CCCT Opens Doors

Livable El Cerrito
Oct 8
2 min read

Doors of the Contra Costa Civic Theatre were open for an evening class.

The Contra Costa Civic Theatre, following a plan to diversify and expand beyond its regular community theater season, will host a concert on Oct. 11, a film screening on Nov. 2, and autumn performances of Shrek the Musical by its teen and youth companies.

John Lennon’s Music and Story

Coming up at 7 p.m. Saturday is a concert, “In the Spirit of Lennon,” in which performer Drew Harrison takes the audience through the music of John Lennon from his years with the Beatles through his solo work. Harrison plays the role of John Lennon, telling stories from Lennon’s amazing life.

“Drew has a great voice. His Lennon is impeccable. I feel like I am in the room with Lennon himself,” wrote Bob Brown, manager of Huey Lewis and the News, in an on-line review.

The one-night-only event coincides with what would have been John Lennon’s 85^th birthday weekend.

All tickets are $35. They are available on the theater's website or by calling the Box Office at 510-524-9132.

The First in a New Series

CCCT Executive Artistic & Managing Director Joel Roster said the performance will be the first in a concert series which will provide a varied array of local talent, tribute concerts, comedians and more.

“I don’t think anyone would argue against El Cerrito having a more electric nightlife,” Roster said. “We’re going to make every effort to establish El Cerrito as a concert destination.”

Sundar Shadi Movie and Reception

At an event on Sunday, Nov. 2, the theater will host a free screening of “Sundar Shadi’s Gifts,” a locally-produced film about the long-time El Cerrito resident whose life-sized Nativity scene has attracted visitors for decades. Shadi, a Sikh immigrant who first came to the Bay Area from India in 1921 to study horticulture at Cal, also cultivated abundant blossoms in his hillside gardens. He died in 2002.

The film includes news clips, vintage photos, video footage, and interviews with people associated with the holiday display.

The display is now put up each year by the Shadi Holiday Display Committee - with Cub Scouts and other community volunteers - on a hillside at Moeser Lane and Sea View Drive.

On Nov. 2, doors will open at 1:45 p.m. for the 2:00 p.m. film screening. A reception and chance to view some of the items from the holiday display will follow.

The event is free. Donations to help maintain the Shadi display would be welcome.

The youth productions of “Shrek the Musical” are performed by students in the theater’s after-school programs.

Tickets and Costume Rentals

Two plays are still to be produced as part of the theater’s 66^th season.

The next is “Ebenezer Scrooge”, which will open Dec. 6.

Tickets for all productions are available here.

Costume rentals are also available year-round.