Pittsburg Theatre Firm is busy readying Robert Harling’s “Metal Magnolias” for its September Black Field collection. Terry Tracy directs this heartwarming but bittersweet story. Set within the Nineteen Eighties, the motion takes place in Truvy’s magnificence salon, the place the women of the neighborhood collect for gossip and enjoyable however with the energy to consolation one another when loss strikes.

Juhandryn Dessames performs the wise-cracking Truvy with Rachel McElroy her eager-to-please new assistant. Tina Smith has the position of Ouiser, the city’s curmudgeon, with Sandy Wright because the sports-loving former mayor’s spouse, Miss Clairee. Kim Saunders has the pivotal position of M’Lynn, whose daughter Shelby is performed by Sophia Amador.

“Metal Magnolias” performs Sept. 16-25 in Steeltown Espresso and Tea at 695 Railroad Ave. in Outdated City Pittsburg. Seating is restricted. Name 925-439-PLAY or go surfing to ptcca.org/tickets.

Orinda: California Shakespeare Theater’s closing present of the 2022 season, “Lear,” can also be a bittersweet affair. Whereas it marks one other creatively progressive manufacturing managed by Creative Director Eric Ting, it additionally marks Ting’s departure from the corporate. Ting, who has been with Cal Shakes for seven years, is shifting to New York, the place his household relocated through the pandemic.

“The true testomony to any endeavor just isn’t how a lot you modify a factor however how a lot you might be modified by it,” mentioned Ting. “I go away Cal Shakes reshaped by its artists, workers, board, group and civic companions, patrons and funders, and above all, our audiences who I’ve had the nice honor of being in firm with these previous seven years. I’ve discovered what it means to actually serve a group via artwork.”

Following his departure from Cal Shakes, Ting will focus on directing reasonably than theater administration and has already secured his subsequent directorial project — the world premiere of Lloyd Suh’s “The Far County.” The present begins rehearsals in October and shall be carried out Nov. 17 via Jan. 1 at New York’s Atlantic Theatre.

As to a substitute for Ting, the board has arrange a transition committee wanting into varied prospects for Cal Shakes. Earlier than he leaves, although, Ting will give Cal Shakes a rousing near its 2022 season with Marcus Gardley’s adaptation of “King Lear.” Entitled “Lear,” it’s co-directed by Ting and Aurora Theater Firm Affiliate Creative Director Daybreak Monique Williams.

The present will run Sept. 7 via Oct. 2 on the Bruns Amphitheater in Orinda. Set within the Western Addition of San Francisco, the play explores the eminent area disaster of the Nineteen Forties via to the next displacement of the ’60s. For extra data and tickets, name 510-548-9666, electronic mail boxoffice@calshakes.org or go to calshakes.org.

“For a really very long time, this was essentially the most various group in San Francisco. It’s made for a really fertile exploration for me and the solid,” mentioned Ting. “This time additionally recollects the Harlem of the west. From the start, Marcus (Gardley) mentioned there have to be a jazz band. So we’ve got engaged Marcus Shelby, who shall be main a jazz trio each efficiency. He’s additionally composing unique music to underscore the motion.”

Ashby Stage: Berkeley’s Shotgun Gamers presents “Man of God,” a humorous feminist thriller starting Sept. 3 on the Ashby Stage at 1901 Ashby Ave. Impressed by a real-life incident at a Christian mission in Southeast Asia, the play delves into the lives of 4 younger girls confronted with a selection.

“Personally, I really like revenge narrative,” mentioned playwright Anna Ouyang Moench. “It’s scrumptious to see a robust villain delivered to their knees by a righteous and wronged heroine.”

Director Michelle Talgarow says Moench’s story appealed to her as a result of it’s one not typically seen on American phases.

“Being an Asian American lady, this story spoke to me in methods different performs haven’t. It wasn’t a narrative steeped in racism or trauma porn, it wasn’t nearly being immigrants or grappling with cultural identification. This story touches on a few these points nevertheless it’s nonetheless stuffed with comedy, pleasure and theatrical fantasy all instructed via the lens of 4 younger Korean American teenage women,” Talgarow mentioned.

Along with reside performances, “Man of God” shall be live-streamed on Sept. 15 and 22 in addition to provided via video-on-demand Oct. 5-16. For extra data, go to shotgunplayers.org.

Walnut Creek: Aug. 21 is Household Day on the Lesher Heart at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there shall be chalk artwork and family-friendly actions on the Rudney Plaza, free entry to the Bedford Gallery and indoor performances of “Wizard of Oz” by Fantasy Discussion board Actors Ensemble. For extra data, name 925-943-SHOW or go to lesherartscenter.org.

Sally Hogarty will be reached at sallyhogarty@gmail.com. Learn extra of her opinions on-line at eastbaytimes.com/writer/sally-hogarty.