Las Positas College Theater Arts Presents Legends of Realism in Partnership with the Eugene O’Neill Foundation and National Park Service

Las Positas College (LPC) Theater Arts is proud to present its spring production, Legends of Realism, a dramatic series of three iconic one-act plays and musical interludes. This production also marks an exciting new partnership between LPC, the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, and the National Park Service. The production will run from May 2-11 on both the LPC campus at the Mertes Center for Arts Black Box Theater and Eugene O-Neil Tao House in Danville.

“It’s very exciting to be working on a project like this with LPC Theater,” said Assistant Director William Burgess. "We’ve never done anything like this before and getting to work on such a unique project is such a great opportunity.”

Directed by Dyan McBride, Legends of Realism brings to life Thirst by Eugene O’Neill, Trifles by Susan Glaspell, and The Bear by Anton Chekhov. The production explores gripping themes through three distinct settings: an abandoned raft drifting in shark-infested waters, a lonely farmhouse hiding dark secrets, and a battle of wills between two impassioned lovers in a Russian drawing room.

The cast features 19 talented actors, including 16 members of the LPC Actors Conservatory. Among the incredible cast of 19 actors are Ashley Jensen, Bee Azevedo, Brandon Shepherd, Demi Starzak, Jacklene Garci, Jonathan Tanner, Kale Brown, Kiana Porr, Kyle Davidian, Liam Strait, Maahee Joshi, Marshawn Wesley, Mason Homer, Michael Patin, Nikki Bonato, Renn Ma, Ryan Morris, Scout Del Real, and Scythe Martin.

“Given the chance to work on something as timeless and unique as this has allowed me to better understand myself and my craft,” shared Ryan Morris who plays The Sailor. Michael Patin who is in the octet and plays as an understudy for The Gentleman and Grigory Smirnov reflected on the juxtaposition of the play. “I am excited by the wide juxtaposition of the pieces and the nuances of how you have to play each one.”

Performances will take place over two weekends:

May 2-4 at the LPC Mertes Center for the Arts Black Box Theater (Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.).
May 10-11 at the Eugene O’Neill Tao House in Danville (Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m.).

Tickets range from $10 to $20 for LPC performances and $30 for Tao House. Shuttle reservations for Tao House are included in the ticket price, with limited seating for 60 guests per night. Tickets can be purchased online at lpc.ludus.com. Same-day tickets will be available at LPC, but advance purchase is required for Tao House due to its status as a National Historic Site.

Getting to Tao House:
Tao House is accessible only via a complimentary National Park Service shuttle departing from The Museum of the San Ramon Valley (205 Railroad Avenue, Danville, CA 94526). Personal vehicles are not permitted due to the site's location within a private, gated community. The final shuttle to Tao House will depart at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit laspositascollege.edu/theater.

For more information, visit the LPC theater events page at https://laspositascollege.edu/theater/events.php. For inquiries related to ticket sales and/or accessibility needs, contact Jackie Hill at jhill@laspositascollege.edu. For inquiries related to production, contact Titian Lish at tlish@laspositascollege.edu.

About Las Positas College
Las Positas College currently enrolls nearly 8,500 day and evening students. The College offers a curriculum for students seeking career preparation, transfer to a four-year college or university, or personal enrichment. The College provides university transfer classes, retraining classes for those in need of employment or career advancement, a first-time educational opportunity for many adults, enrichment classes for those seeking a broader perspective, and career and technical training for those entering the technical and paraprofessional workforce. Las Positas College excels in helping students transfer to the University of California system, the California State University system, and other four-year institutions. Las Positas College is a learning-centered institution focused on excellence and student success and is fully committed to supporting all Tri-Valley residents in their quest for education and advancement.

Las Positas College Theater Arts Pres...

Date and Time

Friday May 2, 2025
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM PDT

Location

3000 Campus Hill Drive Livermore CA 94551

Contact Information

Chip Woerner Media Contact
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