The HumansStephen KaramSHNRichard Thomas, Therese Plaehn, Pamela Reed, Daisy Eagan & Luis VegaA play where sound, light, and set play starring roles along with a stellar cast and a hilarious and haunting script, Stephen Karam’s The Humans arrives in San Francisco as a most welcome and anticipated part of SHN’s current Broadway season. Winner of the 2016 Tony Award for … [Read more...] about “The Humans”
“Jersey Boys”
Jersey BoysMarshall Brickman & Rick Elice (Book)Bob Gaudio (Music); Bob Crewe (Lyrics)BroadwaySan JoseThe Cast of Jersey BoysThe 2005, multi-Tony-award-winning Jersey Boys just keeps packing in audiences everywhere it goes, with crowds jumping to their feet for standing ovations the second the last crooning has been crooned. Many are like I, seeing Jersey Boys last … [Read more...] about “Jersey Boys”
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Hedwig and the Angry InchJohn Cameron Mitchell (Book); Stephen Trask (Music & Lyrics)The Stage Keith Pinto as HedwigIn full fury on the compact floor arena of San Jose’s The Stage, Hedwig and the Angry Inchexplodes. Bay Area favorites Keith Pinto and Ashley Garlick play gender-fluid Hedwig and her back-up singing husband, Yitzhak, a former drag … [Read more...] about “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
“Pippin”
PippinStephen Schwartz (Music & Lyrics); Roger O. Hirson (Book)Los Altos Stage Company Dominic Dagdagan Los Altos Stage Company's Pippin is a triumphant success built on deliciously inspired direction, wildly impressive choreography, and vocal performances that never disappoint of songs well-loved by many. This is a Pippin that speaks to our troubled times just … [Read more...] about “Pippin”
“Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”
Priscilla, Queen of the DesertStephen Elliott & Allan ScottTheatre RhinocerosCharles Peoples III, Rudy Guerrero & Kim LarsenOnce again as Pride Month begins, the wonderfully garish Priscilla bus has pulled into Gateway Theatre full of its fabulously attired drag queens, shirtless twinks, and proudly prancing divas in sparkly wigs. Yes, Theatre Rhinoceros has … [Read more...] about “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”
“Dry Land”
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”
“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”
