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Spring won’t officially be here until next week, but the Bankhead Theater bill is already in full bloom for the second half of March, with an eclectic slate of 15 shows and special events on its schedule.
Starting things off will be CYT Tri-Valley this Friday through Sunday presenting “Hadestown: Teen Edition” — the youth theater troupe’s adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical by Anaïs Mitchell.
“With haunting melodies and bold, theatrical storytelling, ‘Hadestown’ reimagines the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus, Eurydice, Hades and Persephone with a unique blend of modern folk and jazz music,” CYT Tri-Valley officials said, adding that their version has been “gently modified for performance by teen actors, making it a family-friendly show while preserving the heart and beauty of the original.”
The show stars local actors aged 13 to 18 years old, and in a first for the Bankhead resident company, is sung entirely through. It also marks the debut of CYT Tri-Valley’s NextStage program, “a conservatory-like musical theater initiative for advanced teen performers.”
“We are excited to launch NextStage with such an incredible and meaningful production,” director Kristin “KW” Werder said. “‘Hadestown’ is a show that demands passion, creativity, and commitment, and our teen performers have risen to the challenge. With the help of our skilled vocal director and choreographers, we’re bringing this powerful story to life in a way that will leave audiences amazed.”
“Hadestown: Teen Edition” has two shows each on Friday and Saturday (March 14-15) and a matinee on Sunday (March 16).
Another Bankhead resident company, Del Valle Fine Arts, also has a performance later this month, presenting the “Curtis on Tour” guitar quartet next Saturday night (March 22).
Music will fill their air throughout the latter part of March in the downtown Livermore venue.
Ireland’s own Téada will open a run of four consecutive international shows for the Bankhead next, playing aptly on the night of St. Patrick’s Day on Monday.
Japanese Taiko drumming group Yamato follows with performances next Wednesday and Thursday (March 19-20)
Then the hits of the “British Invasion” come next Friday (March 21) with Come Together: The Beatles Concert Experience.
After the DVFA concert, next weekend closes with Ronstadt Revue featuring Gesenia — joined by special guest John Beland on guitar — playing the songbook of Linda Ronstadt next Sunday afternoon (March 23).
The Daniel Ho Quintet, led by the namesake Grammy Award-winning ukulele artist, on March 29 represents the final concert of the month for the Bankhead. Although, music will certainly be front and center at the iLuminate performance on March 28, which the promoters describe as “a fantastic fusion of cutting-edge technology and dance”.
The Bankhead will also celebrate Women’s History Month by hosting the “Women Who Crush It” wine-tasting event organized by the Women’s Wine Collective of Livermore Valley on the evening of March 26.
Then, one of the biggest names of the season will be on the Bankhead stage on March 30 when child abduction survivor, nonprofit founder and advocate Elizabeth Smart appears as part of the Rae Dorough Speaker Series.
“Smart’s abduction and recovery continue to motivate parents, law enforcement and leaders worldwide to focus on children’s safety,” Bankhead reps said. “She emphasizes vigilance by everyday people and the belief that hope always exists to find every missing child. Smart’s example is a daily demonstration that there really is life after a tragic event.”
And as April arrives, the fast pace continues with the Bankhead set for a rare run of events on six days in a row: Rhythm India: Bollywood and Beyond on April 2, a fraud prevention seminar on April 3, Silkroad Ensemble: Uplifted Voices on April 4, The Neil Diamond Concert Experience tribute show on April 5 and DLUX Puppets’ “Neverland” performances on April 6-7 — all leading into the 2025-26 season announcement party on April 9.
For tickets and more information about the early spring shows at the Bankhead, go to livermorearts.org.
