Front Row Reviews

“9 to 5” Sings Out Against Toxic Work Environments

Coastal Repertory Theatre delivers a fast-paced, vibrant, and over-the-top production of “9 to 5,” adapted from the 1980 film of the same name. With music and lyrics by the dynamic Dolly Parton and book by playwright Patricia Resnick, the songs surpass the somewhat flimsy plot, yet the play remains highly enjoyable. Three women—Violet, Judy, and … Read more

“Accused!” Delivers Intrigue and Humor

Katie (Chelsea Bearce) , Loveday (Lauren Dunagan), Valera (Jan Zvaifler ) Patricia Milton’s complex third mystery comedy, “Accused!,” delights with suspense and cunning, spotlighting the strength of female camaraderie. Through the Victorian Ladies Detective Collective, Milton incisively intertwines present-day issues like misogyny, class elitism, religious fanaticism, and a pandemic. Set in Berkeley’s Julia Morgan library, … Read more

Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show surges with energy and talent

City Lights’ stellar adaptation of the 52-year-old, rock, gothic, sci-fi fantasy “Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show” sparkles. The iconic play has traveled around the world with a movie created in 1975 that has won many awards. We enter a magnificent, eerie, sci-fi wonder, a UFO chamber where everyone leaves changed, or ends up dead. … Read more

Evita,the musical, spotlights the power of one woman

SF Playhouse and Director Bill English brilliantly orchestrates a large ensemble to showcase the multifaceted life of Argentina’s first lady, Eva Perón. Creative lighting by Michael Oesch and varied accompanying music directed by David Dobrusky immerse the audience in the 1940s era. The scenic design by Heather Kenyon’s include movable props: stairs, podiums, tables, chairs, and … Read more

“Who’s-Dead McCarthy” Speaks to Our Inner Selves

Word for Word and Z Space Z Space’s artistic Word for Word program blends the genres of story-telling and theatre. Each word of a classic short story spoken as well as enacted.  In “Who’s-Dead McCarthy,” Director Paul Finocchiaro perceptively tunes into the work of renowned Irish novelist and short-story artist Kevin Barry. He then empowers … Read more