PerformingView
By Chris Murphy
It has been a complicated fall season for our local arts community. We are starting to see the new 2021/2022 seasons coming to life, new subscription programs and a return to innovative programming. I have been to the performance by Opera Modesto and shows like AJ Croce and it is so great to be back in a theatre. Please make sure that you pay attention to the COVID rules and do the right thing at each venue.
The Gallo Center season kicked off this year with Gladys Knight and continues to entertain, with great shows like An Evening with Henry Winkler, Johnny Mathis Christmas, Big Bad VooDoo Daddy, and the stage presentation of A Christmas Carol all happening this month. Get more info and tix at www.galloarts.org
Turlock Theatre Season
The new season in Turlock has been announced and it is looking good. Shows are in the Turlock Community Theatre adjacent to Turlock High School and there are no bad seats in the house. Check out great shows like the Mavericks on November 12 and Lewis Black on the 21st. Beyond that, enjoy an Irish Christmas, Kathleen Madigan, the Price is Right Live, Steve Vai, Keb Mo and so much more. www.turlocktheatre.org
West Side Theatre
Head on over to Newman and check out a really cool restored art deco theatre that is great for live music shows and plays. On deck this year you can enjoy Red Dog Ash, Journey Revisited, Longtime – Boston Tribute, Invincible – Benetar Tribute, and Chicago, the Tribute.
www.westsidetheatre.org
Prospect Theatre
You can always expect innovative theatre at the Prospect, all remodeled with a full bar too. This month you can see The Humans by Stephen Karam. Breaking with tradition, Erik Blake has brought his Pennsylvania family to celebrate Thanksgiving at his daughter’s apartment in lower Manhattan. As darkness falls outside, the Blake clan’s deepest fears and greatest follies are laid bare. This uproarious, hopeful, and heartbreaking play won the 2016 Tony for best play. November 12-21st The full season is available by subscription.
Tix at www.prospecttheatreproject.org
CBS Concert Series
The Congregation Beth Shalom, aka CBS has a new fresh concert series. This is really perfect timing as they have done a full remodel, and Eli Lester has designed the sound system to make this place a true music house. David “Drumlove” Rogers is now booking this venue and they are working to connect with our music community. November features a reggae show and the rest of the season looks really good. Best thing is easy parking, great sound, bar and a place where people can enjoy music.
Nov 6th – 7pm – Reggae Dance Party with Honey B and A La Lune with no host bar and craft vegan food.
Jan 9 – 3pm – San Francisco Yiddish Combo – Klezmer with an updated twist
Feb 13 – Grace Lieberman/David Bradford Valentine Concert & Tea featuring the beautiful voice of Liisa Davila from Opera Modesto.
March 6 – Opera Modesto sings the Celtic diaspora
May 22 – Patty Castillo Davis performs the music of her unique ancestry
All proceeds from the concert series support Congregation Beth Shalom, its various programs, other associated non-profits, and activities throughout the year. Tickets for Honey B and A La Lune are $10. Most other shows are $25.
For more info: www.cbsmodesto.org
Modesto Symphony Orchestra
The MSO is back on the live stage this fall, opening with the Modesto Youth Symphony Orchestra on November 13 and the Holiday Pops opener on December 3 & 4.
There is a special Beaujolais Nouveau drive through dinner fundraiser this month on November 21. Amazing four-course gourmet French Bistro dinner and wine by Concetta are $150 and can be picked up, ready to enjoy at home and support the MSO. Get tix for the full season and the fundraiser dinner at www.modestosymphony.org
Sierra Repertory Theatre
Just a quick trip up the hill to Sonora, you can enjoy award-winning theatre that will entertain that you will thoroughly enjoy. This month, the Agatha Christie thriller, Murder on the Orient Express is on stage through November 28. A special live radio show, the holiday classic Meet me in St. Louis will be performed on stage beginning November 18th Get info and tix at www.sierrarep.org
