2020(1): The Year that Hasn’t Ended
Looking back at the two years (and counting) of pop culture during pandemic purgatory.
The Funny Fear of Loneliness: ‘Phantasmagoria’ world premiere by Cutting Ball / Mugwumpin / Bay Area Theatre Cypher
Cutting Ball’s quarantine commentary (with Mugwumpin & Bay Area Theatre Cypher) is three good pieces that don’t quite mesh.
All that Glitters during the Cold: ‘Utopia’ World Premiere at Cutting Ball and ‘Holiday Sauce… PANDEMIC!’
Before Christmas touches town, I look back on two flamboyant shows by Cutting Ball and Taylor Mac.
Comfortably Numb: ‘Ways to Leave a Body’ world premiere at Cutting Ball
Cutting Ball starts off the new decade with two one-act dreams about women whose bodies aren’t theirs.
We All Fall Down: ‘Free for All’ World Premiere at Cutting Ball
Megan Cohen turns ‘Miss Julie’ into a pre-apocalyptic farce of class warfare and fine dining.
We’re All Screwed: ‘La Ronde’ at Cutting Ball
Arthur Schnitzler’s classic sexual vignette piece is resurrected by Cutting Ball in a VERY intimate production.
Creepy Uncle: ‘Uncle Vanya’ at Cutting Ball
Chekhov’s classic is revived through gorgeous design, mixed performances, and some confounding directorial choices.
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.
Mad Mother: ‘Phèdre’ at Cutting Ball
Though the performances are uneven, strong direction and social commentary bolster Cutting Ball’s take on the classic Greek myth.
The Gift of ‘Gab’: ‘Hedda Gabler’ at Cutting Ball
The bewildering choices of slapstick and steampunk are just two-of-many poor decisions in this Cutting Ball production.
The Thinking Man's Idiot (Charles Lewis III) 