tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22854639363971658952024-03-18T16:49:57.768-07:00SF Theater BlogDAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.comBlogger558125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-18859439566791730642024-03-18T16:43:00.000-07:002024-03-18T16:49:26.654-07:00"Queen" ★ ★ ★ ★ <p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7NwXWBJOUheBelmHEil_ivn5r_LSPHTTvMO7ROgjxF7zq4fnA46FF8uXn-o2hJeOhnIVAbZqjb49p_29zCPbJdM1k0I7YQoywVhbOFE1ZxOb8oewHUSl_1YST9qAsHxAUViFTWhCIklIg5NCnDYhX7y-LMR_CSlAG5hDnk3cXxos2u1WUV5S0j_V0KTAe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7NwXWBJOUheBelmHEil_ivn5r_LSPHTTvMO7ROgjxF7zq4fnA46FF8uXn-o2hJeOhnIVAbZqjb49p_29zCPbJdM1k0I7YQoywVhbOFE1ZxOb8oewHUSl_1YST9qAsHxAUViFTWhCIklIg5NCnDYhX7y-LMR_CSlAG5hDnk3cXxos2u1WUV5S0j_V0KTAe=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We live in an acrimonious world. There are two sides to every story, yours and the other guy's, and there seems to be little attempt to explore the dangers of opinions pre-cast in stone.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi4tdJYdKum5yT5SHYRueC42YUWrUbtk4nF_3-WntdUH9QRhTkbbQY0og6V7ZEifHPfprGyXT-tScUGuox9mbeiXZDwryTUoyToWCjsdPqMp4nYXsNIV80QkfBDp_mMpxbZ448_wM7wJTd9ZVeGT71cJIxY6LxlsL0XZCH0epQ_nFLh3PSKhZQDl80tpZM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi4tdJYdKum5yT5SHYRueC42YUWrUbtk4nF_3-WntdUH9QRhTkbbQY0og6V7ZEifHPfprGyXT-tScUGuox9mbeiXZDwryTUoyToWCjsdPqMp4nYXsNIV80QkfBDp_mMpxbZ448_wM7wJTd9ZVeGT71cJIxY6LxlsL0XZCH0epQ_nFLh3PSKhZQDl80tpZM=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />This reviewer happens to have a scientist child who is involved in research that may or may not be welcomed by the current political climate. What has to be trusted is the science. Madhuri Shekar's thought-provoking new play, <i>"Queen," </i>opens up the reality of the research world: People do the science, and people have issues of their own that can possibly cloud their results.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Kjerstine Rose Anderson plays Ariel, best friend and research partner of Sanam, played by Uma Paranjpe. Both young women are graduate students at UC Santa Cruz, a minor player in the Harvard/Stanford-dominated world of academia. They are studying the habits of honey bees, whose numbers have been decreasing precipitously over the course of their research. They believe the culprit to be Monsanto, the agrochemical giant, because the bees' decline has corresponded to the introduction of a particularly dangerous pesticide.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLRMW52vfOlgnaFAQatEVz6mPNB8FJJiM3CUQfCZD7tHEwIH1UnHKo_Cf1-CT7_vjxwSga1DL8Ztr5EOYjtLbe6-pJcyah6k5aO4aRjFMpOG1rjfbOmgqNhcIbOoMzbgH5gTGG5lH37FiAAW4jJy4xoYzGPAC6lNd-OyOEjSfM8mQj8f7wBLV93LR4fVH5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></span></p><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLRMW52vfOlgnaFAQatEVz6mPNB8FJJiM3CUQfCZD7tHEwIH1UnHKo_Cf1-CT7_vjxwSga1DL8Ztr5EOYjtLbe6-pJcyah6k5aO4aRjFMpOG1rjfbOmgqNhcIbOoMzbgH5gTGG5lH37FiAAW4jJy4xoYzGPAC6lNd-OyOEjSfM8mQj8f7wBLV93LR4fVH5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLRMW52vfOlgnaFAQatEVz6mPNB8FJJiM3CUQfCZD7tHEwIH1UnHKo_Cf1-CT7_vjxwSga1DL8Ztr5EOYjtLbe6-pJcyah6k5aO4aRjFMpOG1rjfbOmgqNhcIbOoMzbgH5gTGG5lH37FiAAW4jJy4xoYzGPAC6lNd-OyOEjSfM8mQj8f7wBLV93LR4fVH5=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Have you ever tried to talk to your family about politics? No matter what you say, it confirms what they already think. There is a name for this: <u>Confirmation Bias.</u> But what about when what your research is attempting to prove influences what you see and how that research is interpreted? Add into this everyone's desperate search for funding.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWgQaMF2dc7prU_gPO8VAIjzsIWrFT_D0Dmq9qZzJYlmNpxd_ElI2E7trK7h9zacj57lTn0cX7IYhc1FaIy118uQZUJqiQPg8EmDk7MBRPj60w3djJUmuL363EBzCPGFdjnDAcZIO2pN2cIhUC8i7b0b7GCM8iANS2cHeZAXDF1TmgInXotKrhyGBQTBPm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWgQaMF2dc7prU_gPO8VAIjzsIWrFT_D0Dmq9qZzJYlmNpxd_ElI2E7trK7h9zacj57lTn0cX7IYhc1FaIy118uQZUJqiQPg8EmDk7MBRPj60w3djJUmuL363EBzCPGFdjnDAcZIO2pN2cIhUC8i7b0b7GCM8iANS2cHeZAXDF1TmgInXotKrhyGBQTBPm=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><p>Mike Ryan plays a professor anxious to make a name for himself on the back of Ariel and Sanam's research, as long as it supports his theory. His career is riding on a blockbuster publication of this data. </p></span><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAME_beMkCUZm8retlnaDditl2lP0wvefq16NpQ3QGL4Uvz5SzApY9pDLVVWJ5uWIhfRWAs2fiKolTaH8aygiAa9zpkfsa04i8DvXneJlCCQfl5qn2dCAcJUK-TSsK58QPhoZhwMqfEvuCe4LeEHuJ9f3m5hBEzgIT2R8XJYVtFe3rugC6yuR-DtjUFHoX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAME_beMkCUZm8retlnaDditl2lP0wvefq16NpQ3QGL4Uvz5SzApY9pDLVVWJ5uWIhfRWAs2fiKolTaH8aygiAa9zpkfsa04i8DvXneJlCCQfl5qn2dCAcJUK-TSsK58QPhoZhwMqfEvuCe4LeEHuJ9f3m5hBEzgIT2R8XJYVtFe3rugC6yuR-DtjUFHoX=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile, Deven Kolluri plays Arvind, an Indian-American derivatives analyst whose obnoxious character flaws as a potential boyfriend for Sanam seem impossible to overcome. But he sees the world for what it is, not what it might be. What we see is not necessarily what we get. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Congratulations to Ms. Shekar and Director Miriam A. Laube for bringing us back to the honeybees, and to nature as well as common sense. The twist at the curtain makes for a honey of an ending.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiipAuw0p4MecHrfKWpnOt-sTkxXShXZ7aB2zZedZdKdU427pgGFjEB3cWfGQcHrV_sbQWvUOXa86zJ0R8lDHGhyfBEk46qcDAAHmWjTil-zew1Ddv5qWxQR5Iof2XwGbteX9Xnrb7mpi3xBacTJvjzzyR9dA5LPUt121WiHZ32Br-Q6f7SczHGaywHHFkC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiipAuw0p4MecHrfKWpnOt-sTkxXShXZ7aB2zZedZdKdU427pgGFjEB3cWfGQcHrV_sbQWvUOXa86zJ0R8lDHGhyfBEk46qcDAAHmWjTil-zew1Ddv5qWxQR5Iof2XwGbteX9Xnrb7mpi3xBacTJvjzzyR9dA5LPUt121WiHZ32Br-Q6f7SczHGaywHHFkC=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">RATINGS: ★ ★ ★ ★ </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog grants FOUR STARS to Madhuri Shekar's "Queen." Story, acting and staging (we love those drop-down study lights) earn one star each and the honesty of the ending earns another. This show gives us hope. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"QUEEN"</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lucie Stern Theatre</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Through 3/31/24</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">$27-$100</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-50491370680619852622024-03-15T12:21:00.000-07:002024-03-15T12:21:15.682-07:00"The 39 Steps": ★★★ baub baub<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-g8we26zVfuKgTDfu1Zd_DSToBLDzQM-bEseJL3suKbLYd6Jzzj0xd67GIoBmV6T6UhnxBLJ9ljfy-JjU2RYDJ_YAe1LGOnaQvULy7eFk1WwFzbHcnT7ISrmdtsM2mx4SkOjuHzJ9-J0xZOJrAUnq-9b0KTyAKGqrWmZCU5ZnHofGqhMs5diTLkVOeRnh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-g8we26zVfuKgTDfu1Zd_DSToBLDzQM-bEseJL3suKbLYd6Jzzj0xd67GIoBmV6T6UhnxBLJ9ljfy-JjU2RYDJ_YAe1LGOnaQvULy7eFk1WwFzbHcnT7ISrmdtsM2mx4SkOjuHzJ9-J0xZOJrAUnq-9b0KTyAKGqrWmZCU5ZnHofGqhMs5diTLkVOeRnh=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> This is our third time around for "The 39 Steps," the previous two productions being in 2011 and 2019. We are happy to report San Francisco Playhouse's production has as much clowning and craziness as the others. Patrick Barlow's adaptation from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film is brilliantly achieved, with four actors playing a multitude of parts, often within seconds of each other. The costume changes and character switches are the best part of the show, as the audience delights in figuring out who is what and why.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We must first mention Susi Damilano's direction, as a LOT is going on at once and the choreography must be perfect. And we loved both clowns: Greg Ayres and Renee Rogoff.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh80augMNdzibDyotlrniK8eoNzzGK25ko5lnbic4xmQ0d7VbAWJ7c7Y9UA47cZWe2kNwBzRLc1cIpZpjhEQ8COSTkEI2Q9Ub1bhJl5DXGAYrRm73u6V8PVQTIIn6V3fe9T0zCmYI4WcWNX1ROCyT-ahHlEKiIfmtTne0lt3jkjJXwntLfDpzx-efNRikvx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh80augMNdzibDyotlrniK8eoNzzGK25ko5lnbic4xmQ0d7VbAWJ7c7Y9UA47cZWe2kNwBzRLc1cIpZpjhEQ8COSTkEI2Q9Ub1bhJl5DXGAYrRm73u6V8PVQTIIn6V3fe9T0zCmYI4WcWNX1ROCyT-ahHlEKiIfmtTne0lt3jkjJXwntLfDpzx-efNRikvx=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">These two are what make a rather mundane spy story into a farcical romp. They might be phony detectives or a Scottish couple operating a hotel on the moors, but wherever they go we accompany them gratefully, laughing all the way.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The two leads, Phil Wong as Richard Hannay and Maggie Mason as Pamela plus any number of tempting molls, appear to be having a great time on stage. They share a glorious comic scene as she must unlatch her garter belt and remove her stockings while handcuffed to her proper Englishman who refuses to look.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFC8FzxYCooBmt8qDhMgbvvw1ftiIbWI9lg2DS5YIvTsTD4DtjzM96kaLSH6yKK0J7rGIcq2S7CYrLyltsqCZXlCJxxhoYtcwrVYXk36az-dk-ogSRmMq0of6i6EijkY5gfyMKlfjnk2-qRofSF3dhpWsgPosdApWql9Ldn0O-PzrSy7Bv5UvRH8zbASyH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFC8FzxYCooBmt8qDhMgbvvw1ftiIbWI9lg2DS5YIvTsTD4DtjzM96kaLSH6yKK0J7rGIcq2S7CYrLyltsqCZXlCJxxhoYtcwrVYXk36az-dk-ogSRmMq0of6i6EijkY5gfyMKlfjnk2-qRofSF3dhpWsgPosdApWql9Ldn0O-PzrSy7Bv5UvRH8zbASyH=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Phil Wong's role calls for restraint and this is what we get. His character is kind of blank, though. We knew Henry Higgins was a self-centered, entitled snob. We know nothing about Richard Hannay. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFEKV0MHpHtfpgfxzwYbY3YlHHnWOU9Na2ng06w_12Jag_3wR0P8NP-1dFs3SmB5eVkkU2q3OSDvW4TVqieDGtPQ2040s_ZMZAUr2j5uHjSxIdvdYUGri6ptGizLdb_Q_xGPioae9VuemTpJVYCT7y4hxdU8BJKG7GYXpyx0s6cZXfH2QHVUS5cQ28Kq2I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1631" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFEKV0MHpHtfpgfxzwYbY3YlHHnWOU9Na2ng06w_12Jag_3wR0P8NP-1dFs3SmB5eVkkU2q3OSDvW4TVqieDGtPQ2040s_ZMZAUr2j5uHjSxIdvdYUGri6ptGizLdb_Q_xGPioae9VuemTpJVYCT7y4hxdU8BJKG7GYXpyx0s6cZXfH2QHVUS5cQ28Kq2I=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Maggie Mason can carry her slapstick humor further, and the further she goes the more we like it.The Scottish hotel scene is hard to beat. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmETdYFz_TlMPulckz8yN6Bw0mXm1uYGyNmkrLWAqYt1Y5spbleT0mHMO9Ek9cmN2w1yseOkEwz04aziBzjBp1D_najeabGuar9LwUa9wtAOFqf7sQj-A1xLKQxD0hkFTom-eUSN60V8qclpdG01xmtQAIHdptAIvQiR4IUmEl0JCu-UVvoTav8y6y-8qO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmETdYFz_TlMPulckz8yN6Bw0mXm1uYGyNmkrLWAqYt1Y5spbleT0mHMO9Ek9cmN2w1yseOkEwz04aziBzjBp1D_najeabGuar9LwUa9wtAOFqf7sQj-A1xLKQxD0hkFTom-eUSN60V8qclpdG01xmtQAIHdptAIvQiR4IUmEl0JCu-UVvoTav8y6y-8qO=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Ms. Mason takes a wonderful turn as Margaret, the randy Scottish lass peeking in the window.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRD4m_26B96SnO0MMjHByzWfx8KolN4BDuN9s3rdiKvOLsiCC9qdrtPKX38iS9ChSxdu1Y_seJU_E1EgTboxpiTH_cadDkqG9HBFs3JpuLXDDThXY__sXUB10SPNiSb4XPXYvihLvTf-megB4fd4nzPchJw415x8qRQBH_A6ETTz5OMf0n9OhjYjFK8C-0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRD4m_26B96SnO0MMjHByzWfx8KolN4BDuN9s3rdiKvOLsiCC9qdrtPKX38iS9ChSxdu1Y_seJU_E1EgTboxpiTH_cadDkqG9HBFs3JpuLXDDThXY__sXUB10SPNiSb4XPXYvihLvTf-megB4fd4nzPchJw415x8qRQBH_A6ETTz5OMf0n9OhjYjFK8C-0=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">RATINGS ★★★ baub baub</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants "The 39 Steps" THREE STARS with <i>TWO BANGLES OF PRAISE. </i>Bangle One is for Phil Wong's McCorquodale's political speech, which made us realize once again that this is an election year, and Bangle Two goes to Greg Ayres for his incomprehensible Scottish achhhh-cent, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">"The 39 Steps"</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">San Francisco Playhouse</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">450 Post Street</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2d Floor of Kensington Hotel</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Through April 20, 2024</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">$15-$125</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi21JNlF99FWiRhIF1AxPVGDYnUm0J0BMPblD2B79XKkrNdublhBRjl2FMBmm_DrY8rxZrt7RtQ9aHdAmHd4f3iISNvEY2-qkB5wod-rrQdC_8Q_hbDvh_G1mnKO9GhCHIml2zmBFqmsAji1cIafw4nWwhfIjzWDQ-B0_wLNVBWChCpgTPoqQg4BMJHy5Bl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-36250652971013215622024-03-04T21:28:00.000-08:002024-03-04T21:28:58.917-08:00Dirty White Teslas Make Me Sad : UNRATED<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqF7SVf_vEPGV8x5wPztFfY9Ug3l2BRlvBn1_AGkmYLofy68Hm6KlBgzSQniWoZugsjOdrpMSgwbCCh3qZkcT7JGnb-dV7GUA6x1MMkYctBsSllhxz4jIN6pcT6uG7ej4CFhFw5SOv9_EIxtiPLzRgZp0p4Bfl6SgDxMzPYp3JFIDVksmVoncDmgf5fpq5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="1232" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqF7SVf_vEPGV8x5wPztFfY9Ug3l2BRlvBn1_AGkmYLofy68Hm6KlBgzSQniWoZugsjOdrpMSgwbCCh3qZkcT7JGnb-dV7GUA6x1MMkYctBsSllhxz4jIN6pcT6uG7ej4CFhFw5SOv9_EIxtiPLzRgZp0p4Bfl6SgDxMzPYp3JFIDVksmVoncDmgf5fpq5=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br />Ashley Smiley has grabbed on to a terrific metaphor: the Tesla, symbol of white entitlement, which the owners don’t even bother to wash, giving those who cannot afford the basics of a decent life, let alone a luxury car, to feel even more abandoned and left behind.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwdgR2dZtscwxgMm37EWq1cgnbVNQD4av98RKllr66EkXTkpcqm5cS2pOLti38J-EI14VjTfwyGbUVfWPDZTUteI6p_KYddUhRRY0dCKtiNaheevBrL6FCM3eKfxAgu4XlbgRZpN0jjD9Wzuyn5iyUBjFHD6TRHNoizApBFw7VHQeGEEOBaFzT1uXjEauR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="1232" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwdgR2dZtscwxgMm37EWq1cgnbVNQD4av98RKllr66EkXTkpcqm5cS2pOLti38J-EI14VjTfwyGbUVfWPDZTUteI6p_KYddUhRRY0dCKtiNaheevBrL6FCM3eKfxAgu4XlbgRZpN0jjD9Wzuyn5iyUBjFHD6TRHNoizApBFw7VHQeGEEOBaFzT1uXjEauR=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Her new play, directed by Raelle Myrick-Hodges, is having its premiere at the Magic Theater. It shows promise. Tanika Baptiste plays the mom who is being evicted from her San Francisco home, for unexplained causes that seem to have to do with gentrification. She and her daughter Naima have three days to move everything they own across the bay to Oakland, but Naima isn’t having it. She gets involved in a shadowy plot with her uncle (Juan Manuel Amador) to…well, maybe it’s to steal Teslas or maybe it’s to link them together in some sort of revolutionary statement. Or maybe it’s just to get high. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfn6__dI3dx7dSVl5zWY27SV208eGr-X64YqgVuUCrqJ8GD7xV6RSkA6Y33YC3q9er1SrFMJbvR_zt_LhJXwwV6xxLbdcQoBnheZwnx-74mEpc8tQocVzvHKkeoB9EObzpoGuS14J_Olpll7S-aPSB0-kpxHqKHdZQbpP-dPZ3JqtCGPp3K3JqZnvFNiNT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="2400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfn6__dI3dx7dSVl5zWY27SV208eGr-X64YqgVuUCrqJ8GD7xV6RSkA6Y33YC3q9er1SrFMJbvR_zt_LhJXwwV6xxLbdcQoBnheZwnx-74mEpc8tQocVzvHKkeoB9EObzpoGuS14J_Olpll7S-aPSB0-kpxHqKHdZQbpP-dPZ3JqtCGPp3K3JqZnvFNiNT=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />No getting around it, a first play is a first play. We aren’t really sure what was at stake here. One of our problems may have been that the dialogue is young, black slang and we are neither. The show definitely needs an ending: we have read the script and see how the story is supposed to end, but very little of that was evident on stage on Opening Night. “Dirty White Teslas” is still a crackerjack idea that needs to have a story coalesce around it.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>RATINGS: UNRATED</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division has chosen not to rate “Dirty White Teslas Make Me Sad.” This is a first show from a playwright who shows promise. One word of caution: there are no reserved seats. We suggest arriving early to sit in the middle section. Our seats were on the side and much of the show was inaudible.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>“Dirty White teslas Make Me Sad”</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Magic Theatre</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Fort Mason, Building D</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Through March 17, 2024</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>$30-$75</b></span></p><p><br /></p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-65559247078135366792024-02-01T15:34:00.000-08:002024-02-01T16:52:44.833-08:00My Home on the Moon ★★★ BANG<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsk9CG41gexh5IQmGDsxc1sNsHGOecQzqXEeZBnM-6NkPLgA7pZ-vB4qSIJRYZoDsexlnFgtPCrw05FuYd7B-uhawMyJDnrpwuGGsSTBY7hEfO7HLDqbaG9eA8mHZGHwNcgX_uTRWtZBBEYFyU_MGWNh8a1hzey-96xA9ZTH2xjzdRaILUphcll9HANOS4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsk9CG41gexh5IQmGDsxc1sNsHGOecQzqXEeZBnM-6NkPLgA7pZ-vB4qSIJRYZoDsexlnFgtPCrw05FuYd7B-uhawMyJDnrpwuGGsSTBY7hEfO7HLDqbaG9eA8mHZGHwNcgX_uTRWtZBBEYFyU_MGWNh8a1hzey-96xA9ZTH2xjzdRaILUphcll9HANOS4=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><p>This review is being generated by Ronald The Review Bot, an exclusive presentation of San Francisco Theater Blog.</p></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>OK, NOT.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />But what if A.I. could create a review that was so lovely and inviting that all you readers would clamor to climb right onto the page and live your own dream of a perfect life?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP9G3YxURSsAk7DEZ6umI_49KZohc8o8FV_l8wwQPSpjAj_7LX3nfjq9YN4cmKOuuHrOiwbSvyaFtQNg3mrBdNEET_It_vmzjimjNml24vLNPDEbJ_30pHTJS-7Juduulw9FzW1MeiF_O8Z3o0gInNV-XhKJlAi8xijfhKQI9_PBo2YQo6ysj7lgB_8l7q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1822" data-original-width="2450" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP9G3YxURSsAk7DEZ6umI_49KZohc8o8FV_l8wwQPSpjAj_7LX3nfjq9YN4cmKOuuHrOiwbSvyaFtQNg3mrBdNEET_It_vmzjimjNml24vLNPDEbJ_30pHTJS-7Juduulw9FzW1MeiF_O8Z3o0gInNV-XhKJlAi8xijfhKQI9_PBo2YQo6ysj7lgB_8l7q=w640-h476" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />San Francisco Playhouse's newest show, "My Home on the Moon," written by Minna Lee and directed by Mei Ann Teo, will make you think about questions like this. The World Premiere gave us a crazy but totally involving story, including terrific acting, a fabulous set and a puzzle not unraveled until the very end. All along, we find ourselves confronting the issue that haunts us all: Who is in charge here?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Rinabeth Apostol steals the show as Vera, the strangely appealing Marketing Consultant from Novus Corp. We won't give anything away to say Vera is, perhaps, not quite what she may seem. We have seen Apostol in several previous roles - we now see she is a gifted physical comic. Sharon Omi and Jenny Nguyen Nelson are the owner and chef at Pho Lan, a failing Vietnamese restaurant with no customers, about to be bulldozed under for not paying rent. Until Vera appears. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKaU1zmP4A--p7dxeF4EQXhsOdCSd6L8GYvNWKx1M1K5ArgvaTCKz2z2xI15ipD4hDlmK6qdaja9-Z1DHl8aYjk7d_CLczWd4FEwAZ0lNSbV8wXtC25U9QKcH2kXe1wJ_ypGQSj_x9F7yi4WPGXrVrTdtR-l4SZhVkqkd3c-kPHY6TJJTCOtPc3yOprZE6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKaU1zmP4A--p7dxeF4EQXhsOdCSd6L8GYvNWKx1M1K5ArgvaTCKz2z2xI15ipD4hDlmK6qdaja9-Z1DHl8aYjk7d_CLczWd4FEwAZ0lNSbV8wXtC25U9QKcH2kXe1wJ_ypGQSj_x9F7yi4WPGXrVrTdtR-l4SZhVkqkd3c-kPHY6TJJTCOtPc3yOprZE6=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Vera has all the answers.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Is the algorithm smarter than the heart?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Who gets to decide what is real?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And if you thought you had found your own perfect heaven, would you cver want to leave?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Ronald the Review Bot doesn't have any answers. Neither does Will Dao, food critic. Perhaps you will. Go see this terrific new show and let us know.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghpQNrU8F7fUXcqeLIX07yzrzVAIDWUMwK9IHNyboaMlxPYQgVVaCF1Mo1_GSrFBt1pgLfQGnv6iMfIBNh8z_Uyvv57wEc3EiUgjpI8Eth9AeactvpU5a2RzaL9K3uiEajQ7dSv5c1bv5Sw614YsltFsOTRcwrX6y8H0t9V426TEoLmvi9T5ip6kGVJ-Dh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghpQNrU8F7fUXcqeLIX07yzrzVAIDWUMwK9IHNyboaMlxPYQgVVaCF1Mo1_GSrFBt1pgLfQGnv6iMfIBNh8z_Uyvv57wEc3EiUgjpI8Eth9AeactvpU5a2RzaL9K3uiEajQ7dSv5c1bv5Sw614YsltFsOTRcwrX6y8H0t9V426TEoLmvi9T5ip6kGVJ-Dh=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">RATINGS </span><b>★★★ <i>BANG<br /></i></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Review Generator, also known as Doug, gives "My Home on the Moon" Three Stars with a <i>Bangle of Praise.</i> Special shout-out to Erin Mei-Ling Stuart as a spot-on Tech CEO. She really gives us the creeps. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpoBd07RQioMVjq2FhocgtnAEzS83pLOCslP7vyx5leZHA3B-G1fKs4JvuPZcGgF-IQMR_fmOP57-Oqz0o_KQFHtnyvEIhVH_eAy6fXWn8WF_Momhg-eRv8afP836Rf0JAsS0VZm6na5NOYbp-OM7qZXol8k-LSfOXfrD-q1UxxCN1zxTird5lNqIEKbiC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1794" data-original-width="2450" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpoBd07RQioMVjq2FhocgtnAEzS83pLOCslP7vyx5leZHA3B-G1fKs4JvuPZcGgF-IQMR_fmOP57-Oqz0o_KQFHtnyvEIhVH_eAy6fXWn8WF_Momhg-eRv8afP836Rf0JAsS0VZm6na5NOYbp-OM7qZXol8k-LSfOXfrD-q1UxxCN1zxTird5lNqIEKbiC=w640-h468" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><p>The only thing we don't get is the big noodle. </p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But, hey. We love it. We've been served a delicious night of theater that leaves us hungry for more.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"My Home on the Moon"</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>San Francisco Playhouse</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>450 Post St., 2d floor of Kensington Hotel</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Through Mar 12</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>$25-$125</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-47341940941427053352024-01-26T10:39:00.000-08:002024-01-26T10:45:41.326-08:00August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned: ★ ★ ★ ★<p> </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUJRY-jUKxNxYbrJnCtS7_Sp91Qxi5QWiUrnpX4zbFr1cUGkOghIj87D0RkOZPzOK5tT5rTVxg2q88Kj1B4yDyicjTRkOXLyN-wbpTAsH6ATiACQ-6wzCNzjsikpXgvbbNoZydYOG7LihzbCsVnLEzthfpyT9nsUDdu19yga21KzH80UN6YuryQd6R6gP6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUJRY-jUKxNxYbrJnCtS7_Sp91Qxi5QWiUrnpX4zbFr1cUGkOghIj87D0RkOZPzOK5tT5rTVxg2q88Kj1B4yDyicjTRkOXLyN-wbpTAsH6ATiACQ-6wzCNzjsikpXgvbbNoZydYOG7LihzbCsVnLEzthfpyT9nsUDdu19yga21KzH80UN6YuryQd6R6gP6=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />When we last saw this terrific one-man show, it wasn't so terrific. A show with only one actor depends on that actor, and on that particular night in 2019 Steven Anthony Jones fumbled his lines and gave a disjointed performance. We closed our review by saying we couldn't wait to see the show again when the production would be smoother.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLD7TedgYOFnY_c5oP8bJ_8U4qjFwF8UFO00UDvVCjr27u1x9uXoXRRgoUJd8H3j-MVRHi4xHZqm3Chtkh1sFfHpS-BpirIV7IMHPPgfDgjzLGgOgNDbUbDr4u035XY7mPLNDW1TaLm203radzKjQrXybneMg09S58yJs3BoLSVOUdgz5esPxIbdMvL3ID" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1782" data-original-width="2450" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLD7TedgYOFnY_c5oP8bJ_8U4qjFwF8UFO00UDvVCjr27u1x9uXoXRRgoUJd8H3j-MVRHi4xHZqm3Chtkh1sFfHpS-BpirIV7IMHPPgfDgjzLGgOgNDbUbDr4u035XY7mPLNDW1TaLm203radzKjQrXybneMg09S58yJs3BoLSVOUdgz5esPxIbdMvL3ID=w640-h466" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">That moment has arrived. Theatreworks' 2024 production of "August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned" feels flawless. Originally performed in 2003 by Wilson himself, two years before he died, Jones has crawled into August Wilson's body. Every word feels as gruff and honest as Wilson himself, and although we wish the author would have included a few vignettes about a few of his plays, with which we are already so familiar, the personal details about being Black in America hit as hard as they did when Wilson wrote them. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Perhaps this blending of actor and author has a lot to do with the direction of Tim Bond, who was a friend of August Wilson. Steven Anthony Jones, for years the Artistic Director of the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, along with Bond, </span><span>make us laugh at all times, even when describing the travails of a black kid in The Hill District of Pittsburgh. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiosctatmdChNK_HmHgJ8twoOTdgrVU7SJppHbWzzDwuoW8or_UoidgTCdzzfNd0G1QJ16JA3zL-ulVxNos4C1NPyWTNCNSRDaeDhCHNp9t_VV1HhyE5bHfcx0d5MywGNbSxCpFNuzknFfClurLC_ud-dPXlweac6B02uYdOZmekIZzDrHb3fxUnqBoStuE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiosctatmdChNK_HmHgJ8twoOTdgrVU7SJppHbWzzDwuoW8or_UoidgTCdzzfNd0G1QJ16JA3zL-ulVxNos4C1NPyWTNCNSRDaeDhCHNp9t_VV1HhyE5bHfcx0d5MywGNbSxCpFNuzknFfClurLC_ud-dPXlweac6B02uYdOZmekIZzDrHb3fxUnqBoStuE=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>If you want to tell your own story, it never hurts to be as grand a writer as August Wilson. You get to be the hero and your ideals are noble, even when they boil down to </span><span>"Being a young man, I desired female companionship." </span><span>Jones, Bond and the production of Giovanna Sardelli insure that we never stop rooting for our hero. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Special shout-outs to Nina Ball's scenic design, crucial for a one-man show, and the sound and projections of Rasean Davonté Johnson. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">That section about John Coltrane -- <u>Goose-bumps. Magnificent.</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP26bH5Td4Qe-UAPBGMsIuVd1JjAuxWDRmc4pcuixGxB6CzZTgTD_GkgE4lxiLUAyMMbn6SEz0dAhoQpkE_DcVnN5HcNpnlAnM4jnCnUy4F87F-svbBdKn6p0QCHjCBgIRvlvjGtKwE8vvqz_nj85-66vl2-EvY7welELyaBkc1QNIQ1kG9A58jeBs1dve" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2450" data-original-width="1633" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP26bH5Td4Qe-UAPBGMsIuVd1JjAuxWDRmc4pcuixGxB6CzZTgTD_GkgE4lxiLUAyMMbn6SEz0dAhoQpkE_DcVnN5HcNpnlAnM4jnCnUy4F87F-svbBdKn6p0QCHjCBgIRvlvjGtKwE8vvqz_nj85-66vl2-EvY7welELyaBkc1QNIQ1kG9A58jeBs1dve=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">RATINGS </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">★★★★</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division is pleased to grant FOUR STARS to "August Wilson's "How I Learned What I Learned." Stephen Anthony Jones is five years older than when we last saw him do this role. He knows it in and out now. Thank you for a memorable night of theatre.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">-------</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned"</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mountain View Center for Performing Arts</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>500 Castro Street, Mountain View</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Through Feb. 3, 2024</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$27-$84</span></p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-87345773058234768762023-12-18T11:51:00.000-08:002023-12-19T14:35:23.365-08:00Circus Bella: "Kaleidoscope" ★★★★ <p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOSjD5gHx-KIwdJYAnt6gWMyvCantTtzDW5eLmSmnaEhL6tWhfYWegrKgvCTAQxH2xOqYpkWAztt6OYk0YmdokVJYkiwj-Udqf7NnMJN4qAkhjxerP0Wo8PwyYHANrVOG3WoW-gx0GD9KBrOI3DlpXUOsNa2yOM7lFSbRnPxueWh-mnn-ECiafdHergdCj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="2810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOSjD5gHx-KIwdJYAnt6gWMyvCantTtzDW5eLmSmnaEhL6tWhfYWegrKgvCTAQxH2xOqYpkWAztt6OYk0YmdokVJYkiwj-Udqf7NnMJN4qAkhjxerP0Wo8PwyYHANrVOG3WoW-gx0GD9KBrOI3DlpXUOsNa2yOM7lFSbRnPxueWh-mnn-ECiafdHergdCj=w635-h640" width="635" /><br /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Turn off the talking heads, close the depressing newspaper and rush downtown to the candy-colored Big Top at Howard and Main. There is no better prescription for what has been ailing us all than to take in a ninety-minute shot of Circus Bella's "Kaleidoscope." From the opening musical segment, played with fire by the rocking and costumed band, all the way through segment after segment of jugglers, clowns, aerial straphangers, contortionists and daredevils, individually and in groups, each act displaying the kind of artistry that can only have come from years of dedication and hard work -- all the way through to the finale with everyone gathered on stage before a cheering audience -- this is what we need, folks. No snark. No screeds. Just magic and fun.</span><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3hOs7C46ixyfX1V1iFK_N06zZyoS5CLn3yK6BJosf0oYm16BKm99ML1VvBW3ojBFt4nN1OjAMRSwT_opKoaMCIoMSSqLXqQadTfl-Hjm3FhuPj02woQXDj1IL1P0nL_JyH4T-xqHBnJMi2htkFAqjg6lcUCm_jWKA9ERENoXhW7xqyWtaciLpqCEm9S6_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="855" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3hOs7C46ixyfX1V1iFK_N06zZyoS5CLn3yK6BJosf0oYm16BKm99ML1VvBW3ojBFt4nN1OjAMRSwT_opKoaMCIoMSSqLXqQadTfl-Hjm3FhuPj02woQXDj1IL1P0nL_JyH4T-xqHBnJMi2htkFAqjg6lcUCm_jWKA9ERENoXhW7xqyWtaciLpqCEm9S6_=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We particularly loved Veronica Blair's Aerial Strap routine. How can anyone with shoulders that strong perform so gracefully while twenty feet in the air? Ori Quesada doesn't seem to have any muscles at all but the man can put on his shoes while balancing on a plank suspended over a ball. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh, and the clowns, each with his or her own segment as an individual performer but coming together to keep everyone laughing several times during each act. We couldn't take our eyes off the remarkable Natasha Kaluza, the "Super Duper Hula Hooper," who dances and high steps while cracking us all up. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEc4IU-nAf8l32supuuyFsmI3kwDEzsVRQUa3T9LVdQdKlEtWbsxBuzcwqHaH62an6H0P3fVI5TPZsjoNvPLwNAeMoBFzRYkJyvcb35bpV2ao26Xu2DgR81rqZTaHAYzQnp70ghYq0eEd66o_rEoq2vvoA6nAlSGL6FHNnZRW2WNkhKZSnCXiYaetPDeXS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3841" data-original-width="5377" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEc4IU-nAf8l32supuuyFsmI3kwDEzsVRQUa3T9LVdQdKlEtWbsxBuzcwqHaH62an6H0P3fVI5TPZsjoNvPLwNAeMoBFzRYkJyvcb35bpV2ao26Xu2DgR81rqZTaHAYzQnp70ghYq0eEd66o_rEoq2vvoA6nAlSGL6FHNnZRW2WNkhKZSnCXiYaetPDeXS=w640-h458" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Special thanks to Director and ringmaster Abagail Munn, and to Musical Director Rob Reich's six-piece band, playing his fantastic score. That music keeps our feet tapping and hands clapping while we are otherwise occupied Ooohing and Aaaahing. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But don't take our word for it. We hope the city will make a tradition out of Circus Bella, especially during Holiday Season. Right now, they are only here through December 31. If you don't have a clown car, take Muni. But do it soon. </span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWAes_9U3TSyb6YR4cWwykmw1kfiXBFtF2ab5MekRZka-8FFizAt1XiLqvRpMiqx5UVwZXQnxT058agzoL-JQ9gzCXZ6_yT9ResivVCUW8i57kJtsiWQo9NMl2IqJBQSOu6UQLcCRq6grXPaEErj6UJOPHldrtTauRuxcTle_5-e2heYsDl2UaXedThXhx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4020" data-original-width="6042" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWAes_9U3TSyb6YR4cWwykmw1kfiXBFtF2ab5MekRZka-8FFizAt1XiLqvRpMiqx5UVwZXQnxT058agzoL-JQ9gzCXZ6_yT9ResivVCUW8i57kJtsiWQo9NMl2IqJBQSOu6UQLcCRq6grXPaEErj6UJOPHldrtTauRuxcTle_5-e2heYsDl2UaXedThXhx=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">RATINGS: ★★★★ </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants Four Big Fat Joyful Stars to "Kaleidoscope" by Circus Bella. </span><span style="font-size: large;">This show is just one more fabulous thing about our city. </span><span style="font-size: large;">We haven't had this much fun since we won the World Series. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> -------</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Circus Bella's "Kaleidoscope"</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Crossing at East Cut</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Main and Howard Streets, San Francisco</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Through Dec. 31, 2023</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>$55-$85</b></span></p><p><br /></p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-53730942008826783342023-10-29T14:56:00.000-07:002023-10-29T14:56:47.901-07:00Mélia Mills: "The Allure of Thug Life" ★★★★<p><br /><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigQQ7kTy7aWkkShi8uURdTtzCoP91TT-bAO8cK-bJ6gSF9I2_9Bimhebws71mGI3hUQLr9E0YwTbnTmite9BvWlnPAC3qw_ZAPW-OrfhAttayeVWSB-ecBRPgvKg-PDQ1jEkVkup0DcI5LqGCErrESmXhM37-nhwkCCy4IfNfspZu4gRwJEUWYR480sxUM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigQQ7kTy7aWkkShi8uURdTtzCoP91TT-bAO8cK-bJ6gSF9I2_9Bimhebws71mGI3hUQLr9E0YwTbnTmite9BvWlnPAC3qw_ZAPW-OrfhAttayeVWSB-ecBRPgvKg-PDQ1jEkVkup0DcI5LqGCErrESmXhM37-nhwkCCy4IfNfspZu4gRwJEUWYR480sxUM=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Almost impossible</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>This Hip-Hopsical </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Is sweet as a Popsicle </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>And has no obstacle. </b></span></p><div style="text-align: center;">This is why some people rap and some people write reviews.</div></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">-------</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let's be up-front about this: "Mélia Mills' "The Allure of Thug Life" is the most refreshing new show we've seen in a long while. She's a classy performer coming into theater through a brand new door. And a filled-up audience tells you it's working.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5Mz8gVF6GOidyG1_HvcA4zJqVvuHUhXtB4lRLCP2epVGUo1ePd5b4BmmliZv1OvOn9s2t6pePA9YtwhmMSQKoA8-exebkpVUjxe0qx3IllK6OQtmVrOFPqXGDCUlzxiZLO8MhwLI0bWbI03pYSV_XZM6YQGk1wlD3B0tLZ_NuNYQn141wzkJsIF-Bmj3y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5Mz8gVF6GOidyG1_HvcA4zJqVvuHUhXtB4lRLCP2epVGUo1ePd5b4BmmliZv1OvOn9s2t6pePA9YtwhmMSQKoA8-exebkpVUjxe0qx3IllK6OQtmVrOFPqXGDCUlzxiZLO8MhwLI0bWbI03pYSV_XZM6YQGk1wlD3B0tLZ_NuNYQn141wzkJsIF-Bmj3y=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Ms. Mills can write a lot and sing some too. She plays characters like would-be-boyfriend Rashid Rahad Rahim and her Spanish teacher Ms. Mosca and, best of all, her mortal enemy BeBé. BeBé is threatening even to the audience, but Mélia manages to show a little humanity even for her. Unfortunately, Bebé comes very close to bringing down the curtain. We don't want to give away the ending, so let's just say getting shot can have advantages over remaining unpopular.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">We would like to warn any fathers in the audience who have teenage daughters: you might think about walking down the street to see The Lion King.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2sEFOyILgzu7pSJp7-VmysG1Sh902OeoYf4-OW2xRQtviAGz97dCoREtjCr9AdmpGf3i66v-_3n2wZ8qGZ-31hQvUTTHLUEvqS6K-ciuPcdha5_12fOw1I8k08ZlE-4E6yOFFXYeHYnhP_DbOlZ-kDsyauiWgr42MxahxsIjQ2ajZzj1jGI8-dy-0J1nm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2sEFOyILgzu7pSJp7-VmysG1Sh902OeoYf4-OW2xRQtviAGz97dCoREtjCr9AdmpGf3i66v-_3n2wZ8qGZ-31hQvUTTHLUEvqS6K-ciuPcdha5_12fOw1I8k08ZlE-4E6yOFFXYeHYnhP_DbOlZ-kDsyauiWgr42MxahxsIjQ2ajZzj1jGI8-dy-0J1nm=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We love this show. The Marsh Berkeley will certainly extend Mélia and we hope they improve their miking system too. She's got a lot to say and you don't want to miss a word.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks, 'Pac.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">RATINGS ★★★★</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog, which normally is as Hip-Hop as a stick of Juicy Fruit, is overjoyed to award FOUR STARS ★★★★ to Mélia Mills's "The Allure of Thug Life." This one-woman show is going to be around a long time.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>It's a little bit whacked</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>But the theater was packed.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>The girl can act.</span><span> </span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I wanna go back.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Huh? Huh? Not bad? </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">---------</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Mélia Mills: The Allure of Thug Life"</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Marsh, Berkeley</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2120 Allston Way, Berkeley</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Saturdays through Nov. 11</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">$25-$35</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-82455592916726635262023-10-29T10:43:00.005-07:002023-10-29T10:45:34.213-07:00Word For Word: "Citizen" ★ ★ ★<p><br /><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaEZ-8ORKjiiq7j2Hdmgm4e1dUXTj2zBfE8hvRaDV1vCf4fKAh6Kpg4lQukBYg6qYEczSPexOuXjZkIT8CTIzvNjBIzTHvx_T-nJLWKZZS047cmOIla6yPQoUj2SMfK6fA5vn-nefnmhSRqYNfPL-8jaNsuNZE3MuP_oQBnH51LKxQjOIMB3QDYiVJh9fq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3457" data-original-width="3626" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaEZ-8ORKjiiq7j2Hdmgm4e1dUXTj2zBfE8hvRaDV1vCf4fKAh6Kpg4lQukBYg6qYEczSPexOuXjZkIT8CTIzvNjBIzTHvx_T-nJLWKZZS047cmOIla6yPQoUj2SMfK6fA5vn-nefnmhSRqYNfPL-8jaNsuNZE3MuP_oQBnH51LKxQjOIMB3QDYiVJh9fq=w640-h610" width="640" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Greg Sarris's "Citizen" is a Feel Good show. We get a hero, who is a good guy, along with several bad guys. The good guy wins and the bad guys lose. The ensemble cast is excellent, and from an acting standpoint the show does what it is supposed to do: it makes us feel better about the plight of immigrants. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhm81ja3IzGejYtSAwNv4duBpCS5nBd_N-e394IQC5AVOT5UZ3sLELNiKOS6Ejd0INppuCG1WoVIaPgtwhN2OJ6TVtkimVm7Sm-u5ISKtv1uKv-QOvu_D1srUCIQ_9gkbICOIxu7TQmdWXQeaDGt8a3mm6f1oVneW33GxlUf5AkkkxcHoTFGzMyXsM0KMyg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2925" data-original-width="3585" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhm81ja3IzGejYtSAwNv4duBpCS5nBd_N-e394IQC5AVOT5UZ3sLELNiKOS6Ejd0INppuCG1WoVIaPgtwhN2OJ6TVtkimVm7Sm-u5ISKtv1uKv-QOvu_D1srUCIQ_9gkbICOIxu7TQmdWXQeaDGt8a3mm6f1oVneW33GxlUf5AkkkxcHoTFGzMyXsM0KMyg=w640-h522" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"Citizen" is a strange call for Word For Word. At 90 minutes with no intermission, and almost all the dialogue and action emanating from one character, the story hinges on the audience pulling for Salvador, a U.S. citizen who was taken to Mexico as a child and is only now returning. His journey is a difficult one, mirroring the difficulties faced by so many millions of immigrants before and after him. But, being already a legal citizen, his future is rosier than for all the others.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEEtA3xBlpgKKDwgGiwa7Ops25KT1Br5RhNvHiSm7RZVpzlG4e1EZ79oPSUIi5SyuxqLkuFGijNffLbKX-_O2BHId7rJpyjzKPJoc_KH4TfwLpuyL9xR8WSMFQWjRIY1EbdfhMVRw9pfWy9x2eMJ4TQT5VLvaWGp35B60zGCGwU1ZkAys05DBcxqFk5yDo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3253" data-original-width="4411" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEEtA3xBlpgKKDwgGiwa7Ops25KT1Br5RhNvHiSm7RZVpzlG4e1EZ79oPSUIi5SyuxqLkuFGijNffLbKX-_O2BHId7rJpyjzKPJoc_KH4TfwLpuyL9xR8WSMFQWjRIY1EbdfhMVRw9pfWy9x2eMJ4TQT5VLvaWGp35B60zGCGwU1ZkAys05DBcxqFk5yDo=w640-h472" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Christian Jiménez plays Salvador. This is an arduous role, because he is narrator as well as principal actor. The actor must act while the narrator narrates. It takes a very accomplished actor to pull this off. Salvador, who does not speak the language and is at the mercy of some seriously seedy friends, is not always able to erase the blur between actor and writer/narrator.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeO-_rOjPclldDPLjezXAN6iw-lbWxmQuzGA20cc846r66Yu2XitTYcheM5xjCfbdd5tTYXI0sa1w1OraS_JMyOqa__3ZeCvcFZUZFeyyxjn9vHPBZ-KTn_8KrE2yxV7ceY1pStbRbGshLWmdOzyObZUoWXWR7QjALnanVPZ8Pb6xUabkyWBngHJeT7Ifd" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2191" data-original-width="2083" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeO-_rOjPclldDPLjezXAN6iw-lbWxmQuzGA20cc846r66Yu2XitTYcheM5xjCfbdd5tTYXI0sa1w1OraS_JMyOqa__3ZeCvcFZUZFeyyxjn9vHPBZ-KTn_8KrE2yxV7ceY1pStbRbGshLWmdOzyObZUoWXWR7QjALnanVPZ8Pb6xUabkyWBngHJeT7Ifd=w608-h640" width="608" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We liked Ixtlán, who plays Salvador's real brother Ernesto as well as Marco, the boy who starts out mentoring Salvador but has a darker purpose. Their housemate Eldine, played by El Duarte, alternates between the good mom and the bad apple. She and Marco are partners in crime, though we come to understand the pressures they too are living with. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A Word For Word show is always worth seeing, filled with the kinds of physical and vocal choreographies you see nowhere else. For us, "Citizen" plays a little long but is well worth seeing.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>RATINGS ★★★</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division gives "Citizen" Three Stars (★★★). We loved the way they rode the bus (seen above) and many other production touches, such as the sprawling grape vines indicated by actors' linked arms. If there is a problem, it is with the writing, not the acting. As always with Word For Word productions, excellent Direction (Gendell Hing-Hernández) and Lighting (Brittany Mellerson) help us follow the action easily.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"Citizen"</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Z Space Downstairs</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>450 Florida St., San Francisco</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wed.-Sun., through Nov. 12, 2023</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>$40-$75</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-83095003622003440532023-10-15T12:05:00.002-07:002023-10-15T12:10:11.304-07:00Don Reed: "East Fourteenth St." (2023) ★ ★ ★<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcngGVTDMt5aJjxx6p99iOSSlTUZW0sPVilpVA-aQHPazf82Gh4Z2UEjQ8bCqmpKPh96yXsmFWWZ9WpNEpIfpcBcveXnhnKKual-sJTj6-fPtNRG48FNmPfl9xm14e9mtsFIoNE9HIXWXkEphOzcqiHX8_pp-YQNVOFwWCjfb9pU9ugO11O9ODhNwmwjFi" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1705" data-original-width="2560" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcngGVTDMt5aJjxx6p99iOSSlTUZW0sPVilpVA-aQHPazf82Gh4Z2UEjQ8bCqmpKPh96yXsmFWWZ9WpNEpIfpcBcveXnhnKKual-sJTj6-fPtNRG48FNmPfl9xm14e9mtsFIoNE9HIXWXkEphOzcqiHX8_pp-YQNVOFwWCjfb9pU9ugO11O9ODhNwmwjFi=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">It's been more than a decade since we first met Blinky and Trout Mouth and Stickface. Don Reed's ability to move his mouth and contort his body hilariously with each new character has not diminished. This year's new workup of "East Fourteenth St," the area in East Oakland where Reed grew up, has everything the original had plus various new bits. Some work, some don't, but the heart of the story still beats with humor and love.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Reed's Dad is his hero. True, his occupation ("He was a pimp. I thought he was just into hats") was sketchy, but living with him, on one end of East Fourteenth St., was a lot easier than with his strict Seventh Day Adventist mother and stepfather on the other end. This pull between worlds, as young Blinky tries to figure out just where he belongs, is where Reed finds all his best characters. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">That's Trout Mouth (below), with the classic laugh.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-GKJZVYWKnByc9xnbZvIDaKdGHpKbFgNQKU7EzOAcrTI8eIK2F7fn5H5z3QwxDk4NYhrkBQL9z6qqpGOJy1NHqFM42VEnoNDMZjaGSqhNsT4jFr8HwXfmOUPYJgYPsKO4Ft9gHHl4h2B8fogg2bfAIJiTxDQSQO4pdSNMAj209g4Vx_w1Ky53Yzg4rD4m" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1702" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-GKJZVYWKnByc9xnbZvIDaKdGHpKbFgNQKU7EzOAcrTI8eIK2F7fn5H5z3QwxDk4NYhrkBQL9z6qqpGOJy1NHqFM42VEnoNDMZjaGSqhNsT4jFr8HwXfmOUPYJgYPsKO4Ft9gHHl4h2B8fogg2bfAIJiTxDQSQO4pdSNMAj209g4Vx_w1Ky53Yzg4rD4m=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Two hours with an intermission feels long, however, especially the section of Act Two that deals with Reed losing his virginity, which involves many trips into night clubs and hapless interventions by his brothers on his behalf. Also, our 2023 sensibilities would like the stepfather to suffer a bit for the beating he deals out. But that's not how things worked in East Oakland, which is also the point.</span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCBW68GkPkwOjhkbpccFcMh1kQaMdlPvEhEQJqqf7kcQDCQgVjYJV5mRHRfQi2itB9X4AWuan_mAJEpAmQ5ai1TEqT88hq-TBdQ-zt9mNHNFp5Aa4wSFOE36CPdykevbpBf8l1W2lRdo7NikWYhfLtvxt9g2kfWgBX8QTl53FuCRRTSa48IG7U-HlUdBiP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1702" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCBW68GkPkwOjhkbpccFcMh1kQaMdlPvEhEQJqqf7kcQDCQgVjYJV5mRHRfQi2itB9X4AWuan_mAJEpAmQ5ai1TEqT88hq-TBdQ-zt9mNHNFp5Aa4wSFOE36CPdykevbpBf8l1W2lRdo7NikWYhfLtvxt9g2kfWgBX8QTl53FuCRRTSa48IG7U-HlUdBiP=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">RATINGS ★ ★ ★</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division realizes that any Don Reed show starts out with a minimum of a Three Star rating, because nobody does physical comedy like he does. We love to watch his dance moves, his contortions, his attitude. Reed's career has taken off since we were first taken down East Fourteenth St. and we're still happy to accompany him on his journey, even though this current reprise takes a while to get where it's going.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Don Reed: "East Fourteenth St."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Marsh</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1962 Valencia St., San Francisco</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Through Oct, 22</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$55-$100</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-60586912608428219222023-10-07T13:29:00.002-07:002023-10-07T13:32:07.670-07:00"Nollywood Dreams" ★ ★ ★ ★<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjColYihVJF95jRRjKBEjSvk_JWqbIZeHZrApXeogYLphmk_gbXIQmOcA5a7BzlzTLk-9R4bKS_19sVQPtUZf9lRI9365HQI6GNf61dAPUmECcN8EpqcnEAzaHW0WvgQKtQ-odLWpRSbFg4SE4znte9x0A2un9WnogPn9nY5q7QR54N85ERbjdBBGUHTMRW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjColYihVJF95jRRjKBEjSvk_JWqbIZeHZrApXeogYLphmk_gbXIQmOcA5a7BzlzTLk-9R4bKS_19sVQPtUZf9lRI9365HQI6GNf61dAPUmECcN8EpqcnEAzaHW0WvgQKtQ-odLWpRSbFg4SE4znte9x0A2un9WnogPn9nY5q7QR54N85ERbjdBBGUHTMRW=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Jocelyn Bioh and San Francisco Playhouse have given us a big laugh and a welcome lift with Bioh's "Nollywood Dreams." Taking place in Lagos, within the growing Nigerian film industry known as Nollywood, we meet Ayamma (Angel Adedokun), an aspiring actress who runs a travel agency with her sister Dede (Brittany Sims). Ayamma wants to audition for a new film directed by hotshot Gbenga Ezie (Tre'vonne Bell, on right, above).</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZGfmJ5gga4-WgELVxZQ_S4OK-fYoBSYoz-VPnX6R0ElkiVNKfSuumieYFC-vtmI9sHUJpIjmybhA8D6Csp70fBKs_sAtGFqruaQxjZWItTaobHsCYrJWveXBT3vEB2PrL9GmQRwdbvfkrSz2Cy1f30veTdpL-82H8ytg6tx_JjYD2uqcBXI6jdXrOQoWH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1642" data-original-width="2450" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZGfmJ5gga4-WgELVxZQ_S4OK-fYoBSYoz-VPnX6R0ElkiVNKfSuumieYFC-vtmI9sHUJpIjmybhA8D6Csp70fBKs_sAtGFqruaQxjZWItTaobHsCYrJWveXBT3vEB2PrL9GmQRwdbvfkrSz2Cy1f30veTdpL-82H8ytg6tx_JjYD2uqcBXI6jdXrOQoWH=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The problem is that Gbenga has already promised the role to his ex-girlfriend Fayola (Anna Marie Sharpe).</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxdKZCepqr2Zr_dJc27XagMtrCTq_frgZ988OCWNFYNWCWAuSg_YF2o2HQiy279V-hejaavkcRRBEPi614HM72ux5bMSIVZj0hOrmIS5zXzh6LA_KMlumPXb7LP8bY2eAPyWm09jLwlxn9LL9fK6GcesZL7spNrrL_uEUAPkbz-YynR4CL5PDbJVL9ZE6C" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1819" data-original-width="2450" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxdKZCepqr2Zr_dJc27XagMtrCTq_frgZ988OCWNFYNWCWAuSg_YF2o2HQiy279V-hejaavkcRRBEPi614HM72ux5bMSIVZj0hOrmIS5zXzh6LA_KMlumPXb7LP8bY2eAPyWm09jLwlxn9LL9fK6GcesZL7spNrrL_uEUAPkbz-YynR4CL5PDbJVL9ZE6C=w640-h476" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There are entertaining roles by Tanika Baptiste, who plays talk-show host Adenikeh, and Jordan Covington as Wale, the love interest of all Nigeria, who is to co-sar in the film. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbJ-Eww_hhU8eG7Eb1TDeqSMm-xYxVtfrXVVxl883A0vpls9UBR6Ft6wcePCiUFKpA5ES2iMf26EpFF5ZDE6hZKZMl9itnX5Bu7W0PZv_f7L17Bsldn9eHc9B7K4JiTO0wZHhXTxUmKgo9xv5C5MTODJoXm_LnMenEUiOMbgkLHYxjp-IT9CIIQousyNlQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="2450" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbJ-Eww_hhU8eG7Eb1TDeqSMm-xYxVtfrXVVxl883A0vpls9UBR6Ft6wcePCiUFKpA5ES2iMf26EpFF5ZDE6hZKZMl9itnX5Bu7W0PZv_f7L17Bsldn9eHc9B7K4JiTO0wZHhXTxUmKgo9xv5C5MTODJoXm_LnMenEUiOMbgkLHYxjp-IT9CIIQousyNlQ=w640-h410" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">No one expects a romance between Wale and Ayamma, nor are we ready for Dede's expert use of pharmaceuticals. And underneath all the banter, there is also the backdrop of class in Nigeria. Everyone has a secret they are trying to hide. These secrets become more apparent as the show progresses.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhopTr75_Rs9BxlMGu5hW1A3T3KvQKk4lRJ0dgpspKch8Dlrx-jCymL4sfV-aRFfP7ui6OqXDGkjZuYwzRkRM6AoCJzuQhlolmZBk4v0P36ikeBQlA4yahl7CpaXWnYtEdKxPJMv5KFexh893Q3w6sbbz5w6aAFLLwLUfYiIWJXSJoB-TycppKgGevjn1G1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhopTr75_Rs9BxlMGu5hW1A3T3KvQKk4lRJ0dgpspKch8Dlrx-jCymL4sfV-aRFfP7ui6OqXDGkjZuYwzRkRM6AoCJzuQhlolmZBk4v0P36ikeBQlA4yahl7CpaXWnYtEdKxPJMv5KFexh893Q3w6sbbz5w6aAFLLwLUfYiIWJXSJoB-TycppKgGevjn1G1=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">We loved the relationship of the two sisters -- Ayamma, seemingly the more sophisticated, who, in the end, must rely on Dede to apply the finishing touch to Ayamma's audition. </span><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_ebVlHzMRHq_6fXzwpazwfoV7M_DuwcC3DN_2iy_0VEghpfr2jXw4ji8HCezcxYePT8M6iwNjoBEY78bQzvUezRIHR_g0rtG5-y-edxyClB4lq1kPAfxCIJfhkxZqCNJvIahYCcUp9OcKUbToHVwNWWYV79WUjn6OV6oMt0LkMXTlczHENV8jecTLHg_8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="2450" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_ebVlHzMRHq_6fXzwpazwfoV7M_DuwcC3DN_2iy_0VEghpfr2jXw4ji8HCezcxYePT8M6iwNjoBEY78bQzvUezRIHR_g0rtG5-y-edxyClB4lq1kPAfxCIJfhkxZqCNJvIahYCcUp9OcKUbToHVwNWWYV79WUjn6OV6oMt0LkMXTlczHENV8jecTLHg_8=w640-h432" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"Nollywood Dreams" is just what we need: a light-hearted and entertaining piece of writing and acting. Congratulations to San Francisco Playhouse, as their 21st season begins, for finding one more off-center show, filled with fun and laughs.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">RATINGS ★★★★</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants FOUR STARS to "Nollywood Dreams." Special shoutouts to Adedokun and Sims for their roles as the two appealing sisters Ayamma and Dede, and to Baptiste for her hysterical stint as over-the-top Oprah wannabe Adenikeh. Bill English has crafted another terrific set that has us excited the moment we set foot in the theater. Well done, everyone.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Nollywood Dreams"</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">San Francisco Playhouse</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2450 Post Street, San Francisco (2d Floor of Kensington Park Hotel)</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Through Nov 4, 2023</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$15-$100</span></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-75262160641382231422023-07-23T11:57:00.006-07:002023-08-22T19:54:13.327-07:00Fred Pitts: "Aren't You...?" ★★★★ <div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcx6tZpZ1WpfiVAeaQAs1AxKOwJ8ORI0MU_VmtAzW1JnAANd_NnbOt4CVCJ9ATiWp2c6SVnt-UY4-OpFt31P4oCcx7CrRsQa7SDUncGmDXiSJd1GnTaxukunn5d-AgnCC2oXjokzxWdFwVoUNf6gpXL5LO7GGe-TnoxrcnsHBxYCQ__z7v03W11joVfYXS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1991" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcx6tZpZ1WpfiVAeaQAs1AxKOwJ8ORI0MU_VmtAzW1JnAANd_NnbOt4CVCJ9ATiWp2c6SVnt-UY4-OpFt31P4oCcx7CrRsQa7SDUncGmDXiSJd1GnTaxukunn5d-AgnCC2oXjokzxWdFwVoUNf6gpXL5LO7GGe-TnoxrcnsHBxYCQ__z7v03W11joVfYXS=w499-h640" width="499" /></a></div><br />How does a black man feel while visiting California Missions? "Like a fly in a bowl of milk," says Fred Pitts. He's got reason to feel this way - he is always the only black visitor at each Mission and at each one, fellow tourists, all white, confuse him with any number of famous black people. "Aren't you...Will Smith? Rafer Johnson? Sidney Poitier? Barry Bonds? </span><span style="font-size: large;">Richard Roundtree (Shaft)? </span><div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi172qQJeHkUL640xVbtWKxWDxP8ALRD9vMK4T_zv3y2U9YAM5RdnSGpycLeZdOl3cVX9bUIsv-o6pnazxFXxahezPfhKDmsuAr1LMFn7C6maFVWIXL9koqOFxjGb4jISIB56Ely1B6Szsdq96szfNFnivJhxlhGRvAW3CgW0TR1QphNrE9aGEoXO6SR2Bt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi172qQJeHkUL640xVbtWKxWDxP8ALRD9vMK4T_zv3y2U9YAM5RdnSGpycLeZdOl3cVX9bUIsv-o6pnazxFXxahezPfhKDmsuAr1LMFn7C6maFVWIXL9koqOFxjGb4jISIB56Ely1B6Szsdq96szfNFnivJhxlhGRvAW3CgW0TR1QphNrE9aGEoXO6SR2Bt=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Unfortunately, says Pitts, nobody confuses him with LeBron James.<br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This self-proclaimed history geek takes it all in stride for the first half of the twenty-one missions he is determined to visit, but it does start to get at him. Still, he is learning all the time, as are we, the grateful audience, who get a history lesson while laughing at Pitts's terrific imitations of these tourists, and the docents, his grandmother and his childhood pastor, Reverend Davis.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyKZzdP6Tyt1SCQEnf579bUaBNMhjZUhy9RVlsiS7pR4PWIsT4qTibaINf2ArZJ5hghs3MfMPINAqqZpArZvhycf4cBXTdcqv7GZziOr4IKuoBe4HIdg_zoNavFJ0GfxjSmyJe1-Rvvuxhr-OTMsqFJRnwsFE1oR076iuiTH5ye1w4v9yDgcOtdJzEpwik" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1766" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyKZzdP6Tyt1SCQEnf579bUaBNMhjZUhy9RVlsiS7pR4PWIsT4qTibaINf2ArZJ5hghs3MfMPINAqqZpArZvhycf4cBXTdcqv7GZziOr4IKuoBe4HIdg_zoNavFJ0GfxjSmyJe1-Rvvuxhr-OTMsqFJRnwsFE1oR076iuiTH5ye1w4v9yDgcOtdJzEpwik=w443-h640" width="443" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Do you know about the Chumash revolt of 1824 at Mission Santa Inés or the Gold Rebellion of 1811 in New Orleans, which is the largest slave insurrection in American History? Of course you don't, neither did we and neither did Fred Pitts until he dug a little deeper into the history of the California missions. History class teaches only the history it wants us to know.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">"Aren't You..." is a fabulous show. We have one small nitpick, which is that Mr. Pitts could probably learn a bit of Spanish pronunciation, since each mission he visits has a Spanish name. But he's got time. There are a bunch of Baja California missions too and we hope he travels there someday as well. We'll always be happy to laugh and learn from this excellent performer who also seems like a really nice guy.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">RATINGS★★★★ </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants Cuatro Estrellas (Four Stars) to Fred Pitts for this superb night of theater. I never listened to my High School History teacher but I will listen to Fred Pitts. There are some difficult squirm-in-our-seats issues we need to think about. Perhaps laughter is the aspirin that allows our historical headaches to heal.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaluWZkqifGnt9RPG2jfXHHwOFA_wSUwLn2_RYaj2AaM818SWAhje4mdQZlAuYlsy6JpwW-CG-GFGBGcCQ_IhosdgBVZDdHrZznVV8vwFzykgP3Ki7Ws43nALWJccH4syCALrkNoRljw9k3KO0o6Yvl-KThWIElkItsLNmPy1gbsZwVVAvlHMlOgwaD_9-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fred Pitts: "Aren't You...?"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Marsh</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1062 Valencia St., San Francisco</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fridays through Aug. 18</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">$25-35</span></div></div></div></div></div>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-84829362089786278302023-07-12T15:26:00.001-07:002023-07-13T08:12:51.515-07:00San Francisco Mime Troupe: "Breakdown" (2023): ★★★ BANG <p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzyDgm6ckcNNrBF26t5bYDrnYzLu8InGE2ldbbUfhyAOCMyl6mKJ7nEzioYpcZUKca9rKMVTPqaBV5ijBcR39bgPgGQGtRjFYvYvvMf3Mz3eQXrMfpW4Q_cEVxGe3n-g-CBxJ7uP-rmrDkYo7Ng6zO8rXZa_K9v4NQ8cYeDFq8L46AytksRYxVSgEjFI3d" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="376" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzyDgm6ckcNNrBF26t5bYDrnYzLu8InGE2ldbbUfhyAOCMyl6mKJ7nEzioYpcZUKca9rKMVTPqaBV5ijBcR39bgPgGQGtRjFYvYvvMf3Mz3eQXrMfpW4Q_cEVxGe3n-g-CBxJ7uP-rmrDkYo7Ng6zO8rXZa_K9v4NQ8cYeDFq8L46AytksRYxVSgEjFI3d=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">You don't go to the Indy Five Hundred to escape the noise. You go because of the noise. Same with the Mime Troupe, which is about off-the-wall political humor plus a healthy dose of Hippie Nonsense, mixed in with insightful commentary about this year's news, which is pretty much like last year's and will be the same as next year's. If this is not your cup of theater, then we suggest a cocktail in the neighborhood. But if you want to sit on a blanket in the park and have a great time, yukking it up with people who feel exactly the same way you do, don't miss "Breakdown."</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL4cIsVmRhg-xETwYdrawf3XG9lUVLnxE79O8NEDSNFKy5T04l8zRfK-byM8ckJzg8QveNV3mRAuX0qIhp9v2cqcY-qD89AJNwBqLlJ1kkXtJPiShw7gVM74ioOf6_MoU2GK2UVkP355AQBDjZmRDXhxt_Gna0YEckKcUpgE85gqEx0So1Gion9azuzzz7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="376" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL4cIsVmRhg-xETwYdrawf3XG9lUVLnxE79O8NEDSNFKy5T04l8zRfK-byM8ckJzg8QveNV3mRAuX0qIhp9v2cqcY-qD89AJNwBqLlJ1kkXtJPiShw7gVM74ioOf6_MoU2GK2UVkP355AQBDjZmRDXhxt_Gna0YEckKcUpgE85gqEx0So1Gion9azuzzz7=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We loved the show, and afterwards the J-Church streetcar was filled with people agreeing this is the best Mime Troupe show in years. The major reason is Jamella Cross, who is all smarmy business in her Fox News red suit and shoes. She is the perfect right-wing show host, searching for any news story that will paint San Francisco as Hellhole for a Day, in order to please her boss Rupert Murdoch, played with delicious sleaze by Andre Amarotico. Cross's performance elevates everyone else's, even with the usual off-key singing and staging oopsies par for an Opening Day performance. Michael Gene Sullivan and Marie Cartier's writing is inspired and the cast blasts through it with moxie.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1C_fqg7b0QOOKUGhmbimnedXWrPoALHdj1Va-w0W5YE6MNxGco0v6n6sZp7hd8aaW-06OiR1yEYDaQLgPHFO8VwF-RCKmjtlfAG-DibhgRKlTwWy691k9-yzwjALGIHD30Om4wXj9wnuopUb1L6z_E9yVlwIYhq2fHlRwhb77umc4OH5xYBdda6fTJ0si" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="376" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1C_fqg7b0QOOKUGhmbimnedXWrPoALHdj1Va-w0W5YE6MNxGco0v6n6sZp7hd8aaW-06OiR1yEYDaQLgPHFO8VwF-RCKmjtlfAG-DibhgRKlTwWy691k9-yzwjALGIHD30Om4wXj9wnuopUb1L6z_E9yVlwIYhq2fHlRwhb77umc4OH5xYBdda6fTJ0si=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Kina Kantor plays Yume and Jed Parsario is Felix, our homeless heroes, destined to bring down Jamella and Fox to a chorus of cheers. Felix has many get-rich schemes, all short one crucial element, while Yume seems bewildered by her predicament as she battles her demon (also played by Parsario).</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Don't think, just enjoy. Bad guys are bad guys and good guys are good guys, just like in the real world, at least in Bay Area parks during the good-old summertime.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">RATINGS ★★★ BANG </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">'The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants THREE STARS with a Bangle of Praise to "Breakdown." The show made us laugh and feel good, which gets you three fat ones every time. The Bangle is for Jamella Cross, who is both funny and believable. We hope the Mime Troupe can hang on to her.</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">San Francisco Mime Troupe "Breakdown" (2023)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Various parks throughout the Bay Area</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">July 1 - Sept. 4 ( see sfmt.org/press-schedule-by-dates )</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">FREE ** FREE</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Donations solicited shamelessly)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-39202222462588921822023-07-04T11:47:00.001-07:002023-07-13T08:15:51.324-07:00"A Chorus Line" ★ ★ ★ ★ <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3kYyoG33cYpFoLbJuMPXXCk2l2Nu4ijMkhZzwG31eY6hiMy93ch7eQb3P0qnq8v99z6RJh9qiNY5DibvRd9_YpdmaNTuxz2PyPzmD7wrvansDlkj0C_Cee_bt29OIoClUuDnlmdTPEdQOEWtwF0ftms-6IuiB4qlxNTL2g5a3bySc8Gz0VGnPOoGzsqSc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1775" data-original-width="2450" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3kYyoG33cYpFoLbJuMPXXCk2l2Nu4ijMkhZzwG31eY6hiMy93ch7eQb3P0qnq8v99z6RJh9qiNY5DibvRd9_YpdmaNTuxz2PyPzmD7wrvansDlkj0C_Cee_bt29OIoClUuDnlmdTPEdQOEWtwF0ftms-6IuiB4qlxNTL2g5a3bySc8Gz0VGnPOoGzsqSc=w640-h464" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">There is little left to write that has not already been written about "A Chorus Line," except that the show premiered in 1975, which is as far from this writer's 2023 IPad as 1917 was when I first heard the Beatles and typed my term papers with carbon paper.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I was then the same age as most of these Chorus Line dancers. 1917 was an ancient history book. World War I. Carbon paper. A typewriter. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0rOCsf-TM8TvcnPqYhkWbhNiTZJWtdVezxs-ny3_97B0CYzPqPCWESOFjDoLUerrekfGv9ouE59u5JkszyKOBpoZ1Lg1eHZYP_TU9LraQ-2kNOoSQfoXF0px-_orxaYQ9IHK0ESeM1aLxWolyXJVGyncCp0M6-EblPontuIxyadAdVbGrcatimfQSUsXa" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0rOCsf-TM8TvcnPqYhkWbhNiTZJWtdVezxs-ny3_97B0CYzPqPCWESOFjDoLUerrekfGv9ouE59u5JkszyKOBpoZ1Lg1eHZYP_TU9LraQ-2kNOoSQfoXF0px-_orxaYQ9IHK0ESeM1aLxWolyXJVGyncCp0M6-EblPontuIxyadAdVbGrcatimfQSUsXa=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Now we know that stories are the only things that survive. This is in many ways the underlining theme that is being acted out here on stage. Art endures. A dancer dances, a writer writes, a composer composes and if they succeed they capture the times in which they live. The issues never change. Only the outfits.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The SFP production is the outlier today that it was in 1975: a two hour show without an intermission. We discover our attention spans are not as short as advertised.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Late in the action, one character muses on how Broadway no longer is hiring as many dancers (in 1975) as they once were. Of course, this is before so many chorus lines around the world would be decimated by the plague of the 1980s, but no one knew about that in 1975, when the worst thing that could happen was not to get a desperately needed job. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggDD6zOyIh3Qn6LU2sveJiYLYmKQEsB1yG3ZI6Tv0qfSoos6NsH4xNke9Qejd1OlmNeUx67eIxSCTobLb6svLTyEF4164a-hglUfLbCLBfupr4FMJ6COWzUrnUUvLBNwfCBi2VCa4X7SK_xpW3vgQCWENy2Gg1bFJBi9Pql41gl4-ve9ffD892fXuncz0o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggDD6zOyIh3Qn6LU2sveJiYLYmKQEsB1yG3ZI6Tv0qfSoos6NsH4xNke9Qejd1OlmNeUx67eIxSCTobLb6svLTyEF4164a-hglUfLbCLBfupr4FMJ6COWzUrnUUvLBNwfCBi2VCa4X7SK_xpW3vgQCWENy2Gg1bFJBi9Pql41gl4-ve9ffD892fXuncz0o=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Original choreography by Michael Bennett, a giant of the era, should be enough to bring anyone into this show. San Francisco Playhouse empties out its entire stage to make room for 21 dancers and succeeds wildly. The opening sequence, featuring "I Hope I Get it," and I Can Do That," two of fourteen songs by Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban, tell the whole story with no explanations needed.</span></span></div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">You all know the plot: 17 dancers vying for 8 spots. Their personal trials and what has led them from around the country to an audition room in New York. We, the audience, get to root for our favorites to be picked. And then -- you may need to be reminded. We promise you will be moved now, in our age of robotics and AI, as much as you were when we were all just hoping to be asked to dance. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfzuzGM_1UZ1lhC-vXIxeFrcfrtSaWUH2_4h7lKnujDF5VsT9RN7dkTJLel-RHgLMFmrcXBMoyX-NNBOiQZjq_2T-eQU4ewIt71xhQR39CMyw6-jTbpLdPFklW0iYY58Iatib5jEbFxsmNMHmWIu_IUG1TJ2nqRErRPbU2GVkTcITo5jJruI-Oay9LyC9m" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfzuzGM_1UZ1lhC-vXIxeFrcfrtSaWUH2_4h7lKnujDF5VsT9RN7dkTJLel-RHgLMFmrcXBMoyX-NNBOiQZjq_2T-eQU4ewIt71xhQR39CMyw6-jTbpLdPFklW0iYY58Iatib5jEbFxsmNMHmWIu_IUG1TJ2nqRErRPbU2GVkTcITo5jJruI-Oay9LyC9m=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">RATINGS: ★ ★ ★ ★ <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants Four Stars ★ ★ ★ ★ to "A Chorus Line." Yes, the story is long and somewhat implausible ( a casting director actually taking the time to query the dancers as to their feelings), but at its center is love for what we all do. "God, I'm a dancer. A dancer dances." </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtoEttEmG3UCKhoskfViONPGJmqwXtJPCm5m44ge-JYnSrWHvobg7CIZaHa2LEgRdpiAC19ly-4bIA7BRhpakws9T6zFNJpE0Dr9Mlgw7sxykXjbe5Foy3qdPDzpOFAlTidxpOZLnfROHS-d9sMfVKMdyskJdNDMGKq0177RSJzNKv0jX_CajapYmXLA8d" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtoEttEmG3UCKhoskfViONPGJmqwXtJPCm5m44ge-JYnSrWHvobg7CIZaHa2LEgRdpiAC19ly-4bIA7BRhpakws9T6zFNJpE0Dr9Mlgw7sxykXjbe5Foy3qdPDzpOFAlTidxpOZLnfROHS-d9sMfVKMdyskJdNDMGKq0177RSJzNKv0jX_CajapYmXLA8d=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Special mention to Dave Dobrusky for leading a flawless band through a precise and difficult score, to director Bill English for figuring out where to put all those people, and to Nicole Helfer for keeping them graceful. From the cast, we especially love Danielle Cheiken's Maggie (on left in photo above) and Samantha Rose Cárdenas's Diana (center, below). But these are only two of a standout cast. For us, they all get the job.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUvVdMQn8VckRjj4qGAzGkjKAJBkNrS80B8LAddmri_w_12rt_RaTuNn7F27Pc-TBfkSlbspjiw84BtpyelXk7lMf93thOgveTy9uK02IFdmfvHVl-pV-6mlj8qLKSFdFQf7CQHhdPGm7fjq_8REe114HKuQZrmAtb-4-eyVBtNv3_FDAe1ChlioSZ8qxG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUvVdMQn8VckRjj4qGAzGkjKAJBkNrS80B8LAddmri_w_12rt_RaTuNn7F27Pc-TBfkSlbspjiw84BtpyelXk7lMf93thOgveTy9uK02IFdmfvHVl-pV-6mlj8qLKSFdFQf7CQHhdPGm7fjq_8REe114HKuQZrmAtb-4-eyVBtNv3_FDAe1ChlioSZ8qxG=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"A Chorus Line"</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">San Francisco Playhouse</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">450 Post St., San Frqncisco</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2d floor of Kensington Park Hotel</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Through Sept. 9 (Long Summer Run)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">$15-$100</span></p><p><br /></p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-30746029125623001632023-07-02T13:58:00.086-07:002023-07-03T09:09:43.139-07:00"Atomic Comic" ★ ★ ★<p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXqE8pLbn1ehZVEZkc4KsCBp_b5Ghuq9cxNUBOpvSvnREm3LnpfCNmM7re0LQn6kI1FeRch5Iqqc_lHrUTWqjhhkgI9nejRv-sY1FfRQkjZUdq0cE4dF5ZtmMPitjbxIJJe8msdU8TysC0bAaAYgzCDzez92n3mJFTNkT47z2WsuChc3xukpN-NYtX4bXW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="4032" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXqE8pLbn1ehZVEZkc4KsCBp_b5Ghuq9cxNUBOpvSvnREm3LnpfCNmM7re0LQn6kI1FeRch5Iqqc_lHrUTWqjhhkgI9nejRv-sY1FfRQkjZUdq0cE4dF5ZtmMPitjbxIJJe8msdU8TysC0bAaAYgzCDzez92n3mJFTNkT47z2WsuChc3xukpN-NYtX4bXW=w640-h234" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Once George Maguire, Maureen McVerry and Sharon Gless hit the video, Atomic Comic comes to life. Before that, we are in a scary situation. While Sarah Phykitt's scenic design looks intriguing, the clowns cavorting on stage seem confused and the slapstick slaps with little stick.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Perhaps this is the point -- that the life of a clown is difficult in the best of times and the pandemic has made it worse. Agent Willem (Maguire) has booked the three clowns (Sara Toby Moore, DeMarcello Funes and Colin H. Johnson) into a dead-end gig in Chowchilla (something to do with marshmallows) but even that gets canceled. Then, Moore's father dies. And her marriage breaks up. Oh, and cancer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>Aha! NOW we've got someone to root for. </span><span>Poor clown. grumpy agent, vermouth-pouring partner (McVerry) and sharply entertaining analyst (Gless) arrive on the video backdrop and things start making sense. Sharon Shao plays an off-her-meds social worker </span><span>who says she hates clowns but is clearly angling for her red nose.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">There are some truly hysterical bits, notably the Kaiser Permanente sequences and the spectacular opera takeoff. That one alone is worth the price of admission. There are a few songs as well. Moore is a terrific singer. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Honestly, though, it's a slog through that beginning. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">We would like to know where Kenna Lindsay (Props Fabrication) got all those suitcases.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>RATINGS </span>★★★</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division has had to pause before rating "Atomic Comic." The great bits are Four Star stuff, but they are bits, not show. For the most part the clowning is just a few rems above a yawn. We love the story, once we get to it. Kudos to Z-Space for taking a chance with a show that has heart. We feel it has a chance to develop into something special. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">"Atomic Comic"</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Z-Space</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">450 Florida Street, San Francisco</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Through July 8</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">$20-$30</span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-58806800156838080142023-06-28T16:36:00.002-07:002023-06-28T16:40:22.442-07:00Hurricane Diane: ★ ★ ★<p><span face="-apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: #313131; font-size: 1.125rem; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: #313131; font-size: 1.125rem; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: #313131; word-spacing: 1px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 1.125rem; text-align: center;"><span face="-apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: #313131; word-spacing: 1px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR_PB7N3hoKg7KKJT-V_7_PJCEUMDP9vxHHFCZh0aazwJrTnmDBJlvbJXPsbRpR6oamR_EjDKp1j3Da3vk_UYVPW4OcdXKXGn9mcyUcOrOARZksfswRPum-_LzVIvmR_9ji3EWEAQ7Iuvwl8LvxFS_Z11DKw03-AHRKv726_0h0-GUuag9bj1MHycRG8nr" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR_PB7N3hoKg7KKJT-V_7_PJCEUMDP9vxHHFCZh0aazwJrTnmDBJlvbJXPsbRpR6oamR_EjDKp1j3Da3vk_UYVPW4OcdXKXGn9mcyUcOrOARZksfswRPum-_LzVIvmR_9ji3EWEAQ7Iuvwl8LvxFS_Z11DKw03-AHRKv726_0h0-GUuag9bj1MHycRG8nr=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></span></div><span face="-apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); word-spacing: 1px;"><br /><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Madeleine George’s “Hurricane Diane” opened last night at the Aurora in Berkeley. The idea is that the demigod Diana, the gender-fluid Dionysius of ancient Greece who was the patron saint of theater as well as a champion of sexual liberty, has returned to Earth, in this case to Monmouth County, NJ. Her mission is to warn citizens that the earth’s biological clock is ticking down to zero, but her true purpose seems to be to seduce as many suburban housewives as possible, thereby reducing them to worshiping acolytes. They all hate their stupid, pathetic husbands so they don’t need a lot of convincing. </span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN60jMF04yc0HYb7rdfNO-IjjpNCFgHM691jWNQrKNvBjfxFNG_77B0QIgJXPWHNku8n--NMtz55wo2-kCF8JLzdioOp56os3o0sWqwrMOsozI-6aPlJn9i__VQyj8kyEpcotkBpYFA-_MoFOB9aoIG8B21IuR10S60gHJqWu_JZ2x7oNjdkO_pXuEgZtS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN60jMF04yc0HYb7rdfNO-IjjpNCFgHM691jWNQrKNvBjfxFNG_77B0QIgJXPWHNku8n--NMtz55wo2-kCF8JLzdioOp56os3o0sWqwrMOsozI-6aPlJn9i__VQyj8kyEpcotkBpYFA-_MoFOB9aoIG8B21IuR10S60gHJqWu_JZ2x7oNjdkO_pXuEgZtS=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><span face="-apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: #313131; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; word-spacing: 1px;">On one hand this is Sappho's Magical Mystery Tour, and there were cheers as each housewife fell, but on the other hand a very real message is being delivered here: humans have destroyed the Earth, which means human existence is finished. lady, so you may as well submit to Diane's not-too-subtle advances.</span></span></span></p><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Stacy Ross is Diana. <br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: #313131; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: #313131; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #313131; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRFtFYj_6Lmt0gq1V4tGNpI_Yl-Yi9Pf4yEP2dXa5icmm-flNx1DKDWzOD64aVFPAG91wfWQPnC1b4n431660XSt3Qn0Ovq8JPZ4zjn2qcx3fdrYfNKqOGkjatonroTaX8CxKSVjBbbMu5bPj8B8UfTn6uKYvoBAKZjxrHe2yQ6il2Rgcaw2Pl8xp0tVHF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRFtFYj_6Lmt0gq1V4tGNpI_Yl-Yi9Pf4yEP2dXa5icmm-flNx1DKDWzOD64aVFPAG91wfWQPnC1b4n431660XSt3Qn0Ovq8JPZ4zjn2qcx3fdrYfNKqOGkjatonroTaX8CxKSVjBbbMu5bPj8B8UfTn6uKYvoBAKZjxrHe2yQ6il2Rgcaw2Pl8xp0tVHF=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">She is a wisecracking landscape designer whose very presence excites Beth (Gianna DiGregoria Rivera), Pam (Luisa Sarmol) and Renee (Leontyne Mbele-Mbong). These kaffe-klatch ladies appear powerless to keep Diana from re-purposing their crabgrass. The one exception, however, is Carol, played by Rebecca Schweitzer who is determined to be the last woman standing, even if this means saying adiós to Mother Earth. </span></span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: #313131; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 1.125rem; word-spacing: 1px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCEoQTB7ZLyUNEw19_5VVXZ6x-RHLFE-G4gfo1SsfpEJyyr5dobFzO2eq4-GEI7UDfZvSB7ySi3px2n6gWhgKQLZd3W5nwu2qnOe2Wvj2PSzTYmLZ3DIYFnm2X8cjJJ8shTVBYciT1cc6wOwmHziUNxmUw_tFj2Rv6lkYsu2qlbNS-ZV4DtTeDCgMFn6Ks" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCEoQTB7ZLyUNEw19_5VVXZ6x-RHLFE-G4gfo1SsfpEJyyr5dobFzO2eq4-GEI7UDfZvSB7ySi3px2n6gWhgKQLZd3W5nwu2qnOe2Wvj2PSzTYmLZ3DIYFnm2X8cjJJ8shTVBYciT1cc6wOwmHziUNxmUw_tFj2Rv6lkYsu2qlbNS-ZV4DtTeDCgMFn6Ks=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 1.125rem;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: medium;">We loved the way Schweitzer developed the role of Carol, from the insipid-ish homeowner obsessed with resale value and curb appeal, to the person who, in the end, controls our destiny -- which is to say, she is all of us. </span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: medium;">The ending can use a little work. We're not sure what Diane and the three Supremes were doing in those robes. </span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: center; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: large;"><span>RATINGS </span>★ ★ ★</span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants THREE STARS to "Hurricane Diane." What we loved best was the acting. All four women have their moments to shine, though we wish Stacy Ross were a little less current - I mean, would a 3,000 year-old Greek demigod really toss around all those f-bombs? </span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: medium;">I guess they would be PHI-Bombs.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01;"><span face="-apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"" style="caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: medium; word-spacing: 1px;">And we really loved Luisa </span><span face="-apple-system, Helvetica Neue" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); word-spacing: 1px;">Sarmol. </span></span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face="-apple-system, Helvetica Neue" style="color: #313131; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); word-spacing: 1px;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim0NaHcP5AA-SPNMk5_pqEvnEXU_AbM3jquoJcZeQTIJXmVzsldapObuzBz1qQLxzi05tgwtc6e-_S5oDx3KOBTUWhZS_mGL-0ZJQNfV8oJydyFbd8zqqBLx5Y2CVuIB0sPlkOQi1J696T7n8hcZMuktvEO_EYy0eIsjyoIMcYdGThlCgHJ-vea_tjr1vE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim0NaHcP5AA-SPNMk5_pqEvnEXU_AbM3jquoJcZeQTIJXmVzsldapObuzBz1qQLxzi05tgwtc6e-_S5oDx3KOBTUWhZS_mGL-0ZJQNfV8oJydyFbd8zqqBLx5Y2CVuIB0sPlkOQi1J696T7n8hcZMuktvEO_EYy0eIsjyoIMcYdGThlCgHJ-vea_tjr1vE=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: center; word-spacing: 1px;"><b><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: large;">Hurricane Diane</span></b></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: center; word-spacing: 1px;"><b><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: large;">The Aurora Theatre</span></b></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: center; word-spacing: 1px;"><b><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: large;">2081 Addison Street, Berkeley</span></b></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: center; word-spacing: 1px;"><b><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: large;">Through July 16</span></b></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: center; word-spacing: 1px;"><b><span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01; font-size: large;">$48-$53</span></b></div><div class="gmail_default" data-originalcomputedfontsize="18" data-originalfontsize="large" dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 1.125rem; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></div>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-68688219079399260952023-06-11T11:13:00.001-07:002023-06-11T11:13:34.979-07:00"The Road to Mecca" ★★★ BANG<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm1_7do9gLZO-g070l7TtjeAx36BC4AP1MLa_SCGDUlPBfCpwe8O84bKIsA7qiS3qzvvjvDfzKimpDm2jlK3IBBwQg2oxF0HxtfZoVxcCCdxM13MaV4_ZArmd1gdzJ-e_JOn1cGZQZ7LgBe_cvt6pKGHkRTyjgHDyXcJQM_V0K3nXg0GwAJdO1cN3laA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm1_7do9gLZO-g070l7TtjeAx36BC4AP1MLa_SCGDUlPBfCpwe8O84bKIsA7qiS3qzvvjvDfzKimpDm2jlK3IBBwQg2oxF0HxtfZoVxcCCdxM13MaV4_ZArmd1gdzJ-e_JOn1cGZQZ7LgBe_cvt6pKGHkRTyjgHDyXcJQM_V0K3nXg0GwAJdO1cN3laA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The Road to Mecca is lined with milk bottles and home-made statues. But Mecca is an afterthought. The real question is whether or not art can play an important role in moving along that road, and if there can ever be communication between those who march blindly down the middle and those who take a different, off-center path.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">South African playwright Athol Fugard wrote "The Road to Mecca" during Apartheid in his home country. It was first performed in 1984 and debuted on Broadway in 1988, where Fugard himself played the conservative minister Marius. In the current Z-Space production, veteran actor Victor Talmadge gives Marius a skillful and nuanced reading, allowing us to slowly realize his heart is as conflicted as everyone else's.</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0nhcQg_4ojWcYTW5rhLV7dFMYs5lfmhVHHbeHvUhuHsSp85RhZrqyUZT0f98pPlhQFU1q3OMli42WnXj1zp1dqTDib9L6mrQCzkWe25TPPr79vDERYveXCCVGyDYW08FbURk2YbAhwB2A8_BBRq1X2dTXCy4M-vm_ZLkLF6jI0wmfmXoleIkriMkjhA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0nhcQg_4ojWcYTW5rhLV7dFMYs5lfmhVHHbeHvUhuHsSp85RhZrqyUZT0f98pPlhQFU1q3OMli42WnXj1zp1dqTDib9L6mrQCzkWe25TPPr79vDERYveXCCVGyDYW08FbURk2YbAhwB2A8_BBRq1X2dTXCy4M-vm_ZLkLF6jI0wmfmXoleIkriMkjhA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Wendy vanden Huevel plays Miss Helen Martins, an iconoclastic widow living in Nieu Bethesda, the most remote village in the Karoo desert, an 800 mile drive from Capetown. Fugard based his story on the real Helen Martins, an artist in Nieu Bethesda who committed suicide when she became too blind to continue sculpting. In our story, Miss Helen is befriended by Elsa (Jodi Jackman), a young schoolteacher from Capetown who has become Miss Helen's only true confidant.</span></p><p><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5K9KNzmepAp5OgzZsH11Q2aCJ-RqYUUQILvwAkYigWYTX5PIqgXULxMfrPJuwKZydcJQu9SpYoSzjku7x70RIILD9yo7a9Yq-bpIQEUSqsls_cMEguIiSdrqbjuIcHUU7YZfJz_aUeGXYUd2TnQdB4ePTb5VPBXa9on6w1I9EZR8yHyYvA9zxYvwe4w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2450" data-original-width="1630" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5K9KNzmepAp5OgzZsH11Q2aCJ-RqYUUQILvwAkYigWYTX5PIqgXULxMfrPJuwKZydcJQu9SpYoSzjku7x70RIILD9yo7a9Yq-bpIQEUSqsls_cMEguIiSdrqbjuIcHUU7YZfJz_aUeGXYUd2TnQdB4ePTb5VPBXa9on6w1I9EZR8yHyYvA9zxYvwe4w=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The story is brilliant and the cast every bit its equal. We have to mention Eric Flatmo's picture-perfect set with set decoration by Leah Hammond. The moment we arrive in the theater we feel like we are sitting in Miss Helen's windswept cottage, with its candles, twinkling glass and sense of hope.</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-iiN6Z4D-IgC8vjMT-gyKheYX9Y6ZMDXsWx2KeBBuY6wzorUbGUsE1-WUFxf68_fS6tth-mIoQKHwttmJlde979o3r3I075WIYRt7zMMZfloNaAwB_cp-6kWCG02nxgZxniXumcOXrFPIrW1ZSQ8fjXSMQYPjkmsGTvp5DWHGwJF0DejLIZKx4ObZ9w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-iiN6Z4D-IgC8vjMT-gyKheYX9Y6ZMDXsWx2KeBBuY6wzorUbGUsE1-WUFxf68_fS6tth-mIoQKHwttmJlde979o3r3I075WIYRt7zMMZfloNaAwB_cp-6kWCG02nxgZxniXumcOXrFPIrW1ZSQ8fjXSMQYPjkmsGTvp5DWHGwJF0DejLIZKx4ObZ9w=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span> </span><b><span style="font-size: medium;">RATINGS: ★★★ BANG</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants Z-Space's "The Road to Mecca" THREE STARS with a BANGLE OF PRAISE. We loved everything about this production, but most of all the ensemble of three actors at the top of their games. This is a show that has you thinking about it for days afterward.</span></p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">"The Road to Mecca"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Z Below</div><div style="text-align: center;">470 Florida St., San Francisco</div><div style="text-align: center;">Through June 30</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>$25</b></div></span></b><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>★★★ </p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-84023805203547467642023-05-14T14:04:00.000-07:002023-05-14T14:04:39.074-07:00"Chinglish" ★ ★ ★ ★ <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-sNIutHXxZpQHsrKaEdlZkMtrJOYiwMUXzx3uyA4ZqKHZyBLKXT-vpIw8fuzaikVpBUIcdLKLm0KwZnwryaG1koa0JcIUNSCGowt49X02RAVzcgFfAW8mL-bJix1bjRmOzy_Hez4TIo9z31zvo4C_KO44qbj3xDJtJWpy2A7nmHESKf-mltERBQPJsQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="2450" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-sNIutHXxZpQHsrKaEdlZkMtrJOYiwMUXzx3uyA4ZqKHZyBLKXT-vpIw8fuzaikVpBUIcdLKLm0KwZnwryaG1koa0JcIUNSCGowt49X02RAVzcgFfAW8mL-bJix1bjRmOzy_Hez4TIo9z31zvo4C_KO44qbj3xDJtJWpy2A7nmHESKf-mltERBQPJsQ=w640-h410" width="640" /><br /></a></div><p><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">David Henry Hwang has won a Tony and an Obie and has been a finalist twice for a Pulitzer. His plays, like "M. Butterfly" and "Yellow Face" have been shown around the world, but none, perhaps, is as hilarious and audience-pleasing as "Chinglish." San Francisco Playhouse's production, directed by Jeffrey Lo with fabulous scenic design by Andrea Bechert as well as simple but necessary projections by Spenser Maturing, is nothing short of masterful.</span></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9ezik3I945GllDob6-fvQDNrBfc7oQ9LS7SeY60PzsqCx77YiWfLxD1RgGOOgnggr57InRg2LnXWEZjngq6RMN55uzB_UiG1e-YMe19A7S28GJiFRm_eaP3zDmVSUxlLuCFv6JkRSHrf4gi2h64HP4eD9ziseXA9zcTZyF36AzKWJYl7zW-Jp15DevQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9ezik3I945GllDob6-fvQDNrBfc7oQ9LS7SeY60PzsqCx77YiWfLxD1RgGOOgnggr57InRg2LnXWEZjngq6RMN55uzB_UiG1e-YMe19A7S28GJiFRm_eaP3zDmVSUxlLuCFv6JkRSHrf4gi2h64HP4eD9ziseXA9zcTZyF36AzKWJYl7zW-Jp15DevQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">An American businessman from Ohio is trying to sell his commercial signs to the politicians in charge of developing a cultural center in a mid-sized "midwestern" Chinese city. Daniel Cavanaugh (Michael Barrett Austin), with typical American hubris, feels he can charm the Chinese into a lucrative contract for his moribund family company. The Chinese, however, have a different agenda, based around securing income for their own families and associates. Alex Hsu plays Cai Guoliang, who is Minister of Culture. He is under pressure to give the signage contract to his sister-in-law. At the same time, Vice-Minister of Culture Xi Yan, seen above in the green dress and played to perfection by Nicole Tung, is married to Judge Xu, on left in red necktie (Phil Wong), and who might be the recipient of the contract if his wife can successfully seduce Daniel Cavanaugh.</span><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyV0rEkxehm-g5gRVRbqubDyOyLJSh8N2e9M2OVZCzSSPAkzVLWgijlBjy5ac4zQDoVgzP0Bhv2hJ4A8EKS0W2M4q7xdFCYHqyWA4pLX3gFgbtke6DyoKe0qKnWNhLL-gFtMR3yw33EQQa_JWYvoVLFdmn1JJXYINH7UqLpN08g2X-II5wn5kKkXeBIQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1914" data-original-width="2450" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyV0rEkxehm-g5gRVRbqubDyOyLJSh8N2e9M2OVZCzSSPAkzVLWgijlBjy5ac4zQDoVgzP0Bhv2hJ4A8EKS0W2M4q7xdFCYHqyWA4pLX3gFgbtke6DyoKe0qKnWNhLL-gFtMR3yw33EQQa_JWYvoVLFdmn1JJXYINH7UqLpN08g2X-II5wn5kKkXeBIQ=w640-h500" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A substantial portion of the show is spoken in Chinese, with supertitles. This is Hwang's supreme joke: no one completely understands what is going on, in part because everyone is receiving inaccurate translations, which reflect more what the translator wants his Chinese boss or American client to hear than what has actually been said.</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbbbZ780PH3REp-wTOJQKVr2R6UoTbg2TiISJxOCaRDsTGt4UVqKYk0BSk2nAm5_Ha_q5J3dP5BggvevlVMrHt8q0VfKrvAuD5Mdn8E7ZKSXK0f1Tmew_KqUmYJk6gI_3stZnymZZAjPtHvNR-WUikNLhKQEzEk9eafQ_aXxRwhqWvt8W4JAzg8FreAg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbbbZ780PH3REp-wTOJQKVr2R6UoTbg2TiISJxOCaRDsTGt4UVqKYk0BSk2nAm5_Ha_q5J3dP5BggvevlVMrHt8q0VfKrvAuD5Mdn8E7ZKSXK0f1Tmew_KqUmYJk6gI_3stZnymZZAjPtHvNR-WUikNLhKQEzEk9eafQ_aXxRwhqWvt8W4JAzg8FreAg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sound complicated? It's not. We, the audience, revel in the foolishness and confusion on stage. It is farce, but we are used to this by now - the politics, especially, feel way too familiar. The pace of "Chinglish" allows us time and enough gags to figure everything out for ourselves. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And the part about Enron. Wow.</span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">One suggestion: for this performance, because you really need to make sure you can read the supertitles, we might suggest acquiring seats in the middle rather than on one side or the other. Don't miss this show.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiadMnEbw1gieWrroFPDOUxUApWuWM28hkhp1Knhn9GSIaOgNKqgcAYsfS4ugEFLj19RHWow9zl9yfpRXG1lUyBtNWqnMLawNMA00TABOJlRVVkLvTr2rWx78gnRGlQlpTclaGSerpdSFvk2AcaEceXhkZe-xbxSDHOi-3xZLMZgw7AnKhon6er3QR-sA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1662" data-original-width="2450" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiadMnEbw1gieWrroFPDOUxUApWuWM28hkhp1Knhn9GSIaOgNKqgcAYsfS4ugEFLj19RHWow9zl9yfpRXG1lUyBtNWqnMLawNMA00TABOJlRVVkLvTr2rWx78gnRGlQlpTclaGSerpdSFvk2AcaEceXhkZe-xbxSDHOi-3xZLMZgw7AnKhon6er3QR-sA=w640-h434" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">RATINGS ★ ★ ★ ★ </span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog gives FOUR STARS to SFP's production of "Chinglish." Writing is first rate, and then acting, direction and sets keep everything bubbling along. When you consider how difficult casting was, wherein comedic actors fluent in Mandarin as well as English had to be found and assembled, these Four Stars feel even more remarkable.</span><br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>CHINGLISH</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>San Francisco Playhouse</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>450 Sutter St. (2d floor of Kensington Hotel), San Francisco</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Through June 10, 2023</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>$15-$100</b></p><p></p><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-12484878824524951372023-05-08T12:37:00.000-07:002023-05-08T12:37:52.170-07:00" The Ni¿¿er Lovers" ★ ?<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQ2sEVClRLtC1a5iWy5wJLD2aR3uDXU4Mp59qslo1TVZz9nth5pjxU2EtztbZuCrHK3CnarpNUgtSQ8Pk24dqglOsZAOzIiSR-rODxWt4DT9Csp2MwnDafHkJp9uqw8NF_383DJU1be0ZI3uuMYqTzeuq7zXhwOQhdHFN-uSpDyHcBb6BY8fFn1wcguQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQ2sEVClRLtC1a5iWy5wJLD2aR3uDXU4Mp59qslo1TVZz9nth5pjxU2EtztbZuCrHK3CnarpNUgtSQ8Pk24dqglOsZAOzIiSR-rODxWt4DT9Csp2MwnDafHkJp9uqw8NF_383DJU1be0ZI3uuMYqTzeuq7zXhwOQhdHFN-uSpDyHcBb6BY8fFn1wcguQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> Here are two nice things to love about Marc Anthony Thompson's "The Ni¿¿er Lovers." Number one, the wacky and intriguing opening scene, and two, the excellent performances throughout from Rotimi Agbabiaka and Aejay Marquis Mitchell. The Opening Night audience at the Magic Theatre laughed at every gag and howled for the actors when they came out for a bow. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Everyone knows the theater is in trouble in America. Younger, more diverse blood is desperately needed, on stage and in the audience. It is always an admirable achievement to bring in a younger, hipper crowd, in this case one that finds the word "ni¿¿er" to be entertaining. For those of us who are not the target audience, yes we understand the cultural nuances surrounding this word in different situations, but if the N Word were not hateful, you wouldn't need the upside-down question marks. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Of course, it's all supposed to be slapstick. But the greatest joke in the world is only funny until it truly is not.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNZnq2HETX6qw0eEuGsEHZI12QGdEpMrdDUz-abre2ieQ2NvApQpSLkzT-wyH63KnSZ4WpDlErYkU8PJUwdcPQGlddbXzvbzApFVPVSxlC55VFP1uTaRHTx3bv7t68ZSeJW3V1n611fru6mtpt6kUHPLeQxbKV57L-ElnXKB9rCta0HJI6Og8mBeAkYA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNZnq2HETX6qw0eEuGsEHZI12QGdEpMrdDUz-abre2ieQ2NvApQpSLkzT-wyH63KnSZ4WpDlErYkU8PJUwdcPQGlddbXzvbzApFVPVSxlC55VFP1uTaRHTx3bv7t68ZSeJW3V1n611fru6mtpt6kUHPLeQxbKV57L-ElnXKB9rCta0HJI6Og8mBeAkYA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This is author Thompson's first show and he also directs. After the enticing first scene, in which Agbabiaka and Mitchell play two unsuspecting Africans who are heading onto a slave boat thinking they have signed up for a cruise -- "Did you apply for House or Field?" -- the action pivots into a variety show, where M.C. Tanika Baptiste tries to make the audience laugh every time she screams "Ni¿¿er" or "My Ni¿¿er!" or "Ni¿¿er Lover!" </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6scqkT3IP3o890LmOJ1o50veQfctoV4vy7mJJCcwqQmf9_VvtwRoD8TLRgOzlrrrVMfFbD8tONwJ_iaVox-vM_t8MWQtaqmsbZ4yNdm4e6uyYzKLGzz75clv7a5EiBhFtYfvmk1lb1n1FJ1X2F80Ywdk8eNgtOHkuEJdMgkNmlTgxaOggQ7DZyxUDbg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6scqkT3IP3o890LmOJ1o50veQfctoV4vy7mJJCcwqQmf9_VvtwRoD8TLRgOzlrrrVMfFbD8tONwJ_iaVox-vM_t8MWQtaqmsbZ4yNdm4e6uyYzKLGzz75clv7a5EiBhFtYfvmk1lb1n1FJ1X2F80Ywdk8eNgtOHkuEJdMgkNmlTgxaOggQ7DZyxUDbg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><p>After the final curtain, the author came to the stage to deliver a long thank you. He apologized to "those who might be uncomfortable with the word 'ni¿¿er.'" What would have comforted us more might have been a real ending. </p><p>This show is also a musical, with songs written by the playwright, about whom the Playbill notes "Marc Anthony Thompson is a reluctant singer and indolent songwriter." </p></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Sure, the whole thing is a joke. Sure, it's also a joke that killing white people gives the characters super powers. Yes, they also get to include gender and the Jews ("Mazel Fucking Tov!") for no discernible reason. Perhaps </span><span>the bigger joke is on us.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">There is also no way to write this review without sounding old and white and in the way so we stop here.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>RATINGS ★ ? </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>The San Francisco Theater Blog awards "The Ni¿¿er Lovers" <b>One Star</b> <b>with a Question Mark. </b>The Star is<b> </b>for Agbabiaka and Mitchell, with gratitude. </span><span>The question mark is a thank you for whomever</span><span> reached through the curtain to remove the dildo. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This production needs a lot of editing, but it has promise. If it really is to be a musical, some of the actors need to be given something more tuneful to sing so they can be a little surer of their notes. </span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>"<span style="font-size: medium;">The Ni¿¿er Lovers"</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Magic Theatre</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Fort Mason, Building D, San Francisco</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Through May 21</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>$30-$70</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-40794416281264770822023-04-13T14:34:00.001-07:002023-04-13T14:38:07.886-07:00Word For Word's "Home" ★ ★ ★<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVA8mUA2NFtqhEXGjJXFhf-o_JfFAHWife_P4FAElc4IqGXFPyJZu4BNblMqsh_88V7YYQlzOpKCiTPOVIOv3Ohg5aYvJ_h03Wz5kWqnCJ7ZsK8mKe3st-DtT_rEXdveQawHZ_eaFHz5k4CXKdbXEY3aja2pHrMtZ3oxwKbfvecXYhsCHLF27DA77C4A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2087" data-original-width="2560" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVA8mUA2NFtqhEXGjJXFhf-o_JfFAHWife_P4FAElc4IqGXFPyJZu4BNblMqsh_88V7YYQlzOpKCiTPOVIOv3Ohg5aYvJ_h03Wz5kWqnCJ7ZsK8mKe3st-DtT_rEXdveQawHZ_eaFHz5k4CXKdbXEY3aja2pHrMtZ3oxwKbfvecXYhsCHLF27DA77C4A=w640-h522" width="640" /></a></span></div><span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">A Word For Word production has unique conceits. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Since no liberty can be taken with the written word of the short story being performed on stage, the company must go to great lengths to keep an audience's interest. Part of this process comes from choosing the correct story to act out, but the other part comes from humorous visual clues -- the actors becoming, say, flowers along the road or a barking dog. These visual clues feel like "ah-ha!" moments for an audience and they almost always work.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhmoIbJR_hokRqm7FEC8l7ACmTpDuYIKGYgH882BjWUee1Euvqi-L1pjFoYiCj_zDZPiSGmaVf0gI2U9oGZDuxF6RQWYitDsB5-kNFkXyCFPLGvGP2HjZ6yu2YOFYWHTbs4jqwiWHWG1fSKGal_9XOBECwQiKrKC5S_L6XAmpAU0hFXrOfrFl3yuDP8w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1882" data-original-width="2560" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhmoIbJR_hokRqm7FEC8l7ACmTpDuYIKGYgH882BjWUee1Euvqi-L1pjFoYiCj_zDZPiSGmaVf0gI2U9oGZDuxF6RQWYitDsB5-kNFkXyCFPLGvGP2HjZ6yu2YOFYWHTbs4jqwiWHWG1fSKGal_9XOBECwQiKrKC5S_L6XAmpAU0hFXrOfrFl3yuDP8w=w640-h470" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">But George Saunders "Home," a tale of a war veteran returning home with what appears to be PTSD, is anything but funny. Brian Rivera, who plays Mikey, the returning vet, is confused, both by the home town he left and the unspoken act he committed while in the military for which he has been court-martialed. Everything and everyone around him have changed. Perhaps this overwhelming seriousness makes it difficult to chuckle at an actor pretending to be a phone booth, so the visual clues can feel contrived. "Home" is not an easy story to feel lighthearted about.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKJgP2L9fFYIDrtKbIh5NWgxc_LBphciSkb78KILSsI4P9tTU1qLj6CCODc2O8FjaIapk8fXr6WoSlOSxrJtc7M_4L8rnXGTF8Cvpz9_BBOJkzY5HAFxn152uhuqPbaKVuTCu-uCq-ECv03KqZJfmelnyUH5Ux2Xedb8lP6U4N_sbfRuvIM2rTrt3ySw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="2560" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKJgP2L9fFYIDrtKbIh5NWgxc_LBphciSkb78KILSsI4P9tTU1qLj6CCODc2O8FjaIapk8fXr6WoSlOSxrJtc7M_4L8rnXGTF8Cvpz9_BBOJkzY5HAFxn152uhuqPbaKVuTCu-uCq-ECv03KqZJfmelnyUH5Ux2Xedb8lP6U4N_sbfRuvIM2rTrt3ySw=w640-h384" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As always, we loved the ensemble, all playing multiple roles. Norman Gee is terrific as a toothpick-toting sheriff and as the father of the especially obsequious Ryan (Tre'Vonne Bell). Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe and Robert Ernst are hilarious as Mikey's parents, whose deflated lives illustrate to us the class-consciousness at the heart of Saunders' story.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGNbkeYLkEgEArbo5N4KRuyUe7AyhBNk9PNmn_kUQvFRqe45hEFJhq-Y8fIyYMNKXVFz98iygXmPPY-r8i9sO7K2eXHSE-kr0T_wksvGY-IbVy6e9DmbsJE3-DU8_0ZUnAy8dqQ-jKAp_9PlsL-4XmJcOMxYaYuX0xSLsRATuyBPTsm8cQJvgrD-1YQA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1703" data-original-width="2560" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGNbkeYLkEgEArbo5N4KRuyUe7AyhBNk9PNmn_kUQvFRqe45hEFJhq-Y8fIyYMNKXVFz98iygXmPPY-r8i9sO7K2eXHSE-kr0T_wksvGY-IbVy6e9DmbsJE3-DU8_0ZUnAy8dqQ-jKAp_9PlsL-4XmJcOMxYaYuX0xSLsRATuyBPTsm8cQJvgrD-1YQA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Thank you for your service," the most clichéd phrase in our public discourse, next to "hearts and prayers," is on everyone's lips. It means nothing. The truest lines Saunders has Mikey say are his final ones: "You sent me. Now bring me back."</span></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhNkiZWFWMwQLYu-FG8kmpjt29vz51cv5yUXyYkNrc_whDdi0uTD8OXvU7DYUctusqmKSRd3HDRxz_oYEbsXtm_1dEYkKfQgMxAWCIk_JenrfGbIotVG6DMeYW5tSaFqur_e837_Q4dJyqNB7Pca2lW3-2OHP3qs8O1D-ZartmTbOk5jxqhRZ5oWJAbA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1562" data-original-width="2560" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhNkiZWFWMwQLYu-FG8kmpjt29vz51cv5yUXyYkNrc_whDdi0uTD8OXvU7DYUctusqmKSRd3HDRxz_oYEbsXtm_1dEYkKfQgMxAWCIk_JenrfGbIotVG6DMeYW5tSaFqur_e837_Q4dJyqNB7Pca2lW3-2OHP3qs8O1D-ZartmTbOk5jxqhRZ5oWJAbA=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></span></div><span><br /><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">RATINGS: ★ ★ ★</div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants Three Stars to Word for Word's "Home." All Word For Word productions are worth seeing, not only because of their excellence, but because they give us a totally unique form of live performance. We have seen W4W shows we liked more than "Home," but part of the problem may be that we have entered the post-Pandemic "Please Make Me Laugh" portal. "Home" feels a bit close for comfort.</span></div></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Word for Word's "HOME"</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Z-BelowTheater</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>470 Florida Street, San Francisco</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Through April 29</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>$45-$60</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>★★★</p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-19114501679610704952023-03-20T11:04:00.002-07:002023-03-20T15:52:19.034-07:00"Clue" ★ ★ ★ BANG!<p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlEaoNK_brgbPHh1t9ELNwp-6130d8OEz5Ciznkph3xkMQ8tIZ6MDtOTH_zafLRuX0RcmUheRCFRkkIECySBtqEqNjdOlf-c-EgXN9i-4v__HGmtf64eEfAcMOxYqx5qC0GBdeHGa5z8b7Xit9zxQrmSlaR2OrMTg3Mrx_DdXGKnhSwyFJP0XLTiSKdw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="2450" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlEaoNK_brgbPHh1t9ELNwp-6130d8OEz5Ciznkph3xkMQ8tIZ6MDtOTH_zafLRuX0RcmUheRCFRkkIECySBtqEqNjdOlf-c-EgXN9i-4v__HGmtf64eEfAcMOxYqx5qC0GBdeHGa5z8b7Xit9zxQrmSlaR2OrMTg3Mrx_DdXGKnhSwyFJP0XLTiSKdw=w640-h418" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />It's silly, wacky, ditzy, impossible and choreographed. "Clue" reminds us of what it was like in the good old days, before atmospheric rivers and the ocean of depression we call the morning newspaper. Susi Damilano directs a cast of familiar actors paying even more familiar roles, for those of us who remember playing the Parker Brothers' board game when we were children - and then again with our own children. Surely, our house could not have been the only one where "Colonel Mustard in the billiard room with a wrench" became a standard excuse for "Who stole the cookies?"</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPXI6MnVk_DIGcPjJCggDQU2sZ9TWRgmgvq0v60jeQRWDBM2TwsLZIbXIu3uynu6NdqrZy8WgcrFdGhJOnjh3xdE9S_bDbO58JHmdCc30-rOPMaWH9YC7_nCM7mMxgq9W3pH3cRU6k5uHoyxTc1-I7J_DyoNKaVOrSo0RGo_FA_H9iYPaD5FePYFfgNg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img alt="" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="2033" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPXI6MnVk_DIGcPjJCggDQU2sZ9TWRgmgvq0v60jeQRWDBM2TwsLZIbXIu3uynu6NdqrZy8WgcrFdGhJOnjh3xdE9S_bDbO58JHmdCc30-rOPMaWH9YC7_nCM7mMxgq9W3pH3cRU6k5uHoyxTc1-I7J_DyoNKaVOrSo0RGo_FA_H9iYPaD5FePYFfgNg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">No, it's not a world-class drama, and there is only one gender issue (and it's a brilliant one), thank you very much. The ensemble cast remains in character even as they trail en masse through imaginary doors, walking like Egyptians and bumping into walls, as they head into room sets that the backstage crew is desperately making ready as we all watch.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhu9Zi-SXQno8BHSUrGeZcbkwAIoq7P_yT5PwuEdWOp0RiK_kvxPlYiJjxAiXtHF5Hp9_hv4T5Xdf_w6piZynqLyeyGBYvrWOb-8-WQGEPwjNUrzdlptyuXU-iSPNEz7rJbMC5bP-ZfTaLBdkeOeJY68sb-XujlGZ2Ls4rEt7bm8vfiHm-f_MWqOnZZuw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1869" data-original-width="2450" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhu9Zi-SXQno8BHSUrGeZcbkwAIoq7P_yT5PwuEdWOp0RiK_kvxPlYiJjxAiXtHF5Hp9_hv4T5Xdf_w6piZynqLyeyGBYvrWOb-8-WQGEPwjNUrzdlptyuXU-iSPNEz7rJbMC5bP-ZfTaLBdkeOeJY68sb-XujlGZ2Ls4rEt7bm8vfiHm-f_MWqOnZZuw=w640-h488" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Every character is guilty. Of them all, Greg Ayers is the standout, as Mr. Green the, uh, FBI agent. as are Renee Rogoff as the treacherous Mrs. White, Stacy Ross as the spacey Mrs. Peacock and Michael Gene Sullivan as the pipe-smoking Professor Plum, though on Opening Night the role was voiced by Mr Sullivan but played on stage by Albert Hodge. Now, there's a trick.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>We cannot forget Dorian Lockett's role as Wadsworth the butler, though since his part did not exist in the original game we tend to dismiss him as a Newbie. Courtney Walsh plays a fetching Miss Scarlett and Michael Ray Wisely </span><span>the officiously daft Colonel Mustard. Special mention to the smaller but equally enjoyable roles of Margherita Ventura and Eiko Yamamoto as Yvette the maid and the especially ominous Cook with a cleaver. The ending is a tour de force of writing and performance, leaving us with the understanding that everyone is guilty and no one is guilty and life goes on in the English mansion of all our memories, with all the secrets as well as secret passages.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCSOOOipM3BR55tHOv9sKPunYzSX7eeYxss7kwpfCkIBY2yk0UzjTSZfGE9WdmdHYO7yvZSM2VojjRiPmhGsQ1TYLUfjBaJo-wMMm7L9tCyg5IHw4EKHKCoVyL3Vz1QCRcATm5Gak6YQdyrLZxWAjAzcHw_lihiGeL9Saop-rW4fXRflHhCrbJp_L-Qg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="1986" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCSOOOipM3BR55tHOv9sKPunYzSX7eeYxss7kwpfCkIBY2yk0UzjTSZfGE9WdmdHYO7yvZSM2VojjRiPmhGsQ1TYLUfjBaJo-wMMm7L9tCyg5IHw4EKHKCoVyL3Vz1QCRcATm5Gak6YQdyrLZxWAjAzcHw_lihiGeL9Saop-rW4fXRflHhCrbJp_L-Qg=w640-h438" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">RATINGS: ★ ★ ★ <i>BANG!</i></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Sherlock Holmes Division for Whodunits awards "Clue" <b>Three Stars with a <i>Bangle of Praise</i></b> for the delightful conclusion. See, people, this is what we all long for. A problem: an answer. More or less.</span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"CLUE"</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">San Francisco Playhouse</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">450 Post St., San Francisco</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Second Floor of Kensington Park Hotel</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Through April 22</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">$15-$100</span></p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-90280322329575376022023-03-14T13:39:00.002-07:002023-03-14T20:22:12.589-07:00"Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer" ★ ★ ★ BANG!<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd5l4bnlGqfWA1H_tlUFsUzhZnykEg_pi9jywGO8ZlbwICyNCSs8V4H10HU0tKiM4IzL0CpgZyidx_ODQDJNZ6lZV0dNY-FYeABcf_cfD3PfQ7EXhh3t33Afv8fdm4uOY8YQtUWtSACWGCh1ShuYyb1gO_Pg9dBUZ9YtlmUESiX7UW8Sx-WLYQPYgv0Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2450" data-original-width="1630" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd5l4bnlGqfWA1H_tlUFsUzhZnykEg_pi9jywGO8ZlbwICyNCSs8V4H10HU0tKiM4IzL0CpgZyidx_ODQDJNZ6lZV0dNY-FYeABcf_cfD3PfQ7EXhh3t33Afv8fdm4uOY8YQtUWtSACWGCh1ShuYyb1gO_Pg9dBUZ9YtlmUESiX7UW8Sx-WLYQPYgv0Q=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Greta Oglesby's performance is the highlight of Cheryl L. West's "Fannie: The Music and Life of </span><span style="font-size: large;">Fannie Lou Hamer." This is essentially a one-woman show, with a three-piece backup band (keyboards, guitar/bass, drums). It is labeled a musical, but although Ms. Oglesby plays the part of Ms. Hamer and sings the protest songs of the era with grace and energy, the songs themselves, which were important to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's, are so simple and so familiar by now that at times the show feels bogged down by them. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEyEJ6oDh6O6qZf2UuWlR-ih6vES-NbVa2Gosx9zMCuEpBudeWbtvZhZ4ca-hhDUlyQd6UKd3oME85aLxgubiw4Ctmnz_CS80aPC1o9kbOBQpeVb-cUAVP9T9TZh8KjQ1u4EBiuCePmSeZkObog42Ugyaer4njhJ95_7maoUKrshIvvZBKJf7J8sGPKQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEyEJ6oDh6O6qZf2UuWlR-ih6vES-NbVa2Gosx9zMCuEpBudeWbtvZhZ4ca-hhDUlyQd6UKd3oME85aLxgubiw4Ctmnz_CS80aPC1o9kbOBQpeVb-cUAVP9T9TZh8KjQ1u4EBiuCePmSeZkObog42Ugyaer4njhJ95_7maoUKrshIvvZBKJf7J8sGPKQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">However, Ms Hamer's life and the times in which she lived, wherein Jim Crow made the laws of our country into such a hypocrisy that the Soviets could use our tv news broadcasts as examples of why our government was failing its people, should never be forgotten. Ms. West and Ms. Oglesby, along with Director Tim Bond, have done right to bring this history onto the stage. As Fannie says to us: "We've got a lot to be proud of and a lot to be ashamed of." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Preach, Ms. Hamer. </span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ7plfe8_dvu4vDG3g_Mkbd8dwWSekRsXUwg661o0GFffYJtibD1VJWUpCSUsJM4ezcWqC4a-FFhRIziKBAro5m3tERwMMoe3AhnzMs9hx8XXSY-MjLIfOJDG9s6641uidZVHu7y9-OqaIWSWR3vF7wbu8NylP_oDesfowH1ieug8u-SRm6fo2OH_KXA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ7plfe8_dvu4vDG3g_Mkbd8dwWSekRsXUwg661o0GFffYJtibD1VJWUpCSUsJM4ezcWqC4a-FFhRIziKBAro5m3tERwMMoe3AhnzMs9hx8XXSY-MjLIfOJDG9s6641uidZVHu7y9-OqaIWSWR3vF7wbu8NylP_oDesfowH1ieug8u-SRm6fo2OH_KXA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We love the way Ms. Oglesby mixes music with history. We believe her and feel for Ms. Hamer's personal trials. But the show still feels smaller than the stage. Perhaps these are kinks that will be worked out during this run.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">RATINGS: ★★★ BANG!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants <b>Three Stars with a <i>Bangle of Praise</i></b> to "Fannie: The Life and Times of Fannie Lou Hamer." The Bangle is, of course, for Greta Oglesby.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">While we feel the show itself is a bit simplistic, Ms. Oglesby's performance is anything but. We would like to see the rest of the production, starting with the band, match her energy. This should not be a hootenanny with a camp director leading the audience in group sing. It is a powerful story that deserves more fire.</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitA17TdA4Y3SwV7cnFK8x3ZyG5x7DJuutLha4Eh1_VuS1uvZTGjgNOUNTYi51z0WbLLezaTWpJROcdXe82bVv5rlw9jyljFMgJ9ZPqupgAfh36IaWVVUcWOFJegdTDlFxedIaMXD0yeda4Hx_iWh8x9xuTCubkcLD3Kv9kSy0E6REWm2UO26BBvDcaQg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2450" data-original-width="1630" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitA17TdA4Y3SwV7cnFK8x3ZyG5x7DJuutLha4Eh1_VuS1uvZTGjgNOUNTYi51z0WbLLezaTWpJROcdXe82bVv5rlw9jyljFMgJ9ZPqupgAfh36IaWVVUcWOFJegdTDlFxedIaMXD0yeda4Hx_iWh8x9xuTCubkcLD3Kv9kSy0E6REWm2UO26BBvDcaQg=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer</u></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lucie Stern Theatre</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Through April 2, 2023</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">$30 and up</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-54855103405806430392023-02-28T17:46:00.002-08:002023-02-28T17:49:05.677-08:00The Travelers: ★ ★ ★ ★<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Luis Alfaro's new play, "The Travelers," is a wonder. Glorious staging, costuming and choreographed movement have us fascinated and involved from the opening sequence, where the young men change from their everyday clothing into novitiate robes. These are all discarded souls, having managed to eke out a perilous haven in a religious order that is so obscure it is being canceled by its own church. Everyone here is ultimately on their own.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyY1XnCqpXlA6N06a1La6Dft77htC-YNIxofBqFPV_YuWK2B1me5tqfkX6Y_Gupif4y3KQUK7zatWg4oQ6vX4adiBqQ7BfgX0uGZsnetCfcQjUh3a42CaeP-NZ9q9jr0lJbo45RsY43mihHWXCYxJWsouudh5G70659nRhgFAARF92LWyty8BvXc3nUA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyY1XnCqpXlA6N06a1La6Dft77htC-YNIxofBqFPV_YuWK2B1me5tqfkX6Y_Gupif4y3KQUK7zatWg4oQ6vX4adiBqQ7BfgX0uGZsnetCfcQjUh3a42CaeP-NZ9q9jr0lJbo45RsY43mihHWXCYxJWsouudh5G70659nRhgFAARF92LWyty8BvXc3nUA=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The actors use their real names. The most likeable is Yiyo, played by Guillermo Yiyo Ornelas, a frightened boy who understands how desperate their situation is. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2Kun3FbhymeHzuEANSbx1nNuOvQfio-KcgEH4Cp8dpIYYaTOtuyLWc5DbcWH1A3IjSdDHDIZmD5mLRyRCGPLYWBWLi0Q0DU9mcKneLOwArkxXHBAg7WnhXX_sJUMSUkabiKZncAatGdOCXrjXtCCFlJuN_a1pxSW8PhzIiUATucfaLjV0pEU0Fybi0w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2Kun3FbhymeHzuEANSbx1nNuOvQfio-KcgEH4Cp8dpIYYaTOtuyLWc5DbcWH1A3IjSdDHDIZmD5mLRyRCGPLYWBWLi0Q0DU9mcKneLOwArkxXHBAg7WnhXX_sJUMSUkabiKZncAatGdOCXrjXtCCFlJuN_a1pxSW8PhzIiUATucfaLjV0pEU0Fybi0w=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">The entire ensemble is first rate. We love them all: Juan Amador as new Brother Juan, Daniel Duque-Estrada as Brother Daniel, Brian M. Rivera as Brother Brian, Kinan Valdez as Brother Nancho and Ogie Zulueta as poor hostage Ogie, who lives in a bathtub next to the toilet.</span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlamFCEpmc4o70kAhQzRPPWPMnuRFCqi6XzndD3XhBd3vMWJefG8qc73L0cxFs6cpMuNX3DpZZjC-4ze6kbGtfREkFmtpMy_Ul06rxhldgKxPcO9eQScKMkXIffowrXKdiPxkARmR0LM3NlJM_e1mpNea-UQ7twiRwTiSx-2esEy1dViytGR2I_nYxMw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlamFCEpmc4o70kAhQzRPPWPMnuRFCqi6XzndD3XhBd3vMWJefG8qc73L0cxFs6cpMuNX3DpZZjC-4ze6kbGtfREkFmtpMy_Ul06rxhldgKxPcO9eQScKMkXIffowrXKdiPxkARmR0LM3NlJM_e1mpNea-UQ7twiRwTiSx-2esEy1dViytGR2I_nYxMw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Brother Daniel, seen above, just wants to run a circus back in his hometown of Zacatecas. Brother Nancho is suspicious of the whole enterprise. Brother Brian is the boss, but he has a secret that will present a problem that may be insoluble.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkbZSulftjzrOukj_dWsQhQ3S22RYYen8RAgDiHP3vfCFEzgNy8qvuan6SWtZAXTvuFwkbBKL9LVBJaPwlqBOSdIisJk_a0j7J-Schw2M_-ODLZUGHPD6sOIaszwIrkz0G5sH_qS-EkskxH99yOMINHTKxVZ-dQt-kgf32sfDCPJEG-zq5DprTRMUJ5g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="266" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkbZSulftjzrOukj_dWsQhQ3S22RYYen8RAgDiHP3vfCFEzgNy8qvuan6SWtZAXTvuFwkbBKL9LVBJaPwlqBOSdIisJk_a0j7J-Schw2M_-ODLZUGHPD6sOIaszwIrkz0G5sH_qS-EkskxH99yOMINHTKxVZ-dQt-kgf32sfDCPJEG-zq5DprTRMUJ5g=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This being a Luis Alfaro show, there are lots of side jokes. They wish Brothers Andrew and Brother Michael good luck with their new lives in Palm Springs. Everyone knows God is good for arthritis. They are in agreement that pain leads to God but they'd rather have less pain and more God. Meanwhile, Brother Juan looks like he's going to take over.<br /></span><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMVM4Bvnvj2dyk3QOK1DA18ghlpf6pTy5RM1y1zXEuUoak3YeKZyx_gEXypi0oK7SvTAgO3Ik_iVcwXP-0GtyI0oE7DpzPIDY44CxeKlIjWwmJExFv1c9EthWRxuk32Q9Ut1l71DNtkoXAMEoI9ldi4MLaZpe3dDX8d0btoMoIud379rCLsHGWst9jVw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMVM4Bvnvj2dyk3QOK1DA18ghlpf6pTy5RM1y1zXEuUoak3YeKZyx_gEXypi0oK7SvTAgO3Ik_iVcwXP-0GtyI0oE7DpzPIDY44CxeKlIjWwmJExFv1c9EthWRxuk32Q9Ut1l71DNtkoXAMEoI9ldi4MLaZpe3dDX8d0btoMoIud379rCLsHGWst9jVw=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">RATINGS ★ ★ ★ ★</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants FOUR STARS to Luis Alfaro's "The Travelers." The run is short and this is a show you should not miss. We live in an age of confusion. It's good to know these devout brothers are as messed up as we are. And it is an infrequent pleasure to be front-of-the-seat involved in a show from curtain to curtain. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">OK, there is no curtain at the Magic Theater. God made me write that.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ7cYN0rKdHYGb5hbmt2zpaTfDxylTl5chebHRaC6dNMXio4kRe4cOm8GBOdbRHFm3q9PS4xTUrUE9--QxpVZNia2b3kw7lkKNMeFlCmpw4nAW86QqhrTymZ0xBP9knLTQ1UkPOhWF2f2-IaqpgqRimXRVSqq7J3HQ5ZEQxmwMuYvgZ_v7yl9wKsXEaA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ7cYN0rKdHYGb5hbmt2zpaTfDxylTl5chebHRaC6dNMXio4kRe4cOm8GBOdbRHFm3q9PS4xTUrUE9--QxpVZNia2b3kw7lkKNMeFlCmpw4nAW86QqhrTymZ0xBP9knLTQ1UkPOhWF2f2-IaqpgqRimXRVSqq7J3HQ5ZEQxmwMuYvgZ_v7yl9wKsXEaA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"The Travelers"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Magic Theatre</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fort Mason, Building D, 3rd Floor</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">San Francisco</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Through March 5, 2023</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">$20-$70</span></div>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-80748685415799719232023-02-05T17:11:00.000-08:002023-02-05T17:11:41.885-08:00"He Wants to Run" ★★★ BANG<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMXto8uB4bF5wGXlJS6XqWUKQ2Es0Xl_G-7d1TYRbiH6qQj8lrHq9CUnAPfdfsdp0zTC0g1-4iS0MEYgIEMM7GxtLProVKzWrCzDVWdprXtexK0hqGNPrvwcq_dpWjRdQ4EW5_3Z9M3CMvVnvYUJJ51PPJSaea4KHCLxYv3IJKvCDISui1Pr8Qj-1eCA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2112" data-original-width="2560" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMXto8uB4bF5wGXlJS6XqWUKQ2Es0Xl_G-7d1TYRbiH6qQj8lrHq9CUnAPfdfsdp0zTC0g1-4iS0MEYgIEMM7GxtLProVKzWrCzDVWdprXtexK0hqGNPrvwcq_dpWjRdQ4EW5_3Z9M3CMvVnvYUJJ51PPJSaea4KHCLxYv3IJKvCDISui1Pr8Qj-1eCA=w640-h528" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There are many solo performers who feel like they are speaking to a camera. David Kleinberg is an exception. His "He Wants to Run" is a simple story told simply. We are immediately involved in this touching tale of a man and his neighbor's dog running through the hills of Cloverdale. But there is a lot more to it. Butler, above right, wearing the collar, wants to run until he can run no more. His friend David, above left, pointing at his old buddy, discovers the secret Butler is trying to tell him: we all have to grow old, so why not chase those birds and splash in that river while we can? Everything works better when you have a good friend to keep you on your feet.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX3UISBSMJMMysiPIRaUXGZJz42kPulFJOcEFXu3c8_NEXFBKqLxHViym6wx0evtRxXNnXVVj8e-hcBoFnM-a2XWbw_QMIOY5vjx4oYUjgRd4QgX9pRNJlTYJY3PZE_ZIQJD4q6fMWafMHfWfjXXeL1I2HBF3IUvJFQfCDpy-C63PKasMJn57nUpQlhw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX3UISBSMJMMysiPIRaUXGZJz42kPulFJOcEFXu3c8_NEXFBKqLxHViym6wx0evtRxXNnXVVj8e-hcBoFnM-a2XWbw_QMIOY5vjx4oYUjgRd4QgX9pRNJlTYJY3PZE_ZIQJD4q6fMWafMHfWfjXXeL1I2HBF3IUvJFQfCDpy-C63PKasMJn57nUpQlhw=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Don't expect fireworks, bells or whistles. Do expect the kind of story you can't stop thinking about afterwards. There are only four shows over two weekends during this short run, so hurry. We love "He Wants to Run." You will too.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7DVXaImO8bX4skF3OB4sMNf_G3Lr3GPWjW1Q2XI60-Lp87tf5c4EmM7ScgeJx2uoZk_ZvHebY-lfdstjpB_chSu9hrXkw0Zy7RfYwM_z1-AIBFSJLX1t9y_bqUYAdE3TghhPQS6oi5-AynyHocqhvJfPUF_VM6luoJF44tLJix_KT218ASA1_3gQ8Pw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7DVXaImO8bX4skF3OB4sMNf_G3Lr3GPWjW1Q2XI60-Lp87tf5c4EmM7ScgeJx2uoZk_ZvHebY-lfdstjpB_chSu9hrXkw0Zy7RfYwM_z1-AIBFSJLX1t9y_bqUYAdE3TghhPQS6oi5-AynyHocqhvJfPUF_VM6luoJF44tLJix_KT218ASA1_3gQ8Pw=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">RATINGS: ★★★ BANG </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is one of those shows that is not made for a theatrical rating system. We are giving "He Wants to Run" a <b><i>Three Star with a Bangle of Praise</i></b> rating, despite no costuming, no set design, no music and zero flash. What Kleinberg does is tell a short, one-hour story that makes us feel good. That's it. Kleinberg the performer gets one star, Kleinberg the writer gets another, Butler the dog gets a third and he also earns a Bangle of Praise for barking the bejesus out of those dobermans. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">-----------------</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"He Wants to Run"</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Marsh</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">1062 Valencia Street, San Francisco</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday and Sunday through Feb. 12</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">$20</span></b></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-88784445359957348522023-02-05T16:19:00.000-08:002023-02-05T16:19:59.344-08:00"Cashed Out" ★★ BANG<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvww0qcUUKP0nTfTTbU3gQ1f1BUaGBlP1l3OugwoaylClVe_YHOsoN--32NfSyZii3Mg9MlxkHXUsg2EGYA09-klkmm4Rt4cnJl56WZCKWtGBq8NVoUJFfZ4FN4fRFdbWzSDgo2SHHKjmVAjl5lDRSUfEwbDqZXkdb_lfnujpSW59v-KxVn88JGt7jbw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1634" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvww0qcUUKP0nTfTTbU3gQ1f1BUaGBlP1l3OugwoaylClVe_YHOsoN--32NfSyZii3Mg9MlxkHXUsg2EGYA09-klkmm4Rt4cnJl56WZCKWtGBq8NVoUJFfZ4FN4fRFdbWzSDgo2SHHKjmVAjl5lDRSUfEwbDqZXkdb_lfnujpSW59v-KxVn88JGt7jbw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">San Francisco Playhouse is to be commended for "Cashed Out," a production commissioned by SFP and written, directed, acted and supported backstage by Native Americans. The story takes place in Arizona, not far from the reservation of the Gila River Community, and we are immersed in the dark corners of Res life -- notably, addictions in several flavors.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHkHgn2Q484YuvtxLCsa8ILXkWw3JEKEQxRJMdbgF_ZJka9RvAwKk4l5TzqBD7nJlYKxHkWXWQjaqm-W9K09hNiO5W7tKLpfKqpv6XEDxwiTrmMVvjptAUGyruSVJbqKKPMTNHc1LoujdK_10yHqiSUZvZjzWK8LE2uqUnAgHWvX-EdWAZzyY8q2E4ZQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1634" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHkHgn2Q484YuvtxLCsa8ILXkWw3JEKEQxRJMdbgF_ZJka9RvAwKk4l5TzqBD7nJlYKxHkWXWQjaqm-W9K09hNiO5W7tKLpfKqpv6XEDxwiTrmMVvjptAUGyruSVJbqKKPMTNHc1LoujdK_10yHqiSUZvZjzWK8LE2uqUnAgHWvX-EdWAZzyY8q2E4ZQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Camu family has been weaving high-end baskets for generations: "I'm a Camu. I make baskets." We meet Rocky and Levi, played by Rainbow Dickerson and Chingwe Padraig Sullivan, during several periods of their lives. Levi represents solidity and Rocky is trouble. Her inability to resist gambling in local casinos talks not only of the dangers these casinos pose to local people but also how they have disrupted native geography and customs.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3-zU6HgAlr4V3T19G7BfqaWeXH6ynMq-ZOGOGdag7YHH-O-6C2684kf8aSvPxbuSCopUw9B0GeIygQQ3EXY9qs3Z6-d6IJcybXE6Mz43AqFrSKNTP2GRmFohooGAAOXHgps0F-LSF8h4ILF6NzZIhLj9234mFU9v5z8O37u0P6hW6tkW85a0LSyvaoQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1634" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3-zU6HgAlr4V3T19G7BfqaWeXH6ynMq-ZOGOGdag7YHH-O-6C2684kf8aSvPxbuSCopUw9B0GeIygQQ3EXY9qs3Z6-d6IJcybXE6Mz43AqFrSKNTP2GRmFohooGAAOXHgps0F-LSF8h4ILF6NzZIhLj9234mFU9v5z8O37u0P6hW6tkW85a0LSyvaoQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Special credit must be given to Sheila Tousey, who plays Aunt Nan, the seen-it-all earth mother of the Camu family, now that her sister, Rocky's mother Virginia Camu (Lisa Ramirez) has gone off the rails.<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNpMehWbYpXumd2sasite9GsVDsA8-LlX4LxN27Ndz7UvZcEa3_OZrkY3-n02bd0he06GUNRfXgNjWzy_n_olNYQkm4_FGdp4m3guovrJH6Rp62eKZsOS5We4BWgDSxG008CMGrLHc_K8ya3HS6JHDgPnPKIfXOjiRr-2G3K0O2wxKA-K5P6nFg-7tWg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1634" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNpMehWbYpXumd2sasite9GsVDsA8-LlX4LxN27Ndz7UvZcEa3_OZrkY3-n02bd0he06GUNRfXgNjWzy_n_olNYQkm4_FGdp4m3guovrJH6Rp62eKZsOS5We4BWgDSxG008CMGrLHc_K8ya3HS6JHDgPnPKIfXOjiRr-2G3K0O2wxKA-K5P6nFg-7tWg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />As often happens with premieres, it takes awhile to iron out the kinks. Acting can be a bit stiff and the show feels long, especially Act One, whose ending sets us up for an Act Two payoff that never really develops. But we do get a feel for a world about which we know little. There is a lot to like about "Cashed Out."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">RATINGS: ★★ BANG</div></span><p></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater BlogAwards Division gives a <b><i>Two Star with Bangle of Praise </i></b>rating to "Cashed Out." Sheila Tousey and Rainbow Dickerson's performances merit the Stars and the Bangle is for Dickerson's visible descent into addiction in Act Two. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>-------</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"CASHED OUT"</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>San Francisco Playhouse</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>450 Sutter Street, San Francisco</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(2d floor of Kensington Hotel)</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Through Feb. 25, 2023</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>$15-$100</b></span></div>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2285463936397165895.post-83858803340702915652023-01-23T12:54:00.001-08:002023-01-25T08:58:50.145-08:00"In Every Generation" ★ ★<span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgocYFHxTP0PqPNGYniBk0QrOLZ5R7lj2KqlbRFf_EzBVM78vEJWYbyei0Sk4Ju9JPLityL9F9hCGdWttv_39WMOsTIIdAi_kkCSPH6k9icqEORX0MPJJnSzCRbfrQtpYFYcDMVlT-sn5666dKN9GsXVsIzy73tfiyE6kM6c-rttyrZcExdBUnbggnjZQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2450" data-original-width="1630" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgocYFHxTP0PqPNGYniBk0QrOLZ5R7lj2KqlbRFf_EzBVM78vEJWYbyei0Sk4Ju9JPLityL9F9hCGdWttv_39WMOsTIIdAi_kkCSPH6k9icqEORX0MPJJnSzCRbfrQtpYFYcDMVlT-sn5666dKN9GsXVsIzy73tfiyE6kM6c-rttyrZcExdBUnbggnjZQ=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>It's the Passover from Hell. Grandpa is in a wheelchair, Grandma and Mom would rather be anywhere else, Dad (who is a rabbi) has apparently run off with the President of the Sisterhood and the two daughters can't stop arguing.<br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqYDwpiN6spRbZAsCFQ_UQJVoYWS2layjGuKhSZ1wFiuvCv_jDTQHWMvMFfG45zXNvLvAqzh-oqhy9oKXyuC7T3uVdD8iLK2li7Cjvhv16hGkXOJmUfvDmTW07doeq2KxaOk_1GbhE2IypveGb3NRiykrWSQo0J3LqPcfTikWYfNX2H5bwTo0-_tsX1A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqYDwpiN6spRbZAsCFQ_UQJVoYWS2layjGuKhSZ1wFiuvCv_jDTQHWMvMFfG45zXNvLvAqzh-oqhy9oKXyuC7T3uVdD8iLK2li7Cjvhv16hGkXOJmUfvDmTW07doeq2KxaOk_1GbhE2IypveGb3NRiykrWSQo0J3LqPcfTikWYfNX2H5bwTo0-_tsX1A=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Ali Viterbi's "In Every Generation" seems to intend to convey that Passovers are times for personal angst. As Grandma (Luisa Sermol) says, "Arguing is Jewish." Jews will be familiar with the nods to Seder customs, such as counting out the ten plagues and a child singing the Four Questions, but non-Jews will probably be scratching their heads about why everybody is in such a <i>tsimmis</i> before dinner.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Act One sets the scene and the beginning set piece of Act Two delivers a wonderful dialogue between Grandma and Grandpa from fifty years earlier, when they were recent immigrants struggling with assimilation, language and difficult memories. These are terrific performances from Sermol and Michael Champlin. We feel for them, we understand them, we can look back to Act One and come to understand the bittersweet passage of time. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDQcLpFM4tf35TIagRYSVFxRmG_XgsQuiAh1r8P7GV9oizuvpS8htiES_oZHt7v6BU3bF_J-ADWUB-2AxY5ijHtFoxZc0Ed2M1r3neTXmtkycwXu-NHHqVzgZ7w2DuCukSf61tOA4eC1rWyqp4l3UTwk3aJ0SEOaJ_Zzm3Q2F2LDAJyJDnwH3BoIl4pQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDQcLpFM4tf35TIagRYSVFxRmG_XgsQuiAh1r8P7GV9oizuvpS8htiES_oZHt7v6BU3bF_J-ADWUB-2AxY5ijHtFoxZc0Ed2M1r3neTXmtkycwXu-NHHqVzgZ7w2DuCukSf61tOA4eC1rWyqp4l3UTwk3aJ0SEOaJ_Zzm3Q2F2LDAJyJDnwH3BoIl4pQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But then comes the incomprehensible last set piece, a flashback to Moses and his family in the desert, arguing, of course, about whether or not someone born in Egypt can be allowed into the Promised Land, which is only for Israelites. The similarities between 1400 BC and today are clear, on a political level. We get it. We already got it. Everyone dances the hora in sandals and then the kids take off for the Promised Land. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Are we uplifted? No. It just feels like a bad dream. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvH6jeQk4GbC6PzzHS559XM0pteaw29qvtGc4sCwudrZU1FYhapoRTkpEzuZEExTVxQFJDQfsyGSaLNZzdfWe0dPZTcAUcj8n4-9Ido0lfuMDkeXs0iWLtI23jv7BmM2WR-46MzUo0NlHEm8P3Dp45j1P1oDOd62tg611ayTijA1w7It1vqiqZhqaDLA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2450" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvH6jeQk4GbC6PzzHS559XM0pteaw29qvtGc4sCwudrZU1FYhapoRTkpEzuZEExTVxQFJDQfsyGSaLNZzdfWe0dPZTcAUcj8n4-9Ido0lfuMDkeXs0iWLtI23jv7BmM2WR-46MzUo0NlHEm8P3Dp45j1P1oDOd62tg611ayTijA1w7It1vqiqZhqaDLA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ratings: ★★</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants Two Stars to "In Every Generation." Perhaps this story reflects the author's experience but she needs to decide whether she is going for the joke or something deeper, if we are to make it to the Promised Land.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">____________</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"In Every Generation"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">500 Castro Street, Mountain View</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Through Feb. 21, 2003</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">$30 and up</span></div>DAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06069020561918627560noreply@blogger.com0