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
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
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
Novato Theater Company Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off” is a sharp, witty, and intricately twisted laugh-out-loud farce about a play that is, in itself, a farce. It hilariously explores human behaviors, their complexities, follies, and deceits. Under Carl Jordan’s creatively honed direction, this fast-paced comedy leaps from order to chaos, mirroring our tumultuous society. A Bay … Read more
Argo Thompson (Oliver) and Rosie Frater (Bernadette) Photos: Dana Hunt/Courtesy of Left Edge Theatre Sam Steiner’s play, “Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons,” at Left Edge Theatre creatively explores the unique power of words. This “out-of-the-box” production challenges us to consider how many words we “really” need to convey thoughts and feelings. It also examines the … Read more
Marin Theatre’s “Torch Song” delivers a magnificent heart-rending journey of a drag queen’s quest for love, respect, and acceptance. We meet fast-talking, gregarious Arnold Beckoff (Dean Linnard) dressed in a shimmering gown performing drag under a 1980s theatre marquee. Arnold sings the soulful “I See Two Lovers,” by Helen Morgan, adding comic twists that … Read more
Karen Zacarías’ comedic production, “The Book Club Play,” staged at Ross Valley Players, superbly captures the quirks of a book-reading group and the cultural, racial, class complexities that may accompany it. Ronald E. Krempetz Scenic Design of a comfortable living room with a light-colored recliner and chair on one side and full couch on the … Read more
Oakland Theatre Project, known for profound experimental premiere work, has created a mesmerizing psychedelic portrait of a young, queer man attempting to reclaim his identity. Within a drab tan room, a bed slants forward on wooden pallets resting on a floor above boulders. Objects are strewn in and on milk and vegetable crates. A small … Read more
Benicia Theatre Group resurrects Noel Coward’s charming comedy, “Blithe Spirit! What a wonderful timely enchanting gift to the Benicia community, and beyond, for their 60th year anniversary. We are first taken by Brian Hough’s exquisite four-piece set construction, crafted with artistic flair by the talented designer, Beate Bruhl. The walls are adorned with elegant hues … Read more
Sonoma Arts Live “The Hello Girls” masterfully blends a first-rate musical with a tumultuous WWI offensive, showcasing five spirited and courageous women warriors. Set Designer Laurynn Malilay and Maeve Smith skillfully incorporate both orchestra and characters on stage. Three characters even play musical instruments. Four chairs face the audience, and the actors impressively animate working … Read more