upper waypoint

Post-WWII Play 'Born Yesterday' Feels Relevant Today

Save ArticleSave Article
Failed to save article

Please try again

Millie Brooks stars as Billie Dawn in 'Born Yesterday at SF Playhouse (Photo: Courtesy San Francisco Playhouse)

Garson Kanin’s Born Yesterday is a post-World War II play about the risks of big money corruption in Washington DC. But it’s also a story about a millionaire junkyard dealer trying to bully his way to influence and power, at it feels just as relevant in 2018 as it did in 1946. The San Francisco Playhouse production, expertly directed by company co-founder Susi Damilano, is funny and chilling in the way the show’s junk dealer, not a fan of democracy, resembles President Trump. But the show has added resonance for the way the junk dealer’s mistress, Billie Dawn, gets woke, and how she decides to resist. Not everything works in this show, but there’s a great performance at its center by actress Millie Brooks as Billie, in a role that made actress Judy Holliday famous. Details for the show’s run Jan. 23-March 10 at San Francisco Playhouse are here.

Sponsored

lower waypoint
next waypoint
You Can Get Free Ice Cream on Tuesday — No CatchSunnyvale’s Hottest Late-Night Food Spot Is the 24-Hour Indian Grocery StoreCalvin Keys, Widely Loved Jazz Guitarist With Endless Soul, Dies at 82This Sleek Taiwanese Street Food Lounge Serves Beef Noodle Soup Until 2:30 a.m.Ticket Alert: Charli XCX and Troye Sivan Are Coming to San FrancsicoHow Low Key Became the Coolest Skate Shop in San FranciscoHere’s What Bay Area Rappers Are Eating (According to Their Lyrics)Minnie Bell’s New Soul Food Restaurant in the Fillmore Is a HomecomingThe World Naked Bike Ride Is Happening on 4/20 in San FranciscoA Gallery Owner With a ‘Let’s-Do-This Attitude’ Launches a Residency on Market Street