Front Row Reviews

“9 to 5”: LAUGHTER, HARMONY, AND JUSTICE

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

“FAT HAM” SEARS SHAKESPEAREAN MASCULINITY

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

Nunsense, a Fun-Filled Revival

Kristine Ann Lowry, Lauren Sutton-Beattie, Jane Harrington, Tina Smith, Nicole Thordsen “Nunsense” has played in theatres around the world for thirty-nine years. Although somewhat dated, the play seems to find a way to entertain and make us laugh again and again at some of the same bits and puns. Playwright Dan Goggin and Novato Theater … Read more

“Fallin”-Queer Action Heroes Soar

Raye Goh (Day) and John Fisher (The Colonel) “Fallin” at Theatre Rhinoceros (The Rhino) delivers a Queer, captivating, action-packed, spy adventure. Dynamic award-winning playwright, actor, and director John Fisher, “The Colonel,” cleverly blends today’s political climate with sci-fi elements including invisible cloaked assassins, and clones. “Fallin,” a sequel to Fisher’s acclaimed play “Billy,” follows two … Read more

“Noises Off” Spins Social Interactions into Comedy Gold   

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