Curtain Calls: Pittsburg Community Theatre unites behind powerful musical ‘The Color Purple’

Based upon Alice Walker’s novel, this epic tale with book by Marsha Norman follows Celie, a young woman who despite unbelievable hardship embarks on an intense personal journey over the course of 40 years.

Thanks to composers Brenda Russel, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, the musical enjoys a dynamic score of jazz, ragtime, gospel, blues and African music.

Tanika Baptiste directs the musical with Jon Gallo as music director and Carla BaNu Dejesus creating the choreography.

For a complete cast listing, go to pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org/color-purple.

“The Color Purple” runs Jan. 30 through Feb. 8 at the California Theatre on 351 Railroad Ave. in Pittsburg, then Feb. 13-22 at the Campbell Theater on 636 Ward St. in Martinez. To purchase tickets, go to tickets831.com (California Theatre) or campbelltheater.com (Campbell Theater).

Berkeley: An improbable love story, not to mention music that pulls you in and won’t let you, go highlights February at Berkeley Playhouse.

Whether you’ve seen the movie (which won the 2007 Academy Award for Best Original song) or the Tony Award-winning musical, you know how mesmerizing and just plain fun “Once” can be. As the musical captivates your heart, you are reminded how powerful music can be and how complicated relationships often are.

Set in Dublin, an Irish busker and a Czech immigrant, who is an accomplished pianist, meet and find a connection through their love of music. Over the course of one week, both sparks and chords fly.

As their friendship evolves into a complicated love story, their chemistry leads them to a new level of songwriting. The gorgeous melodies played throughout add another level to their relationship and a love that only happens once.

“I’ve always loved ‘Once’ because it digs into something I think about a lot: what music really is and how it connects us as human beings,” said Director Josh Marx. “I loved the movie ‘Once’ when I first saw it — and then the Broadway production pulled me in even deeper, especially the way it evoked a sense of community; similar to drinking a pint of Guinness in an Irish pub while patrons play music together. For Berkeley Playhouse’s production, we’re looking to put something truly special together; each actor plays their own instrument (sometimes more than one!), and we want to create an unforgettable experience that capitalizes on the amazing talent that we’re bringing into the room.”

Jake Gale (Guy) and Gillian Eichenberger (Girl) play the lovestruck couple calling upon their instrumental skills as well as acting talents. Other cast members include Michael Barrett Austin (Billy) and Dyan McBride (Baruska).

“Once” runs Feb. 20 through March 8 at the historic Julia Morgan Theater on 2640 College Ave. in Berkeley. For tickets, call 510-845-8542×351 or go to tickets.berkeleyplayhouse.org.

Orinda: Vacant for the past year without the hustle and bustle of various performing arts events, the Bruns Memorial Amphitheater in Orinda finally has a new tenant. East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) announced a 15-year lease of the nine-acre property at 100 Gateway Blvd. to the nonprofit Siesta Valley Foundation (SVF)

SVF hopes to preserve the EBMUD watershed and revitalize its impressive amphitheater. According to the foundation’s website, they will program projects that “reduce fire risk, restore habitat and protect water quality” while also offering live music, theater, film and dance events. The agreement lists approximately 40-50 events, which in addition to the performing arts would include an EBMUD native plant and bird garden and Watershed Community Center for public education and environmental literacy.

“EBMUD looks forward to seeing this agreement preserve the watershed, revive a regional arts landmark and generate sustained community and financial value,” said EBMUD Board President Marguerite Young. “This unique site will once again be a vibrant East Bay destination.”

I, for one, hope Young is right. I’d love to be back in that beautiful valley enjoying a live performance.

The foundation’s operating partner Siesta Valley Bowl plans to run the facility as a mixed-use performing arts center with a tentative date of April for its first events. Ultimately, the group hopes to build an indoor facility that will allow programming year-round.

For more information, go to siestavalley.org.

Martinez: Onstage Theatre is auditioning for the outrageously fun “The Rocky Horror Show” Feb. 27 and 28 at The Campbell Theater on 636 Ward St.

Dianna Schepers directs with Shelly McDowell as choreographer and Adam Green as musical director. Rehearsals begin in late August with performances Oct. 30 through Nov. 22.

For more information, go to campbelltheater.com/auditions.

Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.