Campbell Theater, Martinez

6/16/14

Our friends Mark and Sandy invited us to see "Shipwrecked" play at the Campbell Theater. We were fortunate enough to be able to attend a Thursday night show; it was our first time inside the theater and we had a blast!



Mark Cornelius was the star of the show - our friend had the lead roll! It wasn't the first time we'd seen him act. We saw one of his previous shows at the Lesher Center in WC - so we knew we were in for another treat!

Things we loved about the theater: when you walk in there is an awesome bar/reception area.  The production company provided complimentary cookies and treats, snacks and candy, plus beer, wine, sodas and coffee. It was a very friendly group in the front room when we entered and we immediately found our friend's wife, Sandy.  She pointed us in the direction of the ticket window and we paid $12 each for our tickets. Totally affordable!



I went in expecting a one-room theater with perhaps only a floor, no stage, and some seating thrown around. We visited Cue Live Productions! (theater in Concord) about a year ago for an Oscar Wilde production and that's how it was set up. But this neighborhood theater in Martinez' is much larger than it originally appeared to us and was quite different, in a great way! There is private parking out front, and lots of nearby restaurants and bars for a bite before your show and a drink after. Come to the theater, sit back in the comfy chairs, relax and laugh! Great date night idea!


Once inside the play room, there are lots of comfortable seats and small tables staggered at different heights - meaning every seat is a good seat. First come, first serve seating. I brought popcorn with me in my purse (I have an addiction to the stuff) :) it was delicious! Call ahead to see if you are allowed to bring a food or drink. A very friendly woman on the phone answered my call and all my questions.

"Shipwrecked " was outstanding! The play itself was funny and good for all ages. The best parts were the sound effects and the lighting. A screen that made it seem like it was raining, or you were underwater, and some sort of projection set up really made it seem like the room became the place they were portraying. And the clever way the small cast produced sounds was really fun to watch and very impressive. We loved everything about the group, the characters, and the theater itself. Also, it was a very comfortable temperature inside. Perhaps the cold beer and warm coffee kept me feeling good.













Check out their calendar for upcoming shows and other events. The theater needs support, especially now as their lease is coming up soon and the City needs to see (and hear) from supporters of this place so important for community arts. Hopefully you'll leave there after a great show, wanting to tell your family and friends to go check them out as well.  Call or write to city officials and encourage them to renew the lease, guaranteeing all Martinez residents have access to low-cost plays and performances. We can't wait to return.