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Sunol Repertory Theatre is presenting a melodrama of “superhero proportions” this month to benefit the historic Sunol Glen School and its arts programs.
When selecting what production SRT would put on for its 41st season, “Rise of the Superheroes” written by Marty Matthews stuck out the most, according to Klay Kunkel, who is co-directing the play with Robin Spindler.
“We read many, many scripts but this one we all gravitated to. It is a little different for us because it’s about superheroes – which we’ve not done before,” Kunkel told the Weekly.
The story takes place in the fictional city of Warkopolis after the age of superheroes has passed. With the city’s villains behind bars, the superheroes feel they have no purpose. A hilarious and melodramatic story begins to unfold as the main villain escapes.
“It’s about a group of superheroes that have put away all of the bad guys. They are working at the mall, or working odd jobs, because there’s no villains to deal with,” Kunkel said. “The main villain decides they are becoming irrelevant and breaks out of prison along with the help of a 9-year-old computer genius.”
“Hilarity ensues because the heroes have to get in shape, so they go to the gym and things like that,” Kunkel added.
Kunkel has worked with SRT previously in both acting and directorial roles. He directed his first show with the group in 2007, “Taming the Wild Wild West In a Dress”.
Kunkel said that although he and his co-director come from different backgrounds, the two are great collaborators.
“Robin and I have known each other for many years. We’ve done many performances together and have been to plenty of cast parties together. I know Robin’s family,” Kunkel said.
“We do come from very different places. I’m from an engineering background and Robin works in a school district over on the Peninsula. Yes there’s always compromise involved when there are two bosses, but I think us having different perspectives has benefited the show,” he added.
When the casting process began in November 2023, Kunkel said they were able to rely on a group of talented regional performers to fill the roles.
“We have a core group of people that have supported SRT for many, many years. We draw our talent from all over, from Sonoma, Fremont to Livermore. Although a big chunk of our cast is from Livermore,” the co-director said.
“Rise of the Superheroes” cast ranges from ages 7 to 85.
“All of these people are very passionate, they really love doing it. It’s not just to support the school, but they love being on stage and creating and problem-solving. Our core group puts in so much time and energy to make sure these shows go perfectly,” Kunkel said.
Kunkel shared that for the first time ever, the show will feature live student musicians.
“We always enjoy having Sunol Glen students in the plays. It’s always a good thing to get younger people involved,” he said.
With proceeds from the production going directly back to the Sunol school, Kunkel said the cast and crew never lose sight of why they are there.
“This group puts on fun performances – but we are completely committed to supporting the kids. At the end of day, we are raising money for the students so we want donations,” Kunkel said. “We put on silly shows for a serious cause.”
“I do want the audience to be entertained, I want them to come back to see other shows,” Kunkel added.
After opening night on Saturday (March 2), performances will run on Fridays and Saturdays from March 8-23 at 8 p.m. in the Sunol Glen School Theatre.
To purchase tickets for the show or find more information about SRT, visit www.sunol.net/srt.
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