-
Continue reading →: Getting laughs in the Bay Area is ‘rough’ business
The Bay Area comedy theatre scene is about to get a little bit “Rougher.” Roughhouse Comedy, a group from San Jose that has branched out from the venerable Comedysportz improvisation troupe, is now focusing on a similar genre. As much as the group still enjoys the stuntman nature of improvisation,…
-
Continue reading →: Review: SHN’s ‘Wizard of Oz’ is comfortable and warm
I have very fond memories of my family’s annual viewing of “The Wizard of Oz” as a kid. Here’s what I remember: As a young Catholic boy, I remember the movie was always on during Lent. Judy Garland was hot. The movie looked so old with the black and white,…
-
Continue reading →: Review: City Lights’ ‘Animals out of Paper’ a sharp, life metaphor
It is certainly important to count your blessings. And it would be lovely to even write some of those down. Even if you find yourself writing down 7,904 of them. Well that’s what Andy does. Andy is a high school teacher, one whose nobility is surpassed only by his passion…
-
Continue reading →: Review: Carole King easy to connect to in wonderful ‘Beautiful’
Carole King seemed like the type of person who was downright sheepish about her fame and her talent. She is a funky, buffoonish kind of gal, a person that is quick to drop a self-deprecating joke on herself, yet was brilliant in her command of the stage, and her abilities…
-
Continue reading →: Review: Strong showcase of Shakespeare’s language in The Pear’s ‘Tempest’
A case can certainly be made that William Shakespeare saved his best play for one of his last plays when writing “The Tempest.” The play is chock-full of passionate language, a reverence for the theatre, and indelible humor that can certainly serve as a wonderful challenge for any true actor.…
-
Continue reading →: Review: Magic of Joplin is channeled for one more night at San Jose Rep
On the Janis Joplin Greatest Hits album, while performing her legendary tune “Ball and Chain,” in the middle of the song, Joplin goes into an earthy monologue about love and living every day as if it’s your last. It’s a bit of an odd transition, but it makes sense based…
-
Continue reading →: San Jose Rep gives audiences one night to recreate the magic of Janis Joplin
Late night talk show host Dick Cavett did some of the most insightful interviews with some of the biggest rock stars in music history. Cavett, whose initial late night show was launched on ABC in 1969, became the go-to interviewer for a who’s who of legendary rock performers. One of…
-
Continue reading →: Review: A family affair at joyful ‘Priscilla’
The coolest thing happened to me the other night. I went to see a play, and a Pride parade broke out. In all my years of attending Broadway shows in San Francisco, I have a hard time remembering being part of a crowd so energized, so raucous, and so ready…
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
Let’s connect
Join the fun!
Stay updated with our latest tutorials and ideas by joining our newsletter.
Bay Area Plays.com 