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Bay Area Theatre: Weekend Picks, May 14-16

14 May

Here are The Broadway Critic’s picks for Bay Area Theatre this weekend:

1. Peter Pan - Ferry Landing: “To live would be an awfully great adventure,” Peter Pan states at the end of Act 2. That statement perfectly sums up the new 360 degree production of Peter Pan - it’s an awfully great big adventure, surrounded by unimaginable, incredible effects that almost stole the show. Continue reading the full review here.

Website | Tickets

2. In the Heights - Curran Theatre (San Francisco): I saw this production on opening night and loved it. I haven’t written up my full review of this show, but I will say that many of the main characters were fantastic. While the Broadway show was ultimately more flashy and energetic, the touring cast found more heart in the story.

Website | Tickets

3. Beautiful Child – ACT (San Francisco): “Shamed by his father’s arrest during the panic of 1893, a young New York socialite traverses the railways to Chicago and meets other teenage runaways on the fringes of society. An ACT Young Conservatory performance presented in collaboration with Bird School of Music.” This looks extremely interesting. May 14–29, 2010

Website | Tickets

On My Radar:

  • Thoroughly Modern Millie at Santa Clara University – I love this show and one of my favorite Bay Area actresses is starring as Millie: Monique Hafen. Please don’t miss this one! Opens May 28th – June 5th at the Mayer Theatre, Santa Clara University. Website

Until next week…

 
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Posted by on 05/14/2010 in Bay Area Theatre, Weekend Picks

 

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Bay Area Theatre: Weekend Picks, April 30 – May 2

30 Apr

Here are The Broadway Critic’s picks for Bay Area Theatre this weekend:

1. Peter Pan at Ferry Building (San Francisco) – While this hasn’t officially opened, (so therefore, I haven’t seen it) word on the street is that Peter Pan is a totally new and exciting theatrical experience – one that you won’t want to miss out on. I’m off to see this on May 9th. I’ve also heard that they should have made it into a musical. And all this time, I actually thought it was the musical. Make sure you get your tickets soon.

Website | Tickets

2. RENT at Palo Alto Players – Here’s another show that I haven’t seen, but recommend this weekend. RENT holds a special place in my heart, as it was the first Broadway musical that I couldn’t stop listening to. I’m intrigued to see this production. I’ve never seen anything at Palo Alto Players and I haven’t seen RENT for almost 3 years now (last time being on Broadway with Anthony Rapp and Tamyra Gray). I’m off to see this tonight! There’ll be a review up early next week. It closes May 9th.

Website | Tickets

3. Urinetown at Sunnyvale Community Players – Urinetown, the hilarious Tony Award winning musical, is closing out Sunnyvale Community Players’ 40th Season. I’d say, it’s a damn great choice. I love this show more than anything and I’ve been hearing that this production is pretty hysterical and well-worth your time. Again, another show that I haven’t seen but I’m interested in checking it out before it closes on May 9th. Plus, it has a few dear friends in it! Check out some reviews on Artsopolis.com.

Website | Tickets

On My Radar:

  • Gypsy at Hillbarn Theatre - Gypsy opens on May 7th and runs through May 30th. It will prove to be an amazing production featuring actors Annmarie Martin, Milly Boyse, Dan Kapler, Patti Appel, Cheryl Ringman, and more… More info
  • Little Shop of Horrors at Busbarn Theatre – I hear they have the most amazing Audrey! (Apparently, she had a major callback with the folks down at GLEE and sang with Lea Michele for three days.) Yes, that’s how good she is. I will definitely not be missing this one. Opens on May 20th. More info

Until next week…

 
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Posted by on 04/30/2010 in Bay Area Theatre, Weekend Picks

 

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Bay Area Theatre: Weekend Picks, April 9-11

09 Apr

Here are The Broadway Critic’s picks for Bay Area Theatre this weekend:

1. Dirty Blonde – San Jose Stage Company: I’ve seen a rehearsal for this production and I can tell you that it’s something you don’t want to miss! San Jose Stage Company continually brings groundbreaking, interesting theatre to the South Bay. It’s a fascinating play about the Hollywood starlet Mae West. Do not miss this one! Opens next weekend. Did you enter to win tickets? Make sure you do. (Contest ends today!) More info

2. Girlfriend – Berkeley Rep Theatre: “Girlfriend is the breathless testimony of a fool for love,” raves Rolling Stone, “a rock ‘n’ roll valentine that delivers subtle wisdom with an exhilarating kick.” Fall in love with the boy next door at Girlfriend. Performances begin April 9 and continue through May 9 on Berkeley Rep’s intimate Thrust Stage starring Jason Hite (read interview here) and Ryder Bach. I’ll be seeing this next Wednesday. More info

3. Lady, Be Good! – 42nd Street Moon: Jump into the Jazz Age and find out what made the Twenties roar in this iconic show written for Fred and Adele Astaire – the first solid gold smash hit the Gershwin brothers enjoyed in New York! If it’s anything like their last show, Jubilee then you won’t want to miss it. It’s apparently selling out fast! Get your tickets soon! Get info

On My Radar:

  • RENT - Palo Alto Players: One of my favorite shows is coming to Palo Alto Players. Part of the reason I want to see it is because I’m playing Mark in RENT at City Lights Theatre this summer, but also because I genuinely love this show. I haven’t seen it for about 3 years! The last time was Anthony Rapp and Tamyra Gray (who was fabulous) on Broadway in August 2007. More info

Until next week…

 
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Posted by on 04/09/2010 in Bay Area Theatre, Weekend Picks

 

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Bay Area Theatre: Weekend Picks, March 19-21

19 Mar

Here are The Broadway Critic’s picks for Bay Area Theatre this weekend:

1. Baby – A Musical at Ray of Light Theatre – “Ray of Light Theatre is proud to present the delightful musical comedy, Baby. Continuing our 9th season after rocking the house with The Who’s Tommy last fall, Baby is a seven-time Tony award-nominated musical that The New York Times praised as “Smart, funny and often ingenious”. It runs 5 weeks, March 19 – April 18, 2010, at Off-Market Theatres in San Francisco. Directed by Dyan McBride.” I haven’t seen this production yet, but it looks like an interesting night of theatre.

More Info | Tickets

2. Ain’t Misbehavin’ at San Jose Rep – San Jose Rep is swinging to the tunes of Thomas “Fats” Waller with a stellar Broadway caliber cast. The joint will be jumpin’ with an ensemble of energetic and electric performances, featuring the hottest jazz band in town guaranteed to bring down the house with a musical parade of 30 great hits! Aint’ Misbehavin’ is directed by Kent Gash and is based on an idea by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr. I’m off to see this tonight – opening night. Look for a review, early next week.

More info | Tickets

3. Legally Blonde at Broadway San Jose – Legally Blonde is only running until Sunday, March 21st, so you’ll want to check it out this weekend! Don’t forget! I said, “We’re glad to have the cute, spunky Malibu blonde back in the Bay Area. It’s not a perfect cast or show, but you’ll leave the theatre laughing because you’ve had such a good time. You might even change some of your wardrobe to pink!” Read the full review, here.

More Info | Tickets

On my Radar:

  • Broadway Forever at Herbst Theatre: I saw their initial run back in February and reviewed it here. It was one of the longest nights of theatre I have ever been to, but then again there were some fantastic songs that you might not want to miss. You just might want to bring something to do during the others.
  • Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Broadway by the Bay: I’m really looking forward to this one as it stars Robert Brewer! I worked with Robert on Bat Boy at Foothill College and The Great American Trailer Park Musical at San Jose Stage Company. Plus, I’ve never seen anything at Broadway by the Bay! It starts April 1st and runs through April 18th. More info here.
  • To Kill a Mockingbird at Theatreworks: “When a black man is accused on little evidence of assaulting a white woman, a small-town lawyer stands for justice in the shadow of overwhelming racism in an utterly engaging tale of heartache and joy, innocence and integrity.” Sounds fantastic! Opens April 7th, 2010. More info here.

Until next week…

 
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Posted by on 03/19/2010 in Bay Area Theatre, Weekend Picks

 

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Bay Area Theatre: Weekend Picks, March 5-7

05 Mar

Here are The Broadway Critic’s picks for Bay Area Theatre this weekend:

1. Lady, Be Good – Tabard Theatre Company: “Enjoy the Fascinating Rhythm of this fast-paced lighthearted musical comedy with songs by George & Ira Gershwin. Delight in their trademark wit and charm in this show that premiered on Broadway in 1924 starring Fred & Adele Astaire.” First off, it’s Gershwin – my all-time favorite composer and secondly, it’s a South-Bay premiere. So, you better get tickets (there are already a few dates sold-out).

Get tickets | More info

2. Rock ‘n’ Roll at San Jose Stage Company – This extraordinary theatrical event, from four-time Tony Award winner Tom Stoppard (The Coast Of Utopia), makes its South Bay debut in a uniquely intimate production at The Stage. It’s closing weekend! Make sure you go!

Get tickets | More info

3. Concerning Strange Devices from the Distant West at Berkeley Rep- A drama by Naomi Iizuka directed by Les Waters. “The intricate parts of this world premiere nestle together like a delicate puzzle…or erotic glimpses of an enigmatic tattoo. Expose yourself to the mystery of Strange Devices.”

Get tickets | More info


 On My Radar:

  • Legally Blonde – Broadway San Jose: OMG you guys! Legally Blonde is finally coming to San Jose, next week. Remember that these Broadway San Jose productions are only there for one week – Mar 16, 2010 through Mar 21, 2010. You’ll see a review of this on The Broadway Critic at the end of next week! I haven’t seen it since it premiered in San Francisco at it’s pre-Broadway try-out. More Info
  • Baby at Ray of Light Theatre: Baby is rarely done, so it’s interesting to see Ray of Light pick this show. Is there anything more exciting, frightening and utterly transformational than impending parenthood? Hopefully the musical is exciting and not frightening! More info
  • Ain’t Misbehavin’ at San Jose Rep – Life and love are song and dance in this sexy, funny, jazzy musical featuring the seminal Fats Waller tunes: “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Black & Blue,” “The Joint is Jumpin’” and “I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling.” Starts on March 13th – April 18th, 2010. More info
 
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Posted by on 03/05/2010 in Bay Area Theatre, Weekend Picks

 

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Bay Area Theatre: Weekend Picks, Feb 26-28

26 Feb

Here are The Broadway Critic’s picks for Bay Area Theatre this weekend:

1. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Foothill Musical Theatre – It’s been getting rave reviews! Check out the review in the SJ Mercury News. I posted a preview of this last week! Check out the comments in the preview to see some of the audience’s reactions. I’m off to see it tonight and I’m very much looking forward to it! Sounds like a W-I-N-N-E-R!

Buy tickets | More info

2. Curtains at Diablo Theatre Company – I was off to see this production last night, but got stuck in an awful traffic jam and unfortunately missed it. I’ve heard wonderful things about it and my friend, Andrew Willis-Woodward is in it. It’s closing this weekend, so don’t miss it!

Buy tickets | More info

3. Chicago at Notre Dame de Namur University – First off, it’s Chicago – one of my favorite musicals of all-time. Second off, there are some big Bay Area theatre names attached this production: Greg Fritsch – Director, Dottie Lester-White – Choreographer and William Liberatore – Musical Director. It looks like they have an outstanding cast as well. I’ve never seen anything at NDNU, so I’m very excited to check this out.

Buy tickets | More info

On my Radar:

  • Rock ‘n’ Roll at San Jose Stage Company – This extraordinary theatrical event, from four-time Tony Award winner Tom Stoppard (The Coast Of Utopia), makes its South Bay debut in a uniquely intimate production at The Stage. More info
  • Ovo at Cirque du Soleil’s tent on Taylor – I called it “… a theatrical and athletic feast of epic proportions.” Read full review here.
  • Lady Be Good at Tabard Theatre Company – Lady Be Good, a Gershwin musical, opens next week, March 5th at Tabard Theatre Company. I can’t help myself from being excited about this one because I absolutely love Gershwin. More info
 
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Posted by on 02/26/2010 in Bay Area Theatre, Weekend Picks

 

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Bay Area Theatre – Weekend Picks, Dec 11-13

11 Dec

Here are The Broadway Critic’s picks for Bay Area Theatre this weekend:

1. The 39 Steps at Curran Theatre, shnsf.com - In my review I said, “There’s a reason that this show is the longest running play on Broadway right now. You’ll walk away from the theatre (regardless of your age) having a ridiculously good time. And sometimes, we all really just need a ridiculously good time.” The 39 Steps runs till January 3rd, but get your tickets soon. I have a feeling that it’s going to be a major hit! More info here.

2. Jubilee at 42nd Street Moon – I just can’t say enough great things about this production. After a long weekend of so-so theatre, I ended up being surprised with how wonderful the cast, choreography, costumes, music and direction were. It’s really a show that you don’t want to miss! Buy your tickets now for this weekend! Read the full review here.

3. A Christmas Story at SJ Rep - If you are looking for a Christmas show than take your whole family to this one. While, it’s not groundbreaking theatre, by any means, I left the theatre feeling the Christmas spirit and that’s just what I needed to jump start my holidays. Read the full review here.

On my Radar:

  • A Christmas Carol at ACT: I’ve heard some great things about this production. Go into the city, hang out in Union Square, do some Christmas shopping and then go to the theatre. Sounds like a great day to me! More info here.
  • Another Night Before Christmas at City Lights Theatre Company: It runs to December 20th. Plus, it’s the West Coast premiere! I’ll be checking this one out next Friday. More info, here.
  • The Seafarer – It runs through December 20th and has gotten great reviews. I’m seeing it this Saturday night. Buy tickets, here.
 
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Posted by on 12/11/2009 in Weekend Picks

 

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Bay Area Theatre – Weekend Picks, Dec 4-6th

04 Dec

Here are The Broadway Critic’s picks for Bay Area Theatre this weekend:

1. A Civil War Christmas at Theatreworks – Created by Pulitzer Prize-winner Paula Vogel, A Civil War Christmas is a heartwarming holiday feast for the entire family. Featuring TheatreWorks favorites Diana Torres Koss, C. Kelly Wright, and Gary Martinez, Broadway and film actor Michael A. Shepperd, regional veteran Robert Parsons, and local favorite Kit Wilder, A Civil War Christmas plays December 2-27 at Lucie Stern Theatre. I’m looking forward to seeing how the director, Robert Kelley, creates a coherent story with 14 people playing over 100 characters. (Talk about a huge feat!) Get info here.

2. The Poptimists at Tabard Theatre Company – The Poptimists, a world premiere, opens at Tabard Theatre Company on December 4th and runs till the 12th. “There was a time when clean-cut young American singers toured the land, spreading optimism and patriotism through the pop music of their generation…this is not their story. Meet The Poptimists, a 1970s-era traveling pop group, in this satirical but affectionate musical poke at the politics and perspectives that defined a decade.” Check out the interview with Ted Kopulos, the writer of The Poptimists. I heard that there will be some cameos from local favorites: Tim Reynolds and Mike Rhone. I’m checking this one out tonight, Friday the 4th.

3. Jubilee at 42nd Street Moon – High jinks abound in Cole Porter and Moss Hart’s smart, cheeky, and ultra-modern 1935 hit! The Royal Family of a “fictional European country” abandon the throne go off on an adventure. Parody versions of recognizable 1930s celebrities (Noel Coward, Elsa Maxwell, Johnny Weissmuller, Ginger Rogers) show the disguised monarch and family the time of their royal lives. Cole Porter’s amazing score includes Begin the Beguine, Just One of Those Things, Me & Marie, Why Shouldn’t I?, A Picture of Me Without You, and The Kling-Kling Bird on the Divi-Divi Tree. Plus, it features C.J. Blankenship and Andrew Willis-Woodward (two of San Jose Stage Company’s Altar Boyz). Get info here.

On my radar:

  • A Christmas Story at San Jose Rep – It runs through December 20th. Get more info, here.
  • Another Night Before Christmas at City Lights Theatre Company: It runs to December 20th. Plus, it’s the West Coast premiere! More info, here.
  • The Seafarer – It runs through December 20th and has gotten great reviews. Buy tickets, here.

What are you seeing?

 
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Posted by on 12/04/2009 in Weekend Picks

 

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Bay Area Theatre – Weekend Picks, Nov. 20-22nd

20 Nov

Here are The Broadway Critic’s picks for Bay Area Theatre this weekend:

1. The Seafarer at San Jose Stage Company – San Jose Stage Company has a reputation on putting up edgy new works that grab your attention in a way that no other theatre company does in the South Bay. With their intimate setting, fantastic direction (usually by Rick Singleton) and stellar actors (often returning), they have come up with the perfect recipe that you don’t want to miss. This time, it’s Conor McPherson’s The Seafarer. It opens on November 21st and runs through December 20th. Unfortunately I will miss the opening night gala (because I’ll be in London) but we are checking this show out the week I get back.

Here’s a little more about the play, “These men who make their way home for the holidays aren’t exactly looking forward to sharing a cup of holiday cheer. But a stranger in their midst, in town to collect a major poker debt, forces them to take a look at their lives — and where they’ll end if they’re not more careful. The Tony Award winner is a darkly funny examination of Ireland’s culture of drinking and the arguable states of grace achieved by those who embrace it.”

The Seafarer features Randall King*, Julian López-Morillas*, Kevin Blackton*, Colin Thomson*, and Donald G. Emmerich, many of whom are familiar from recent performances at The Stage. (*Actor’s Equity Association)

Buy tickets, here.

2. Another Night Before Christmas at City Lights Theatre Company: Just to preference: my wife, Shenelle Williams, is playing piano on this show, so I might be a little biased! Another Night Before Christmas is a “a delight for the whole family, this witty and tuneful holiday romp is sure to win laughs from anyone who has ever lost – or found – the holiday spirit.” With only a two-person cast (Lisa-Marie Newton and Michael Johnson), this show will definitely add Chistmas cheer to your holiday season. (Shenelle keeps coming home from rehearsal and wanting to put up decorations!) It runs from November 19th to December 20th. Plus, it’s the West Coast premiere!

More info, here.

3. A Christmas Story at San Jose Rep: This Christmas classic is back! “Christmas is a time of great expectations and for nine-year-old Ralphie Parker that great expectation is a genuine Red Ryder 200 Shot Carbine Action Air Rifle. Unfortunately, his mother, teacher and even the Goldblatt’s Department Store Santa Claus have the same reaction to his Christmas wish, “You’ll shoot your eye out!”‘ I love this movie and it’s perfect for the whole family! It opens November 21st and runs through December 20th.

Get more info, here.

Other shows of interest:

  • The Fantasticks at Sunnyvale Community Theatre: Read The Broadway Critic’s review here.
  • A Taffeta Wedding at Tabard Theatre Company: A Taffeta Wedding closes this weekend, so make sure you get over to the Tabard. We featured this show last week – get info here.
  • West Side Story at WVLO: This production of West Side Story runs till December 5th. It features Issac Benelli as Tony, Anne-Claire Baconnais as Maria, and Brian Palac as Bernado. Get info here.

I’m checking out all of these shows I mentioned after the Thanksgiving holiday because I’ll be in London watching shows in the West End! (Of course, you’ll get reviews of those as well!) Enjoy the weekend; there is some great theatre happening!

Until next week… (really two weeks)

 
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Posted by on 11/20/2009 in Weekend Picks

 

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Bay Area Theatre – Weekend Picks, Nov. 6-8th

06 Nov

Here are The Broadway Critic’s picks for Bay Area Theatre this weekend:

1. The Fantasticks at Sunnyvale Community Players: I’m planning on checking this show out next weekend! (And be sure to check back for a review!) It’s described as “…a classic coming-of-age story, The Fantasticks features two meddling, matchmaking fathers who scheme to get their children together. But once the couple is united, the real drama begins! Featuring the beloved songs “Try to Remember” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain.”‘ The Fantasticks original Off-Broadway production ran for 42 years — making it the longest running musical of all time. That’s gotta count for something and under Walter Mayes unique direction, it’s got to be worth seeing! Buy tickets here.

 

Green Day's Musical "American Idiot"

2. American Idiot at Berkeley Rep – Of course you knew that I would recommend seeing this (especially if you’ve read my glowing review.) This show closes on the 15th, so you want to make sure you get your tickets soon before it closes. We are seeing it again for the fourth time on Thursday (front row, center)!! Come and support this fantastic show. You won’t regret seeing it! Buy tickets here.

 

3. The Chosen at TheatreWorks – It’s closing weekend and I’ve heard a lot of great things about this production. I’ve been following TheatreWorks on Facebook and they continually post all sorts of interesting things about the production like: “‘He thought 75, maybe 200 [people] would be interested.” -Adena Potok, on her late husband’s story The Chosen, which was on the New York Times bestseller list for 39 weeks and has been translated into 15 languages.” Looks extremely interesting. Buy tickets here.

 

Other shows to catch before they close:

  • Hay Fever at Pear Avenue Theatre - It’s been called charming, stunning and funny on Artsopolis in member’s reviews. It’s also has my very talented friend, Monique Hafen in it. Closes Sunday.
  • A Taffeta Wedding at The Tabard Theatre Company – If you love music from the 1950′s and 60′s then go check this one out. It has been extended to November 21st. More info here.

Let us know if you are planning on seeing anything this weekend or if we’ve missed something.

 
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Posted by on 11/06/2009 in Weekend Picks

 

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