First-Time Director Debuts at California Theatre

The Pittsburg Community Theater commenced the 2013-14 performing arts season Friday with a classic performance of “The Odd Couple” that brought actors from all over the East Bay to the stage.

Clayton resident Barbara Halperin-Jacobs was pleased she made her directorial debut at The California Theatre in Pittsburg, California with a comedy.

“I had no idea, it being the first play of the year, how many people would show up,” Halperin-Jacobs told Patch. “All of a sudden there was a flurry of ticket sales and we had a lot of walk ins,” she said, with an air of relief.

The acting company’s board of directors had selected two plays for the season opener, a murder mystery called “Mouse Trap” and a comedy called “The Odd Couple.” She opted for the lighter play.

The plot in the play by Neil Simon finds humor in the emotional turmoil that erupts when neat-freak Felix Unger and super-slob Oscar Madison attempt to co exist. 

“The audience was crazy about it!” Halperin-Jacobs said. “They were laughing and laughing…This was extremely gratifying for me,” she confessed. The cast featured local actors, all of whom were unpaid volunteers.

Kevin Burns starred as Oscar, while George Doerr portrayed the role of Felix. Lisa Marie Taylor captured the spirit of Cecily, as Deborah Huaco embodied Gwendolyn.

The play was a challenge for the company, because of the theater’s new rules, which restrict normal set design activities such as painting and building on the stage. Items could not be attached to the stage, which meant the production team of “The Odd Couple” needed to be particularly attentive. Walls had to be fortified with extra strong braces.

“The front door had to be slammed several times during the performance,” Halperin-Jacobs explained. While those doors were closing, others were opening for the local acting scene. This is the second year of performances at the recently renovated California Theater, a venue that city staff hope will provide entertainment for the community for generations.

The City of Pittsburg used $7.6 million in redevelopment funds to restore the California Theatre to the glory of its hey day when chandeliers and art deco were modern. It closed in the 1950s after water heavily damaged the interior. In 2012, almost the entire interior of the 300-seat theater was renovated, except for the balcony seats. The funding for that has not been solidified.

While the theatre costs about $4,000 a night to rent per night, the four shows the company performed brought enough money in to cover the costs of putting on the show.   

For more information about performances by Pittsburg Community Theatre visit their website.