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.
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.
Bear with Me: ‘The Winter’s Tale’ at Af-Am Shakes
Several (though not all) of the problems in this “problem play” are solved in this Af-Am Shakes production.
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.
That’s the Jam: ‘Mr. Marmalade’ at Breach Once More
Imagination is key – both in the script and in the set design – in Breach Once More’s low-budget take on Noah Haidle’s dark social satire.
Playground Double-Feature: ‘Hedge’ and ‘Kano + Abe’
I spotlight two shows in Playground’s “Best Of” festival, both of which focus on Bay Area neighborhoods.
One is a hypocritical gentrification drama, the other is a creative (if flawed) crime story.
‘Room’ for Improvement: ‘The Roommate’ at SF Playhouse
Two strong leads do their best to breathe life into a seemingly-incomplete script in this SF Playhouse production.
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.
Living Aloud: ‘Sordid Lives’ at New Conservatory
Though not my taste, there’s enough to appreciate in this NCTC revival of the Southern camp classic.
The Thinking Man's Idiot (Charles Lewis III) 