Try to remember a small romantic musical, and usually one of the first that comes to mind is “The Fantasticks.” With music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics and a book by Tom Jones, it’s the go-to musical for companies that want a charming romance without huge production numbers. And the music, especially the oft-quoted “Try to Remember,” delivers.
Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre has found the perfect venue for this intimate musical with Pleasanton’s Firehouse Arts Center at 4444 Railroad Ave. Large enough to accommodate Mark Mendelson’s troubadour-style set as well as the lively four-piece band, it invites the audience into the story. In fact, the band, or more precisely musical director Sierra Dee-Rankin, practically steals the show as she enthusiastically tickles the ivories. Jessica Schaeffer (harp), Eugene Theriault (bass) and Richard Gibson (percussion) join her in the lively renditions.
The story follows two fathers (Jim Rupp and G. Scott Phillips), who want nothing more than their children, Luisa and Matt, to fall in love with each other. They know this will never happen if they suggest it, so they invent a feud and build a wall between their properties.
As the young people grow, the fathers hire El Gallo (Joshua Gonzales) to stage an abduction of Luisa (Brenna Sammon), who will, of course, be saved by Matt (Matt Skinner) ensuring her undying love. But, as always, life doesn’t follow humans’ carefully laid-out plans. Lots of complications ensue until the couple finally unite for the requisite happy ending.
While some directors emphasize the romance of the piece, Lexie Lazear has taken a more tongue-in-cheek approach, focusing on the story as an entertainment by a traveling company. This works well with the fathers, El Gallo and the marvelous players (John Blytt and M. Javi Harnly).
It’s not as effective with the young lovers. Although their voices pleasantly sing the romantic duets, you’re always reminded that this is make believe. A more straight-forward portrayal of young love with all of its foibles would have contrasted nicely to the fathers’ folly and the players antics. A lovely touch to the story, however, is the Mute, beautifully played by Northgate High School sophomore Kate Henderson. “The Fantasticks” continues Nov. 15 at 8 p.m., Nov. 16 at 2 and 8 p.m. and closes Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. Call 925-931-4848 or go to firehousearts.org for tickets or more information.
Castro Valley: Mental illness devastates families, friendships and the individual suffering from the disease. Often difficult to diagnose, it can lie waiting to emerge just below the surface of a seemingly “normal” individual. Brian Yorkey’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Next to Normal” has taken mental illness, in this case bipolar disorder, and dissected the havoc it unleashes.
The rock musical presents an emotional dive into depression, anxiety and the mental health field in a way that touches the heart and, hopefully, leads to better diagnosis, treatment and less stigma. Plethos Productions is presenting the musical through Nov. 24 at the Small Town Society, 22222 Redwood Road (located next to Trader Joe’s) in Castro Valley. For more information and tickets, go to plethos.org.
Berkeley: A tale of bravery, forgiveness and redemption becomes so much more in the hands of indie folk band PigPen. Coming off a successful run at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre, the company brings its original musical adventure “The Tale of Despereaux” to Berkeley Rep. Infused with music, stage effects and puppetry, the show resonates with adults and children alike.
Running Nov. 21 through Jan. 5, the story tells of a courageous mouse that dreams of becoming a knight. He finds himself shunned by his community for his love of humans and storytelling. It all takes place in a forlorn little kingdom where even the smallest voice can change the world. For tickets, call 510-647-2949 or go to berkeleyrep.org.
Oakland: For an early start to the holiday season, try “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre. The holiday mash-up based on Tchaikovsky’s score features New York-style hip hop dancing performed by a supercharged cast of dancers. Currently on its 2019 tour, the show will be at the Paramount for one night only, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Buy tickets at ticketmaster.com or in person at the Paramount Theatre Box Office, 2025 Broadway in Oakland.
San Francisco: It’s Feb. 2 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and big-city weatherman Phil Connors finds himself reporting on a small-town Groundhog Day ceremony. Adding to his frustration and confusion, he finds himself reliving this humiliating day over and over. Stuck in an endless loop of arrogance, Phil must learn to take advantage of his second, third and fourth chances to break the cycle. Can he do it?
There’s only one way to find out (unless you’ve already seen the movie!). Go to San Francisco Playhouse and catch the musical “Groundhog Day,” featuring a plethora of local talent, including the East Bay’s own Ryan Drummond as Phil Connors. Susi Damilano directs with Dave Dobrusky as music director and Nicole Helfer as choreographer. The show runs Nov. 20 through Jan. 18 at the company’s beautiful theater in the Kensington Park Hotel, 450 Post St. in San Francisco. Call 415-677-9596 or go to sfplayhouse.org.
Also in S.F.: In case you haven’t seen the phenomenon known as “Hamilton,” you have an extended opportunity. The musical extravaganza about our founding fathers now continues through May 31 at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theater. For tickets, go to hamilton.broadwaysf.com.
Sally Hogarty can be reached at sallyhogarty@gmail.com. Read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.