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Continue reading →: A sharp, biting ‘Sweeney Todd’ at TheatreWorks
The feeling of foreboding, palpable. The London air, thick with fog. And while the air raid siren brings forth the ominous sound of danger to the masses, planting another round of strategic bombs on the UK during World War II, a baker in a small pie shop discovers a recipe…
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Continue reading →: Review: A masterful ‘Pippin’ showcases Paulus’ bold vision
The story of “Pippin” is one that really resonates with the common folk. After all, Pippin is a pretty common man. Like many of his ilk, he searches for an extraordinary life, one of adventure and devoid of banality. And as he searches for that life, he makes beautiful discoveries…
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Continue reading →: Review: ‘Garden’ is good for the Pear
There is an odd pull that seems to grip you when you watch the play “Garden,” running at the Pear Avenue Theatre in Palo Alto until Oct. 5th. Normally, when I am watching a play, I am focused on the show I am watching. I may or may not wonder…
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Continue reading →: On love and polaroids: Gomez’ solo show moves to The Marsh in Berkeley
Ask solo performer and comedienne Marga Gomez about her love life, and she’ll pull no punches. At present, Gomez is three years out of her last relationship, which she says is the longest she has been without someone. But for her, she remains downright philosophical about where she is in…
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Continue reading →: Two plays, two theatres, one cast: Pear Avenue’s newest play defines ambition
Theatre is a pretty simple art form. An actor walks onto the stage, expresses his or her feelings, engages others that share the space, and goes into the wing to get some water, a touch of makeup, or to simply change a costume. Here’s what usually doesn’t happen at the…
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Continue reading →: Review: Words of Hudes’ shine brightly in TheatreWorks’ ‘Water by the Spoonful’
The conversations flow with an edge. Expletives are dished out, but a moderator censors anything that goes against the rules of decorum. No insults. No bad words. Support those who need it. And when dealing with a drug as powerful as crack, for many who frequent this addictive chat room,…
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Continue reading →: ‘Wicked’ in San Jose is solid and sentimental
I have a fairly illustrious history with the musical “Wicked,” the inventive prequel to “The Wizard of Oz.” I had bought tickets to attend the open-ended run in San Francisco back in 2009, and was on my way to the restroom when I found out I had been hired for…
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Continue reading →: Keeling continues his passion for doo-wop in Center REP’s ‘Life Could be a Dream’
Derek Keeling was a young man of 22 when he went to an audition of the Southeastern Theatre Conference, a place where non-equity actors can audition for a multitude of community theatres. It was there that a gentleman who owned a theatre in Michigan came up to Keeling and offered…
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Continue reading →: Fraser finds new challenges in Broadway San Jose’s ‘Wicked’
In anticipation of the return of “Wicked” to the Bay Area this week, Alison Fraser, playing Madame Morrible, sat down to answer questions via email about the show, her character and the importance of “Wicked” in today’s American theatre. The two-time Tony Award nominee joins Emma Hunton as Elphaba, Chandra…
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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