On Tap: Catch ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ at Antioch’s El Campanil

ANTIOCH

Ghostlight Theatre will present “Murder On The Orient Express” from Sept. 30 through Oct. 9 in El Campanil Theatre at 602 W. Second St. in Antioch.

Ken Ludwig’s clever adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” boasts all the glamour, intrigue and suspense of Dame Agatha’s celebrated novel, with a healthy dose of humor to quicken the pace, says its director, Alexiel de Ravenswood.

It’s winter in 1934, and the Orient Express is traveling through Europe when, just after midnight, a snowdrift stops it in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it has one fewer passenger. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer — in case he or she decides to strike again.

Tickets are $25 for seniors, $28 for general admission and can be purchased online at elcampaniltheatre.com or over the phone at 925-757-9500.

— El Campanil Theatre

WALNUT CREEK

Bedford Gallery to exhibit African American art collection

The Bedford Gallery will present “The Harmon & Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on Paper,” an exhibition that celebrates 54 African American artists and their contributions to U.S. art and culture.

Curated from the extensive collection of Harmon and Harriet Kelley, featured artists will include Grafton Tyler Brown, the first documented professional graphic artist on the West Coast, and contemporary printmakers such as  Margo Humphrey. The works on paper — spanning from the 20th century to this one — consist of drawings, etchings, watercolors, pastels and color screen prints that chronicle the lives of Black Americans through scenes of family and community, urban and rural workers, poverty and success, cultural pride and political turmoil.

Presented by the Bedford Gallery and organized by Landau Traveling Exhibitions in Los Angeles, the collection will be on view from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays from Sept. 29 through Dec. 18 at the Bedford Gallery in the Lesher Center for the Arts at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. For more information or to buy tickets ($5 for general admission, free for Bedford Gallery members and children younger than 13), visit bedfordgallery.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

— Bedford Gallery

WALNUT CREEK

Bancroft Gardens to host concert with Friction Quartet

The Ruth Bancroft Gardens will host Friction Quartet in concert in the garden from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 24. Tickets are $40 to $50 and include one drink. The gardens are at 1552 Bancroft Road. For tickets, visit bayareane.ws/bancroftconcert.

— Ruth Bancroft Garden

ORINDA

Theater to show award-winning ‘Good Boss’ for a week

The International Film Showcase brings the Spanish hit “The Good Boss” starring Javier Bardem to the screen in September.

The film won 30 international awards and was nominated for additional 50. The film will run for a week at the Orinda Theatre starting Friday.

“The Good Boss” takes place in and around the Básculas Blanco factory, where all things must be in balance at all times. After all, they manufacture scales of all shapes and sizes. There, the seemingly benevolent boss, Bardem’s Blanco, is preparing his workforce for an upcoming inspection by a group visiting local businesses to select one for a prestigious prize.

Tensions begin to mount, however, when recently fired employee Jose shows up with his two children and begins demanding his old job back. When Blanco’s management team refuses, the employee begins a one-man crusade to discredit Blanco and prevent him from winning the much-coveted award. For Orinda showtimes and more information, visit bayareane.ws/goodbossorinda online.

— International Film Showcase

OAKLEY

Annual open-air festival Sept. 24 at Civic Center Plaza

The Heart of Oakley Festival is set for Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza. The annual open-air market brings local makers, families and residents together. The bands Carnaval and Fleetwood Mask will provide music. For more details, visit heartofoakleyfestival.com online or call 925- 625-7041.

— city of Oakley

BRENTWOOD

Delta Gallery Community Art Center is hosting an art show from the Art Guild of the Delta with original local artwork.

The Art Guild’ Third Quarter Art Show, from now till Sept. 30, features painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry. Visit the gallery at 2485 Sand Creek Road, Suite 128. For more information, go online to deltagallery.com.

— Delta Gallery Community Art Center

DANVILLE

See O’Neill’s ‘A Moon for the Misbegotten’ till Sept. 25

The Eugene O’Neill Foundation will host its 23rd Annual Festival Season featuring the play “A Moon for the Misbegotten” by Eugene O’Neill and directed by Eric Fraisher Hayes in the Tao House at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville.

In “A Moon for the Misbegotten,” the last play O’Neill ever wrote, the playwright imagined the last days of his estranged brother Jim’s life. With great empathy and humor, he fantasized that Jim encountered the unique and powerful Josie Hogan, whose love, acceptance and sacrifice alleviated his brother’s suffering and allowed him to find a measure of peace at the end of his life.

O’Neill said the play helped him find forgiveness for his brother and a greater understanding of himself. “A Moon for the Misbegotten” is showing now through Sept. 25, with tickets at $60 each. In addition to the headline play, a variety of community events are planned. For more information, visit eugeneoneill.org online.

— Eugene O’Neill Foundation

Submit area On Tap items to Judith Prieve at jprieve@bayareanewsgroup.com.

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

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