Bay Area theatre talk with a Drama Guy
Upon arriving in Berkeley this past weekend, performer, playwright and teaching artist Nilaja Sun was harshly reminded of the pain and suffering of a natural disaster. The beautiful, blue Bay … Continue reading Sun rises at Berkeley Rep: Solo performer shares stories of devastation and hope in ‘Pike St.’
Three capsules to capture some new and exciting events in the Bay Area’s theatre scene… CROWDED FIRE, EMN AND AXIS JOIN ARTISTIC FORCES Multiple arts organizations are gathering together this … Continue reading Theatre Capsules: Immersive in the City, Circus in the Town, and a new company rises in the East
At first glance, George and Ira Gershwin’s classic show “Crazy for You” seems a lot older than it is. Its base is built from the catalogue of arguably the greatest … Continue reading Altizio finds balance with Polly in Bay Area Musicals’ ‘Crazy for You’
There is no one way to direct a play written by William Shakespeare. What is thrilling about directing a work by the Bard is that it’s an empty canvas. Stage … Continue reading Arabian Shakes’ gets physical with Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’
If you could be another race, what would you be? Well, it seems like it would be pretty cool to be Black. But not like, rich and educated Black, because … Continue reading Review: Powerful ‘Fairview’ at Berkeley Rep asks for truth
Bruce (James Lloyd Reynolds) shares a piece of treasure with his daughter Small Alison (Lila Gold), a memory that Alison (Moira Stone) draws at her drafting table in “Fun Home,” … Continue reading Review: TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s ‘Fun Home’ soars
People who commit horrific crimes and engage in criminal behavior don’t just have a whole new litany of problems as a result of their terrible choices. They also have family … Continue reading Family loyalty is tested in Halfnight’s ‘The Resting Place’ at the Magic
The story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan is one of plenty of joy and triumph, two musical heartbeats discovered in the Cuban community of Miami. Yet despite their success of … Continue reading Review: Passions flow mightily in Broadway San Jose’s electric ‘On Your Feet’
There is nothing Mad Padraic does that’s not loaded with passion. It’s one of the joys of the 2001 Tony-nominated Martin McDonagh play “The Lieutenant of Inishmore,” now running through Oct. 21st at San Jose Stage. Take … Continue reading Review: San Jose Stage’s bloody ‘Lieutenant of Inishmore’ turns black comedy red
Moira Stone is in awe of Alison Bechdel. It’s not just Bechdel’s obvious talent as an author, illustrator, and her critical role in popular culture. It’s not simply her inspiration … Continue reading Stone’s love for Alisons of all sizes is strong in TheatreWorks’ ‘Fun Home’
The three lovely pastors have been working on something, and when they unleash, they unleash hard. By my own count, I saw at least five classic dance moves. There was … Continue reading Review: Amens aplenty for Crowded Fire’s ‘Church’
There is no doubt that Nora has engaged in some thrilling relationships in the 15 years since she famously shut that door on her way out. In those years, there … Continue reading Review: ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2’ stuns and delights at Berkeley Rep
When Brittany Sims walks into the rehearsal room of her latest show, it feels different. Sims did not grow up with reaffirming hashtags such as “Me Too” and “Black Girl … Continue reading Strength and magic the focus of African-American Shakes’ production of ‘For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf’
