Performing arts shows playing Sept. 9-15
Reviews are by Donald Munro; NR = not reviewed.
ONGOING
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: StageWorks Fresno brings William Finn’s celebrated musical about a group of determined child spellers to the Bonner Auditorium at the Fresno Art Museum. Through Sept. 18.
My Fair Lady: Director Dan Pessano, in the finest tradition of Good Company Players, offers a sweet, fresh spin on the well-known story of a Cockney flower girl who takes London society by storm. A trio of strong performances (Chris Mangels as Henry Higgins, Breanne Gallagher as Eliza and Teddy Maldonado as Alfred) deliver the classic songs and sparkling humor this oldie-but-goodie title needs. David Pierce’s handsome set design adds to the appeal in the intimate Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater space. Closes Sunday, Sept. 11.
Rock of Ages: Playhouse Merced presents the jukebox musical based on the hits of Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and others. Through Sept. 25. (NR)
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead: Woodward Shakespeare Festival presents Tom Stoppard’s absurdist comedy about two minor characters from “Hamlet.” While the outdoor park setting probably isn’t the best setting to attempt such a challenging play, director Jacob Sherwood shows a fine spark and insight as he and his cast traverse a dizzying array of wordplay, physical comedy, absurdist philosophizing and intense existentialist introspection. There were some weaknesses on opening weekend, particularly with rushed lines and a glossing over of some of the play’s headier moments, but there is a homespun charm and strong ensemble spirit to this intellectual chew toy. Closes Saturday, Sept. 10.
Witness for the Prosecution: In this Good Company Players production of the Agatha Christie classic at the 2nd Space Theatre, you’ll get an old-fashioned whodunit romp complete with stuffy English barristers (David Otero and Noel Adams) wearing wigs. They’re battling over the guilt of the amiable defendant (Alex Vaux in a nice performance) accused of killing an older woman he befriended. But where does his enigmatic German wife (Erica Riggs, mysterious and ambiguous) fit into this? Director Karan Johnson offers a brisk pace and a solid sense of courtroom intrigue, though the big “reveal” could have used more dramatic spark. Through Oct. 9.
NEXT WEEK’S OPENINGS
Camelot: Good Company Players opens the classic King Arthur musical tale at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater. (Opens Thursday, Sept. 15.)
Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play: After a nuclear disaster wipes out the electrical grid, a theater troupe keeps episodes of “The Simpsons” alive for what’s left of civilization. The Selma Arts Center presents the central San Joaquin Valley premiere. (Opens Friday, Sept. 16.)
This story was originally published September 7, 2016 at 3:34 PM with the headline "Performing arts shows playing Sept. 9-15."