KPFA - Bay Area Theater

KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “A Strange Loop” at ACT Toni Rembe Theatre through May 12, 2024. The post Review: “A Strange Loop” at ACT Toni Rembe Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA Theater Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Tiger Style!” by Mike Lew, at TheatreWorks Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts through April 28, 2024. The post Review: “Tiger Style!” at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Kristina Wong Sweatshop Overlord” at ACT Strand Theatre through May 5, 2024. The post Review: “Kristina Wong Sweatshop Overlord” at ACT Strand Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The 39 Steps” at San Francisco Playhouse through April 20, 2024. The post Review: “The 39 Steps” at San Francisco Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Far Country” by Lloyd Suh, at Berkeley Rep‘s Peets Theatre through April 14, 2024. The post Review: “The Far Country” at Berkeley Rep Peets Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Queen” by Madhuri Shekar, at TheaterWorks Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto through March 31, 2024. The post Review: “Queen” at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews ‘Manahatta” at Aurora Theatre Company through March 10, 2024. The post Review: “Manahatta” at Aurora Theatre Company appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “My Home on the Moon” by Minna Lee at San Francisco Playhouse through February 24, 2024. The post Review: “My Home on the Moon” at San Francisco Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Cult of Love” at Berkeley Rep‘s Roda Theatre through March 3, 2024. The post Review: “Cult of Love” at Berkeley Rep Roda Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “MJ The Musical” at BroadwaySF‘s Orpheum Theater through February 25, 2024. The post Review: “MJ The Musical” at BroadwaySF Orpheum Theater appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Babes In Ho-lland” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stages, extended to February 10, 2024. The post Review: “Babes In Ho-lland” at Shotgun Players appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “How I Learned What I Learned” by August Wilson, at TheatreWorks Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts through February 3, 2024. The post Review: “How I Learned What I Learned” at TheatreWorks appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA Theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews the Broadway-bound revival of “The Wiz” at BroadwaySF Golden Gate Theatre through Feb. 11, 2024 The post Review: “The Wiz” at BroadwaySF Golden Gate Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Just For Us” with Alex Edelman, at Berkeley Rep’s Peets Theatre through January 21, 2024. The post Review: “Just For Us” at Berkeley Rep Peets Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky discusses the year in theatre in the Bay Area in 2023, plus a top ten list and two honorable mentions.   Text of the podcast. In the Bay Area, Live theatre companies continued in 2023 to adapt to the post-Covid world. While movie audience sizes seems to be returning to pre-pandemic numbers. live theater remains mostly on life support across the board, mainly because season subscriptions are down by at least a third or maybe more, which means theatergoers are buying tickets on a show by show basis. That makes planning difficult, and it also means artistic directors are less likely to produce shows that are more challenging in favor of audiences pleasers such as musicals, comedies, and most importantly, the warhorses that folks are willing to see over and over again. The great multi-theatre venue, Piano Fight, in the Tenderloin closed its doors in March, leaving a host of younger theatregoers bereft. Bay Area Musicals didn’t survive the pandemic, and its successor Landmark Musicals did not get past 2023. Marin Theatre Company, ACT, and the Magic have had truncated seasons, and Cal Shakes chose not to have a season at all. Custom Made is on life support and may never return. But there was still quite a bit of quality theatergoing to be had in the plastic year, and here are ten examples fin no particular order. Clyde’s, a former Tony nominee by Lynn Nottage had a sensational production at Berkeley Rep’s Peets theatre. As did the creepy and scary Let the Right One in at Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre. Margo Hall was phenomenal in Josephine’s Feast over at the Magic, and it doesn’t get any better than J. Jha in Gertha Reddy’s adaptation of the Mahabharata at Z Space, co-produced by the Oakland Theatre Project. Poor Yella Rednecks, Vietgone II at ACT’s Strand Theatre looked at a Vietnamese refugee family in America, and Cambodian Rock Band at ACT focused on the generational aftermath of the Killing Fields and the Cambodian Genocide. Then there was Nollywood Dreams, a screamingly funny look at the Nigerian film industry, and Billy Crudup’s brilliant performance in Harry Clarke at Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre. Rounding out the top ten are San Francisco Playhouse’s brilliant production of A Chorus Line, and the very weird, funny and horrifying Locusts Have No King at New Conservatory Theatre. A couple of honorary mentions go to Kander and Ebb’s brilliant The Scottsboro Boys at 42nd Street Moon, and William Finn’s 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at TheatreWorks. The post Bay Area Theatre in 2023: Best of the Year appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Harry Clarke” at Berkeley Rep Roda Theatre through December 23, 2023. The post Review: “Harry Clarke” at Berkeley Rep Roda Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Guys & Dolls” at San Francisco Playhouse through January 13, 2023. The post Review: “Guys & Dolls” at SF Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “1984,” an adaptation of the George Orwell novel by Michael Gene Sullivan, directed by Barbara Damashek, at Aurora Theatre Company through December 10, 2023. The post Review: “1984” at Aurora Theatre Company appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage through December 30, 2023. The post Review: “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Bulrusher” by Eisa Davis, at Berkeley Rep’s Peets Theatre through December 3, 2023. The post Review: “Bulrusher,” at Berkeley Rep Peets Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Nollywood Dreams” by Jocelyn Bioh at San Francisco Playhouse through November 4, 2023. The post Review: “Nollywood Dreams” at San Francisco Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical” at the ACT Toni Rembe (Geary) Theatre through October 8, 2023. The post Review: “The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical” at ACT Toni Rembe Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Odyssey,” written and directed by Lisa Peterson, at Marin Theatre Company through September 24, 2023. The post Review: “Odyssey” at Marin Theatre Company appeared first on KPFA.

Giovanna Sardelli, Artistic Director of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Before becoming Artistic Director in July 2023, Giovanna Sardelli served as Artistic Director of TheatreWorks New Works since 2014. A noted stage director, she has worked closely with Tony winner Matthew Lopez and Pulitzer finalist Rajiv Joseph, among others, and has directed at several regional and New York theaters, along with several productions at TheatreWorks. Before joining TheatreWorks she served on the faculty at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and before that had an acting career. In this conversation, she discusses TheatreWorks’ current financial challenges, along with a look at the upcoming season. The post Interview: Giovanna Sardelli, Artistic Director, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, 2023 appeared first on KPFA.

Elijah Alexander, in conversation with KPFA associate theater critic C.S. Soong. Veteran actor Elijah Alexander appears in Tom Stoppard’s play “The Real Thing,” now at Aurora Theatre in Berkeley through March 5. Elijah plays the role of a cerebral playwright named Henry, who shares a number of other attributes with Stoppard. In “The Real Thing,” Stoppard explores issues of authenticity, love, the writer’s craft, and infidelity. The Aurora Theatre is located at 2081 Addison Street in Berkeley. Aurora Theatre Company’s website Elijah Alexander’s website   The post Interview: Elijah Alexander about “The Real Thing,” at Aurora Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA Drama Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Christians,” a play  by Lucas Hnath, at San Francisco Playhouse through March 11th. For more info: San Francisco Playhouse website The post Review: The Christians by Lucas Hnath, at SF Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theater critic reviews “Fun Home,” playing at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco through February 19th. Curran Theater The post Review: Fun Home at the Curran appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theater critic Richard Wolinsky reviews Native Son by Nambi E. Kelley, adapted from the novel by Richard Wright, at Marin Theatre Company through February 12, 2017. The post Review: Native Son, at Marin Theatre Company appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theater critic Richard Wolinsky reviews the Jewish Circle Theatre production of “Love Sick,” at the Osher Studio in Berkeley through February 12th and at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, February 23-March 12. The post Review: Love Sick, at Berkeley Osher Studio appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theater critic Richard Wolinsky reviews the musical play “Finding Neverland” at SHN Orpheum through February 12, 2017. The post Review: Finding Neverland, at SHN Orpheum appeared first on KPFA.

Gregory Dawson, in conversation with C.S. Soong. Gregory Dawson is the founder and artistic director of dawsondancesf, which presents the world premiere of Dawson’s work “les vérités” at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco on January 27th and 28th. An award-winning choreographer, Gregory is a former dancer with LINES Ballet, and he currently teaches and choreographs for all of LINES Ballet’s educational programs. The theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is located at 700 Howard Street. dawsondancesf’s website The post Interview: Gregory Dawson of dawsondancesf appeared first on KPFA.

Review of Belleville by Amy Herzog, at Custom Made Theatre in San Francisco through January 28, 2017. Custom Made website The post Review: Belleville, at Custom Made Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

Review by KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky  of “The Madwoman in the Volvo” by Sandra Tsing Loh at Berkeley Rep through January 15, 2017. Berkeley Rep The post Review: The Madwoman in the Volvo at Berkeley Rep appeared first on KPFA.

Emma Rice, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. Emma Rice is the Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London and director/co-adaptor of “946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips,” a Kneehigh production running at Berkeley Rep through January 15th. For several years, Emma served as Artistic Director of Kneehigh, where she was also director of several shows that came through Berkeley Rep, including “Tristan and Yseult,” “The Wild Bride,”  and “Brief Encounter.” Her work is known internationally for its unconventional story-telling and staging. “The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips,” based on a popular children’s book by Michael Murpurgo, who joined with Emma in co-adapting his story, tells of a girl named Lily in 1944 and her search for her missing cat in an English village overrun with American soldiers preparing for the D-Day invasion. “946” refers to a tragic event that actually happened in the seas off Slapton and was excised from history for fifty years. The play features original songs and music, and puppetry, and dancing. A slightly shorter version of the interview is heard on KPFA’s Arts-Waves program on December 19th. This interview was recorded on-site at Berkeley Repertory Theater in Berkeley. The post Emma Rice: 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips at Berkeley Rep appeared first on KPFA.

“Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley” a new play (part of a rolling world premiere) by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, based on characters from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice, at Marin Theatre Company through December 23, 2016, reviewed by KPFA theater critic Richard Wolinsky. The post Review: Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley appeared first on KPFA.

“She Loves Me,” the classic 1963 musical with book by Joe Masteroff, music and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock, directed by Susi Damilano, now at San Francisco Playhouse through January 14, 2017. Reviewed by KPFA Chief Theater Critic Richard Wolinsky. SF Playhouse website. The post Review: She Loves Me appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA Theater Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews the touring company of “The King and I,” now at the Golden Gate Theatre through December 11, 2016. The post Review: The King and I touring Broadway Revival appeared first on KPFA.

The play Safe House by Keith Josef Adkins, directed by L. Peter Callender, at Aurora Theatre in Berkeley through December 4, 2016 is reviewed by KPFA chief theatre critic Richard Wolinsky. The post Review: Safe House by Keith Josef Adkins appeared first on KPFA.

Ed Decker, founder and artistic director of New Conservatory Theatre Center in San Francisco talks with KPFA’s Richard Wolinsky. The New Conservatory Theatre Center in San Francisco focuses on queer and allied theatre and has been around since 1981. This coming season has seven plays in its line-up, with the Pulitzer Prize winning Sons of the Prophet by Stephen Karam, directed by Ben Randle, running November 11 through December 18, 2016. Avenue Q runs December 2, 2016 through January 15, 2-17. In this interview, Ed Decker discusses plays from the previous season, gives a rundown on the upcoming season, and discusses the center’s new plays project and recent renovation. New Conservatory is located at 25 Van Ness Avenue at Market Street, in San Francisco. New Conservatory Theatre Center website The post New Conservatory Theatre Center: Ed Decker appeared first on KPFA.

Review of Seared by Theresa Rebeck, directed by Margarett Perry, at San Francisco Playhouse through November 12th. Reviewed by Richard Wolinsky. Seared at S.F. Playhouse. The post Review: Seared, at San Francisco Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.

Review of The Last Tiger in Haiti by Jeff Augustin, directed by Joshua Kahan Brody, at Berkeley Rep’s Peets Theatre through November 27, 2016. Reviewed by Richard Wolinsky. The Last Tiger in Haiti at Berkeley Rep. The post Review: The Last Tiger in Haiti, at Berkeley Rep appeared first on KPFA.

Review of Tom Stoppard’s play, The Hard Problem, directed by Carey Perloff, at A.C.T.’s Geary Theatre through November 13, 2016. Reviewed by Richard Wolinsky. The Hard Problem  at A.C.T. The post Review: The Hard Problem, at A.C.T. appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “A Chorus Line” at San Francisco Playhouse through September 16, 2023. The post Review: A Chorus Line” at San Francisco Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Mahabharata,” a co-production of Oakland Theatre Project and Z Space, at Z Space through August 20, 2023. The post Review: “Mahabharata” at Z Space appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Josephine’s Feast,” from Campo Santo and The Magic Theatre, at the Magic Theatre in San Francisco through August 20, 2023. The post Review: “Josephine’s Feast” at the Magic Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Wizard of Oz” at ACT’s Toni Rembe (Geary) Theatre through June 25, 2023. The post Review: “The Wizard of Oz” at ACT Toni Rembe (Geary) Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

Susi Damilano and Bill English, co-founders of San Francisco Playhouse. Bill English, Artistic Director of San Francisco Playhouse, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded via Zencastr May 29, 2023. San Francisco Playhouse was founded in 2003 by Bill English and Susi Damilano and has grown into a major regional theatre, with several world premieres later moving on to future productions in New York and elsewhere. In this interview, Bill English discusses the current show at San Francisco Playhouse, Chinglish by David Henry Hwang, which runs through June 10, 2023, and the upcoming production of A Chorus Line, which starts previews on June 22, 2023. He also talks about the upcoming 2023-2024 season, as well as the state of the company three years after the pandemic shutdown. The post Interview: Bill English, San Francisco Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Let The Right One In” at Berkeley Rep‘s Roda Theatre through June 25, 2023. The post Review: “Let The Right One In” at Berkeley Rep appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “English” at Berkeley Rep Peets Theatre and “Poor Yella Rednecks: Vietgone 2” at ACT Strand Theatre. The post Review: “English” at Berkeley Rep; “Poor Yella Rednecks, Vietgone 2” at ACT Strand appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Triumph of Love” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage through April 23, 2023. The post Review: “The Triumph of Love” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along” at 42nd Street Moon Gateway Theatre through April 9, 2023. The post Review: “Merrily We Roll Along” at 42nd Street Moon appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Cambodian Rock Band” by Lauren Yee, at Berkeley Rep‘s Roda Theatre through April 2, 2023. The post Review: “Cambodian Rock Band” at Berkeley Rep appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews  “Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer” at TheatreWorks Lucie Stern Theatre, Palo Alto through April 2, 2023. The post Review: “Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer” at TheatreWorks appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Clyde’s” by Lynn Nottage, at Berkeley Rep’s Peets Theatre through February 26, 2023. The post Review: “Clyde’s” at Berkeley Rep Peets Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “In Every Generation” by Ali Viterbi, directed by Michael Barakiva, at TheatreWorks Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts through February 12, 2023. The post Review: “In Every Generation” at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews the world premiere play, “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley” by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, at Marin Theatre Company through December 16, 2018. The post Review: “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley,” at Marin Theatre Company appeared first on KPFA.

Nilaja Sun, in conversation with KPFA associate theater critic C.S. Soong. Nilaja Sun portrays a dozen people living on New York’s Lower East Side in her one-woman show “Pike St.,” now at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. In “Pike St.” three generations of a Puerto Rican family await, along with neighbors and friends, the arrival of a hurricane. The play, directed by Ron Russell, runs through December 9. Berkeley Repertory Theatre is located at 2025 Addison Street in Berkeley. The post Interview: Nilaja Sun about “Pike St.” at Berkeley Rep appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Pike St,” written and performed by Nilaja Sun, at Berkeley Rep’s Peets Theatre through December 9, 2018. Berkeley Rep website The post Review: Pike St., at Berkeley Rep appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Everything Is Illuminated” , west coast premiere, based on the Jonathan Safran Foer novel, at Aurora Theatre Company in Berkeley. The play has been extended to December 16th. Aurora website The post Review: Everything Is Illuminated at Aurora Theatre Company appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “In the Heights,” music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, at Custom Made Theatre in San Francisco through December 15, 2018. Custom Made website The post Review: In The Heights, at Custom Made Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

John Fisher, Artistic Director of Theatre Rhine, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. Director, playwright and actor John Fisher discusses his one-man show, “A History of World War II” at the Marsh in San Francisco Nov, 8 – Dec. 16, 2018, Thursday and Saturday evenings. He also talks about the current Theatre Rhino season, which opened with the musical “The Boy From Oz” about the life of gay singer/songwriter Peter Allen, playing at the Gateway (Eureka) Theatre through Nov. 17, 2018. John Fisher also talks about his career in theatre, as well as the relationship between audience and performer, and whether there’s such a thing as a “bad night,” and other issues when seeing a play. The post Interview: John Fisher, Artistic Director Theatre Rhino appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Men On Boats” by Jaclyn Backhaus, directed by Tamilla Wodard, at ACT’s Strand Theatre through December 16, 2018.   The post Review: Men On Boats, at ACT Strand appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Resting Place” at the Magic Theatre in Fort Mason, through November 4, 2018. The post Review: The Resting Place, at the Magic appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews the touring company of “Waitress” at SHN’s Golden Gate Theatre through November 11, 2018. The post Review: Waitress, at SHN Golden Gate appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Fairview” by Jackie Sibblies Drury at Berkeley Rep through November 4, 2018 Berkeley Rep website The post Review: Fairview, at Berkeley Rep appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Oslo” by J.T. Rogers, directed by Jason Minadakis, at Marin Theatre Company through October 28, 2018. Marin Theatre Company website The post Review: Oslo by J.T. Rogers, at Marin Theatre Company appeared first on KPFA.

Loretta Greco, Artistic Director of the Magic Theatre, and director of “Sweat” by Lynn Nottage, at ACT’s Geary Theater through October 21st, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Loretta Greco has developed, premiered, and championed the work of Taylor Mac, Mfoniso Udolfia, Barbara Hammond, Jessica Hagedorn and Luis Alfaro during her years at the Magic. She’s also directed plays at both the Magic, Cal Shakes, A.C.T. and other theatrical companies. “Sweat” by Lynn Nottage won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. ACT website.     Images from “Sweat” The post Interview: Loretta Greco, Artistic Director of the Magic Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Red Scare at Sunset” by Charles Busch at New Conservatory Theatre Center through October 21, 2018. New Conservatory website The post Review: Red Scare on Sunset, at New Conservatory Theatre Center appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “You Mean to Do Me Harm” by Christopher Chen, directed by Bill English, at San Francisco Playhouse through November 3, 2018. SF Playhouse website The post Review: You Mean to Do Me Harm, at SF Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Goat, or Who is Sylvia” by Edward Albee, at Custom Made Theatre in San Francisco through October 20, 2018. Custom Made Theatre website The post Review: “The Goat, or Who is Sylvia” by Edward Albee, at Custom Made appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “A Doll’s House, Part 2” by Lucas Hnath, at Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre through October 21, 2018 Berkeley Rep website   The post Review: A Doll’s House, Part 2 by Lucas Hnath, at Berkeley Rep appeared first on KPFA.

Johanna Pfaelzer has been named the new Artistic Director of Berkeley Rep, starting in the 2019-2020 season. In this interview she talks about her history as the Artistic Director of New York Stage & Film, and about how she views her new position at one of the coountry’s leading regional theatres. Berkeley Rep website The post Interview: Johanna Pfaelzer, Berkeley Rep appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Detroit ’67” by Dominuqe Morisseau, at Aurora Theatre Company through October 7, 2018. Aurora Theatre Company website   The post Review: Detroit ’67 by Dominique Morisseau, at Aurora appeared first on KPFA.

Robert Kelley, founder and Artistic Director of Theatreworks Silicon Valley, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. Robert Kelley helped found Theatreworks back in 1970, shortly after graduating college. Originally a workshop, over a short time it turned into a community theatre, then a professional theatre, and now is one of the country’s leading regional theatre companies, with several originating shows (including the Tony winner “Memphis”) going to New York and Broadway. Entering his second-to-last season, a year before the company’s fiftieth anniversary in 2019-2010, Robert Kelley discusses the history of Theatreworks, how it’s situated within the Bay Area community, along with details of the upcoming season, which features a production of the Tony-winning musical based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel, “Fun Home,” and the latest play by Rajiv Joseph (“Guards at the Taj”). He also discusses how Broadway has changed, the role of Theatreworks in maintaining diversity and political consciousness, and the role of Silicon Valley companies in aiding the arts in general, and theatre specifically (hint: individuals support the arts, companies put their money mostly elsewhere). Theatreworks website The post Interview: Robert Kelley, Artistic Director of Theatreworks Silicon Valley appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The War of the Roses, from William Shakespeare’s Henry VI trilogy and Richard III, adapted by Eric Ting & Philippa Kelly and directed by Eric Ting, through September 15, 2018 at California Shakespeare Theatre in Orinda. KPFA host Mitch Jeserich: “Richard III is one of most visible and known disabled characters in the literary and theatrical worlds and he is part of a long tradition of portraying primary disabled and deformed characters as a villains.  I can see Cal Shakes wanting to avoid perpetuating that type of characterization.  But to erase his disfigurement all together is antithetical to the character himself because Richard uses society’s maltreatment of him for motivation to gain power precisely in order to be seen and recognized.  Because Cal Shakes always seems to strive in bringing diversity into Shakespearean plays, I was disappointed that instead of figuring a clever and dignified way to represent his disability they erased it all together.” Cal Shakes website   The post Review: Shakespeare’s The War of the Roses at Cal Shakes appeared first on KPFA.

Susia Damilano and Bill English, founders of San Francisco Playhouse. Bill English, Artistic Director of San Francisco Playhouse, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. In this yearly interview, Bill English discusses the previous and upcoming seasons at San Francisco Playhouse. In addition, he discusses the current production of “Sunday in the Park with George” and examines the role of lighting in creating the feel of Playhouse productions. San Francisco Playhouse website The post Interview: Bill English, San Francisco Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.

Michael Gene Sullivan, in conversation with KPFA associate theater critic C.S. Soong. The San Francisco Mime Troupe’s current production, “Seeing Red: A Time-Traveling Musical,” juxtaposes the current political conjuncture with a time in the U.S. when socialism wasn’t a dirty word. Veteran actor, writer, and Mime Troupe member Michael Gene Sullivan plays two roles in the production: a present-day bartender and a union leader in 1912. “Seeing Red” runs through September 9 in parks and other venues throughout the Bay Area and beyond. The San Francisco Mime Troupe’s website The post Interview: Michael Gene Sullivan about “Seeing Red” by the San Francisco Mime Troupe appeared first on KPFA.

Jeanne Sakata is the author of the play “Hold These Truths” at Theatreworks Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto, July 11 – August 5, 2019. Jeanne Sakata is an actress who has appeared on several TV shows and films, and on stage at both ACT and Berkeley Rep. Hold These Truths is the true true story following Gordon Hirabayashi, a Japanese-American student who fought internment to a relocation camp during World War II. This Northern California premiere celebrates the human spirit as it chronicles Hirabayashi’s journey from college in Seattle all the way to the Supreme Court, and eventually to a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Directed by Lisa Rothe, with Joel de la Fuente starring as Hirabayashi, Hold These Truths made its world premiere in 2007 at East West Players in Los Angeles. In 2012, the solo play made its Off Broadway premiere at Epic Theatre Company starring Joel de la Fuente, and received a 2013 Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Solo Performance. Since its world premiere, it has gone on to play throughout the nation including theatres in Boston, Honolulu, Washington, D.C., Portland, and many others. Theatreworks website   The post Interview: Jeanne Sakata, “Hold These Truths” at Theatreworks Lucie Stern Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews the James Lapine-Stephen Sondheim musical, “Sunday in the Park with George,” directed by Bill English, at San Francisco Playhouse through September 8, 2018. SF Playhouse website   The post Review: Sunday in the Park with George, at SF Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.

Emily Jeanne Brown, in conversation with KPFA associate theater critic C.S. Soong. Emily Jeanne Brown plays the role of a private equity firm’s managing director in Sarah Burgess’s play “Dry Powder,” now at Aurora Theatre in Berkeley through July 29. In “Dry Powder,” sparks fly and ethical questions arise when two principals of the firm disagree on what to do with a company that the firm plans to acquire. The Aurora Theatre is located at 2081 Addison Street in Berkeley. Aurora Theatre Company’s website The post Interview: Emily Jeanne Brown about “Dry Powder” at Aurora Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Dry Powder,” written by Sarah Burgess and directed by Jennifer King, at Aurora Theatre Company through July 22, 2018. The post Review: Dry Powder, at Aurora Theatre Company appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews the new musical “Soft Power,” at the Curran Theatre through July 8, 2018. Curran website The post Review: Soft Power, at the Curran appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Straight White Men” by Young Jean Lee, at Marin Theatre Company through July 8, 2018. Marin Theatre Company website The post Review: Straight White Men, at Marin Theatre Company appeared first on KPFA.

Octavio Solis, whose latest play is “Quixote Nuevo” at California Shakespeare Theatre, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. Author of over 20 plays, Octavio Solis is considered by many to be one of the most prominent Latino playwrights in America. With works that both draw on and transcend the Mexican-American experience, he is a writer and director whose style defies formula, examining the darkness, magic and humor of humanity with brutal honesty and characteristic intensity. His imaginative and ever-evolving work continues to cross cultural and aesthetic boundaries, solidifying him as one of the great playwrights of our time. His latest play, at Cal Shakes June 13 through July 1, 2018, updates the Cervantes story of an elderly man who believes himself to be a medieval knight, taking it to the border of Mexico and Texas, in the El Paso area, and giving the would-be Quixote the backstory of a professor going through the stages of Alzheimer’s. Cal Shakes website Octavio Solis website Scenes from “Quixote Nuevo”: The post Interview: Octavio Solis, playwright, “Quixote Nuevo” at Cal Shakes appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews a world premiere musical, “A Walk on the Moon” at ACT’s Geary Theatre, through July 1, 2018. ACT website The post Review: A Walk on the Moon, at ACT Geary Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

Playwright David Henry Hwang and composer Jeanine Tesori discuss their latest project, an original musical titled “Soft Power,” at the Curran Theatre June 20-July 8, 2018, with host Richard Wolinsky. “Soft Power” starts with a play and turns into a musical, about a reverse “King and I” created in China and produced fifty years in the future, concerning the relationship between a Chinese envoy and Hillary Clinton, which brings up questions regarding cultural appropriation and what is called “soft power,” the power of culture to influence society. David Henry Hwang is a Tony winning playwright, the author of, among other works, “M. Butterfly”, “Chinglish” and “Yellow Face,” along with a recently reworked “Flower Drum Song.” He is also on the writing staff of the Showtime TV show “The Affair.” Jeanine Tesori is a Tony winning composer. Among her works are “Caroline, or Change,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Violet” (to be seen in a Bay Area Musicals production next season) and “Fun Home.” Curran theatre website The post Interview: David Henry Hwang & Jeanine Tesori, “Soft Power” at the Curran appeared first on KPFA.

Sheryl Kaller, Richard Wolinsky and Pamela Gray. Sheryl Kaller, director, and Pamela Gray, playwright of “A Walk on the Moon,” a world premiere musical at A.C.T. Geary Theatre, June 9-July 1, 2018, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. “A Walk in the Moon” is based on the 1999 film with a screenplay by Pamela Gray. The show deals with life in a Jewish bungalow colony in the Catskills during the summer of 1969, and the sexual awakening of a mother and daughter. Sheryl Kaller is a Tony-nominated director whose most recent Broadway play was “Mothers & Sons” by Terence McNally in 2014. And among Pamela Gray’s other screenplays are “Music of the Heart” and more recently, “Megan Leavey.” The post Interview: Sheryl Kaller & Pamela Gray, A Walk on the Moon at ACT appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Howard Crabtree’s When Pigs Fly,” at New Conservatory Theatre Center in San Francisco through June 10, 2018 New Conservatory website The post Review: When Pigs Fly, at New Conservatory appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “An Entomologist’s Love Story” by Melissa Ross, at San Francisco Playhouse through June 23, 2018. San Francisco Playhouse website The post Review: An Entomologist’s Love Story, at San Francisco Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “What The Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck, at Berkeley Rep through June 17, 2018. Berkeley Rep website The post Review: What The Constitution Means to Me, at Berkeley Rep appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Marjorie Prime” by Jordan Harrison at Marin Theatre Company through May 27, 2018. Marin Theatre Company   The post Review: Marjorie Prime, at Marin Theatre Company appeared first on KPFA.

Liz Diamond, director of “Father Comes Home from the Wars, Parts 1, 2 and 3” by Suzan-Lori Parks, at ACT’s Geary Theatre April 25-May 20, 2018, and the head of Yale Drama School’s Directing Department, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. Liz Diamond’s love affair with theatre began when she was in the Peace Corps in Africa, and took off after she teamed with playwright Suzan Lori-Parks, working on plays in New York. Eventually she found herself at Yale, where she began to teach, eventually becoming the Chair of the Directing Department at Yale School of Theatre. She returns to directing with the latest Suzan-Lori Parks play, an epic about African-American slaves during the Civil War. The post Interview: Director Liz Diamond appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theater critic Richard Wolinsky gives capsule reviews of Angels in America at Berkeley Rep; FAther Comes Home from the Wars Parts 1, 2 and 3 at ACT Geary Theatre; The Color Purple at SHN Orpheum, and Tinderella, a Faultline Theatre production at Custom Made. The post Review Round-up appeared first on KPFA.

Tom Alan Robbins portrayed Pumbaa the warthog on Broadway for thirteen years in The Lion King. At present he plays Dametas, the king’s servant, in Head over Heels at the Curran through May 6, 2018 and in June, on Broadway. He also performed in the original casts of Sunset Blvd, Jerome Robbins Broadway and other shows. Richard Wolinsky had a chance to speak with Tom Alan Robbins during press day for Head Over Heels. He turned out to be an extremely articulate and interesting guy. This Bay Area Theatre interview is web-only Curran Theatre website The post Interview: Head Over Heels III, Tom Alan Robbins appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Aurora Day,” a world premiere play by Jonathan Spector, at Aurora Theatre Company in Berkeley through May 13, 2018 Aurora website The post Review: Eureka Day, at Aurora Theatre Company appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Head Over Heels” a new musical in its pre-Broadway run, at the Curran through May 6, 2018. Curran website The post Review: Head Over Heels, at the Curran appeared first on KPFA.

Michael Mayer and Richard Wolinsky Michael Mayer, director of “Head over Heels,” a new musical with a pre-Broadway tryout at the Curren Theatre through May 6, 2018, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. Michael Mayer won the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical in 2007 and has been nominated three times for a musical, for You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Thoroughly Modern Millie and most recently, for Hedwig and the Angry Itch. He was also nominated as director for the 1998 production of Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge. He directed and wrote the book for American Idiot and the recent reconfiguring of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. He directed the film version of Michael Cunningham’s A Home at the End of the World. His latest film is an adaptation of Chekhov’s The Sea Gull, starring Annette Bening and Soursie Ronin, which will be released later this year. In this interview, he discusses the show at the Curran, and delves into elements of his career. Curran Theatre website The post Interview: Head over Heels II, director Michael Mayer appeared first on KPFA.

Jessica Hagedorn, playwright of “The Gangster of Love,” based on her novel of the same name, is interviewed by Richard Wolinsky. “The Gangster of Love” has its world premiere at the Magic in San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center, April 11 – May 6, 2018. Jessica Hagedorn has adapted her own novel, which tells the story of a teenaged immigrant girl (based on Hagedorn’s own experienced) coming from the Philippines to San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury in the sixties and seventies, and living and working as a musician and artist in those heady times. In the interview, she talks about the play, the novel, and her own biography as an artist, novelist, playwright and musician. The post Interview: Jessica Hagedorn, playwright, “The Gangster of Love” at the Magic appeared first on KPFA.

KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Effect” by Lucy Prebble, directed by Bill English, at San Francisco Playhouse through April 26, 2018. SF Playhouse website The post Review: The Effect at San Francisco Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.