Willows Theatre

Rats. Double bummer. The Willows Theater has had to close it’s doors (in the midst of a run no less) and now I won’t get to see my aunt this weekend. :(

My daughter and I saw Anything Goes and loved it. The cast was excellent with great singers and a couple of tap dancing numbers worth the price of admission. This is a small theater with simple sets, but the intimate setting, story and great job by the actors, choreographer, director, and orchestra is what made it so enjoyable.

My girlfriend and I saw «Anything Goes» last night at the Willows Theater. What a treat. Nicole Frydman heads a 28 person cast as Reno Sweeney, a role she said is on her «bucket list». And what a job she does; singing, dancing and even tapping throughout the show. This work with music by Cole Porter had an early book by P.G. Wodehouse and was rewritten several times before it launched audiences on the S.S. American, a trans-​Atlantic trip with no celebrities until a mobster on the lamb is discovered aboard. Also along is a stowaway, a Wall Street drunk and a reverend with 2 Chinese converts. The show abounds with memorable tunes, including «I Get a Kick Out of You», «It’s Delovely» and of course, «Anything Goes». And can this cast dance!!! Fantastic tap numbers close the first act and the finale and a beautiful waltz breaks up the constant humor. Contra Costa County residents — give up T.V. for a night and enjoy a terrific production in a small theater that doesn’t have any bad seats. You’ll be glad you did!!!

«King O The Moon», the wonderful show currently playing at The Willows Theatre in Concord is one of the best productions that we’ve seen in quite a while. In the past few years, The Willows has had severe ups and downs and we had almost given up on them. Thankfully we decided to subscribe this year, or we might never have seen «King O The Moon». The story is well written and appealing, the acting is top-​notch, and the set is perfect. Rich, thank you for coming back to direct this terrific show.

The Willows Theatre Company hits GOLD! with their production of «You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown»! This musical is an absolute must-​see. The cast is fantastic and the harmonies are breath-​taking. Be sure to get out and see this show. For more information visit their web-​site at

This show was just as entertaining for the adults in the audience as it is done by a professional cast. Well worth the time and money.

I’ve had season tickets to The Willows for the last five years, and I’ve only had about three bad experiences there. Their normal ticket prices are fair, but they have lots of discounts available like student rush tickets and preview nights. You’ve also got to love that you can eat snacks in the theater.
The reasons I didn’t give five stars is because sometimes their sound system is wonky, the line for the bathroom during intermission is heinous, and sometimes it seems like they don’t have enough actors in their musicals (Jesus Christ Super Star, Little Shop of Horrors). Those little grievances aside, taking in a show at The Willows makes for a fun night out.

This was my first time at the Willows Theatre… I usually see musical productions at the Campbell Theatre in Martinez. The seating is different at both locations. In Concord, it is theatre seating and in Martinez, it is table seating. The theatre seating is more comfortable.
On Saturday, I saw the musical production of «Hair.» I happened to be sitting next to the mother of one of the actors. She had traveled from Marin to see her daughter perform. We sat in the second row. The first row was mostly empty and now I see why… frequently during the production, the actors would come sit in the audience.
The group did a very decent job and I was very amused at some of the comments in the restroom about the full frontal nudity that closed the first Act. The stage was slightly darkened and tastefully done, but it still shocked some of the older folks in the audience. What did they expect? This WAS the 60s :-)

The Willows is a great little community theater. They put on some good shows and it’s a great way to support your local starving artists without spending a fortune.

Last night, I saw something that I never thought I would see… a musical theatre audience that consisted mostly of men. Do you know how difficult it is to get a MAN to see a MUSICAL? I had to profusely beg my own father to see me in «Into the Woods.» The man who would eventually become the now-​former Mr. Urban Socialite outright REFUSED to see me in the same play!
I even recently had this conversation with my best friend:
She: Yeah, Rob made me play this stupid video game with him.
Me: Wow, you really do love your husband.
She: I made him watch «Mama Mia» last week.
Me: Oh, yeah, you totally owed him. In fact, you may still owe him.
So why was there a full house of men in a musical theatre last night?
Because the musical was not just any musical. The musical was «EVIL DEAD: The Musical.»
Listen up Bruce Cambell fans. THIS is a show to see! But hurry up; time is running out. Seeing the musical adaptation of «Evil Dead» is kind of like seeing a hybrid of a screening of «Rocky Horror Picture Show» and a Gwar concert. Not only does this audience shout aloud with the cast to key lines in the story. ie. «THIS…is my BOOMSTICK» or «Shop Smart. Shop S-​Mart!» But the staging is actually gory and bloody… I mean, blood spattering all over the place in total Gwar fashion. In fact, there is even a «splatter zone» that you can sit in (and also rain ponchos that you can buy).
But seriously, how could you not love a musical full of blood, chainsaws, sexual inuendos, and songs such as, «What the $#@% was that,» «All the Men in My Life Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons,» «Ode to an Accidental Stabbing,» and «Do the Necronomicon?» (That dance is almost as cool at Rocky Horror’s «Time Warp» and the Thriller dance).
Not only that, but Martinez’s Campbell Theatre in which this show is performed is actually a cabaret with popcorn, snacks, and a FULL BAR! The bar drinks are normal coctails with Evil Dead theme names such as «Rockin’ Chainsaw» or «Blue Light Special.» AND, the theatre is located walking distance from the Martinez Amtrak station so that you do not drink and drive. The tickets were reasonably-​priced too.
If you do not make it to see «Evil Dead: The Musical,» it looks like this theatre has some good shows coming up too. Among them, «Forever Plaid» (it’s like the new «Urinetown.» It seems like everyone is performing that one now.) and «The Great American Trailer Park Musical.»

Evil Dead: The Musical.
Do I really need to explain? Obscene comedy, free popcorn, and the bar stays open throughout the entire show.
Student tickets were only $ 13, and well worth it.
We sat in the «Splash Zone» which is a lot of fun, just make sure to wear clothes you don’t care about. The $ 1 poncho will be the best purchase you ever make.

Weeping Willows Improv!
A new tradition started last night at the Willows Cabaret. It was an excellent show. It was a hysterical, laugh way out loud romp and great way to spend two hours. Not that it matters but there actually aren’t too many improv houses that you can get a well drink or irish coffee while enjoying improv.
Improv lives in the East Bay. This is definitely something that must find a life and continue.
The players were clever and on their game. Not easy when players are thrown together who don’t do improv together often. I forgot to grab a program or I’d list all the players here… two familiar Willows faces were Cassidy Brown and Kenn Adams.
Thanks for the great time… do it again!

I just saw «Annie Get Your Gun» at the outdoor Martinez Amphitheater over the weekend. The show was incredible. Not just because the actors did the production in full costume garb outdoors in 90 degree heat, but because Jessica Raaum who plays Annie Oakley was born to play this role, and she absolutely steals the show.
The Willows production company is amazing and I’m not just saying that because my Mom used to be on the Board of Directors. This is a small production company that in the past ten years has accomplished monumental things. Not only have they put on close to ten different productions a year, in currently 4 different venues (two in Martinez they helped build themselves) but they have also commissioned 2 BRAND NEW historical musicals (Mountain Days: The John Muir musical and now Sacagawea the musical). In addition, they have a special program that encourages teenagers interested in theater and have embraced the local (Alhambra) high school drama program with open arms.
All at a ticket price that is a fraction of what it costs to go see a show in SF! ~$ 25 for a ticket. Cheaper still if you are a senior or student.
Finally some culture in the East Bay!
Encore Willows! Encore!

Evil Dead: The Musical. 5 Stars.
Willows Theater. 1 Star.
Waitstaff was friendly. Bathrooms were impecably clean. Only problem was the seating. Super cramped. When the waitstaff would have to walk through to get someone’s order or bring someone’s order, he/​she would either block your view, or you’d have to move, so they could squeeze through. Kinda distracting when you’re trying to watch a play.
Star of the show: Lowell Abellon as Ed.

I’ve been seeing shows at the Willows since I was about 6, so roughly ⁵⁄₆ of my life. The most memorable shows, however, were not memorable in ways I’m sure the Willows wanted them to be: Les Miz school edition (90% trainwreck, 5% mediocre; 5% possibly illegal) and Night of the Hunter (great cast, but this is Broadway-​bound the way Translink is Muni-​bound) come to mind.
Babes in Arms was fantastic. Urinetown was pretty good. Annie was serviceable. Jekyll & Hyde was okay given the material.
The people at the Willows have their hearts in the right place, and I like that although they allow food and drink, the patrons are respectful enough to consume during applause. I’m just waiting for something to blow me away and it hasn’t happened yet.

We went to the Campbell Theater in Martinez, which is somehow related to the Willows Theatre group. We saw Nunsense 2 and loved it. We had a group of ten. They have great discounts (student rates, senior rates, and group rates where if you buy 10 tickets, your 11^th is complimentary) The staff there is great. Since Nunsense was playing the wait staff were dressed like nuns or priests. The musical was terrific. What a great afternoon. The theater is beautiful and clean, has just been renovated, and all the seats had a great view of the stage. They have a bar in the front of the theatre, and they served light snacks and beverages while enjoying the show. Nunsense 2 was very enjoyable and funny. I’m sorry we missed the original Nunsense and look forward to seeing Nuncracker close to the Holidays. Everything was reasonably priced except for the ‘complimentary’ popcorn which if you asked for refills was $ 2 each basket. After intermission they even played a game of BINGO which was a lot of fun too. The Willows and Campbell Theater also have season passes which look like a good value and reason to see all the shows during the year. We truly enjoyed our afternoon at the Campbell Theatre with the singing nuns from Nunsense. Great Show! Great Theatre!

Just saw the Kentucky Cycle there over the last two nights. Yes, that’s right, I did say two nights. Wow, I feel like you haven’t seen a play, until you’ve seen this show.
It is incredibly intense, dramatic, powerful (as the old man next to me kept shouting), moving, etc. The show follows three families through 200 years (don’t worry it’ll skip like 30 years at a time). The shows main focus is the behavioral cycles that repeat in families until there are members strong enough to break what has been en grained in them since birth.
I’m not going to lie, it’s a looooonnnnggggg show (over 6.5 hours once you’ve seen both nights) but very worth it. It forces you to watch families struggle and settle because it’s all they know. There are some really powerful scenes (a birthing scene, kids being killed, a woman starting a revolution) but those come in between some slow moving ones too. All have a point though, so pay attention!
The actors are great, and the set is awesome! Seems to be true of most shows at the Willows. I have seen my fair share there and think it’s a great local theater.
I don’t always have the scrilla ($$$) to throw down for their shows, so I’ll use my student ID ($ 10 at the door) or try and go to their previews (at the door they have a poor actors discount=free). The previews are actually my favorite, because they bring the actors out after wards, so you can ask any questions and make comments about the production.
The reason I’m deducting a star is because one of the producers gets up at the beginning of the show and talks for what feels like 8 hours about… I don’t even know what. It’s always about random things to do with the theater… and himself. Bring some popcorn and a sense of humor, and the monologue before the show starts can be somewhat amusing. (all the old people like it anyways)

YAY for the Willows. This is a tiny theatre company that plays mostly to blue haired subscribers, but they take on big endeavors. This spring, they do the Kentucky Cycle! The acting is always good, with lots of equity actors too. Who knew decent theatre could be in a strip mall? Look out for musicals though… maybe that’s just me :)

My dad was in a recent performance here called Woody Guthrie’s American Song. He played the banjo. I thought the production was really well done. The lead who played Woody did a very good job. The theatre is on the small side, in a good way. I don’t think there is a bad seat in the house. If you like bluegrass or Woody, go see this. You will enjoy it.