Theater picks: Cal Shakes, Shotgun Players, `Love and Murder'
Here are three productions Bay Area theater fans should know about.
“Romeo y Juliet”: California Shakespeare Theater kicks off its two-show summer season with a new take on an old classic. “Romeo y Juliet” is a bilingual adaptation of the Bard's famed tragedy of star-crossed lovers by Karen Zacarías, directed by KJ Sanchez. The action follows two besotted daughters from feuding clans set in Alta California, as California was known during Spanish Colonial and Mexican rule. The show was originally set to debut in 2020, but was delayed by the pandemic. Details: Today through June 19; Bruns Amphitheater, Orinda; proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19test required, masks are advised for all indoor locations; $30-$70; calshakes.org.
“A Small Fire”: Shotgun Players in Berkeley is presenting Adam Bock's tragicomedy about John and Emily, a long-married and devoted couple whose lives are turned upside down when she develops a mysterious ailment that gradually robs her of her physical senses. Details: Through June 12; Ashby Stage, Berkeley; proof of vaccination required and masks are strongly recommended; $29-$36; available on demand June 8-19 (price TBA); shotgunplayers.org.
“A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder”: Lamplighters Music Theatre presents the 2014 Tony Award winner for best musical, with book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak. The show follows an impoverished man who discovers he is eighth in line for an earldom in a powerful and wealthy family, and unleashes a killer plan to climb to the top of the list. Details: Saturday through June 5; Presidio Theatre, San Francisco; proof of vaccination required and masks must be worn in the theater; June 5performance will be simulcast; $31-$80; lamplighters.org.