subject of love, in all its wondrous, humorous and ironic permutations.  The Empty Space706 Oak St., 327-PLAYSuggested donation: $15, adults; $10, students “We try to present shows that the other theaters don’t usually. Our shows are a little bit more controversial and darker. We also have a late-night show that goes even further,” said Thomas G. Robinson, marketing and gallery director. “The Vagina Monologues”8 p.m. March 5 to 13Monologues by a varying number of women reflect on female empowerment and the ultimate embodiment of individuality.  “The Diary of Anne Frank”March 26-April 11The compelling stage adaptation of  “The Diary of a Young Girl.” “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead”April 23-May 8This absurdist tragicomedy expands upon the exploits of two minor characters from “Hamlet”: the courtiers Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.  “HamletMachine”April 30-May 8With roots in “Hamlet,” this 1977 play by East German playwright Heiner Mueller also takes on social collapse, gender and feminism.  “Jukebox Legends”May 21-June 5A look back into the legends of rock ’n’ roll. “Six Degrees of Separation”June 18-July 3The play, inspired by the real-life story of con man David Hampton, explores the existential premise that everyone in the world is connected to everyone else in the world by a chain of no more than six acquaintances.  “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”July 16-Aug. 7The humorous musical about overachievers’ angst chronicles the experiences of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime.  Major League Improv6 p.m. SaturdaysThe Empty Space is home to Major League Improv, which offers a fully improvised, family-friendly, interactive comedy experience every Saturday.   Stars Dinner Theatre1931 Chester Ave., 325-6100$50 to $54 for dinner and show, $25 show-only.Dinner 7 p.m. with show at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday; lunch 1 p.m. with show 2 p.m. Sunday “This season people can expect new shows never before done in Bakersfield,” said Kathryn High, director of operations.  “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”Now through March 20The humorous musical about overachievers’ angst chronicles the experiences of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime.  “Laughter on the 23rd Floor”April 9-May 1This Neil Simon play follows the behind-the-scenes antics of Max Prince, the star of a weekly comedy-variety show in the ’50s, and his staff. “The Full Monty”May 21-June 12This Americanized adaptation of an 1997 British film has six unemployed Buffalo steel workers presenting a strip act at a local club and overcoming their anxieties. Gaslight Melodrama Theatre and Music Hall12748 Jomani Drive, 587-33777 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. SundaysFriday and Saturday: $20, adults; $18, seniors (60+); $9, children under 12Sunday: $18, adults; $9 students with valid ID “At the Gaslight we primarily focus on comedy and family entertainment. We are trying to make the best live local entertainment we can,” said Michael Prince, artistic director.  “I Hate Shakespeare”Now through April 3With zombies, talking cows and an appearance by Jerry Springer, “I Hate Shakespeare” is a hilarious and fast-paced rundown of all things Shakespeare with a modern twist.  “The Maltese Chicken: A Hemlock Stone Mystery”April 16-May 22This hilarious new Hemlock Stone mystery follows Hemlock as he tries to sort out truth from fiction, friend from foe, and figure out the story behind the prized Maltese Chicken. “A Mobfather — A Musical”May 28-June 22This rip-roaring, musical salute to “The Godfather” chronicles the travails of two of the biggest crime families in America who go head to head to see who will become the next Mobfather.  NOR Junior Theatre392-2000$7 general admission “NOR Junior Theatre provides an artistic outlet for children ages five to 18.  As funding for arts in schools continues to decrease in tough economic times, the NOR Junior Theatre program helps fill a void in the community,” said Vickie Stricklind, program director. “Through participation in theater, children develop social skills, learn to work together as a unit for a common purpose and develop a sense of commitment and accomplishment. Children are exposed to classic literature, history and other cultures within the theatre experience.” “Godspell”7 p.m. March 5, 2 and 7 p.m. March 6East Bakersfield High School Auditorium, 2200 Quincy St.Drawing from various decades, “Godspell” is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance and love. “Aladdin”7 p.m. May 14, 2 and 7 p.m. May 15Frontier High School Performing Arts Center, 6401 Allen RoadThe familiar music and characters are here in this adventure set in a far-off land.