Brecht’s ‘Setzuan’ settles in at MJC
The Modesto Junior College Theater Department opens the comedy “The Good Woman of Setzuan” this week.
The play by German writer Bertolt Brecht follows a young woman, Shen Te, as she struggles to lead a life that is “good,” according to the terms of the morality taught by the gods of Setzuan. They bestowed money for her goodness. But her fellow citizens abuse her good nature. She she invents an alter ego, a male cousin named Shui Ta, to protect her interests.
The play stars Marilyn Diaz as Shen Te; her boyfriend Yang Sung is played by Joel Morrison; and Wong the water seller is played by Sal Vasquez. MJC theater instructor Lynette Borrelli-Glidewell directs the production. The show is not recommended for children under 10 years old.
Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22-24 and 29-31 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 1 in the main auditorium of the Performing and Media Arts Center on MJC East Campus. Tickets are $10 general, $8 for students and senior citizens, and $5 for Preview Night Oct. 22. Call 209-575-6776 or visit http://mjc.tix.com.
Turlock Concert Association
The Turlock Concert Association brings in showman David Myles to open its new season Friday, Oct. 16.
Known for his musicianship and stories, Myles fuses modern and vintage pop, folk and soul music. The singer will perform in an intimate trio setting.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Turlock Community Theatre. Tickets are $25 general, $15 students through high school. For more information, call 209-668-1456 or visit www.turlockconcert.org.
Center Stage Conservatory
Center Stage Conservatory stages the play “Orphans” starting this weekend.
The piece by American playwright Lyle Kessler focuses on two grown orphaned brothers who live in an old row house in North Philadelphia. Their lives are turned upside down when the older brother kidnaps a mysterious businessman.
It opens 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. Shows are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1. Tickets are $15 general, $10 students. Call 209-846-0179 or visit www.centerstagemodesto.com.
Orquesta Dharma
Grammy-winning jazz trombonist Jamie Dubberly brings his ensemble the Orquesta Dharma to the Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
The lecturer at California State University, Stanislaus, is also a member of the Grammy-winning Pacific Mambo Orchestra, which took home the best Latin tropical album in 2014. His ensemble blends Latin, Cuban, New Orleans and improvisational jazz.
Show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Carnegie Center loft. Tickets are $8 general, $5 members and free for Stanislaus State students. Call 209-632-5761 or visit www.carnegieartsturlock.org.
San Joaquin Valley Swiss Echoes
The Ripon-based San Joaquin Valley Swiss Echoes play their annual fall concert Saturday, Oct. 17.
The singing and yodeling club will present a cabaret night with a variety of singing and entertainment, followed by dancing to the music of Ron Scheiber Mitchell Gander Orchestra.
Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Swiss Hall in Ripon. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Call 209-531-2577 or 209-667-1087.
New CCAA president
The Central California Art Association and Mistlin Gallery have announced Tony Pooler as their new president.
Pooler has served on the CCAA board for several years and previously was a director for Save Mart Supermarkets. He has previously served as the art association’s fundraising chairman, membership chairman and finance adviser. He is also an artist who has had his works on display at various CCAA shows.
John Roman Jackson Trio
The John Roman Jackson Trio returns to Stage 3 in Sonora this weekend.
The night of Americana music will feature local musicians John Roman Jackson, Bill Schneiderman and Bob Feigen. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Tickets are $15. Call 209-536-1778. Stage 3 Theatre Company is located at 208 S. Green St. in historic downtown Sonora.
Merced Art Hop
The Merced Art Hop continues to showcase regional talent Saturday, Oct. 17.
The downtown Merced events feature artwork, music, dance, fashion and more. More than 20 businesses and artists will take part in the quarterly event. There will be exhibits and other family-friendly activities.
The festivities run from 5 to 9 p.m. through the downtown area. Admission is free. For more, call 209-658-0661 or visit http://mercedarthop.org.
This story was originally published October 14, 2015 at 9:46 AM with the headline "Brecht’s ‘Setzuan’ settles in at MJC."