I saw ‘Black Panther’ last night and My Life is Better for it (My Non-Spoiler Review)
Black Panther isn’t “a hero who happens to be Black”. Rather, Black identity is central and crucial to the story of his fantastic first MCU solo film.
Missed its Stop: ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ at Ubuntu Theater
Ubuntu’s attempt to deconstruct Tennessee Williams’ classic paradoxically reveals how little they understand of the material.
I’m Lovin’ ‘Black Lightning’ for all the same reasons I Hated ‘Luke Cage’ (and I’m an MCU fan!)
The unapologetic Blackness of this superhero show makes it a must-watch.✊🏿
Pillar of Salt: Looking back at the Best and Worst of 2017
Sorry, Frank – it was NOT “a very good year”.
Still, there were bright spots to be found.
New World, Same Problems: ‘New World Disorder’ at Gritty City Rep
Bold acting choices, creative set design, and an intriguing-if-uneven script make for an interesting show by Gritty City Rep.
Distant Relation: ‘Sister Act: The Musical’ at Berkeley Playhouse
Although the script veers into cliched (if not racist) territory, strong performances and lavish set design save Berkeley Playhouse’s production.
Far ‘Too Proud’ of Itself: ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ world premiere at Berkeley Rep
The sets are amazing and the songs are classics, but Dominique Morisseau’s truncated script shortchanges its subjects in this Berkeley Rep world premiere musical.
Wandering All Over: ‘black odyssey’ at Cal Shakes
Marcus Gardley’s play is so close to perfection that it’s enough to drive you crazy that it doesn’t quite get there.
In the Swing of Things: Disney’s ‘Tarzan the Musical’ at Berkeley Playhouse
Berkeley Playhouse pulls out all the stops for Disney’s version of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ most famous character.
Only a Fraction of an Idea: ‘An Octoroon’ at Berkeley Rep
Fine acting and great Berkeley Rep production values can’t save Branden Jabobs-Jenkins’ God-awful script.
The Thinking Man's Idiot (Charles Lewis III) 