Donald’s list: Weekend choices (Aug. 25)
Here’s a rundown on promising arts/culture picks for the weekend:
Suddenly Sherlock
You’d get a little antsy, too, if you inherited a grand English estate that includes a scary beast with glowing eyes determined to chew you to a pulp. That’s the premise of “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” a Sherlock Holmes thriller in its opening weekend at Good Company Players. After talking with director J.J. Cobb, I offer with five things to know about the show:
Elementary casting: Gordon Moore as Sherlock Holmes in “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” Photo / Good Company Players
1. For Gordon Moore fans, it’s a must-see. Moore plays Sherlock Holmes. He’s a longtime GCP veteran actor, and if you’ve seen him in enough shows, the role seems like perfect casting. Holmes, with sidekick Dr. Watson (Henry Montelongo) arrives at the estate of Sir Henry (Alex Vaux) in Devonshire, England to help solve mysterious deaths all linked to a gigantic, demonic hound. Adding to the intrigue: a set of servants with questionable loyalties and several peculiar neighbors.
2. Don’t assume you’ve already solved this whodunit. The play, which was adapted for the stage by Tim Kelly, is notably different than the book by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. “Our script is notably different from the novel, which should keep audiences on their toes,” Cobb says.
3. A Sherlock Holmes mystery isn’t complete without some very heavy mist. “You never know who’s going to pop out of that fog! Valley folks know how that is,” Cobb says.
4. Now that’s a commute: Cobb teaches acting, voice, and stage combat at Eastern Connecticut State University. (She also works as a professional director, actor, and playwright.) Born in Hawaii, she grew up in Fresno. She’s acted in two GCP productions and assistant directed a show; this is her GCP directorial debut.
5. You can never be too big of a Sherlock Holmes fan. Five years ago, Cobb’s son named the family dog Watson.
Details: “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 15, 2nd Space Theatre, 928 E. Olive Ave. $20 general admission; $17 students/seniors/military; $12 student rush.
Circle of life: “Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.” at the Selma Arts Center. Photo / Selma Arts Center
‘King’ of Selma
The Selma Arts Center and the Cool Kids Players collaborate on a production of “Disney’s Lion King, Jr.”
Here’s what director Nicolette C. Andersen has to say about the production, which is in its opening weekend:
I am so proud of these kids and this production. The joy of seeing 70 kids on stage experiencing theater, some for the first time, is what makes the Cool Kid Players such an important and cherished program.
The 70-member cast is led by Nelson Weaver & Jordan Solorio (Young Simba), Jordan Martinez & Joel Coombs (Older Simba), Alex Luna (Scar), Nico Colado (Mufasa),Wren Wilson (Rafiki), Maddison Quintana & Davin Collazo (young Nala), Hannah Armenta & Mary- Ellison Hage (Older Nala), Michael Coombs & Eithan Garcia (Pumba) and Jack Steel & Kira Wilson (Timon).
Details: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, Selma Arts Center, 1935 High St., Selma. $10 adults, $5 children.
‘Legends’ in Reedley
One-hit wonder: Stephanie Barnett in the River City Theatre Company’s “Legends.” Photo / Felicia Matlosz, The Reedley Exponent
The “Legends” series has become a tradition for the River City Theatre Company, which performs in the beautiful Reedley Opera House. The company’s sixth installment is dedicated to “one hit wonders” from the 1950s through the 1990s.
More than 30 songs are featured in the revue. The show is directed by Tanamin Clark and choreographed by Alexis Macedo.
Details: Opens Friday, Aug. 25, Reedley Opera House, 1720 10th St., Reedley. Runs through Sept. 10. $19-$49.50.
Code Fresno
The public is welcome to experience the Classic and Ignite Expo, the largest tech competition in the Central Valley, involving hundreds of professional developers and thousands of attendees. It’s all part of “59 Days of Code.” Here are the details:
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