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Continue reading →: Review: ‘Memphis’ is a musical for the soul
There are plenty of moments in “Memphis” when you want to just stand up. And it’s not because the score is so joyous. It’s because you have an instinct to stop injustice, to cheer idealism, or just to get a tad bit closer to all of that boundless energy. Seeing…
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Continue reading →: Review: Theatreworks’ ’33 Variations’ a smart story that makes Beethoven feel contemporaryThe legendary acting teacher Sanford Meisner shared a story about Ludwig Van Beethoven with one of his acting classes. In Meisner’s own words, “Beethoven was a bastard in real life, you know. He was a real bastard. But his music is pure and based in his real feeling. That is…
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Continue reading →: Review: Pear Avenue’s ‘Cherry Orchard’ tender, gentleOne of the most perceptive descriptions of Anton Chekhov’s work I’ve ever heard was made by a leader of a Chekhov workshop I attended many years back. In her view, Chekhov’s plays and situations could be summed up in the following way – it’s as if the walls are completely…
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Continue reading →: Review: City Lights’ ’44 Presidents’ skewers, informs
There were lots of great facts in City Lights’ Theater Company’s production of “44 Plays for 44 Presidents.” Some of my favorites: – The “Baby Ruth” candy bar was named after Grover Cleveland’s daughter. – Baby Ruth’s taste even better when they are free. – Woodrow Wilson created daylight savings…
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Continue reading →: Theatreworks dives into the mystery of Beethoven’s ’33 Variations’
Ludwig van Beethoven is responsible for some of the most beautiful and passionate music known to man. Listening to pieces like “Pathetique Sonata,” “Fur Elise” and the ubiquitous and passionate “Ninth Symphony,” the music is open and naked for all to hear, yet the man behind it remains shrouded in…
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Continue reading →: Lewis’ spirituality is examined in ‘Screwtape’ this weekend in San Jose
Author C.S. Lewis had a harrowing journey as he navigated his own faith throughout his lifetime. The Irish author, best known for his “Chronicles of Narnia” series of books, grew up in the Irish-Catholic faith, turned to atheism at 15, and returned to Christianity in his early 30’s. His own…
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Continue reading →: Review: Renegade’s phenomenal ‘Collapse’ looks at how we deal with the impossible
Two years ago, my wife and I had ourselves a little bout with insomnia. Up late on a Tuesday night with work hovering over us like a black cloud, a rerun of “Oprah” popped up on the telly. As wonderful as Oprah Winfrey’s show was, it was never recorded on…
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Continue reading →: Review: San Jose Rep’s ‘Novel’ needs to sharpen its truth
Sebastian has a very funny way of going outside to grab kabobs off the grill. Put on a jacket. Make sure the hood covers the head. Walk out onto the patio to the grill, which is a whopping two feet away, grab the food, and then return. While agoraphobia is…
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Continue reading →: From the Archives: A history of Comedysportz San Jose
In the summer of 2009, I began writing a local theatre column for Examiner.com. And one of the first stories I wanted to write was a history of Comedysportz San Jose, the improvisation troupe who has made a major impact on the local theatre scene. I have seen dozens of…
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Continue reading →: Review: An insight into the journalist mind in Theatreworks’ Time Stands Still’
It did not take long for me to learn some harsh lessons about the world of journalism. In my undergrad years, I was able to land a coveted night-beat reporter gig for the Fresno Bee. Working that beat, you see it all – murders, horrific accidents, drug and prostitution stings,…
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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