"Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really": ★ ★ ★ ★

Wonderful acting, terrific staging, great sets and the monster gets what he deserves...we think. But with vampires, one never knows for sure.

Kate Hamill's retake of the classic Bram Stoker dark gothic thriller seems a lot more light-headed than the original, with the addition of a strong sense of outrage at the social condition in which women of the age appear to be confined: Stay single and be diminished or get married and become property. The women in this story aren't having any of this. They end up leading the assault against Count Dracula and all of male-dominated England while they're at it. The way they enthusiastically seal the fate of Count Dracula makes the entire audience cheer with each thwack of the silver cross and pointed stick.

 

Stacy Ross, Susi Damilano and Johnny Moreno are really, really good. Ross plays Renfield, a woman committed to an insane asylum by her husband (because that's what husbands can do), whose reasons for her erratic behavior become clearer by Act II. As always, Ross is funny and droll while also dealing with a demanding physical role. 

Damilano is Doctor Van Helsing, a cowboy-hat wearing Doctor who deals in inexplicable illnesses of other-worldly origins. We love it every time she upbraids Doctor Seward (Josh Schell), the symbol of male intrasigence. Having both Damilano and Ross on the same stage is a comedic banquet for  us.

Speaking of banquets, Johnny Moreno is a fabulous Count Dracula. He is the Anthony Bourdain of Transylvania. When he takes a bite of neck, he grunts with gourmet pleasure. As far as the expression "Consume or Be Consumed" goes, Count Dracula is the C in Consumer. 

Act Two starts slow with Van Helsing giving a perhaps overlong lecture on the history of vampires, but this is the only time we looked at our watch. The fun continues as the Count pursues further appetizers. 

RATINGS ★★★★

The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants "Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really" Four Stars. Bill English's direction moves actors and furniture seamlessly across Jackie Scott's brilliant stage. A shout-out for Nemma Aden for her terrific Lucy. And we must also mention Kathleen Giu's costumes and Michael Palumbo's lights. 

Keep in mind: This show employs a Blood Designer. You know. Dracula.

"Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really"

San Francisco Playhouse

450 Post St., 2d floor of Kensington Park Hotel

Through 6-27-26

$52-$145

Amy Bouchard: "Amadeus Never Gives Me The Blues" ★ ★ ★ BANG

 

If we could award a sixth star to Amy Bouchard for her voice, we gladly would. Her one-woman show, "Amadeus Never Gives Me The Blues" gave us nothing but joy. The story tells of a young woman gifted with a vocal instrument for the ages who is unable to please her role model, her grandmother. Nana was also a singer as a young woman and Bouchard longs for her approval which is never forthcoming.

Along with accompanist Daniel Lockett, Bouchard breaks into song to illustrate her practice methods, her auditions, her performances and even her recordings. Every time she sings we, along with the rest of the audience, burst into enthusiastic applause.

But while we are moved musically, we are somewhat less so theatrically. The problem is not with Bouchard the performer but with the way the story is presented. It is confusing and has no surprises. We're happy to hear about Nana's past as a singer before two thousand soldiers in a USO show during World War II, but what does this have to do with Amy? We want to know more about her. Why does she love singing? How did she start? Our stereotype of opera singers is enormous women carrying a spear. Amy Bouchard is small and gorgeous. How does this happen? What about her unmentioned parents? Who set her upon this path? 

And perhaps above all: If Amadeus never gives her the blues, why not? What is there in this music that is so curative for her? We hear it when she sings. We want that feeling in her story too.

"Opera demands perfection," Bouchard says. Musically, she is there already. The show will certainly tighten up as time goes on. We will go back to see Amy Bouchard any chance we get. 

RATINGS ★★★ BANG

The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants "Amadeus Never Gives Me the Blues" Three Stars with a Bangle of Praise. Bravo! we say. With a stage presence like Amy Bouchard, this show is heading for Bravissimo!

"Amadeus Never Gives Me the Blues"

The Marsh

1062 Valencia, San Francisco

Saturdays through May 25\

$25-$35