Sagittarius PonderosaMJ KaufmanNew Conservatory Theatre CenterMatthew Hannon & SK KerastasTransitions are many and messy in most of our lives. The changes that start a transition from what was to what will be often happen to us, not by us; but even those we initiate, we rarely control the pace or the intensity. In MJ Kaufman’s new play, Sagittarius Ponderosa, … [Read more...] about “Sagittarius Ponderosa”
“Tigers Be Still”
Tigers Be StillKim RosenstockCity Lights Theater Company Akemi Okamura & Melissa WeinsteinCity Lights Theater Company has taken the extremely clever script of Kim Rosenstock and produced through a fine production team and talented cast a Tigers Be Still that keeps the audience in tears – either through hundreds of reasons to laugh or a few heartthrob … [Read more...] about “Tigers Be Still”
“Satchmo at the Waldorf”
Satchmo at the WaldorfTerry TeachoutAmerican Conservatory TheatreJohn Douglas Thompson as Louis ArmstrongOur first glimpse of him is not what we remember from those bigger-than-life pictures of his sparkling eyes shining through squinted slots, huge smile of ivories that became his trademark, and rounded face always aimed upwards ready to rasp out a familiar tune we so … [Read more...] about “Satchmo at the Waldorf”
“Gem of the Ocean”
Gem of the OceanAugust WilsonMarin Theatre CompanyJuney Smith, Namir Smallwood, David Everett Moore & Margo HallThrough her walled displays that could as easily be in an art gallery as on a theatre’s stage, Kimberlee Koym-Murteira captures the essence of the themes and stories of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean. A beautiful liquid prism wall of overlapping squares of … [Read more...] about “Gem of the Ocean”
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
The Full Cast The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling BeeWilliam Finn (Music & Lyrics); Rachel Sheinkin (Book)Conceived by Rebecca Feldman; Additional Material by Jay ReissHillbarn TheatreEven though we are collectively fast losing all abilities to calculate numbers, write in cursive, or spell almost any word without technology’s help, we do still have a fascination … [Read more...] about “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
“The Nether”
The NetherJennifer HaleySan Francisco PlayhouseThe Cast of "The Nether"Already we live in a world where increasingly people are more apt to converse with a colleague in the next-door cube or the date across the dining table online versus in person. Millions escape to imaginary lands to fight battles and kill invaders as well as to plant farms, sell goods, or solve world … [Read more...] about “The Nether”
“Jersey Boys”
Jersey BoysMarshall Brickman & Rick Elice (Book)Bob Gaudio (Music); Bob Crewe (Lyrics)SHN Orpheum TheatreKeith Hines, Matthew Dailey, Aaron De Jesus & Drew SeeleyWhat is it about the 2005, multi-Tony-award-winning Jersey Boys in its third U.S. tour and third visit to San Francisco that still results in a standing ovation, sold-out Opening Night and a beginning of yet … [Read more...] about “Jersey Boys”
“Swift Justice”
Swift JusticeTom McEneryBased on the Book Swift Justice: Murder and Vengeance in a California TownBy Harry FarrellThe Tabard Theatre Company The CastA world premiere play about one dark blemish in San Jose’s history valiantly attempts to tell to 21st Century citizens a Depression-Era tale of murder and mob revenge but does so much more like a newspaper column that a drama … [Read more...] about “Swift Justice”
“Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin”
Hershey Felder as Irving BerlinLyrics & Music by Irving BerlinBook by Hershey FelderTheatreWorks Silicon Valley Hershey FelderWith over 1500 published songs to consider (232 hitting Top 10 charts and 25 reaching Number One) ranging from universal classics such as “White Christmas,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Easter Parade,” and even “God Bless America,” how … [Read more...] about “Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin”
“Death of a Salesman”
Death of a SalesmanArthur MillerPalo Alto PlayersGay Richard, Justin Brown, Paul Dunlap & Tim Farrell The story of Willie Loman has resonated with every generation since its 1949 premiere, but perhaps more than ever does his story hit home amidst today’s ubiquitous and ominous headlines of the disappearing middle class and the cynical disillusionment of entire groups of … [Read more...] about “Death of a Salesman”
“The Mountaintop”
The MountaintopKatori HallPear TheatreMichael Wayne Rice & Nathalie Autumn Bennet Whether someone has previously seen or not The Mountaintop, Pear Theatre’s production is the perfect way to honor Dr. King and his legacy as we celebrate his birthday season this January. This is a production not to be missed. Follow the link to my full review on … [Read more...] about “The Mountaintop”
“Of Serpents and Sea Spray”
Of Serpents and Sea SprayRachel BublitzCustom Made Theatre CompanyHeren Patel, Maria Leigh, Laura Domingo & Maria Giere Marquis“Many years ago, in a land faraway there lived a winged horse named Pegasus.” With those few words, a little girl’s imagination opens up a world where she has hunted giants in Chile, ridden on the back of the fabled horse over the Great Wall … [Read more...] about “Of Serpents and Sea Spray”
“Dangerous Corner”
Dangerous CornerJ. P. PriestleySF City Theatre CompanyAdrienne Dolan & David RichardsonIn a 1930s society parlor setting, one high-styled woman in a slinky green dress admits, “I am always fibbing ... It is the secret of my charm.” A young, suave bachelor in tux remarks, “Telling the truth is as dangerous as skidding around the corner at 60” while a red-lipped blonde … [Read more...] about “Dangerous Corner”
“The Eddys: Our Top Theatre Productions, 2015, San Francisco Bay Area”
Theatre Eddys Presents“The Eddys” Our San Francisco Bay Area Top Theatre Productions, 2015”Ed & Eddie (aka as "The Eddys") Announce Their 2015 BestsEven for us, attending 144 live theatre and opera productions in 2015 has been a record, 131 for which a full review was posted on Theatre Eddys. Of those 144, we rated 53 as “5 E” (our top rating), representing 21 … [Read more...] about “The Eddys: Our Top Theatre Productions, 2015, San Francisco Bay Area”
“Avenue Q”
Avenue QRobert Lopez & Jeff Marx (Music, Lyrics & Original Concept)Jeff Whitty (Book)New Conservatory Theatre CenterThe Cast of "Avenue Q"What does it mean when the same theatre company brings back the same musical three years in a row – one that is still selling out each night -- and is extending the run yet again? What it means is that New Conservatory Theatre … [Read more...] about “Avenue Q”
