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
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
San Francisco Playhouse does it again—delivering a lively, hand-clapping satire that draws big laughs while shedding light on contemporary issues. James Ijames’s “Fat Ham,” under the direction of award-winning Margo Hall, reimagines “Hamlet” with an inventive and uproarious twist. Set in the South (Scenic Designer Nina Ball), a Black family gathers for a joyous wedding-day … Read more
Oakland Theatre Company, under the masterful leadership of Director Michael Socrates Moran, brilliantly stages a solo performance about the enigmatic transvestite Charlotte von Mahlsdorf. Playwright Doug Wright based the play on extensive interviews with von Mahlsdorf, exploring her remarkable and multi-faceted life. The performance premiered in New York City in 2003. It then won the … Read more
Central Works’ stirring world premiere of “Push/Pull” by Harry Davis artfully immerses audiences in a rarely explored theatrical setting—a gym—while remarkably tackling an equally distinctive subject: weightlifting and manhood. Under the deft direction of Gary Graves, two weightlifters perform just feet from the audience, leaving the audience to wonder: How much weight do we carry? … Read more
Ana Ming Bostwick-Singer as Ami. Photo: Jessica Palopoli/San Francisco Playhouse Get ready for a fast-paced, surreal, and thought-provoking performance of award-winning playwright Keiko Green’s “Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play” at San Francisco Playhouse. It’s 1999—a time of 3D Doritos, baggy jeans, flannel shirts, tattoo chokers, bucket hats, and Britney Spears. Ami, an Asian American … Read more
David Young (Manny Weinstock ), Amy K Sullivan (Maria Callas) Photo by Brandon Miyagi Captivating Diamond Head Theatre’s “Master Class,” written by multiple Tony Award winner Terrence McNally, artfully magnifies the final days of renowned opera singer Maria Callas. Stepping into Diamond Head Theatre’s 482-seat space is nothing short of breathtaking. Set designer Randy Tandel’s … Read more