IT WAS A sad weekend for Bay Area theater as two Contra Costa icons closed their doors — the Antioch Rivertown Players and Walnut Creek's Playhouse West. Both companies cited higher costs and declining audiences as reasons for bringing down the curtain.

ARP said goodbye after providing 52 years of quality entertainment, along with its well-received children's theater program.

"We are one of the few companies that didn't charge a fee to young performers," says artistic director Sharon Redman. "We helped them grow in self-esteem and confidence through rehearsals and performances." Fortunately, Antioch's El Campanil Theatre has agreed to take over the children's theater with Redman as the director. While closing its doors was a sad occasion for ARP, the group's final production was anything but. "Stepping Out," directed by Redman, featured nine tap dancers and one rather grumpy piano player (well played by Norma Lent) in a fun production about a community tap class. Students from a variety of backgrounds find a respite from their everyday lives as they tap away their troubles.

As the amateur dancers prepare for an upcoming production, their various foibles emerge, giving the audience a glimpse into their lives. The hint of a burgeoning affair between the one male (John Crebbin-Coates) and the uncoordinated Andy (John's real-life wife Linda) adds tension, while the perfectly coiffed Vera (beautifully done by Rhonda

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Taylor) brings her own brand of humor as she attempts to control everyone and everything. Other cast members, who all brought a special flair to their roles, include Babette Bilger, Rebecca Crebbin-Coates (daughter of John and Linda), Jennifer Hughes, Nora Reardon, Sheila Morrison and Linda Revelli.

Although ARP is leaving the Nick Rodriguez Theatre in Antioch, the space will not be dark. Josy Miller's Hapgood Theatre Company began producing theater in the space last year. The company was set to open Leslie Ayvazian's "Lovely Day" on Wednesday. The West Coast premiere of a couple's struggle with their son's possible enlistment continues through May 24. Call 925-219-8545.

Ironically, Playhouse West's final production was entitled "When Something Wonderful Ends." The semi-autobiographical work by Sherry Kramer in a way embodied Playhouse West's philosophy — to provide entertaining and thought-provoking works. The one-woman show, marvelously performed by Janis ©, stirred feelings about family relationships, our fragile environment, and the Middle East, all in a 90 minute performance.

Artistic director and founder Lois Grandi can certainly be proud of the work she has accomplished during her 13 years at the helm. The theater community has been bettered by her efforts.

While Playhouse West retires from the scene, the beautiful little jewel-box theater that the company called home will continue to be a theater. Diablo Actor's Ensemble, under the artistic direction of Scott Fryer, moves into the space in June. The company's first production is "Butterflies Are Free," featuring Ginny Wehrmeister, Joel Roster, Ann Kendrick and Vince Faso. The light-hearted comedy runs June 13 through July 19; call 925-482-5110 for tickets.

DAE also plans to have an after-hours cabaret, an open-mike evening that will alternate between comedy, poetry, and music, a one-act play festival, and several children's theater productions. When not in use by DAE, the theater will be available for rental. If you have a staged reading, small production, or even a chamber ensemble, give Fryer a call at the number above.

Learn more about the lives of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt as the Willows Theatre Company presents "Sunrise at Campobello." Running May 5-June 1, the family drama by Dore Schary reveals family conflicts and the struggle with paralysis that gave both American icons the strength needed later in their lives. The story begins with a vital, energetic young FDR who is suddenly stricken with permanent paralysis from the waist down. The illness heightens tensions between the future president's formidable mother and strong-willed wife. Tim Hendrixson plays FDR, with Diana Boos as Eleanor and Barbara Grant as his mother. Cassidy Brown portrays his friend and political adviser, Louis Howe.

Well-know local actress Carolyn Kraetsch opens in a new play by James Keller. "Iris and Her Girls," billed as a comedy for serious people, plays May 14-18 at the Berkeley City Club. Call 510-663-5767 for more information.

Sally Hogarty can be reached at sallyhogarty@gmail.com.