Sunday, September 13, 2015

Ann Randolph: Loveland (2015 version): ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼


We just re-read our review of Ann Randolph's "Loveland" from 2009, when it had its debut at the Marsh and our reviewer, a young man then, awarded the show an enthusiastic rating of THREE  STARS WITH TWO BANGLES OF PRAISE. Somehow six years have passed, but though our reviewer may have lost a step, Frannie Potts hasn't aged a day. Her mom hasn't either, nor have any of the other wonderful characters that Randolph brings to life in this brilliant one-woman show. If there is a difference between now and then, we would have to say that the highs are even higher, the laughs longer and the lows more heartfelt. San Francisco is blessed to be the home of some of the best solo artists working and Ann Randolph is a match for the best of them.


We love Shanti Lifegiver, her wellness coach. We love everything about the flight to Ohio, from Frannie's interpretation of what "feel free to move around the cabin" means, to her absolutely side-splitting sexual fantasy with the Captain. And if you're not sold yet, then the concert she gives the patients at her mother's old-folks' home, featuring numbers like "Waddaya Hangin' On For?" and "Take Your Last Breath Now" should put you over the edge.

RATINGS: ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼

The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division awards "Loveland" FOUR STARS this time around. Ann Randolph is better than ever.

"Loveland"
The Marsh
Valencia Street, San Francisco
Saturdays at 5pm, through October 17
$20-$35




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