According to Julia and Jane, after five years of marriage, couples may still love one another but are not in love with one another. Or so these two married women postulate as they descend into a champagne-fueled discussion of whether they should see an ex-lover they shared prior to their marriages.
Such is the premise of the fast-paced, hilarious production of Noël Coward’s “Fallen Angels,” playing at Alameda’s Altarena Playhouse on 1409 High St. through Sept. 20.
Katina Psihos’ elegant art deco set, Ava Byrd’s gorgeous period costumes and Jeremy Letheule’s wig/hair design firmly fix the comedy in 1925 during the height of the jazz age.
Kate Conway (Julia Sterroll) and Sarah Zehner (Jane Banbury) keep the action moving at a quick pace as they keep a lively balance between lascivious behavior, angry rivalry, guilt and drunkenness.
The constant interruption of Elly Grace Hudson (Saunders, know-it-all maid) and Joshua Roberts and Dan Allan as clueless husbands Fred Sterroll and Willy Banbury add even more delicious comedic moments.
Although he doesn’t make an entrance until the second half of Act II, Marcel Degas as the wives’ handsome former lover Maurice makes the most of his time on stage as he charms both wives and husbands alike.
Kudos to Director Katina Psihos and her cast for not overdoing the comedy but rather staying in the moment and pursuing each character’s goals, making the show even more hilarious.
For tickets, call 510-523-1553 or go to altarena.org.
El Cerrito: Jonathan Spector’s controversial “Eureka Day” runs Friday through Sept. 27 at Contra Costa Civic Theatre (CCCT) on 951 Pomona Ave.
The fictional Eureka Day School that embodies Berkeley’s progressive ideals of social justice, inclusion and acceptance finds itself in chaos as community members clash over vaccination policies and personal freedom when a mumps outbreak occurs.
The play debuted in 2018 at Berkeley’s Aurora Theatre before appearing on Broadway in 2024 and winning the 2025 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.
Written before the COVID pandemic, the show has been made even more relevant because of it.
Enrico Banson directs CCCT’s production which includes actors Austin Bean (Eli), David Bogdonoff (Don), Ashley Jaye (Carina), Kye Gahyun Kim (Meiko) and Alicia Rydman (Suzanne).
For tickets, call 510-524-9132 or go to ccct.org.
Orinda: Wrapped in mystery and more than a little sexual allure, the legend of Dracula has captured imaginations for many years spawning many plays and horror-filled movies. Now this intoxicating character comes to Orinda thanks to Orinda Starlight Village Players (OrSVP).
Ilia Shrago is Count Dracula in Orinda Starlight Village Players’ multimedia adaptation of the blood-lusting count running through Sept. 26 at the Orinda Community Park Amphitheatre. (Photo courtesy of Matt Goff Photography)
Longtime OrSVP collaborator Malcolm S. Cowler has adapted the novel on Dracula to the stage and added video projections and audio recordings to the live performance.
The production, which opened Sept. 4 and runs through Sept. 26, also features a black-and-white set along with costumes designed by Matt Cardigan-Smith to resemble a black-and-white movie.
Ilia Shrago plays the title role with Rebecca Grintsaig as Mina and Tom Westlake as both Professor Van Helsing and the Innkeeper.
“Dracula” takes place at the Orinda Community Park Amphitheatre on 28 Orinda Way. For tickets, go to orsvp.org/dracula.
Pittsburg: The dance sensation “Footloose!” comes to the stage Sept. 18-27 at the California Theatre on 351 Railroad Ave. courtesy of Pittsburg Theatre Company.
Based on the 1980s film, the high-energy musical is led by Director Dianna Schepers, Choreographer Tiana Hester and Music Director Kevin Dong.
The show features lots of youthful energy as city teen Ren McCormack (Adam Green) moves from Chicago to a conservative small farming town in Texas where rock music and dancing are banned by Rev. Moore (Tony Gardner). Needless to say, a bit of teenage uprising takes place — especially when the reverend’s rebellious daughter Ariel (Atessa McAllenan-Morrell) decides she wants to trade in her roughneck boyfriend Chuck (Justin Daily) for Ren.
Caitlyn Curl, Shiv Harris, Briana Orozco, Josie Rapolas, Jamaur Santos and a talented ensemble round out the cast.
For tickets, call 925-427-1611 or go to pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org.
Berkeley: “Legally Blonde” opens the season at Berkeley Playhouse, running Friday through Oct. 11 at the historic Julia Morgan Theater on 2640 College Ave.
The very pink musical features Ayani Dorsey as Elle Woods. Four-legged cast members include Latke the Pomeranian as Bruiser Woods and Stella, a 3-year-old French bulldog mix, as Rufus.
Go to berkeleyplayhouse.org for tickets.
S.F.: A.C.T.’s Strand Theater on 1127 Market St. brings back “Crushing” to the Bay Area this week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday following sold-out runs in New York City and San Francisco. The genre-defiant live show has interdisciplinary writers exploring transformative experiences in romantic love.
The show brings together a dynamic ensemble of artists across disciplines to explore pivotal moments that shape how we connect with one another, inviting audiences into a singular theatrical experience centered on vulnerability, intimacy and our shared humanity.
For more information and tickets, go to act-sf.org.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.