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Continue reading →: For Talai, Berkeley Rep’s ‘An Octoroon’ an opportunity to spark important conversations about raceSpeak to Amir Talai for any amount of time, and you will learn quickly that he is a pensive man of great conviction and passion. Talai dabbles in many areas – acting, comedy and voice work fill up his vast resume. But he is also an Iranian-American who is passionate…
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Continue reading →: Ramírez finds the heart of an educator in SHN’s Broadway hit ‘Curious’
Maria Elena Ramírez is the perfect person to be starring in a straight play on Broadway. An abundance of straight plays on the Great White Way harken back to a different time, when names like Neil Simon and Arthur Miller ruled Broadway. Nowadays, a straight play on theatre’s highest rent…
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Continue reading →: Review: The Magic’s ‘Grandeur’ a strong examination of the duality of Gil Scott-Heron
For all of the influence and passion Gil Scott-Heron spread among the world in his 40-plus years as an artist, the final chapter of his life was largely a painful, enigmatic existence. This is exemplified beautifully in the set for the Magic Theatre’s strong production of Han Ong’s play “Grandeur.”…
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Continue reading →: Review: It doesn’t get much funner than San Jose Stage’s highly-skilled ‘Avenger’
Watching San Jose Stage’s phenomenal production of “The Toxic Avenger” has all the joy of getting a root canal. That is, if getting a root canal is your favorite way to pass time and your personal pantheon of dental procedures. Or maybe it’s like getting punched in the face for…
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Continue reading →: Review: SHN’s underwhelming ‘Roman Holiday’ is simple and safe
There’s nothing particularly poor about SHN’s latest production, the pre-Broadway premiere of “Roman Holiday.” The principals and ensemble are all mostly entertaining, some nice choreography, a few big showstoppers and a pleasant energy. No, it’s not that there is anything inherently wrong about the show. This piece’s death knell is…
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Continue reading →: Review: A lot to unpack in SF Playhouse’s brilliant ‘Roommate’
The first thing I told my friend upon the conclusion of San Francisco Playhouse’s production of “The Roommate” was this – “Wow, that’s a lot to unpack.” The irony of that statement was completely lost on me. This play, from the moment that the two 50-something women engage in their…
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Continue reading →: The Magic’s ‘Grandeur’ revisits the power and legacy of Gil Scott-Heron
Hearing Gil Scott-Heron speak about his powerful early 1970’s anthem “The Revolution Will Not be Televised,” which was first a spoken poem and then a song, you hear the voice of a man ahead of his time, an urban prophet sublimely in tune with his community and the issues surrounding…
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Continue reading →: Review: Despite flaws, Berkeley Rep’s ‘Monsoon Wedding’ a colorful examination of culture, traditions
Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s “Monsoon Wedding” is loaded with wonderful moments that capture the quintessential story of two worlds that exist within one culture, as both of those cultures bridge their differences for a wedding. And while there are so many great things that happen within the framework of this world…
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Continue reading →: Law fulfills her Destinee to play country icon Patsy Cline for San Jose Musical TheaterIn the short but monumental career of Patsy Cline, the country music icon experienced sublime amounts of pain, heartbreak and devastation. It comes through her iconic voice in songs like “Faded Love,” “Sweet Dreams,” and of course, her signature song “Crazy.” Her mesmerizing vocals were informed by devastating personal loss…
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Continue reading →: Golden Thread’s ‘Autobiography of a Terrorist’ ready to offer laughs and deep conversation
In the world of highly charged rhetoric, the word terrorist has taken on many different connotations. There is a large societal debate on what should be labeled a “terrorist” act. And often these lines are drawn amongst right and left wing ideologies. Evren Odcikin knows how he feels about that…
David John Chávez
Bay Area theater critic/reporter, Executive Chair – American Theatre Critics/Journalists Association, Two-time Pulitzer Prize for Drama jurist (’22-’23). Follow me on socials and say hi! #hellatheatre
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