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.
Sinks in later innings: ‘Testmatch’ World Premiere at ACT
The messy legacy of cricket and British colonialism is the focus of Kate Atwell’s fun-but-messy new play.
Super ‘Model’: ‘Model Minority Report’ by Killing My Lobster
Asian stereotypes get skewered in this hilarious new show by an all-Asian crew at KML.
Dark Skin Don’t Bruise: ‘Inked Baby’ Bay Area Premiere by Crowded Fire Theater
Christina Anderson’s examination of Black bodily autonomy is wonderfully realized by Crowded Fire.
‘Change’ gon’ Come: ‘Caroline, or Change’ at Ray of Light
Tony Kushner’s critically-acclaimed musical gets worthy staging by Ray of Light.
School’s Out Forever: ‘Exit Strategy’ Bay Area premiere at Aurora Theatre
Aurora’s new season opens with an emotional new piece that only occasionally feels off.
Salvation at last: ‘Kill Move Paradise’ at Shotgun
Shotgun delivers one of the year’s best shows with James Ijames’ meditation on Black lives ended too soon.
Happy if She were Nappy: Thoughts on Storm, the Greatest X-Man
When the MCU reboots the ‘X-Men’ film series, here’s the one change they NEED to make.
Loud & Proud Latinx Double-Feature: ‘Kiss My Aztec!’ World Premiere at Berkeley Rep AND ‘Oedipus El Rey’ Revival at The Magic
A world premiere swan song and a powerful revival celebrate the wonderful eclecticness of local Latinx talent.
Ebony Powers: ‘Manifesto’ at Brava
Rotimi Agbabiaka delivers another winning solo show satirizing race, sexuality, and hunger for fame.