Dry LandRuby Rae SpiegelShotgun PlayersGrace Ng & Martha BrighamIf there were ever a play that should come with a few upfront “Warning” signs like those we now see on so many consumer goods, perhaps it is Ruby Rae Spiegel’s Dry Land now in a spellbinding, but often difficult-to-watch production at Shotgun Players. --> Warning:- Anyone who may faint at the sight of … [Read more...] about “Dry Land”
Archives for May 2018
“Three Days of Rain”
Three Days of RainRichard GreenbergDragon Productions Theatre Company Tasi Alabastro & Robert Sean Campbell “None of this ever happened.” In the midst of a heated argument, inner feelings flow unabashedly into the open; closely held secrets tumble into the light of day; and suddenly looks of shock and regret replace those of … [Read more...] about “Three Days of Rain”
“When Pigs Fly”
Howard Crabtree’s When Pigs FlyConceived by Howard Crabtree & Mark WaldropMark Waldrop (Sketches & Lyrics); Dick Gallagher (Music)New Conservatory Theatre CenterDavid BichaIf we are to believe the opening scene, it all began when his Springbrook High vocational counselor, Miss Roundhole, suggested to a starry eyed Dream Curly (aka Howard Crabtree) that he could look … [Read more...] about “When Pigs Fly”
“Scapegoat”
ScapegoatWilliam BivinsPlayground, in association with Lorraine Hansberry Theatre Rhonnie Washington with Drew Reginald Watkins & Douglas B. GiorgisScapegoat is under attack from all sides. The black super hero in green tights was once the pioneering, main star for Blam Comics, making his creator, Clive, a real live hero for graphically describing in exciting … [Read more...] about “Scapegoat”
“The Siegel”
The SiegelMichael MitnickCity Lights Theater Company Luisa Sermol & Ben Euphrat “Do you think there is only person out there for us?” is a question Ethan is struggling to answer in his life. When he shows up to ask Alice’s parents for her hand in marriage, he is sure that the answer is ‘yes’ and that she is the one. The … [Read more...] about “The Siegel”
“Jesus Christ Superstar”
Jesus Christ SuperstarAndrew Lloyd Webber (Music); Tim Rice (Lyrics)Ray of Light TheatreJanelle Lasalle as Jesus, with ApostlesFor a week, our smart phone and TV screens have been filled with the scenes of burning tires, hurling rocks, and flying bullets as bodies fall on the border of Gaza and Israel. All day, those same small and mega screens have shocked us once more … [Read more...] about “Jesus Christ Superstar”
“An Entomologist’s Love Story”
An Entomologist’s Love StoryMelissa RossSan Francisco PlayhouseLucas Verbrugghe & Lori PrinceBlink, blink. ... Blink, Blink.Blink/Pause. ... Blink/Pause.Signals go out into the night, searching for a compatible mate -- for hot sex. The climax could be even more ecstatic since the female may be one that kills the male as the deed is done.Such is the life of a … [Read more...] about “An Entomologist’s Love Story”
“All the Shah’s Men”
All the Shah’s MenMatthew SpanglerArabian Shakespeare FestivalKen Boswell, Christian Haines & Annamarie MacLeodIf one wanted to find out the origins of today’s deeply divided and dangerous issues between the U.S. and Iran, there is probably some semester-long, poli-sci course a local community college is offering on the subject or a number of detailed books that could be … [Read more...] about “All the Shah’s Men”
“What the Constitution Means to Me”
What the Constitution Means to MeHeidi SchreckBerkeley Repertory TheatreHeidi SchreckAt the age of fifteen, Heidi Schreck remembers “in addition to being terrifically turned on,” to also being enthralled by “witch trials, theatre, and Patrick Swayze.” As then a high school sophomore in Weeatache, Washington, young Heidi traveled in a circuit around the U.S. to the … [Read more...] about “What the Constitution Means to Me”
“Me and My Girl”
Me and My GirlNoel Gray (Music); Douglas Furber & L. Arthur Rose (Book & Lyrics)Stephen Fry (Book Revisions); Mike Ockrent (Further Book Contributions)42nd Street MoonMelissa WolkKlain & Keith PintoRing the sirens; clang the bells; light the neon marquee; turn on the sky-roving spotlights. Do whatever necessary to tell the San Francisco Bay Area to head to the … [Read more...] about “Me and My Girl”
“Marjorie Prime”
Marjorie PrimeJordan HarrisonMarin Theatre CompanyJoy Carlin & Tommy GorrebeeckMemory is a tricky proposition for any of us. Is that story I am now recalling really the way it happened, or am I providing a slightly embellished version with details that have been added in the past twenty tellings in order to make it more interesting? Was the event really as … [Read more...] about “Marjorie Prime”
“Pear Slices 2018”
Pear Slices 2018Various PlaywrightsPear TheatreAriel Aronica and Bill C. JonesA dusty town in the old West, a cell holding Galileo imprisoned, a home where technological devices rule, a kid’s pirate birthday party, a ‘rolly-doggy’ oven of hot dogs in rotation: All are examples of the varied settings in time and place for this year’s menu of Pear Slices 2018, an annual … [Read more...] about “Pear Slices 2018”
“Two Minds”
Two MindsLynne KaufmanThe MarshBrian Herndon & Jackson Davis“Together, we had a goose that would lay a golden egg; and when we didn’t, we had an omelet.” Such is the memory of his many years in collaborative relationship with his thinking and research partner, Amos Tversky, that Daniel Kahneman recounts as he receives the 2002 Nobel Prize for Economics on both of … [Read more...] about “Two Minds”
“The Full Monty”
The Full MontyTerrence McNally (Book); David Yazbek (Music & Lyrics)Hillbarn Theatre Greg Lynch, Brian Palac, James Creer, Bradley Satterwhite, Linda Piccone, and Andy Cooperfauss The entire production Hillbarn's Monty is packed with humor and heart, gusto and grit, love almost lost and love newly found. From jogging women silently … [Read more...] about “The Full Monty”
“Rock of Ages”
Rock of AgesChris D’Arienzo (Book); Ethan Popp (Arrangements & Orchestrations)Palo Alto PlayersThere are unfortunately too many wrong notes in the current Palo Alto Players production of Rock of Ages, even though the athletic enthusiasm of the cast could not be higher. There is much fun in what to see but not enough solid songs in what to hear, making this a show I … [Read more...] about “Rock of Ages”
