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
Originally published at www.theatrius.com Through a unique comedic lens, Patricia Milton targets the growing unethical use of AI by corrupt corporations. A ridiculous company called “Bubble”—a stand in for Google— is struggling to recover from scandals. The conniving CEO Xtopher Wolf (Mike Tuton) needs a “public face” to hide their abuses. Wolf creates a position, … Read more
Originally published at www.theatrius.com As one Nigerian sister exclaims, “When it hits, it hits,” and SF Playhouse’s “Nollywood Dreams” has struck gold. In Jocelyn Bioh’s satirical comedy, set in the 1990s Nigerian movie industry, we experience the early stages of Hollywood film-making. Director Margo Hall takes us under the skin of a soap-opera, making fun … Read more
Originally published at www.theatrius.com The premise of “Overlooked Latinas” is brilliant. Tina D’Elia spotlights the political power of famous 1930s to 50s Latina movie stars in her gripping solo show about Angel, an aspiring lesbian TV writer. As Angel the screenwriter, D’Elia depicts how these mid-Twentieth Century Latinx stars activated a cultural revolution. D’Elia plays … Read more
Originally published at www.theatrius.com As the old TV theme song goes: “They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky,” and never lost for words or songs. The magnanimous and quirky Addams family entertains us from a mansion in the middle of Central Park. The optimistic love bug Uncle Fester (Pat Barr) announces that their lower … Read more
Originally published at www.theatrius.com Brian Copeland greets us as though we were friends whom he invited into his living room to hear a personal story. He amuses us with a tale about spending $100 on his family genealogy, just to discover they came from Africa! Then he pulls out an imaginary paper from an imagined … Read more