<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=09zmmi_1Gwn3rHM00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=09zmmi_1Gwn3rHM00" width="1200" height="800" >Plato once famously said, “Only the dead have seen the end of war,” and such is the message of Chanticleers Theatre’s painfully relevant production of “First Day in December.”Based on the play of the same name by Richard Fouts, director Christine Plowright’s fall season show follows the plight of four Pennsylvania fraternity members; Chad, David, Tim and Rory on the night of Dec. 1, 1969.As Linda, the sister of an elusive fifth fraternity member, joins the aforementioned four on this night, they anxiously await word from a military draft radio broadcast where the “lottery” is based on each man’s birthday. As each fraternity member awaits confirmation of whether or not he will be drafted, they also weigh the moral complexities of serving in—or even evading—the Vietnam War in this gripping stage production. “For many in our audience, including the local Vietnam veterans, this isn’t just history,” says Plowright in the director’s note. “It is a deeply personal echo of a night that irrevocably reshaped a generation.” Standout performances include that of Connor Biondi as Chad Dumont. Biondi’s booming voice and physicality expertly sells Dumont’s transformation from a college football star to a “war room” leader as he tries to set an example for his fellow fraternity brothers during their crises of faith.Aiding Dumont is Vince Gabrielson’s portrayal of David Rothwell. Gabrielson’s line delivery and mannerisms adds credibility to David’s position as the “brains of the group” while also establishing him as a sympathetic character. These performances pair nicely with that of Max O. Chang, Alexander Witt and Jack Singer as Tim, Rory and Mike, respectively. The term “leading lady” is the understatement of the century when describing Anna Wesner’s performance as Linda Harris. As the only woman in the entire play, Wesner’s Linda often serves as the voice of reason as her friends’ egos and pugnacious tendencies drive them into madness at the prospect of fighting in a war.As a crucial romantic subplot between Linda and one of the fraternity members unfolds, Wesner’s on-stage chemistry and masterful tonal range show the audience a capable young woman with leadership qualities who takes autonomy of her own destiny during a time when society was especially against such a thing. Aiding in the audience’s suspension of disbelief is the work of stage manager Aaheli Das, props head Lisa Papciak and scenic designer Alexandria Volk. The set and its use of props such as time-accurate wall posters and furniture seamlessly transports the audience to 1960s New England. The use of then-contemporary music from artists such as The Rolling Stones and the harrowing radio announcements from the draft lottery are a testament to Plowright’s sound direction. Due to its strong language and subject matter, Chanticleers Theatre’s “First Day in December” is suitable for adult audiences only.A percentage of ticket sales will go directly to local chapters of The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). (Call box office for information on $12 tickets for first-time attendees.)Chanticleers Theatre’s ‘First Day in December’Nov. 6 – Nov. 22Fridays and Saturdays at 8pmSundays at 2pmChanticleers Theatre3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valleyonthestage.tickets/chanticleers-theatreTickets: $38.43 General, $33.23 Senior, $17.63 Student</div></body>

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Plato once famously said, “Only the dead have seen the end of war,” and such is the message of Chanticleers Theatre’s painfully relevant production of “First Day in December.”. Based on the play of the same name by Richard Fouts, director Christine Plowright’s fall season show...

Remember the fallen at Chanticleers Theatre

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Plato once famously said, “Only the dead have seen the end of war,” and such is the message of Chanticleers Theatre’s painfully relevant production of “Fir

Remember the fallen at Chanticleers Theatre

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