"Left Field" ★ ★ ★

There are amazing moments in John Fisher's "Left Field." Frenetic, subversive, ridiculous, meaningful, impossible but maybe not THAT impossible -- Fisher's ultra-cynical view of our political and social systems, as seen from left field -- which in this case just means anything that isn't center-field --  hits home more than it probably should.

Elana Swartz as Emerald and Gene Mocsy as Kebie are quite convincing in their supporting roles but this is a John Fisher show. His Delson Stammer is obnoxious but approachable. He is also different than every other politician, because the other candidates refuse to take unpopular stands. Stammer becomes Mayor of Provincetown, then Supervisor in San Francisco, even though he has opinions about everything, few of which make any sense in the real word but all of which are heartfelt. This sets him apart from everyone else.

Stammer somehow runs for Vice-President and then President. We're not sure whether he wins or loses but it doesn't really matter. Fisher's point is that it COULD happen.

The show runs long, particularly in one very long set piece in which Fisher scales every internal wall in the building to illustrate he is climbing a mountain in Alaska. This successful summit leads to name recognition and, therefore, a shot at the presidency.

I mean, this could never happen, right?

Of course, John Fisher shows are always funny. "Fascism is a temporary turn towards capitalism."

"Yale is an expensive whore with gonorhhea." 

We love what they do with the lighting in the shark scene. A hallmark of the Rhino is to do a great deal with very little in a tiny space. This company puts everything it has into every second. This is why we love shows here. John Fisher ends up doing sit-ups as the show ends. Why? Because he can. 

RATINGS ★★★

The San Francisco Theater Blog grants THREE STARS to "Left Field." John Fisher is a uniquely talented guy. His company always bites off more than anyone can chew, but we always leave the theatre amazed that, sure enough, they pulled it off again. The run for "Left Field" is over, but the melody lingers on. 

"Left Field"

Rhinocerous Theatre

4229 18th St., San Francisco

RUN IS OVER: SHOW CLOSED.