Bay Area theatre talk with a Drama Guy
Very early on in the Cal Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” a large smear of blood stains the window and doesn’t move for the duration of the performance. This … Continue reading Review: ‘Macbeth’ at Cal Shakes needs to find more unity
There is an urgency to Mrs. Kidd as she blasts into the room to speak to the newly appointed boss, the supremely confident Marlene. And that urgency, inspired by societal … Continue reading Review: A powerful and devastating ‘Top Girls’ at ACT soars
Close your eyes and feel the waves. There is very little more soothing, more life-affirming than hearing a wave crash along a shore line. The delectable beauty of the fiendish, … Continue reading Review: Berkeley Rep’s ‘The Great Wave’ needs more truth from the treacherous waters
When Francis Turnly set out to write a sweeping, epic story of two sisters and their place in two disparate countries, no word was left unturned. Turnly’s first draft of … Continue reading A sweeping storm and a sweeping epic inspires Turnly’s ‘The Great Wave’ at Berkeley Rep
School fight songs will never be found in the great American song book. These mostly banal tributes to the greatness of the alma mater are simplistic in their rhyme scheme … Continue reading Review: Aurora’s ‘Exit Strategy’ finds its heroes, villains
There is a wonderfully tender moment in the musical “Anastasia” when the young Russian woman reflects on one of the most magical memories of her childhood. As the dashing Russians … Continue reading Review: Fascinating history and fabulous tech not enough to save SHN’s ‘Anastasia’
There’s no season better than Fall. Summer’s a bit too hot, Winter’s way too expensive, and Spring throws a head-banging party in my sinuses. Fall, I mean, come on. I’m … Continue reading The Drama Guy’s Fall, 2019 (POC) theatre picks
Alfred Hitchcock was never one to shy away from a great quote. That one about actors and cattle immediately comes to mind. And in finding a humdinger to best describe … Continue reading Review: ‘The 39 Steps’ at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley is fast-paced and frolicking
I’m going to try something out. One of the things I enjoy most about running this site is the ability I have to amplify works from artists of color. I … Continue reading August Color Capsules: Marga is funny, Queer Cats and supporting women’s theatre
One of the most tender moments in a play loaded with them takes place between the linguist George and his wife Mary, a couple in danger of becoming two passing … Continue reading Review: Viewing the way we connect in strong ‘Language Archive’ at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
Amadou Diallo. Malcolm Ferguson. Patrick Dorismond. Earl Murray. Ronald Beasley. Prince Jones. Timothy Thomas. Orlando Barlow. Ousmane Zongo. Alberta Spruill. Timothy Stansbury. James Brisette. Ronald Madison. Henry Glover. Sean Bell. … Continue reading Review: Shotgun’s powerful ‘Kill Move Paradise’ is searing and unsettling
“The Book of Mormon” kicked off the early part of the decade as fierce satire, highly offensive, rude and crude. And years later, as the end of the decade is … Continue reading Review: Rude, crude ‘Book of Mormon’ also delights at Broadway San Jose
