Rossmoor News, Wednesday, September 30, 2026, page 14B

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14B Rossmoor News • September 30, 2026

By Mimi Amrit Club correspondent

Set a reminder with Siri for Tuesday, Oct. 6, when Rossmoor Comedy Night Live returns, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Drag yourself, or come in drag, to the Hillside complex and boldly open the door to the Performing Arts Studio. It feels like fall, so take time walking in the golden twilight. Those autumn leaves can be slippery; be-leaf me.

It’s October, and orange is all around. There’s no avoiding it. The world is a pumpkin, and everything we eat can be pumpkin-flavored. So wear your best autumn-colored clothing, and everyone can meld together into the glow. Studies have shown that orange makes people happier, so give it a try.

This event, on the first Tuesday of each month, is part of the Rossmoor Night Live Club, whose mission is simple: Keep us living fully,

led by Stephanie Singer and welcomes brave souls who want to try standup comedy. Sit-down comedy is also an option. Amazing Rossmoor comics keep performing like pros. New people who “might go up” but need one more glass of courage, are encouraged to drink up the laughs.

No judgment. No booing. We’re seniors. Tell favorite off-color jokes; especially orange-colored ones. Political incorrectness accepted. This is a good night to tell scary, spooky Halloween stories.

Remember your best disguises, and costumes that fell apart too early. One request: Limit yourself to three minutes. If you’re really good, you’ll get an encore. If you’re not so good… the audience won’t have to suffer very long. Everyone is invited to watch, as an audience is needed for clapping and laughing. We all know that laughter is the best medicine, and no prescription is required.

Comedy Night Live returns Tuesday

By Drama Association

The Drama Association of Rossmoor invites everyone to see “Crimes of the Heart,” Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, a comedy with dramatic elements. This Naked Stage show, directed by Cynthia Wilson, will be performed Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 16, 17 and 18, at 2 p.m. in the Performing Arts Studio.

“Crimes of the Heart” follows the eccentric Magrath sisters – Lenny, Meg and Babe – as they reunite in their childhood home in Hazlehurst, Mississippi after Babe is arrested for shooting her abusive husband because she “didn’t like the way he looks.”

Set entirely in their worn kitchen, the sisters confront long buried family trauma, including their mother’s infamous suicide, while navigating personal crises: Lenny, played by Lee Gale Gruen, battles loneliness and selfdoubt; Meg, played by Gay White, deals with her failed

Hollywood dreams; and Babe, played by Diana Insolio, faces a looming trial and emotional unraveling.

Cousin Chick, played by Vicki Beckerman, adds relentless judgment as the town’s scrutiny heightens the tension and the fun, even as old flames and unexpected allies, like Meg’s former sweetheart Doc, played by Jon Rasmussen, and Babe’s idealistic lawyer, Barnette, played by Ed Kimak, complicate the sisters’ hilarious attempts to regain control of their lives. Despite the dark circumstances, Henley infuses the story with sharp humor and Southern Gothic charm.

Tickets for “Crimes of the Heart” are $12.50 and may be purchased at www.rossmoor drama.com with a credit card. Any unsold tickets will be available for $15 cash or check at the box office. All sales are final, with no refunds or exchanges. Email Martha Hawkins, producer, at marthahawkins@yahoo.com for more information.

DAOR presents ‘Crimes of the Heart’ from Oct. 16-18

From left, Lee Gale Gruen, Diana Insolio and Gay White star as sisters in ‘Crimes of the Heart.’

Natalie Amaya of the Linda Ronstadt tribute band Ronstadt Revolution

By NCJW

The incomparable Ronstadt Revolution – A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt will perform at the Event Center on Sunday, Oct. 18. Tickets are $25, and a glass of wine $5.

This dedicated tribute band brings the iconic sound of Linda Ronstadt to life, offering audiences a journey through her legendary career. Fans can anticipate detailed re-creation of Ronstadt’s distinctive vocal style and broad musical range.

In this live performance, Ronstadt Revolution’s talented Natalie Amaya captures the unmistakable sound of Linda Ronstadt. The group honors Ronstadt’s career by singing her rock and roll hits, The Stone Poneys and her Spanish language songs.

NCJW is excited to bring

Sing and dance the night away to songs like “Blue Bayou,” “It’s so Easy to Fall in Love” and “Desperado.”

All the proceeds benefit the NCJW Scholarship Fund and deserving charities, including the Contra Costa Food Bank, White Pony Express and Grateful Garment.

Reserve early, as this event is expected to sell out.

Send your name and phone number (note if you are not a

Linda Ronstadt tribute concert comes to Event Center on Oct. 18 Concert is sponsored by NCJW

this outstanding entertainment to Rossmoor! The Ronstadt Revolution – A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt has performed, and will be performing again, at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, and has performances scheduled in other Northern California cities.

Ronstadt Revolution – A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt is a joyful musical experience you’ll never forget! Fall in love with Ronstadt all over again!

resident) and a check payable to NCJW for $25 per person to Lois Kann, 1100 Ptarmigan

Drive, No. 5, Walnut Creek, CA 94595 or place in the NCJW mailbox at Gateway.

A longtime stand-up comic, Doc King brings Garrison Keller to Rossmoor Home Companion.

laughing loudly, and staying up past 9 p.m. – on purpose. Or drop in for $5 – no commitment, no pressure, no remembering next month. It’s the best deal around, and no prescription necessary – because laughter is the best medicine. Warning: This event may be addicting.

Comedy Night Live is

By Singles Salon

Singles Salon’s first YIT (“Yay, it’s Thursday!”) Happy Hour will be Oct. 1 at Pinky’s Pizza and Pub, 2085 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek. Call Marina Spohn at 1-757-608-1723 with any questions or suggestions.

Future October YIT Happy Hours will be Oct. 8 at The Golden Pear, Oct. 15 at Buttercup Diner, Oct. 22 at Pacific Catch and Oct. 29 at Peony Garden. Join Singles Salon Social Club for the annual Halloween Party on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. at Dollar Clubhouse. It will start with an open bar with the usual beverages and a buffet dinner of hors d’oeuvres, pizza, salad

and dessert.

There will be a costume contest, so come in your best Halloween getup if you want to compete for prizes. Entertainment will be a trivia game with prizes. The activity fees are $38 for members and $43 for guests.

Members can make their reservation with a check made out to Singles Salon and either drop it off at the Singles Salon mail slot in Gateway or mail to Ardean Lehnus, 4424 Terra Granada Dr., No. 3A, Walnut Creek, CA 94595. The deadline for reservations is Thursday, Oct. 15. Residents can bring their checks to the YIT Happy Hour on Oct. 15. Call Lehnus at 1-925-407-7898 with questions.

Singles Salon to gather at Pinky’s Also, Halloween party set for Oct. 18

Ronstadt Revolution – A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt

Resident Name:__________________________

Phone:__________________________________

Email:__________________________________

Non Resident Name: ______________________

Phone:__________________________________

Email:___________________________________

Tickets $25: ___ Total paid: ____

Make checks payable to NCJW and mail completed form to Lois Kann, 1100 Ptarmigan Dr., No. 5, Walnut Creek, CA 94595 or place mailbox at Gateway.

Photos on this page

Natalie Amaya smiling while performing vocals into a microphone. Caption: Natalie Amaya of the Linda Ronstadt tribute band Ronstadt Revolution
Lee Gale Gruen, Diana Insolio and Gay White act together in a kitchen scene. Caption: From left, Lee Gale Gruen, Diana Insolio and Gay White star as sisters in ‘Crimes of the Heart.’
Doc King smiling in front of a microphone and stand. Caption: A longtime stand-up comic, Doc King brings Garrison Keller to Rossmoor Home Companion.