The Resting PlaceAshlin HalfnightMagic TheatreJames Carpenter and Cast of The Resting PlaceHow many times a month, a week do we read yet another headline of one person’s atrocious act against innocent others -- be it extortion, murder, or sexual abuse of other adults or of children? And while any passing thoughts and sympathies we may pause a few minutes to contemplate … [Read more...] about “The Resting Place”
Archives for October 2018
“graveyard shift”
graveyard shiftKorde Arrington TuttleSan Francisco PlayhouseRondrell McCormick & Sam JacksonFrom the beginning, it is clear that the two, separate stories running in parallel -- seamlessly shifting from one to the other on the same stage without a pause – are at some point bound to collide. As we get to know an young, African American couple trying to sort out a … [Read more...] about “graveyard shift”
“Hedda Gabler”
Hedda GablerHenrik IbsenPear TheatreTroy Johnson and Elizabeth Kruse Craig Continuing its tradition of periodically staging important classics on its small stage, Pear Theatre presents Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 Hedda Gabler in a modern-set adaptation by former Artistic Director and Founder, Diane Tasca. Starring current Artistic Director Elizabeth Kruse Craig as … [Read more...] about “Hedda Gabler”
“Waitress”
WaitressJessie Nelson (Book): Sara Bareilles (Music & Lyrics)SHNChristine DwyerEvery day she bakes twenty-seven pies, including one each day that she creates as a new recipe on the spot – pies with names like Big Guy Strawberry, Polka Dot Peach, Lost Shepard’s, and Deep (Shit) Blueberry. At Joe’s Pie Diner where everyone wants once again to know “What’s Inside,” Jenna … [Read more...] about “Waitress”
“The Mystery of Edwin Drood”
The Mystery of Edwin DroodRupert Holmes (Book, Music & Lyrics)Guggenheim Entertainment & 3 Below Theatres and Lounge The Cast of The Mystery of Edwin DroodGuggenheim Entertainment is now staging at its 3 Below Theatres and Lounge an rip-roaring, rambunctious, and riotous The Mystery of Edwin Drood -- Rupert Holmes’ 1985 musical that garnered five Tony Awards out of … [Read more...] about “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”
“The Obligation”
The ObligationRoger GrunwaldThe Mitzvah Project in association with Playground Potrero StageRoger GrunwaldThe April 12, 2018, edition of The New York Times printed the following findings from a survey released a few days earlier on Holocaust Remembrance:- 31% of Americans and 41% of Millennials believe that two million or less Jews were killed in the Holocaust (not the actual … [Read more...] about “The Obligation”
“fairview”
fairviewJackie Sibblies DruryBerkeley Repertory Theatre, In Association with Soho RepNatalie Venetia Belcon, Monique Robinson & Charles BrowingFor the first forty minutes or so, we seem to be watching what one character calls, “a good ol’ family drama ... a slice of life ... nothing big and flashy ... just a real story about real people.” The situations are familiar … [Read more...] about “fairview”
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”
The Best Little Whorehouse in TexasLarry L. King & Peter Masterson (Book); Carol Hall (Music & Lyrics)Based on a Story by Larry L. King42nd Street MoonDyan McBride as Miss Mona with Her GirlsSometimes, real life can actually be more fantastical than fiction. Such is the case of the history of the Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas – a brothel that operated from … [Read more...] about “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”
“On Your Feet!”
On Your Feet!Alexander Dinelaris (Book); Emilio & Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine (Music & Lyrics)Broadway San Jose Christie Prades & Adriel FleteAs jukebox, biographical musicals have continued to find their way to the Great White Way and beyond -- often packing in adoring audiences for years even when critics might be at best lukewarm in initial reception … [Read more...] about “On Your Feet!”
“Acid Test: The Many Reincarnations of Ram Dass”
Acid Test: The Many Reincarnations of Ram DassLynne KaufmanThe MarshWarren David KeithCarrying his upturned, paralyzed hand with both proud dignity and obvious discomfort, the old gentleman enters limping with a smile genuine and glowing while his words creep out slowly. “Thank you for being here ... now.” Explaining that “I was stroked,” he continues to describe … [Read more...] about “Acid Test: The Many Reincarnations of Ram Dass”
“Fun Home”
Fun HomeJeanine Tesori (Music); Lisa Kron (Book & Lyrics)Based on the Graphic Novel by Alison BechdelTheatreWorks Silicon ValleyThe Cast of Fun HomeTheatreWorks Silicon Valley, under the empathic direction of Artistic Director Robert Kelley, presents a Fun Home whose rooms are full of a family’s sweet memories, troubling secrets, and – in its hidden corners -- liberating … [Read more...] about “Fun Home”
“Sweat”
SweatLynn NottageAmerican Conservatory TheatreThe Cast of ACT's SweatFor San Franciscans still scratching their heads and wondering how in the world Donald Trump was able to win the last election (and why he seems still to be so popular in so many places other than San Francisco), all they need to do is spend an evening at the American Conservatory Theatre between now and … [Read more...] about “Sweat”
“Oslo”
OsloJ.T. RogersMarin Theatre CompanyJ Paul Nicolas, Ashkon Davaran, Ryan Tasker, Brian Herndon & Paris Hunter PaulOn September 13, 1993, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian Liberation Organization negotiator Mahmoud Abbas signed a Declaration of Principles in which the PLO recognized the legitimacy of the State of Israel and the Israelis recognized the PLO … [Read more...] about “Oslo”
“The Lieutenant of Inishmore”
The Lieutenant of InishmoreMartin McDonaghThe Stage Rob AugustUnder the astute, no-holes-barred direction of Joshua Marx, The Stage presents a shockingly horrific and a totally hilarious The Lieutenant of Inishmore -- ninety minutes that keeps us on the edge of our seats with our hands often wanting to hide our eyes while at the same time we … [Read more...] about “The Lieutenant of Inishmore”
