Arts notes -- Walnut Creek Journal, June 25

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Walnut Creek

'Broadway Heat' premiers July 17

Diablo Actors' Ensemble's production of "Broadway Heat," a musical revue of the hottest shows currently on Broadway, is set to raise the curtain July 17 and run through Aug. 9 at its intimate theater in Walnut Creek.

Enjoy the songs of "Altar Boyz," the emotionally charged ballads of "Spring Awakening" and go crazy over ABBA in "Mamma Mia!" Also included are songs from Tony Award-winning "Avenue Q," "Rock of Ages," "Next to Normal," "Billy Elliott," "Jersey Boys," "Hairspray" and more.

Directed by Samantha Fryer (Moraga) with musical direction by Jonathan Casas (Antioch), "Broadway Heat" features Bobby Borromeo (Alamo), Megan Briggs (Martinez), Chris Connor (Walnut Creek), Elizabeth Curtis (Martinez), Justin Johnson (Concord), Roberta Hansen (Pittsburg), and Jenna Stich (Walnut Creek).

"It's so hard living on the West Coast and hearing about all the wonderful shows on Broadway," Fryer said. "Most people can't just hop a plane to New York to see these shows for themselves so we're bringing them a taste of Broadway without leaving the Bay Area."

"Broadway Heat" runs Thursdays-Sundays om July 17 through Aug. 9. Tickets are $10-25; call 866-811-4111 or go online to www.diabloactors.com.

-- Sally Hogarty

'Summer's Here' at Valley Art

The Valley Art Gallery's current show, which ends Saturday, celebrates the vibrant colors and warm scenes of summers in the Bay Area.

Appropriately called "Summer's Here," the exhibit is open at the gallery, 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110 in Palm Court. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

-- Sam Richards

'Prisoner' concludes Saturday

Diablo Actors' Ensemble's production of Neil Simon's "The Prisoner of Second Avenue" runs through Saturday at its Locust Street theater.

With the state of today's economy, Simon's comedy takes on new meaning as we follow the nervous breakdown and ultimate redemption of a middle-aged ad executive attempting to cope in a world gone mad.

Marilyn Langbehn directs, with Rich Aiello as Mel and Trish Tillman as Edna. Sally Hogarty, Loretta Janca and Barbara Halperin- Jacobs portray the sisters with Bill Clemente as Mel's brother. A veteran director and actor, the Times named Langbehn's production of "Driving Miss Daisy" one of 2007's Top Ten Bay Area Productions.

"Prisoner of Second Avenue" plays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Ticket prices for Friday through Sunday range from $22 for seniors and students to $25 for general admission.

-- Sam Richards

Lafayette

'One Night' ends Saturday

Town Hall Theatre Company will present the world premiere of the musical comedy "One Night at the Hotel Grand," the latest work by award winning author and actor Joel Roster, through Saturday at the theater, 3535 School St. at Moraga Road.

Roster won the Contra Costa Times' Best New Playwright Competition (2005's Best New Play in the East Bay -- "Prisoners of Love") and is a Shelly Award-winning actor (2005's Best Supporting Actor -- "South Pacific").

"One Night" is the first original production at Town Hall since much of the theater's ground floor was damaged April 1 by a malfunctioning sprinkler system. Though damage was severe, the company is moving ahead with this and subsequent productions.

On June 11, Town Hall Theatre's Theatre Club will host a question- and-answer session after the performance with the director, actors and playwright. Lynn Carey Zampa, host of the Contra Costa Times Book Club for 12 years and now blogger for Diablo Magazine, will lead the discussion.

Performances will take place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m... Sundays June 7 and 14 at 2 p.m., and Sunday, June 21 at 7 p.m. For ticket prices and other information, call 925-283-1557 or go to www.townhalltheatre.com.

-- Sam Richards

Exhibit honors animal friends

"Feathers, Fur and Fins," the new exhibition at the Lafayette Gallery, honors the animal companions that enrich people's lives with various media, runs through Aug. 15.

Dogs, cats, chickens, horses and other animals are all part of the exhibit, reflected in the artists' personal interpretations in paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media works, the artists draw us into their world.

Respect, love, joy, humor and praise are all in evidence for our fur-covered, feathered and finned companions.

Hours at the gallery, 50 Lafayette Circle, are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information, go to www.lafayettegallery.net. or call 925- 284-2788.

-- Sam Richards

Orinda

Salsa dance classes underway

Learn salsa dance on Monday nights at the Orinda Community Center with Tomaj Trenda.

No partner is required, and no experience is necessary. Get exercise, meet people and learn to look great on the dance floor.

Beginning salsa lessons run from 7 to 8:30 p.m.; intermediate lessons from 8 to 9:30 p.m. The final lessons are July 27.

Cost for all lessons as a package is $80 single, $145 couple for Orinda residents (non-residents $88/single, $160/couple), with drop- in $15 per lesson.