Drowning in White Tears: ‘White’ at Shotgun Players
Shotgun hosts the West Coast premiere of James Ijames’ scathing satire of White privilege in art.
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.
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.
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.
Same ‘song’: ‘brownsville song (b-side for tray)’ at Shotgun
A strong director and able cast elevate a clichéd story in this Shotgun show.
The ‘How’ and Why: ‘How to Be a White Man’ World Premiere by Faultline Theater
A Black woman aims for biting social commentary, but winds up giving herself the “All Lives Matter” treatment in this uneven new satire by Luna Malbroux and Faultine Theater.
Where the Heart is: ‘Home’ at Lorraine Hansberry Theatre
The San Francisco theatre institution marks its return with this stripped-down revival of Samm-Art Williams’ critically-acclaimed play.
Ticket to Ride: ‘Jitney’ at Af-Am Shakes
The stage may be new for Af-Am Shakes, but August Wilson’s script is as timely as ever.
The Thinking Man's Idiot (Charles Lewis III) 