Dean Linnard as René Gallimard San Francisco Playhouse’s magnificent revival of playwright David Henry Hwang’s M. Butterfly upends Puccini’s culturally antiquated opera, Madame Butterfly. Director Bridgette Loriaux’s precise direction and elegant choreography enhance the psychological depth in this strikingly physical production, allowing the emotional undercurrents to surface with clarity and force. Both Madame Butterfly and … Read more
In the heart of San Francisco’s Crossing at East Cut—211 Beale Street at Howard—surrounded by apartments and bustling city life a joyous wonderland springs to life. Circus Bella’s Starlight transforms the urban landscape into a space of shared delight. Guided by ringmaster, director, and producer Abigail Munn, who proclaims, “When your community comes together, magic … Read more
Ensemble dancers Oakland Theater Project’s mind-blowing Cabaret pulls us from Berlin’s infamous 1930s Kit Kat Klub into present-day bedlam. Writer Christopher Isherwood’s subtle, illicit refuge from a rising political storm evolves under Director Erika Chong Shuch’s fearless and creative direction. The frenetic immersion into the chaos grows just outside our doors. We aren’t simply watching … Read more
Ensemble Marin Theatre’s Sally & Tom, written by Suzan-Lori Parks, delivers a sharp, incisive, and daring exploration of how America chooses to remember its history. Under the insightful direction of Artistic Director Lance Gardner, this play-within-a-play moves seamlessly between the 18th century and the present day. Innovative set design highlights each shift in time. Scrolling … Read more
Allison Gamlen (Karen), Allan Kropp (Lloyd), Anna Kosiarek (Eve), Sindu Singh (Margo), Dan Allen (Clement) Altarena Playhouse’s intriguing production of The Wisdom of Eve written by Mary Orr, lures us eagerly back into the addictive world of the soap opera. Under the imaginative direction of award-winner Kimberly Ridgeway, the play is instantly absorbing. We witness … Read more
Chanel Tilghman (Mariah), Zoe Chien (Annabel) Central Works’ ingenious Dada Teen Musical: A Play, written by Maury Zeff, intertwines absurdist theatre with modern American politics. Keenly directed by Gary Graves, we are instantly introduced to four stereotypical characters whose normal school day turns chaotic. The plot follows ambitious Annabel (Zoe Chien), who is manipulating her Harvard … Read more
Mark Shephard, Michael Sally, Ezra Hernandez, Ashley Jaye, Ted Bigornia, Natalie Hawkins, Anna Gilbert, Parker Soughers The Fantasticks, the longest continuously running Broadway musical, teams up with Benicia Old Town’s oldest continuously running California theatre group for an enchanting coming-of-age revival. The show delights from its opening, heart-warming “Try to Remember” to its final nostalgic … Read more
Bethany Cox (Doralee) , Andrea “Andee” Thorpe (Violet) & Lauren Sutton-Beattie (Judy). Photo by Marilyn Izdebski. Novato Theater Company delivers a fast-paced, vibrant, top-grade production of “9 to 5,” adapted from the 1980 film. With music and lyrics by the dynamic Dolly Parton and book by Playwright Patricia Resnick, the songs surpass the flimsy plot. … Read more
The Oakland Theatre Project production of Hamlet, directed by exceptional Michael Socrates Moran at the Marin Shakespeare Theatre, astounds. The play offers an unparalleled, in-depth exploration of the Hamlet’s existential angst, focusing on “every nuisance of every emotion” and spotlighting Hamlet’s powerfully profound question —”Who am I outside of my father’s murderer executioner.” Dean Linnard’s extraordinary … Read more
Mrs Pearce (Heather Orth), Colonel Pickering (Brady Morale-Woolery), Eliza (Jillian A. Smith). Henry Higgins (Adam Magill) San Francisco Playhouse delivers a masterful production of George Bernard Shaw’s My Fair Lady, dazzling the audience with exceptional acting, music, and design. Set Designer Nina Ball stuns with 1930s-inspired sets—a stately sitting room with bar and spiral staircase, … Read more
Central Works, a small and inviting theatre nestled in the heart of architect Julia Morgan’s Berkeley City Club, is renowned for producing bold and innovative new plays. Their latest production, “The Last Goat,” is no exception. Playwright and Director Gary Graves masterfully cloaks his plays in historical settings that resonate with the political and personal … Read more
Ixtlan (Demetrius), Elena Wright (Helena), Adrian Deane (Lysandra), Storm White (Hermia) Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream could not have found a better home than with the Marin Shakespeare Company and Bridgette Loriaux, who adapted, choreographed, and directed a delightfully modern, whimsical, and hilarious production that charms audiences of all ages. Set in San Rafael’s Forest … Read more
Left Edge Theatre’s The Sound Inside, by Adam Rapp, is an excellent psychological two-hander that unfolds like a literary mystery. Bella Lee Baird, portrayed with quiet intensity and authenticity by Ashley Kennedy, is a 53-year-old Creative Writing professor at Yale. She lives alone, keeps to herself, and her one novel—published over two decades ago—is nearly … Read more
Matildas: Piper Lebeau and Piera Tamer (this show) Novato Theatre Company’s “Matilda the Musical” by Roald Dahl shines as magnificent production of a brilliant, book-loving twelve-year-old girl fighting for love and recognition, and what is right. Matilda finds solace in books and story-telling, and possesses a sharp wit far surpassing her years. Yet at home, … Read more
Lisa Ramirez (Darja) Oakland Theatre Project’s production of Martyna Majok’s “Ironbound”creates a raw and intense psychological portrait of the often-ignored personal struggles of immigrant women. Immigrants, who we may see every day in any city waiting on a wrought iron bench for a bus. We first meet Darja, a 42-year-old Polish immigrant, on a … Read more