Restoration Comedy at Cal Shakes through July 30

California Shakespeare Theater presents the Bay Area Premiere of local playwright Amy Freed's brilliant new farce, Restoration Comedy.  "With colorful wit and sexual intrigue Restoration Comedy shines a humorous light on society and sexuality as lovers, liars, philanderers, and fortune-hunters all play their own versions of the game of love," state press notes.

Sharon Ott, former artistic director of Berkeley Repertory Theater, and most recently of Seattle Repertory Theater, returns to the Bay Area to direct Restoration Comedy, called "delightful" by Variety when it has its world premiere at Seattle Repertory Theater in December 2005.

Restoration Comedy is running now until July 30.  Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30PM; Friday and Saturday at 8:00PM; and Sunday, 4:00PM.  There is an additional performance Saturday, July 29, 2:00PM.

Meet the Artists Matinee, following the July 23 performance, features a post-show discussion with production cast members.  Additionally, there are Tasting Nights every Tuesday and Wednesday before the show, featuring samples of some of the Bay Area's finest food and drink.  There are free, informal Grove Talks held on-site 45 minutes prior to each performance

California Shakespeare Theater is located at Bruns Amphitheater, 100 Gateway Blvd., Orinda, CA 94563.  Free parking on-site, and free shuttle from Orinda BART.  For tickets $15 to $57, or more information about California Shakespeare Theater, call 510-548-9666 or visit www.calshakes.org.

Photos by Kevin Berne

Sir Novelty Fashion (front, Danny Scheie) struts for Amanda
and Hilaria (Caralyn Kozlowski and Sharon Lockwood)

Sir Novelty Fashion (center, Danny Scheie) dons a wig

Amanda (Caralyn Kozlowski) receives coaching from
Worthy (Kaleo Griffith) on how to be a mistress

Amanda (Caralyn Kozlowski) seduces
Loveless (Elijah Alexander)

Loveless (Elijah Alexander) seduces
Amanda (Caralyn Kozlowski)

Hilaria ( l, Sharon Lockwood) tutors Narcissa
(r, Bhama Roget) on proper French

Worthy (Kaleo Griffith) revives Amanda (Caralyn Kozlowski)

Worthy (Kaleo Griffith) woos Narcissa (Bhama Roget)

Loveless (Elijah Alexander) embraces Berinthia (Marcia Pizzo)

Loveless (center r, Elijah Alexander) and Snap
(center l, Ron Campbell) surprise Amanda (Caralyn Kozlowski)

Amanda (Caralyn Kozlowski) and Loveless (Elijah Alexander)

Restoration Comedy is currently playing at Cal Shakes