In photo: Nora Summers, Danny Banales, Serena Elize Flores, Mike Schaeffer Classic Rock greets the audience at Left Edge Theatre in The California, an inviting, open-space bar and event center. Sitting at a tall bar table, the music is suddenly interrupted by a special announcement from the Emergency Broadcast System: “This is not a test … Read more
SF Playhouse breathes new life into the uproarious and fast-paced suspense, “The 39 Steps.” John Buchan adapted the play from Patrick Barlow’s 1915 thriller novel of the same name (spelled The Thirty-Nine Steps). The play incorporates elements from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 film adaptation. Director Susi Damilano skillfully preserves Hitchcock’s dry wit and lightning-fast slapstick humor. … Read more
“The Divine Sarah,” presented by Ross Valley Players at the Barn Theater, brilliantly mirrors the life of the dynamic French Diva Sarah Bernhardt from the 1800s. This collaborative musical play, from its conceptualization to its world premiere on stage, has been forty years in the making. Penned by June Richards and featuring diverse musical styles … Read more
Martyna Majok’s thought-provoking play “Cost of Living,” staged at Oakland Theater Project, delves deeply into the physical constraints and emotional turmoil experienced by the physically disabled. Under Emile Whelan’s insightful direction, sentimentality gives way to raw, moment-to-moment portrayals of two couples. Whelan adeptly balances the characters’ emotions with the weighty challenges they face. The unique … Read more
CATHLEEN RIDDLEY, BRADY MORALES-WOOLERY Photos by Dave Lapori Anthony Clarvoe’s powerful play at The Stage in San Jose reflects the contemporary landscape of racial and socio-economic conflicts, gun violence, and the spreading of white supremacy. But the time of the play is the 1950’s, and the place is the Highlander Folk School in Monteagle, Tennessee. … Read more
David Shirk (Greg), Melody Payne (Sylvia) all photos by Miller Oberlin oberlinphotography.com A.R. Gurney introduces us to “Sylvia,” a canine rescue that steals the show at Sonoma Arts Live. A truth well-known to most dog owners: Introducing four-legged friends into any family inevitably alters the whole family dynamic. Sylvia, played by tail-wagging, couch-stealing, overly-affectionate human, … Read more
“My Home on the Moon,” written by Minna Lee and superbly directed by Mei Ann Teo at SF Playhouse, creatively spotlights the invasion of Corporate Greed on cultural identity. The talents of Lee and Teo deliver a poignant portrayal of a Vietnamese pho restaurant struggling to save their culture from gentrification. The corporation’s star worker … Read more
Andrea Gordon’s world premiere of “Miriam and Esther go to the Diamond District” at the Magic Theatre blends a fictionalized autobiography, fantasy, opera, and dancing. The plot line is a predictable siblings-come-together-after-parent-dies tale. Miriam and Esther, daughters of a renowned pianist and opera-singing mother, find themselves back in their childhood home after the recent passing of … Read more
“Fences” Spotlights 1950’s Racism Photo: Mark Anthony (Cory), Val Sinckler (Rose), and Keene Hudson (Troy). Photos: Eric Chazankin 6th Street Playhouse presents a captivating production of August Wilson’s renowned play, “Fences,” that skillfully captures the emotional landscape of the African-American experience in the 1950s. Set in 1957, the narrative revolves around the 53-year-old, edgy … Read more
“Swimming With Lesbians” Embarks on a Romantic Voyage by Patricia L. Morin Marga Gomez’s comedic 14th solo show, “Swimming With Lesbians,” at The Marsh, launches us on a wild ride aboard the Celesbian, the lesbian cruise ship headed to the Isle of Lesbo. Using her experience as a lesbian cruise-ship entertainer, she introduces a potpourri … Read more
It’s been quite some time since I laughed this hard. Playwright Dan Goggin’s “Little Sisters of Hoboken” and Father Virgil bring full-speed humor to the stage. From handing random audience members tokens upon entry and quipping, “It’s been a while since you’ve been to confession,” we are thoroughly entertained. What a respite in a world … Read more
In the midst of today’s chaotic world, Coastal Repertory Theatre’s production of “White Christmas” swiftly draws us into the holiday spirit. The infectious “feel-good” atmosphere is accentuated by an impressive multi-set, meticulously crafted by Doug McCurdy. The production radiates vitality through its blend of songs, music, and dance. We are enveloped in a wondrous and … Read more
by Patricia L. Morin I used to relish my New Jersey family’s yearly trip to New York’s Times Square at Christmas time. The bright neon lights from various theaters shining down on us, and the hustle and bustle of elegantly dressed people carrying their exquisitely wrapped packages. The Christmas shows, the Rockettes, the music, the … Read more
by Patricia L. Morin — Front Row Review Top photo: Joseph Patrick O’Malley. Photos by Kevin Berne. Aurora’s groundbreaking adaptation of “1984,” skillfully crafted by the versatile Michael Gene Sullivan, serves as a stark reminder that Orwell’s dystopian vision is now our reality. Many might not remember the whole tale of “1984” but know the … Read more
Benicia’s “Deathtrap” is a gripping dark comedy that maintains tension throughout, leaving the audience in suspense about who can be trusted, and who will survive. In this captivating play, frustrated Sidney Bruhl (Joe Fitzgerald), a once-successful playwright from Westport, Connecticut, sits in his large Victorian wooden-beamed study with an antique desk, old typewriter, and phone. … Read more