Live Theater by Alexa Chipman - April 2019
Barbeque Apocalypse
The end of the world is coming to Spreckels Performing Arts Center in a shrewd, visceral comedy by Matt Lyle. “I chose Barbeque Apocalypse because it made me laugh out loud when I read it” explains artistic director Sheri Lee Miller. “It had a fresh voice…I am more and more drawn to plays about community.”
Director Larry Williams points out “if you were deemed a loser before the apocalypse, but became a survivor, how would it affect your social status amongst your peers?” The story follows three couples facing the end, discovering that their superficial concerns about work and the latest fashions no longer matter. “There is something about this show that seems timely to me, with the turmoil in the world” Williams comments. “This really is a thinking person’s comedy.”
Barbeque Apocalypse
March 29 – April 20, 2019
Fri/Sat at 8:00pm Sun at 2:00pm Thurs. (April 11, 18) at 7:00pm
Tickets: $26 general, $24 senior, $22 student
Not recommended for children, due to graphic content.
Bette Condiotti Experimental Theatre at Spreckels Performing Arts Center
5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Born Yesterday
“Born Yesterday” at Sonoma Arts Live is a glimpse into an era when women were often underestimated. Pompous, corrupt Harry thinks that the impressionable Billie will be easy to manipulate but discovers that his girlfriend will have none of it. “Billie Dawn is one of the most wonderful roles in theater” director Carl Jordan suggests. “She finds courage and strength as she saves herself…she longs to become more and does so.” Melissa Claire will be taking on the iconic character. “Once she makes a choice, she makes a choice,” Claire explains about Billie. “We’re always second guessing ourselves as women. It’s exciting to play someone who lives so vivaciously.”
Set in 1946, its vintage appeal and slapstick humor surround an inspirational message that people can change for the better, if they truly believe in themselves. “The time is perfect for a new generation to appreciate…this incredibly powerful yet wonderfully funny work of art” Jordan confidently explains. “Born Yesterday is indeed a classic, but it is not a relic.”
Born Yesterday
April 26 – May 12, 2019
Thur/Fri/Sat at 7:30pm Sun at 2:00pm Fri April 26 at 8:00pm
Tickets: $25-40
Rotary Stage in Andrews Hall at the Sonoma Community Center
