Of ‘Rags’ and Richies: ‘Ragtime’ at Berkeley Playhouse
Though the script is over-packed with characters, the combination of great direction, performances, and tech make this another winner for Berkeley Playhouse.
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.
‘Big’ Love in a Small Movie: ‘The Big Sick’
Though hindered by the conventions of its genre, this based-on-a-true-story rom-com has more than enough to make it worth the watch.
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.
Saying what ‘You Mean’: ‘You Mean to Do Me Harm’ world premiere (Sandbox) by SF Playhouse
Racism, sexism, classism, and privilege are given the mature examination they deserve in this SF Playhouse world premiere.
Delusion of ‘Grandeur’: Han Ong’s world premiere Gil Scott-Heron play at The Magic
Not even amazing set design and two-out-of-three great performers can save an unforgivably terrible script in this Magic Theatre world premiere.
An Almost-Perfect Storm: ‘Monsoon Wedding’ world premiere at Berkeley Rep
Some head-scratching directorial choices are the only thing keeping this world premiere musical from being perfect.
No Satisfying Answers: ‘The Events’ at Shotgun
Racist direction combines with a confused (and hypocritical) script in pretty-looking production by Shotgun.
Animéniac Double-Feature: ‘Your Name’ and ‘Ghost in the Shell’ (Live Action)
One is an animated masterpiece, the other an American bastardization.
Guess which one is which?
‘Get’ It!
No joke: comedian Jordan Peele made the best American horror film in decades.
The Thinking Man's Idiot (Charles Lewis III) 