2020(1): The Year that Hasn’t Ended
Looking back at the two years (and counting) of pop culture during pandemic purgatory.
The ‘Stories’ are the Setting: ‘Stoop Stories’ (online) local premiere at Aurora Theatre
Aurora slowly moves back to live shows with this solo streamer about a NY neighborhood in flux.
‘Eye’ on the Prize: ‘The Bluest Eye’ “audio drama” at Aurora Theatre
Aurora’s audio show – originally intended for a live production – adds to the dreamlike quality of Toni Morrison’s debut story.
Don’t Steal My Shine: ‘The Light’ online at Shotgun Players
Misogynoir is taken to task in Shotgun’s virtual production of Loy A. Webb’s breezy script.
If Only that were Enough: Josh Kornbluth’s ‘Citizen Brain’ (virtual) World Premiere by Shotgun Players
Shotgun belatedly opens its new socially-distant season with a well-intentioned-but-slightly-aloof solo show.
‘Clash’-ing Lights and Civil Rights: Culture Clash ‘(Still) in America’ World Premiere at Berkeley Rep
The Latin trio return to the Berkeley Rep with their latest entertaining document of our country’s kookiest characters.
My Kingdom for Cliff’s Notes: ‘Gatz’ West Coast premiere at Berkeley Rep
The famous staged reading of the entire ‘Great Gatsby’ is nothing more than a flickering green light.
The Pain Ends with Death: ‘The Children’ West Coast premiere at the Aurora
Top-notch acting and direction opens Aurora’s 2020 with a well-written play that doesn’t stick the landing.
Inside-Out: My 2019 in Bay Area Theatre
No “Best Of” yet, but here are some emotional ponderances on the decade-ending year that was.
Not the Worst Witch: ‘Becky Nurse of Salem’ World Premiere at the Berkeley Rep
The second Witch Trial play I’ve seen in a week is an imperfect misfire for Sarah Ruhl and the Rep.
The Thinking Man's Idiot (Charles Lewis III) 