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"slug": "north-by-northwest-review-act-san-francisco-insult-to-source-material-hitchcock",
"title": "At ACT, ‘North By Northwest’ Is an Insult to Hitchcock",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>I cannot tell you how much I hated \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em>, which opened this week at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/act\">ACT\u003c/a> in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>. It is an insult to the source material of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 film, and an insult to the audience’s intelligence. I ran from it as soon as I could, muttering obscenities to anyone within earshot.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This production’s first abomination is a shift in tone from a sophisticated, understated thriller to an over-the-top comedy, rife with insipid stereotypes and cheap gags. The second is the near-constant presence onstage of a narrator, who sucks the life out of any scene by overexplaining the action. The third is regular interruptions from songs by 1950s female pop vocalists like Peggy Lee and Betty Hutton, which turn into lip-synced dance numbers by whichever actor has the misfortune to be on stage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The fourth is the production’s reliance on a surface-level 1950s nostalgia. The fifth is a finger-wagging for anyone who might problematically harbor any similar nostalgia. The sixth is the absurd plot coda and forced social commentary it tacks on at the end, in a sudden and jarring switch from slapstick to earnestness, with an entreaty to the audience that we “never again” return to the tactics of the Cold War, and have hope, or something.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You get the idea. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1333\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot9RichSoubletII.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13994167\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot9RichSoubletII.jpg 1333w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot9RichSoubletII-160x240.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot9RichSoubletII-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot9RichSoubletII-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1333px) 100vw, 1333px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(L–R) Bryony Pennington, Simon Oskarsson, Katy Owen, Danny Collins, Karl Queensborough and Patrycja Kujawska in ‘North by Northwest.’ (Rich Soublet II)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Adapted and directed by Emma Rice, the play is a complete misreading of Hitchcock’s original film, and its central theme of a mistaken identity that compounds upon itself. Roger Thornhill, who works in advertising, is misapprehended as a CIA operative and abducted by foreign agents. He soon finds that nobody trusts or believes him — not his captors, nor the police, the courts and even his own mother. In Hitchcock’s version, this is illustrated by a disturbing moment as an elevator of strangers breaks into laughter at Thornhill’s notion that someone could be out to murder him. Onstage at ACT, the scene is played as a joke, the punchline of which is Ella Fitzgerald singing “Get Happy” over the P.A. and everyone breaking into a hip-wagging go-go dance party.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What is this play trying to do? Why does it turn Cary Grant’s distinguished Thornhill into an uber-\u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JillFilipovic/status/2054240710795370892\">chalant\u003c/a> bro? Why does it expect we’ll think a man in women’s clothing is funny? Why do Thornhill (Danny Collins) and love interest Eve Kendall (Patrycja Kujawska), who in Ernest Lehman’s original screenplay bounce beautifully around each other, have such little chemistry onstage despite reciting the same lines? Why is the play obsessed with the phrase “global security,” mocking it repeatedly, as if staving off World War III was not a worthy goal? Why is a play set in 1959 using so many songs — Wayne Newton’s “Heart,” Nina Simone’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” a knockoff of Isaac Hayes’ “Shaft” — from the 1960s and ’70s? Why does it treat the plot like fluff but then have the narrator turn somber and wonder, out loud, “When will the killings stop?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot8RichSoubletII.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13994166\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot8RichSoubletII.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot8RichSoubletII-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot8RichSoubletII-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot8RichSoubletII-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Simon Oskarsson, Danny Collins and Bryony Pennington in ‘North by Northwest.’ (Rich Soublet II)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>I have a guess for some of this, and that’s the successful nine-year run in London of \u003cem>The 39 Steps\u003c/em>, a stage play adapted from the Hitchcock film that’s closest, thematically, to \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em>. Like this production, \u003cem>The 39 Steps\u003c/em> utilized a small cast playing many characters, and a sparse but modular set, with quick pacing. But \u003cem>The 39 Steps\u003c/em>, on stage, was well-crafted and trusted the audience. This \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em> assumes the audience isn’t smart enough to follow the plot, so the narrator (Katy Owen) leads call-and-response sessions with us to remember who’s who.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s also just focused on the wrong thing. The core of \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em> is one man’s need for identity and trust after he’s been stripped of it. At ACT, it’s spies, both onstage and off. A prompt in the lobby asks patrons for their favorite conspiracy. Walking tours associated with the production visit sites of “Cold War paranoia and espionage” near Union Square. Even Hitchcock himself, speaking with François Truffaut, called the inclusion of government secrets in the film “my best MacGuffin, and by that I mean the emptiest, the most nonexistent, and the most absurd.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As for the play’s awkward new ending, and retconning the sexism of the 1950s: why pick on \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em>? Why not undertake that with dim-witted pap like \u003cem>Kiss Me Stupid\u003c/em>, or \u003cem>Under the Yum-Yum Tree\u003c/em>? Or why not adapt a Hitchcock screenplay with more complex gender dynamics to explore, like \u003cem>Marnie\u003c/em>?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13994169\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Danny Collins as Roger Thornhill in ‘North by Northwest.’ (Rich Soublet II)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>I feel compelled here to note some of the good. The set — a rack of suits, four revolving doors and a parade of suitcases — gets repurposed in semi-interesting ways. The actors’ quick changes and choreography can be impressive. The famous cropduster and Mount Rushmore scenes have some inventive stage adaptation. Bryony Pennington (as Anna and others) is a standout, and an effervescent Owen makes the best with what she’s given.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But these are crowded out by the rest of it all, which is just plain disrespectful to one of history’s best films. If, five years from now, we see a zany \u003cem>Gong Show\u003c/em>-style staging of \u003cem>On the Waterfront\u003c/em> with disco interludes, I’ll know which play to blame.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘North By Northwest’ runs through Oct. 18 at the Toni Rembe Theater (415 Geary St.) in San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2026-27-season/north-by-northwest\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This production’s first abomination is a shift in tone from a sophisticated, understated thriller to an over-the-top comedy, rife with insipid stereotypes and cheap gags. The second is the near-constant presence onstage of a narrator, who sucks the life out of any scene by overexplaining the action. The third is regular interruptions from songs by 1950s female pop vocalists like Peggy Lee and Betty Hutton, which turn into lip-synced dance numbers by whichever actor has the misfortune to be on stage.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The fourth is the production’s reliance on a surface-level 1950s nostalgia. The fifth is a finger-wagging for anyone who might problematically harbor any similar nostalgia. The sixth is the absurd plot coda and forced social commentary it tacks on at the end, in a sudden and jarring switch from slapstick to earnestness, with an entreaty to the audience that we “never again” return to the tactics of the Cold War, and have hope, or something.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The fourth is the production’s reliance on a surface-level 1950s nostalgia. The fifth is a finger-wagging for anyone who might problematically harbor any similar nostalgia. The sixth is the absurd plot coda and forced social commentary it tacks on at the end, in a sudden and jarring switch from slapstick to earnestness, with an entreaty to the audience that we “never again” return to the tactics of the Cold War, and have hope, or something.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Adapted and directed by Emma Rice, the play is a complete misreading of Hitchcock’s original film, and its central theme of a mistaken identity that compounds upon itself. Roger Thornhill, who works in advertising, is misapprehended as a CIA operative and abducted by foreign agents. He soon finds that nobody trusts or believes him — not his captors, nor the police, the courts and even his own mother. In Hitchcock’s version, this is illustrated by a disturbing moment as an elevator of strangers breaks into laughter at Thornhill’s notion that someone could be out to murder him. Onstage at ACT, the scene is played as a joke, the punchline of which is Ella Fitzgerald singing “Get Happy” over the P.A. and everyone breaking into a hip-wagging go-go dance party.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>What is this play trying to do? Why does it turn Cary Grant’s distinguished Thornhill into an uber-\u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JillFilipovic/status/2054240710795370892\">chalant\u003c/a> bro? Why does it expect we’ll think a man in women’s clothing is funny? Why do Thornhill (Danny Collins) and love interest Eve Kendall (Patrycja Kujawska), who in Ernest Lehman’s original screenplay bounce beautifully around each other, have such little chemistry onstage despite reciting the same lines? Why is the play obsessed with the phrase “global security,” mocking it repeatedly, as if staving off World War III was not a worthy goal? Why is a play set in 1959 using so many songs — Wayne Newton’s “Heart,” Nina Simone’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” a knockoff of Isaac Hayes’ “Shaft” — from the 1960s and ’70s? Why does it treat the plot like fluff but then have the narrator turn somber and wonder, out loud, “When will the killings stop?”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>What is this play trying to do? Why does it turn Cary Grant’s distinguished Thornhill into an uber-\u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JillFilipovic/status/2054240710795370892\">chalant\u003c/a> bro? Why does it expect we’ll think a man in women’s clothing is funny? Why do Thornhill (Danny Collins) and love interest Eve Kendall (Patrycja Kujawska), who in Ernest Lehman’s original screenplay bounce beautifully around each other, have such little chemistry onstage despite reciting the same lines? Why is the play obsessed with the phrase “global security,” mocking it repeatedly, as if staving off World War III was not a worthy goal? Why is a play set in 1959 using so many songs — Wayne Newton’s “Heart,” Nina Simone’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” a knockoff of Isaac Hayes’ “Shaft” — from the 1960s and ’70s? Why does it treat the plot like fluff but then have the narrator turn somber and wonder, out loud, “When will the killings stop?”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>I have a guess for some of this, and that’s the successful nine-year run in London of \u003cem>The 39 Steps\u003c/em>, a stage play adapted from the Hitchcock film that’s closest, thematically, to \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em>. Like this production, \u003cem>The 39 Steps\u003c/em> utilized a small cast playing many characters, and a sparse but modular set, with quick pacing. But \u003cem>The 39 Steps\u003c/em>, on stage, was well-crafted and trusted the audience. This \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em> assumes the audience isn’t smart enough to follow the plot, so the narrator (Katy Owen) leads call-and-response sessions with us to remember who’s who.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>I have a guess for some of this, and that’s the successful nine-year run in London of \u003cem>The 39 Steps\u003c/em>, a stage play adapted from the Hitchcock film that’s closest, thematically, to \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em>. Like this production, \u003cem>The 39 Steps\u003c/em> utilized a small cast playing many characters, and a sparse but modular set, with quick pacing. But \u003cem>The 39 Steps\u003c/em>, on stage, was well-crafted and trusted the audience. This \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em> assumes the audience isn’t smart enough to follow the plot, so the narrator (Katy Owen) leads call-and-response sessions with us to remember who’s who.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s also just focused on the wrong thing. The core of \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em> is one man’s need for identity and trust after he’s been stripped of it. At ACT, it’s spies, both onstage and off. A prompt in the lobby asks patrons for their favorite conspiracy. Walking tours associated with the production visit sites of “Cold War paranoia and espionage” near Union Square. Even Hitchcock himself, speaking with François Truffaut, called the inclusion of government secrets in the film “my best MacGuffin, and by that I mean the emptiest, the most nonexistent, and the most absurd.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It’s also just focused on the wrong thing. The core of \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em> is one man’s need for identity and trust after he’s been stripped of it. At ACT, it’s spies, both onstage and off. A prompt in the lobby asks patrons for their favorite conspiracy. Walking tours associated with the production visit sites of “Cold War paranoia and espionage” near Union Square. Even Hitchcock himself, speaking with François Truffaut, called the inclusion of government secrets in the film “my best MacGuffin, and by that I mean the emptiest, the most nonexistent, and the most absurd.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13994169\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Danny Collins as Roger Thornhill in ‘North by Northwest.’\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Rich Soublet II)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>I feel compelled here to note some of the good. The set — a rack of suits, four revolving doors and a parade of suitcases — gets repurposed in semi-interesting ways. The actors’ quick changes and choreography can be impressive. The famous cropduster and Mount Rushmore scenes have some inventive stage adaptation. Bryony Pennington (as Anna and others) is a standout, and an effervescent Owen makes the best with what she’s given.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>I feel compelled here to note some of the good. The set — a rack of suits, four revolving doors and a parade of suitcases — gets repurposed in semi-interesting ways. The actors’ quick changes and choreography can be impressive. The famous cropduster and Mount Rushmore scenes have some inventive stage adaptation. Bryony Pennington (as Anna and others) is a standout, and an effervescent Owen makes the best with what she’s given.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But these are crowded out by the rest of it all, which is just plain disrespectful to one of history’s best films. If, five years from now, we see a zany \u003cem>Gong Show\u003c/em>-style staging of \u003cem>On the Waterfront\u003c/em> with disco interludes, I’ll know which play to blame.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But these are crowded out by the rest of it all, which is just plain disrespectful to one of history’s best films. If, five years from now, we see a zany \u003cem>Gong Show\u003c/em>-style staging of \u003cem>On the Waterfront\u003c/em> with disco interludes, I’ll know which play to blame.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘North By Northwest’ runs through Oct. 18 at the Toni Rembe Theater (415 Geary St.) in San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2026-27-season/north-by-northwest\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘North By Northwest’ runs through Oct. 18 at the Toni Rembe Theater (415 Geary St.) in San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2026-27-season/north-by-northwest\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "With insipid stereotypes and cheap gags, the play makes a zany comedy out of the sophisticated film.",
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"title": "Review: ‘North By Northwest’ Is an Insult to Hitchcock at ACT in San Francisco | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>I cannot tell you how much I hated \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em>, which opened this week at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/act\">ACT\u003c/a> in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>. It is an insult to the source material of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 film, and an insult to the audience’s intelligence. I ran from it as soon as I could, muttering obscenities to anyone within earshot.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This production’s first abomination is a shift in tone from a sophisticated, understated thriller to an over-the-top comedy, rife with insipid stereotypes and cheap gags. The second is the near-constant presence onstage of a narrator, who sucks the life out of any scene by overexplaining the action. The third is regular interruptions from songs by 1950s female pop vocalists like Peggy Lee and Betty Hutton, which turn into lip-synced dance numbers by whichever actor has the misfortune to be on stage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The fourth is the production’s reliance on a surface-level 1950s nostalgia. The fifth is a finger-wagging for anyone who might problematically harbor any similar nostalgia. The sixth is the absurd plot coda and forced social commentary it tacks on at the end, in a sudden and jarring switch from slapstick to earnestness, with an entreaty to the audience that we “never again” return to the tactics of the Cold War, and have hope, or something.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You get the idea. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1333\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot9RichSoubletII.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13994167\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot9RichSoubletII.jpg 1333w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot9RichSoubletII-160x240.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot9RichSoubletII-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot9RichSoubletII-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1333px) 100vw, 1333px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(L–R) Bryony Pennington, Simon Oskarsson, Katy Owen, Danny Collins, Karl Queensborough and Patrycja Kujawska in ‘North by Northwest.’ (Rich Soublet II)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Adapted and directed by Emma Rice, the play is a complete misreading of Hitchcock’s original film, and its central theme of a mistaken identity that compounds upon itself. Roger Thornhill, who works in advertising, is misapprehended as a CIA operative and abducted by foreign agents. He soon finds that nobody trusts or believes him — not his captors, nor the police, the courts and even his own mother. In Hitchcock’s version, this is illustrated by a disturbing moment as an elevator of strangers breaks into laughter at Thornhill’s notion that someone could be out to murder him. Onstage at ACT, the scene is played as a joke, the punchline of which is Ella Fitzgerald singing “Get Happy” over the P.A. and everyone breaking into a hip-wagging go-go dance party.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What is this play trying to do? Why does it turn Cary Grant’s distinguished Thornhill into an uber-\u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JillFilipovic/status/2054240710795370892\">chalant\u003c/a> bro? Why does it expect we’ll think a man in women’s clothing is funny? Why do Thornhill (Danny Collins) and love interest Eve Kendall (Patrycja Kujawska), who in Ernest Lehman’s original screenplay bounce beautifully around each other, have such little chemistry onstage despite reciting the same lines? Why is the play obsessed with the phrase “global security,” mocking it repeatedly, as if staving off World War III was not a worthy goal? Why is a play set in 1959 using so many songs — Wayne Newton’s “Heart,” Nina Simone’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” a knockoff of Isaac Hayes’ “Shaft” — from the 1960s and ’70s? Why does it treat the plot like fluff but then have the narrator turn somber and wonder, out loud, “When will the killings stop?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot8RichSoubletII.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13994166\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot8RichSoubletII.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot8RichSoubletII-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot8RichSoubletII-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot8RichSoubletII-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Simon Oskarsson, Danny Collins and Bryony Pennington in ‘North by Northwest.’ (Rich Soublet II)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>I have a guess for some of this, and that’s the successful nine-year run in London of \u003cem>The 39 Steps\u003c/em>, a stage play adapted from the Hitchcock film that’s closest, thematically, to \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em>. Like this production, \u003cem>The 39 Steps\u003c/em> utilized a small cast playing many characters, and a sparse but modular set, with quick pacing. But \u003cem>The 39 Steps\u003c/em>, on stage, was well-crafted and trusted the audience. This \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em> assumes the audience isn’t smart enough to follow the plot, so the narrator (Katy Owen) leads call-and-response sessions with us to remember who’s who.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s also just focused on the wrong thing. The core of \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em> is one man’s need for identity and trust after he’s been stripped of it. At ACT, it’s spies, both onstage and off. A prompt in the lobby asks patrons for their favorite conspiracy. Walking tours associated with the production visit sites of “Cold War paranoia and espionage” near Union Square. Even Hitchcock himself, speaking with François Truffaut, called the inclusion of government secrets in the film “my best MacGuffin, and by that I mean the emptiest, the most nonexistent, and the most absurd.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As for the play’s awkward new ending, and retconning the sexism of the 1950s: why pick on \u003cem>North By Northwest\u003c/em>? Why not undertake that with dim-witted pap like \u003cem>Kiss Me Stupid\u003c/em>, or \u003cem>Under the Yum-Yum Tree\u003c/em>? Or why not adapt a Hitchcock screenplay with more complex gender dynamics to explore, like \u003cem>Marnie\u003c/em>?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13994169\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/ProductionShot11RichSoubletII-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Danny Collins as Roger Thornhill in ‘North by Northwest.’ (Rich Soublet II)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>I feel compelled here to note some of the good. The set — a rack of suits, four revolving doors and a parade of suitcases — gets repurposed in semi-interesting ways. The actors’ quick changes and choreography can be impressive. The famous cropduster and Mount Rushmore scenes have some inventive stage adaptation. Bryony Pennington (as Anna and others) is a standout, and an effervescent Owen makes the best with what she’s given.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But these are crowded out by the rest of it all, which is just plain disrespectful to one of history’s best films. If, five years from now, we see a zany \u003cem>Gong Show\u003c/em>-style staging of \u003cem>On the Waterfront\u003c/em> with disco interludes, I’ll know which play to blame.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘North By Northwest’ runs through Oct. 18 at the Toni Rembe Theater (415 Geary St.) in San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2026-27-season/north-by-northwest\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "best-plays-musicals-fall-2026-sf-berkeley-oakland-mill-valley-san-jose",
"title": "10 of the Best Plays and Musicals to See This Fall in the Bay Area",
"publishDate": 1787670000,
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"headTitle": "10 of the Best Plays and Musicals to See This Fall in the Bay Area | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Be sure to check out our full \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fall-guide-2026\">2026 Fall Arts Guide\u003c/a> to live music, movies, art, theater, festivals and more in the Bay Area.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A certain type of magic comes with fall in the Bay Area. As T-shirts and shorts turn to long sleeves and jeans, rich browns and oranges overtake each leaf. Apart from the weather, seeing theater companies kick off their seasons is always thrilling, with world premieres and big hits ready to land all over the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While darkness may fall faster with each passing day, let the stage lights of these 10 fantastic theater productions brighten your life for the next three months.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1516\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993464\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4-160x121.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4-768x582.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4-1536x1164.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Danny Scheie, Benjamin Clark and Lyndsy Kail are featured in Marin Theatre’s ‘The White Chip,’ running Aug. 27–Sept. 20. (Chris Hardy)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.marintheatre.org/\">The White Chip\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Aug. 27–Sept. 20\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Marin Theatre, Mill Valley\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Sean Daniels has been one of the most visible figures in the American theatre to discuss his challenges as a recovering alcoholic while working to soften the stigma of addiction. In his semi-autobiographical play, \u003cem>The White Chip\u003c/em>, Steven is a theatrical director whose career spirals out fo control due to drinking. His journey through sobriety includes reckoning with self-acceptance and finding his community. Daniels’ play has seen significant productions nationwide, inspiring those on their own sobriety journeys. Artistic director Lance Gardner directs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993044\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(L–R) Caleb Andrew Cabrera, Michael Torres and Alonso Melgoza star in ‘Manning,’ a play about grief and healing. (Cheshire Isaacs)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.crowdedfire.org/\">Manning\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 5–26\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Potrero Stage, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The death of a wife and mother. Spreading ashes around the backyard. What results is the growth of a mysterious, giant zucchini overnight, and the discovery of a unique language for grief. Benjamin Benne penned this West Coast premiere in part to imagine a world where patriarchal supremacy is replaced by healthy and whole masculinity. Crowded Fire Theater’s newest production is another in their quest toward daring work that both entertains and challenges. Adin Walker directs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.lhtsf.org/african-stew\">African Stew\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 10–27\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>An African American woman and a Nigerian man announce their quick engagement, which leads to a family dinner in Oakland. Things aren’t exactly smooth, however, as the two very different cultures gather, and as identity, cultural differences and familial expectations all prove to be heated topics of conversation. Lorraine Hansberry Theatre’s rolling world premiere features the triumphant return of frequent collaborator Lisa B. Thompson, with the show stewarded by longtime Bay Area director and artist Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993048\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(L to R) Linda Amayo-Hassan, Megan Calfas, Aidaa Peerzada and Julius Ernesto Rea make up Playwright’s Foundation residents for 2026-2027. (Playwrights Foundation)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://playwrightsfoundation.org/2026-bay-area-playwrights-festival/\">Bay Area Playwrights Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 18–27\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Strand Theater, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Play development has taken a hit around the country in the past 10 years, but the need for new work in American theater continues. Fortunately, consequential developers in the Bay Area still showcase new voices which may just write the next great American play. The Bay Area Playwrights Festival is coming up on its 47th year, and has seen more than 80 percent of its works go on to successful productions. This year’s festival features four new plays from diverse storytellers, giving audiences a sneak peek of the future. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1428\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993046\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape-160x114.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape-768x548.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape-1536x1097.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">J. Jha stars as the title character in William Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’ as Oakland Theater Project jumps across the Bay to Z Space in San Francisco. (Adam Montanaro)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/\">King Lear\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 25–Oct. 11\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Z Space, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While twilight sets on the rule of King Lear, dividing his kingdom among his three daughters becomes another ploy in his quest for flattery. As his power dissipates, the king is proven to be a fool, one whose demise is entirely of his own making. Sound timely? Oakland Theater Project continues their daring season of rethinking classics and putting visceral new razors on stories of brutality. Lear is the model for many of theater’s greatest characters, and an embodiment of self-inflected wounds. Executive Artistic Director Michael Socrates Moran directs one of William Shakespeare’s most devastating tales. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"http://teatrovision.org\">Alebrijes: A Dia De Los Muertos Tale\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 8–18\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, San José\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the 1930s, papier-mâché artist Pedro Linares created the earliest alebrijes – a form of Mexican folk art depicting mythical hybrid animals. In Teatro Vision’s production of \u003cem>Alebrijes: A Dia De Los Muertos Tale\u003c/em>, playwright Georgina Escobar presents a mythological tale of Linares being chased by “La Muerte” through the colorful celebration of the Day of the Dead. The 42-year-old company and the production are both under the artistic hand of Rodrigo Garcia, and showcase all of the emotional pageantry of the festive holiday, with traditional Mexican music, comedy and community on full display in East San Jose. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993059\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden Thread Productions founder Torange Yeghiazarian. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez / San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"http://goldenthread.org\">ReOrient Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 9–Nov. 1\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Potrero Stage, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Founded by Torange Yeghiazarian, Golden Thread celebrates its 30th anniversary this year as a company that interrogates and celebrates Middle Eastern culture and identity. There’s never a shortage of candidates for Golden Thread’s signature festival, and this year is no different: of the 83 plays submitted, only five were selected. This year’s lineup focuses on Iran and Palestine, with rich diversity among the titles, one of which, \u003cem>Homing Pigeons & Co\u003c/em>, is directed by Yeghiazarian herself.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbatco.org/\">Every Saturday Night\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 10–Nov. 1\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>The Strand, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Harlem of the West” is a famous description of San Francisco’s Fillmore District in the ‘40s and ‘50s — and now, it’s the subject of a major world premiere for \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbatco.org/\">SFBATCO\u003c/a>. \u003cem>Every Saturday Night\u003c/em> has been in development for four years, and it explores a San Francisco once filled with Black excellence and soul-stirring jazz. Those good times came to a halt when urban renewal’s displacement and gentrification robbed the world of a thriving Black community. Bay Area playwright, composer and director Danny Duncan joins forces with acclaimed playwright Michael Gene Sullivan for this anticipated production.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993047\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Drag queen Alaska Thunderfuck will star as Mary Todd Lincoln in the San Francisco run of Cole Escola’s ‘Oh, Mary!’ (Daniel Rampulla)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2026-27-season/oh-mary\">Oh, Mary!\u003c/a>’ and ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2026-27-season/john-proctor-is-the-villain\">John Proctor is the Villain\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘Oh, Mary!,’ \u003cem>\u003cem>Oct. 13–Nov. 1\u003c/em>\u003c/em>; Curran Theater, San Francisco \u003cbr>‘John Proctor is the Villain,’ \u003cem>\u003cem>Nov. 12–Dec. 6\u003c/em>\u003c/em>; Toni Rembe Theater, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Picking between \u003cem>Oh, Mary!\u003c/em> or \u003cem>John Proctor is the Villain\u003c/em> when both are being produced at A.C.T. is like picking a favorite child — you might have one, but you don’t say it out loud. \u003cem>Oh, Mary!\u003c/em> is a riotous, side-splitting show (and 2026 Pulitzer finalist) by Cole Escola, while \u003cem>Proctor \u003c/em>is a Broadway hit that inspired the \u003cem>New York Times\u003c/em> headline “Why Women are Leaving This Broadway Show in Tears.” The two shows couldn’t be more different in tone and temperament, but they’re firmly in the can’t-miss category. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1667\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Liberation_0115r-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993050\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Liberation_0115r-1.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Liberation_0115r-1-2000x1334.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Liberation_0115r-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Liberation_0115r-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Liberation_0115r-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Liberation_0115r-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The New York cast of Bess Wohl’s ‘Liberation’ at the Laura Pels Theatre in 2025. (Joan Marcus)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"http://berkeleyrep.org\">Liberation\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 23–Nov. 29\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Roda Theatre, Berkeley\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bess Wohl’s \u003cem>Liberation\u003c/em>, a piercing memory play about a group of women who strategize in a 1970s recreation center basement about how to change the world, won a Pulitzer and Tony during its Broadway run. Whitney White, who directed, returns in the same role for this West Coast premiere, a co-production with the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.’s Studio Theatre. (And if you’re looking for more Wohl in the Bay, \u003ca href=\"https://www.thestage.org/production-history/barcelona\">San Jose Stage produces her 2012 play \u003cem>Barcelona\u003c/em> from Sept. 30–Oct. 18\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Be sure to check out our full \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fall-guide-2026\">2026 Fall Arts Guide\u003c/a> to live music, movies, art, theater, festivals and more in the Bay Area.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Be sure to check out our full \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fall-guide-2026\">2026 Fall Arts Guide\u003c/a> to live music, movies, art, theater, festivals and more in the Bay Area.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A certain type of magic comes with fall in the Bay Area. As T-shirts and shorts turn to long sleeves and jeans, rich browns and oranges overtake each leaf. Apart from the weather, seeing theater companies kick off their seasons is always thrilling, with world premieres and big hits ready to land all over the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A certain type of magic comes with fall in the Bay Area. As T-shirts and shorts turn to long sleeves and jeans, rich browns and oranges overtake each leaf. Apart from the weather, seeing theater companies kick off their seasons is always thrilling, with world premieres and big hits ready to land all over the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While darkness may fall faster with each passing day, let the stage lights of these 10 fantastic theater productions brighten your life for the next three months.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While darkness may fall faster with each passing day, let the stage lights of these 10 fantastic theater productions brighten your life for the next three months.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993464\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4-160x121.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4-768x582.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4-1536x1164.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Danny Scheie, Benjamin Clark and Lyndsy Kail are featured in Marin Theatre’s ‘The White Chip,’ running Aug. 27–Sept. 20.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Chris Hardy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993464\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Danny Scheie, Benjamin Clark and Lyndsy Kail are featured in Marin Theatre’s ‘The White Chip,’ running Aug. 27–Sept. 20.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Chris Hardy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.marintheatre.org/\">The White Chip\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Aug. 27–Sept. 20\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Marin Theatre, Mill Valley\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Sean Daniels has been one of the most visible figures in the American theatre to discuss his challenges as a recovering alcoholic while working to soften the stigma of addiction. In his semi-autobiographical play, \u003cem>The White Chip\u003c/em>, Steven is a theatrical director whose career spirals out fo control due to drinking. His journey through sobriety includes reckoning with self-acceptance and finding his community. Daniels’ play has seen significant productions nationwide, inspiring those on their own sobriety journeys. Artistic director Lance Gardner directs. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Aug. 27–Sept. 20\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Marin Theatre, Mill Valley\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Sean Daniels has been one of the most visible figures in the American theatre to discuss his challenges as a recovering alcoholic while working to soften the stigma of addiction. In his semi-autobiographical play, \u003cem>The White Chip\u003c/em>, Steven is a theatrical director whose career spirals out fo control due to drinking. His journey through sobriety includes reckoning with self-acceptance and finding his community. Daniels’ play has seen significant productions nationwide, inspiring those on their own sobriety journeys. Artistic director Lance Gardner directs. \u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138-1536x1025.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993044\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(L–R) Caleb Andrew Cabrera, Michael Torres and Alonso Melgoza star in ‘Manning,’ a play about grief and healing.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Cheshire Isaacs)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993044\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(L–R) Caleb Andrew Cabrera, Michael Torres and Alonso Melgoza star in ‘Manning,’ a play about grief and healing.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Cheshire Isaacs)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 5–26\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Potrero Stage, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 5–26\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Potrero Stage, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The death of a wife and mother. Spreading ashes around the backyard. What results is the growth of a mysterious, giant zucchini overnight, and the discovery of a unique language for grief. Benjamin Benne penned this West Coast premiere in part to imagine a world where patriarchal supremacy is replaced by healthy and whole masculinity. Crowded Fire Theater’s newest production is another in their quest toward daring work that both entertains and challenges. Adin Walker directs. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The death of a wife and mother. Spreading ashes around the backyard. What results is the growth of a mysterious, giant zucchini overnight, and the discovery of a unique language for grief. Benjamin Benne penned this West Coast premiere in part to imagine a world where patriarchal supremacy is replaced by healthy and whole masculinity. Crowded Fire Theater’s newest production is another in their quest toward daring work that both entertains and challenges. Adin Walker directs. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.lhtsf.org/african-stew\">African Stew\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 10–27\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>An African American woman and a Nigerian man announce their quick engagement, which leads to a family dinner in Oakland. Things aren’t exactly smooth, however, as the two very different cultures gather, and as identity, cultural differences and familial expectations all prove to be heated topics of conversation. Lorraine Hansberry Theatre’s rolling world premiere features the triumphant return of frequent collaborator Lisa B. Thompson, with the show stewarded by longtime Bay Area director and artist Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993048\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(L to R) Linda Amayo-Hassan, Megan Calfas, Aidaa Peerzada and Julius Ernesto Rea make up Playwright’s Foundation residents for 2026-2027. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Playwrights Foundation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993048\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(L to R) Linda Amayo-Hassan, Megan Calfas, Aidaa Peerzada and Julius Ernesto Rea make up Playwright’s Foundation residents for 2026-2027. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Playwrights Foundation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"text": "Bay Area Playwrights Festival",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://playwrightsfoundation.org/2026-bay-area-playwrights-festival/\">Bay Area Playwrights Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://playwrightsfoundation.org/2026-bay-area-playwrights-festival/\">Bay Area Playwrights Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 18–27\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Strand Theater, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Play development has taken a hit around the country in the past 10 years, but the need for new work in American theater continues. Fortunately, consequential developers in the Bay Area still showcase new voices which may just write the next great American play. The Bay Area Playwrights Festival is coming up on its 47th year, and has seen more than 80 percent of its works go on to successful productions. This year’s festival features four new plays from diverse storytellers, giving audiences a sneak peek of the future. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Play development has taken a hit around the country in the past 10 years, but the need for new work in American theater continues. Fortunately, consequential developers in the Bay Area still showcase new voices which may just write the next great American play. The Bay Area Playwrights Festival is coming up on its 47th year, and has seen more than 80 percent of its works go on to successful productions. This year’s festival features four new plays from diverse storytellers, giving audiences a sneak peek of the future. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993046\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape-160x114.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape-768x548.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape-1536x1097.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">J. Jha stars as the title character in William Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’ as Oakland Theater Project jumps across the Bay to Z Space in San Francisco. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Adam Montanaro)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993046\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">J. Jha stars as the title character in William Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’ as Oakland Theater Project jumps across the Bay to Z Space in San Francisco. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Adam Montanaro)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"text": "‘King Lear’",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/\">King Lear\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 25–Oct. 11\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Z Space, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While twilight sets on the rule of King Lear, dividing his kingdom among his three daughters becomes another ploy in his quest for flattery. As his power dissipates, the king is proven to be a fool, one whose demise is entirely of his own making. Sound timely? Oakland Theater Project continues their daring season of rethinking classics and putting visceral new razors on stories of brutality. Lear is the model for many of theater’s greatest characters, and an embodiment of self-inflected wounds. Executive Artistic Director Michael Socrates Moran directs one of William Shakespeare’s most devastating tales. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While twilight sets on the rule of King Lear, dividing his kingdom among his three daughters becomes another ploy in his quest for flattery. As his power dissipates, the king is proven to be a fool, one whose demise is entirely of his own making. Sound timely? Oakland Theater Project continues their daring season of rethinking classics and putting visceral new razors on stories of brutality. Lear is the model for many of theater’s greatest characters, and an embodiment of self-inflected wounds. Executive Artistic Director Michael Socrates Moran directs one of William Shakespeare’s most devastating tales. \u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "‘Alebrijes: A Dia De Los Muertos Tale’",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"http://teatrovision.org\">Alebrijes: A Dia De Los Muertos Tale\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"http://teatrovision.org\">Alebrijes: A Dia De Los Muertos Tale\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 8–18\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, San José\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 8–18\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, San José\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In the 1930s, papier-mâché artist Pedro Linares created the earliest alebrijes – a form of Mexican folk art depicting mythical hybrid animals. In Teatro Vision’s production of \u003cem>Alebrijes: A Dia De Los Muertos Tale\u003c/em>, playwright Georgina Escobar presents a mythological tale of Linares being chased by “La Muerte” through the colorful celebration of the Day of the Dead. The 42-year-old company and the production are both under the artistic hand of Rodrigo Garcia, and showcase all of the emotional pageantry of the festive holiday, with traditional Mexican music, comedy and community on full display in East San Jose. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In the 1930s, papier-mâché artist Pedro Linares created the earliest alebrijes – a form of Mexican folk art depicting mythical hybrid animals. In Teatro Vision’s production of \u003cem>Alebrijes: A Dia De Los Muertos Tale\u003c/em>, playwright Georgina Escobar presents a mythological tale of Linares being chased by “La Muerte” through the colorful celebration of the Day of the Dead. The 42-year-old company and the production are both under the artistic hand of Rodrigo Garcia, and showcase all of the emotional pageantry of the festive holiday, with traditional Mexican music, comedy and community on full display in East San Jose. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993059\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden Thread Productions founder Torange Yeghiazarian.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Carlos Avila Gonzalez / San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993059\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden Thread Productions founder Torange Yeghiazarian.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Carlos Avila Gonzalez / San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "ReOrient Festival",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"http://goldenthread.org\">ReOrient Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 9–Nov. 1\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Potrero Stage, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 9–Nov. 1\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Potrero Stage, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Founded by Torange Yeghiazarian, Golden Thread celebrates its 30th anniversary this year as a company that interrogates and celebrates Middle Eastern culture and identity. There’s never a shortage of candidates for Golden Thread’s signature festival, and this year is no different: of the 83 plays submitted, only five were selected. This year’s lineup focuses on Iran and Palestine, with rich diversity among the titles, one of which, \u003cem>Homing Pigeons & Co\u003c/em>, is directed by Yeghiazarian herself.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Founded by Torange Yeghiazarian, Golden Thread celebrates its 30th anniversary this year as a company that interrogates and celebrates Middle Eastern culture and identity. There’s never a shortage of candidates for Golden Thread’s signature festival, and this year is no different: of the 83 plays submitted, only five were selected. This year’s lineup focuses on Iran and Palestine, with rich diversity among the titles, one of which, \u003cem>Homing Pigeons & Co\u003c/em>, is directed by Yeghiazarian herself.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "‘Every Saturday Night’",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbatco.org/\">Every Saturday Night\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbatco.org/\">Every Saturday Night\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 10–Nov. 1\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>The Strand, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Harlem of the West” is a famous description of San Francisco’s Fillmore District in the ‘40s and ‘50s — and now, it’s the subject of a major world premiere for \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbatco.org/\">SFBATCO\u003c/a>. \u003cem>Every Saturday Night\u003c/em> has been in development for four years, and it explores a San Francisco once filled with Black excellence and soul-stirring jazz. Those good times came to a halt when urban renewal’s displacement and gentrification robbed the world of a thriving Black community. Bay Area playwright, composer and director Danny Duncan joins forces with acclaimed playwright Michael Gene Sullivan for this anticipated production.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Harlem of the West” is a famous description of San Francisco’s Fillmore District in the ‘40s and ‘50s — and now, it’s the subject of a major world premiere for \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbatco.org/\">SFBATCO\u003c/a>. \u003cem>Every Saturday Night\u003c/em> has been in development for four years, and it explores a San Francisco once filled with Black excellence and soul-stirring jazz. Those good times came to a halt when urban renewal’s displacement and gentrification robbed the world of a thriving Black community. Bay Area playwright, composer and director Danny Duncan joins forces with acclaimed playwright Michael Gene Sullivan for this anticipated production.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993047\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Drag queen Alaska Thunderfuck will star as Mary Todd Lincoln in the San Francisco run of Cole Escola’s ‘Oh, Mary!’\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Daniel Rampulla)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993047\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Drag queen Alaska Thunderfuck will star as Mary Todd Lincoln in the San Francisco run of Cole Escola’s ‘Oh, Mary!’\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Daniel Rampulla)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "‘Oh, Mary!’ and ‘John Proctor is the Villain’",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2026-27-season/oh-mary\">Oh, Mary!\u003c/a>’ and ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2026-27-season/john-proctor-is-the-villain\">John Proctor is the Villain\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2026-27-season/oh-mary\">Oh, Mary!\u003c/a>’ and ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2026-27-season/john-proctor-is-the-villain\">John Proctor is the Villain\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘Oh, Mary!,’ \u003cem>\u003cem>Oct. 13–Nov. 1\u003c/em>\u003c/em>; Curran Theater, San Francisco \u003cbr>‘John Proctor is the Villain,’ \u003cem>\u003cem>Nov. 12–Dec. 6\u003c/em>\u003c/em>; Toni Rembe Theater, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Picking between \u003cem>Oh, Mary!\u003c/em> or \u003cem>John Proctor is the Villain\u003c/em> when both are being produced at A.C.T. is like picking a favorite child — you might have one, but you don’t say it out loud. \u003cem>Oh, Mary!\u003c/em> is a riotous, side-splitting show (and 2026 Pulitzer finalist) by Cole Escola, while \u003cem>Proctor \u003c/em>is a Broadway hit that inspired the \u003cem>New York Times\u003c/em> headline “Why Women are Leaving This Broadway Show in Tears.” The two shows couldn’t be more different in tone and temperament, but they’re firmly in the can’t-miss category. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 23–Nov. 29\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Roda Theatre, Berkeley\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bess Wohl’s \u003cem>Liberation\u003c/em>, a piercing memory play about a group of women who strategize in a 1970s recreation center basement about how to change the world, won a Pulitzer and Tony during its Broadway run. Whitney White, who directed, returns in the same role for this West Coast premiere, a co-production with the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.’s Studio Theatre. (And if you’re looking for more Wohl in the Bay, \u003ca href=\"https://www.thestage.org/production-history/barcelona\">San Jose Stage produces her 2012 play \u003cem>Barcelona\u003c/em> from Sept. 30–Oct. 18\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Including shows about a lost jazz neighborhood, a women’s revolution and Abraham Lincoln’s wife run amok.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Be sure to check out our full \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fall-guide-2026\">2026 Fall Arts Guide\u003c/a> to live music, movies, art, theater, festivals and more in the Bay Area.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A certain type of magic comes with fall in the Bay Area. As T-shirts and shorts turn to long sleeves and jeans, rich browns and oranges overtake each leaf. Apart from the weather, seeing theater companies kick off their seasons is always thrilling, with world premieres and big hits ready to land all over the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While darkness may fall faster with each passing day, let the stage lights of these 10 fantastic theater productions brighten your life for the next three months.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1516\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993464\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4-160x121.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4-768x582.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MT_TheWhiteChip_ChrisHardy4-1536x1164.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Danny Scheie, Benjamin Clark and Lyndsy Kail are featured in Marin Theatre’s ‘The White Chip,’ running Aug. 27–Sept. 20. (Chris Hardy)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.marintheatre.org/\">The White Chip\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Aug. 27–Sept. 20\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Marin Theatre, Mill Valley\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Sean Daniels has been one of the most visible figures in the American theatre to discuss his challenges as a recovering alcoholic while working to soften the stigma of addiction. In his semi-autobiographical play, \u003cem>The White Chip\u003c/em>, Steven is a theatrical director whose career spirals out fo control due to drinking. His journey through sobriety includes reckoning with self-acceptance and finding his community. Daniels’ play has seen significant productions nationwide, inspiring those on their own sobriety journeys. Artistic director Lance Gardner directs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993044\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/manningpr-0138-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(L–R) Caleb Andrew Cabrera, Michael Torres and Alonso Melgoza star in ‘Manning,’ a play about grief and healing. (Cheshire Isaacs)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.crowdedfire.org/\">Manning\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 5–26\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Potrero Stage, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The death of a wife and mother. Spreading ashes around the backyard. What results is the growth of a mysterious, giant zucchini overnight, and the discovery of a unique language for grief. Benjamin Benne penned this West Coast premiere in part to imagine a world where patriarchal supremacy is replaced by healthy and whole masculinity. Crowded Fire Theater’s newest production is another in their quest toward daring work that both entertains and challenges. Adin Walker directs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.lhtsf.org/african-stew\">African Stew\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 10–27\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>An African American woman and a Nigerian man announce their quick engagement, which leads to a family dinner in Oakland. Things aren’t exactly smooth, however, as the two very different cultures gather, and as identity, cultural differences and familial expectations all prove to be heated topics of conversation. Lorraine Hansberry Theatre’s rolling world premiere features the triumphant return of frequent collaborator Lisa B. Thompson, with the show stewarded by longtime Bay Area director and artist Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993048\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/IMG_0433-copy-smaller-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(L to R) Linda Amayo-Hassan, Megan Calfas, Aidaa Peerzada and Julius Ernesto Rea make up Playwright’s Foundation residents for 2026-2027. (Playwrights Foundation)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://playwrightsfoundation.org/2026-bay-area-playwrights-festival/\">Bay Area Playwrights Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 18–27\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Strand Theater, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Play development has taken a hit around the country in the past 10 years, but the need for new work in American theater continues. Fortunately, consequential developers in the Bay Area still showcase new voices which may just write the next great American play. The Bay Area Playwrights Festival is coming up on its 47th year, and has seen more than 80 percent of its works go on to successful productions. This year’s festival features four new plays from diverse storytellers, giving audiences a sneak peek of the future. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1428\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993046\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape-160x114.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape-768x548.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/KING-LEAR-landscape-1536x1097.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">J. Jha stars as the title character in William Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’ as Oakland Theater Project jumps across the Bay to Z Space in San Francisco. (Adam Montanaro)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/\">King Lear\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sept. 25–Oct. 11\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Z Space, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While twilight sets on the rule of King Lear, dividing his kingdom among his three daughters becomes another ploy in his quest for flattery. As his power dissipates, the king is proven to be a fool, one whose demise is entirely of his own making. Sound timely? Oakland Theater Project continues their daring season of rethinking classics and putting visceral new razors on stories of brutality. Lear is the model for many of theater’s greatest characters, and an embodiment of self-inflected wounds. Executive Artistic Director Michael Socrates Moran directs one of William Shakespeare’s most devastating tales. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"http://teatrovision.org\">Alebrijes: A Dia De Los Muertos Tale\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 8–18\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, San José\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the 1930s, papier-mâché artist Pedro Linares created the earliest alebrijes – a form of Mexican folk art depicting mythical hybrid animals. In Teatro Vision’s production of \u003cem>Alebrijes: A Dia De Los Muertos Tale\u003c/em>, playwright Georgina Escobar presents a mythological tale of Linares being chased by “La Muerte” through the colorful celebration of the Day of the Dead. The 42-year-old company and the production are both under the artistic hand of Rodrigo Garcia, and showcase all of the emotional pageantry of the festive holiday, with traditional Mexican music, comedy and community on full display in East San Jose. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993059\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/GettyImages-1409168059-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden Thread Productions founder Torange Yeghiazarian. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez / San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"http://goldenthread.org\">ReOrient Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 9–Nov. 1\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Potrero Stage, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Founded by Torange Yeghiazarian, Golden Thread celebrates its 30th anniversary this year as a company that interrogates and celebrates Middle Eastern culture and identity. There’s never a shortage of candidates for Golden Thread’s signature festival, and this year is no different: of the 83 plays submitted, only five were selected. This year’s lineup focuses on Iran and Palestine, with rich diversity among the titles, one of which, \u003cem>Homing Pigeons & Co\u003c/em>, is directed by Yeghiazarian herself.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbatco.org/\">Every Saturday Night\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 10–Nov. 1\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>The Strand, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Harlem of the West” is a famous description of San Francisco’s Fillmore District in the ‘40s and ‘50s — and now, it’s the subject of a major world premiere for \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbatco.org/\">SFBATCO\u003c/a>. \u003cem>Every Saturday Night\u003c/em> has been in development for four years, and it explores a San Francisco once filled with Black excellence and soul-stirring jazz. Those good times came to a halt when urban renewal’s displacement and gentrification robbed the world of a thriving Black community. Bay Area playwright, composer and director Danny Duncan joins forces with acclaimed playwright Michael Gene Sullivan for this anticipated production.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993047\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Alaska-Thunderfuck_Photo-Credit-Daniel-Rampulla-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Drag queen Alaska Thunderfuck will star as Mary Todd Lincoln in the San Francisco run of Cole Escola’s ‘Oh, Mary!’ (Daniel Rampulla)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2026-27-season/oh-mary\">Oh, Mary!\u003c/a>’ and ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2026-27-season/john-proctor-is-the-villain\">John Proctor is the Villain\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘Oh, Mary!,’ \u003cem>\u003cem>Oct. 13–Nov. 1\u003c/em>\u003c/em>; Curran Theater, San Francisco \u003cbr>‘John Proctor is the Villain,’ \u003cem>\u003cem>Nov. 12–Dec. 6\u003c/em>\u003c/em>; Toni Rembe Theater, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Picking between \u003cem>Oh, Mary!\u003c/em> or \u003cem>John Proctor is the Villain\u003c/em> when both are being produced at A.C.T. is like picking a favorite child — you might have one, but you don’t say it out loud. \u003cem>Oh, Mary!\u003c/em> is a riotous, side-splitting show (and 2026 Pulitzer finalist) by Cole Escola, while \u003cem>Proctor \u003c/em>is a Broadway hit that inspired the \u003cem>New York Times\u003c/em> headline “Why Women are Leaving This Broadway Show in Tears.” The two shows couldn’t be more different in tone and temperament, but they’re firmly in the can’t-miss category. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1667\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Liberation_0115r-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993050\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Liberation_0115r-1.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Liberation_0115r-1-2000x1334.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Liberation_0115r-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Liberation_0115r-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Liberation_0115r-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Liberation_0115r-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The New York cast of Bess Wohl’s ‘Liberation’ at the Laura Pels Theatre in 2025. (Joan Marcus)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"http://berkeleyrep.org\">Liberation\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oct. 23–Nov. 29\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003cem>Roda Theatre, Berkeley\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bess Wohl’s \u003cem>Liberation\u003c/em>, a piercing memory play about a group of women who strategize in a 1970s recreation center basement about how to change the world, won a Pulitzer and Tony during its Broadway run. Whitney White, who directed, returns in the same role for this West Coast premiere, a co-production with the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.’s Studio Theatre. (And if you’re looking for more Wohl in the Bay, \u003ca href=\"https://www.thestage.org/production-history/barcelona\">San Jose Stage produces her 2012 play \u003cem>Barcelona\u003c/em> from Sept. 30–Oct. 18\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>During one of the most critical scenes in the play \u003cem>Hamnet\u003c/em>, a grieving mother, Agnes, watches in awe at the theater world of her husband, William Shakespeare. A world of costumes and nightly death, it also inspires reverence, and she comes to understand that her late son was the quintessence of glory. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To see Agnes absorb \u003cem>Hamlet\u003c/em>’s every word despite not understanding most of them is to witness simultaneous grief and healing. For eternity, she realizes, one of the world’s greatest plays will be connected to one of the universe’s most perfect 11-year-old boys.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Running through May 24 at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater, \u003cem>Hamnet\u003c/em> gives agency to Shakespeare’s mysterious and enigmatic wife, known as Anne or Agnes. This is not a historical account of a woman who simply sat by as a dutiful spouse, raising three children in Stratford-upon-Avon as Shakespeare gallivanted through London’s seedy and bustling Elizabethan theater district. Nor is it \u003cem>Shakespeare in Love\u003c/em>, the 1998 film which portrays Anne as a loveless hindrance to Shakespeare’s quill and immortality. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13988826\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/1_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker.jpg\" alt=\"A man in blue and a woman with a flower crown nuzzle up against one another\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13988826\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/1_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/1_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/1_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/1_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rory Alexander and Kemi-Bo Jacobs as William and Agnes Shakespeare in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s ‘Hamnet’ at ACT in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Kyle Flubacker)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Hamnet\u003c/em> is more on par with the jukebox musical \u003cem>& Juliet\u003c/em>, in which Anne directly questions the misogyny of Shakespeare’s storytelling. (A young teenage girl throwing her life away for a dithering and pathetic boy who changes his passions like he changes his underwear? What kind of hot garbage is that, Will?) \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Onstage at ACT, the battles between Agnes (Kemi-Bo Jacobs) and William (Rory Alexander) are filled with pain, as Shakespeare knows he has no choice but to make the four-day trek to London and continue writing plays that may someday change the world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lolita Chakrabarti’s adaptation from Maggie O’Farrell’s sweeping tale is a highly metaphoric jaunt through the thrill of new love — the mystery of this strange falcon girl who may have deep connections to witchcraft, and a base Latin tutor helping his father (Nigel Barrett) climb out of crippling debt.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13988825\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1320px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/5_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1320\" height=\"2000\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13988825\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/5_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker.jpg 1320w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/5_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-160x242.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/5_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-768x1164.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/5_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-1014x1536.jpg 1014w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1320px) 100vw, 1320px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kemi-Bo Jacobs as Agnes (center), with Ajani Cabey as Hamnet and Saffron Dey as Judith in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s ‘Hamnet’ at ACT in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Kyle Flubacker)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In Erica Whyman’s astute direction, long swatches of material become babies and pregnancies. This theatrical approach complements a grand and rustic scenic design by Tom Piper, who also designed the costumes. Simon Baker’s soundscape leans heavily into deep bass to augment whispers and wisdom that form much of the play’s mystery. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chakrabarti’s reimagined script veers somewhat from O’Farrell’s flashback-heavy 2020 novel. Yet it’s respectful to the novel’s great intentions (the stunning clarity in the book to describe a first tryst among the apples is staged beautifully here). \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While much about ACT’s production works, it is not perfect. The initial sounds of child whispers are hard, if not impossible, to understand. While plenty of the show meets the story’s emotional demands, other moments fall toward a thinner, more unsatisfying end. Hard honesty moves through space with too much rapidity for an audience yearning for authenticity. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13988824\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/6_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13988824\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/6_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/6_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/6_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/6_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Saffron Dey as Judith and Ajani Cabey as Hamnet in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s‘Hamnet’ at ACT in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Kyle Flubacker)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Some fantastic setups preface the second act’s more damaging moments. Anyone with the slightest knowledge of Shakespeare knows that Hamnet’s demise is near; a gentle, well-paced staging doesn’t make that any easier to digest. But take note of how Jacobs conveys the hurt. As in the Ocscar-winning 2025 film of \u003cem>Hamnet\u003c/em>, Jacobs’ cries as Agnes are guttural, produced from a place that only exists for those who’ve bore and lost a child. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While William channels his agony into his opus, unbeknownst to those mourning back home, the stoic Agnes is the face of devastation, conveyed by Jacobs using every ounce of her emotions. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Both John and Mary (Penny Layden) represent the issues that encompass Will as he navigates a scandalous pregnancy out of wedlock. While Barrett conveys the horror of John’s temper in O’Farrell’s novel, he’s equally delightful as the bumbling comic actor Will Kempe. And Troy Alexander as Barthlolomew is a gargantuan presence, taking charge when he sees fit. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Art will always have the power to heal weary souls, contextualizing some of existence’s most distressing moments. Hamnet needs a greater commitment to manifest its own quintessence, but the pathway is there for the taking. \u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘Hamnet’ runs through Sunday, May 24 at the Toni Rembe Theater in San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2025-26-season/hamnet\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>During one of the most critical scenes in the play \u003cem>Hamnet\u003c/em>, a grieving mother, Agnes, watches in awe at the theater world of her husband, William Shakespeare. A world of costumes and nightly death, it also inspires reverence, and she comes to understand that her late son was the quintessence of glory. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To see Agnes absorb \u003cem>Hamlet\u003c/em>’s every word despite not understanding most of them is to witness simultaneous grief and healing. For eternity, she realizes, one of the world’s greatest plays will be connected to one of the universe’s most perfect 11-year-old boys.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Running through May 24 at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater, \u003cem>Hamnet\u003c/em> gives agency to Shakespeare’s mysterious and enigmatic wife, known as Anne or Agnes. This is not a historical account of a woman who simply sat by as a dutiful spouse, raising three children in Stratford-upon-Avon as Shakespeare gallivanted through London’s seedy and bustling Elizabethan theater district. Nor is it \u003cem>Shakespeare in Love\u003c/em>, the 1998 film which portrays Anne as a loveless hindrance to Shakespeare’s quill and immortality. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13988826\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/1_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker.jpg\" alt=\"A man in blue and a woman with a flower crown nuzzle up against one another\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13988826\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/1_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/1_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/1_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/1_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rory Alexander and Kemi-Bo Jacobs as William and Agnes Shakespeare in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s ‘Hamnet’ at ACT in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Kyle Flubacker)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Hamnet\u003c/em> is more on par with the jukebox musical \u003cem>& Juliet\u003c/em>, in which Anne directly questions the misogyny of Shakespeare’s storytelling. (A young teenage girl throwing her life away for a dithering and pathetic boy who changes his passions like he changes his underwear? What kind of hot garbage is that, Will?) \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Onstage at ACT, the battles between Agnes (Kemi-Bo Jacobs) and William (Rory Alexander) are filled with pain, as Shakespeare knows he has no choice but to make the four-day trek to London and continue writing plays that may someday change the world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lolita Chakrabarti’s adaptation from Maggie O’Farrell’s sweeping tale is a highly metaphoric jaunt through the thrill of new love — the mystery of this strange falcon girl who may have deep connections to witchcraft, and a base Latin tutor helping his father (Nigel Barrett) climb out of crippling debt.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13988825\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1320px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/5_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1320\" height=\"2000\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13988825\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/5_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker.jpg 1320w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/5_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-160x242.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/5_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-768x1164.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/5_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-1014x1536.jpg 1014w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1320px) 100vw, 1320px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kemi-Bo Jacobs as Agnes (center), with Ajani Cabey as Hamnet and Saffron Dey as Judith in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s ‘Hamnet’ at ACT in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Kyle Flubacker)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In Erica Whyman’s astute direction, long swatches of material become babies and pregnancies. This theatrical approach complements a grand and rustic scenic design by Tom Piper, who also designed the costumes. Simon Baker’s soundscape leans heavily into deep bass to augment whispers and wisdom that form much of the play’s mystery. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chakrabarti’s reimagined script veers somewhat from O’Farrell’s flashback-heavy 2020 novel. Yet it’s respectful to the novel’s great intentions (the stunning clarity in the book to describe a first tryst among the apples is staged beautifully here). \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While much about ACT’s production works, it is not perfect. The initial sounds of child whispers are hard, if not impossible, to understand. While plenty of the show meets the story’s emotional demands, other moments fall toward a thinner, more unsatisfying end. Hard honesty moves through space with too much rapidity for an audience yearning for authenticity. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13988824\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/6_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13988824\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/6_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/6_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/6_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/6_HAMNET_KyleFlubacker-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Saffron Dey as Judith and Ajani Cabey as Hamnet in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s‘Hamnet’ at ACT in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Kyle Flubacker)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Some fantastic setups preface the second act’s more damaging moments. Anyone with the slightest knowledge of Shakespeare knows that Hamnet’s demise is near; a gentle, well-paced staging doesn’t make that any easier to digest. But take note of how Jacobs conveys the hurt. As in the Ocscar-winning 2025 film of \u003cem>Hamnet\u003c/em>, Jacobs’ cries as Agnes are guttural, produced from a place that only exists for those who’ve bore and lost a child. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While William channels his agony into his opus, unbeknownst to those mourning back home, the stoic Agnes is the face of devastation, conveyed by Jacobs using every ounce of her emotions. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Both John and Mary (Penny Layden) represent the issues that encompass Will as he navigates a scandalous pregnancy out of wedlock. While Barrett conveys the horror of John’s temper in O’Farrell’s novel, he’s equally delightful as the bumbling comic actor Will Kempe. And Troy Alexander as Barthlolomew is a gargantuan presence, taking charge when he sees fit. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Art will always have the power to heal weary souls, contextualizing some of existence’s most distressing moments. Hamnet needs a greater commitment to manifest its own quintessence, but the pathway is there for the taking. \u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘Hamnet’ runs through Sunday, May 24 at the Toni Rembe Theater in San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2025-26-season/hamnet\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>A few years ago, I wrote an opinion piece for my college paper titled “Friends Aren’t Forever and That’s Okay.” Reflecting on the fleeting nature of high school friendships, I realized that even though those friendships didn’t last, they meant a great deal, and shaped me in ways I couldn’t fully understand at the time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I’ve graduated college now, but couldn’t help but think of these friendships while watching \u003cem>||: Girls :|| ||: Chance :|| ||: Music :||\u003c/em>, a new play by Eisa Davis at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/act\">ACT\u003c/a>’s Strand Theater in San Francisco. Davis, raised in the Bay Area and inspired by her time in UC Berkeley’s Young Musicians Program, clearly understands the bonds of girlhood. Directed by outgoing ACT Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon, the play captures the essence of being a teenage girl amongst other teenage girls: a combination of ego and uncertainty, with small moments feeling magnified and personal. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In \u003cem>||: Girls :|| ||: Chance :|| ||: Music :||\u003c/em>, we’re introduced to four high school girls at a prestigious summer music program in Berkeley who’ve been assigned to rehearse and perform together as a group. Aside from their love for music, they seem to have nothing in common.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13987819\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/106_GCM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13987819\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/106_GCM.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/106_GCM-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/106_GCM-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/106_GCM-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hillary Fisher (Fax) and Naomi Latta (Margot) in the world premiere of Eisa Davis’ ‘||: Girls :||: Chance :||: Music :||.’ \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Fax (Hillary Fisher), the group’s vocalist, is anxious, hyper-prepared and constantly overthinking, a perfectionist prone to rambling. In contrast, Margot (Naomi Latta), the group’s drummer, is laid-back and carefree. She proclaims that “words are so not [her] vibe,” yet her playing reveals an intensity beneath the surface.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Riles (Yeena Sung), the pianist, is vibrant and unapologetically expressive, with multicolored hair, a wardrobe filled with fun prints and Labubus hanging from their backpack. Then there’s the more reticent Clementine (Gianna DiGregorio Rivera), often in the background, who effortlessly plays multiple instruments and offers comic relief. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Notably, there are no boys at the program, and throughout the summer, these girls create unexpected bonds despite their clashing personalities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13987821\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/155_GCM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13987821\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/155_GCM.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/155_GCM-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/155_GCM-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/155_GCM-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yeena Sung (Rile), Gianna DiGregorio Rivera (Clementine), and Naomi Latta (Margot) in the world premiere of Eisa Davis’ ‘||: Girls :||: Chance :||: Music :||.’ \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In a series of monologues, we get a glimpse into the minds of these girls and their home lives; the play touches on heavy themes like eating disorders, substance abuse, sexuality and homelessness. But as is often the case with teenage girls (I speak from experience), they’re so consumed by their own struggles that they fail to recognize how vastly different their lives are outside this shared space. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At one point in the first interactions between Fax and Margot, Fax turns to the audience and says “I don’t know this yet, but this person has begun to shape my life.” While the audience laughed at this break of the fourth wall, it resonated deeply with me. It’s often only in hindsight that we recognize how deeply people have impacted us – especially those we least expected. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even Clementine, who doesn’t forge as deep a relationship with the other three, represents something important: the person you often take for granted. Someone who’s always there, and you don’t realize how much their presence really mattered until they aren’t anymore. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13987822\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/147_GCM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13987822\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/147_GCM.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/147_GCM-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/147_GCM-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/147_GCM-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Naomi Latta (Margot) and Gianna DiGregorio Rivera (Clementine) in the world premiere of Eisa Davis’ ‘||: Girls :||: Chance :||: Music :||.’ \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>At the end of the play, we we learn that none of these girls really kept in touch. They’ve all grown in ways that are natural, and that their high school selves could have never imagined. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Part of me wanted to see the girls get past their differences and help each other grow through life. But that’s not typically how things play out. The abrupt ending to these friendships as summer ends is true to these fleeting-yet-formative friendships.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>||: Girls :|| ||: Chance :|| ||: Music :||\u003c/em> doesn’t mourn that girlhood ends — it honors what grows from of it. As I wrote in that sophomore-year opinion piece, “These are the people who shape you into who you are and who you want to become, even if it’s only a brief amount of time that your paths cross.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘||: Girls :|| ||: Chance :|| ||: Music :||’ runs through April 19 at ACT’s Strand Theater (1127 Market St., San Francisco). \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2025-26-season/girls-chance-music/performances\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>A few years ago, I wrote an opinion piece for my college paper titled “Friends Aren’t Forever and That’s Okay.” Reflecting on the fleeting nature of high school friendships, I realized that even though those friendships didn’t last, they meant a great deal, and shaped me in ways I couldn’t fully understand at the time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I’ve graduated college now, but couldn’t help but think of these friendships while watching \u003cem>||: Girls :|| ||: Chance :|| ||: Music :||\u003c/em>, a new play by Eisa Davis at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/act\">ACT\u003c/a>’s Strand Theater in San Francisco. Davis, raised in the Bay Area and inspired by her time in UC Berkeley’s Young Musicians Program, clearly understands the bonds of girlhood. Directed by outgoing ACT Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon, the play captures the essence of being a teenage girl amongst other teenage girls: a combination of ego and uncertainty, with small moments feeling magnified and personal. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In \u003cem>||: Girls :|| ||: Chance :|| ||: Music :||\u003c/em>, we’re introduced to four high school girls at a prestigious summer music program in Berkeley who’ve been assigned to rehearse and perform together as a group. Aside from their love for music, they seem to have nothing in common.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13987819\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/106_GCM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13987819\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/106_GCM.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/106_GCM-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/106_GCM-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/106_GCM-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hillary Fisher (Fax) and Naomi Latta (Margot) in the world premiere of Eisa Davis’ ‘||: Girls :||: Chance :||: Music :||.’ \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Fax (Hillary Fisher), the group’s vocalist, is anxious, hyper-prepared and constantly overthinking, a perfectionist prone to rambling. In contrast, Margot (Naomi Latta), the group’s drummer, is laid-back and carefree. She proclaims that “words are so not [her] vibe,” yet her playing reveals an intensity beneath the surface.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Riles (Yeena Sung), the pianist, is vibrant and unapologetically expressive, with multicolored hair, a wardrobe filled with fun prints and Labubus hanging from their backpack. Then there’s the more reticent Clementine (Gianna DiGregorio Rivera), often in the background, who effortlessly plays multiple instruments and offers comic relief. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Notably, there are no boys at the program, and throughout the summer, these girls create unexpected bonds despite their clashing personalities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13987821\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/155_GCM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13987821\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/155_GCM.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/155_GCM-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/155_GCM-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/155_GCM-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yeena Sung (Rile), Gianna DiGregorio Rivera (Clementine), and Naomi Latta (Margot) in the world premiere of Eisa Davis’ ‘||: Girls :||: Chance :||: Music :||.’ \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In a series of monologues, we get a glimpse into the minds of these girls and their home lives; the play touches on heavy themes like eating disorders, substance abuse, sexuality and homelessness. But as is often the case with teenage girls (I speak from experience), they’re so consumed by their own struggles that they fail to recognize how vastly different their lives are outside this shared space. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At one point in the first interactions between Fax and Margot, Fax turns to the audience and says “I don’t know this yet, but this person has begun to shape my life.” While the audience laughed at this break of the fourth wall, it resonated deeply with me. It’s often only in hindsight that we recognize how deeply people have impacted us – especially those we least expected. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even Clementine, who doesn’t forge as deep a relationship with the other three, represents something important: the person you often take for granted. Someone who’s always there, and you don’t realize how much their presence really mattered until they aren’t anymore. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13987822\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/147_GCM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13987822\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/147_GCM.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/147_GCM-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/147_GCM-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/147_GCM-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Naomi Latta (Margot) and Gianna DiGregorio Rivera (Clementine) in the world premiere of Eisa Davis’ ‘||: Girls :||: Chance :||: Music :||.’ \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>At the end of the play, we we learn that none of these girls really kept in touch. They’ve all grown in ways that are natural, and that their high school selves could have never imagined. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Part of me wanted to see the girls get past their differences and help each other grow through life. But that’s not typically how things play out. The abrupt ending to these friendships as summer ends is true to these fleeting-yet-formative friendships.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>||: Girls :|| ||: Chance :|| ||: Music :||\u003c/em> doesn’t mourn that girlhood ends — it honors what grows from of it. As I wrote in that sophomore-year opinion piece, “These are the people who shape you into who you are and who you want to become, even if it’s only a brief amount of time that your paths cross.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘||: Girls :|| ||: Chance :|| ||: Music :||’ runs through April 19 at ACT’s Strand Theater (1127 Market St., San Francisco). \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2025-26-season/girls-chance-music/performances\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This week, we’re looking back on the best art, music, food, movies and more from the year. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/best-of-2025\">See our entire Best of 2025 guide here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2025, Bay Area theater was loaded with innovative artists producing great shows, coupled with a hope that the local scene will soon see healthier days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During a spate of theater closures, funding challenges and diminished audiences, there’s been \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13978734/how-to-save-bay-area-theater-from-collapse-and-closures\">no shortage of ideas\u003c/a> from the Bay Area’s top theater brass as to how Bay Area theater can survive. There were also plenty of victories to be had on our region’s stages in 2025.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Below, theater critics and regular KQED contributors Nicole Gluckstern and David John Chávez share their most significant Bay Area theater happenings of 2025.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984280\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1047\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-768x503.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-1536x1005.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Syrian-Armenian-American artist Sona Tatoyan talks about her friend, Turkish political activist Osman Kavala, as renowned oud player Ara Dinkjian accompanies her in ‘AZAD,’ at Golden Thread.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(David Allen Studio)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The beautiful spectacle of ‘AZAD’ at Golden Thread\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Written and performed by Sona Tatoyan, a Syrian Armenian American theatre-maker and Storyteller, \u003ci>AZAD\u003c/i> defied categorization in its April premiere at Golden Thread. With its compelling personal narrative, it presented like a solo show but relied on a taut ensemble of puppeteers, centenarian Karagöz puppets and a live musician to create an expansive, visionary performance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>AZAD\u003c/em> excavated painful, rigorously researched histories that rarely see the spotlight, putting the audience and performer through an intense emotional wringer that never relied on cliché or manipulation to elicit a response. With atmospheric projections designed by Camilla Tassi, and meticulous scenic design by Marcelo Martínez García, this Jared Mezzocchi-directed piece was a visual and virtuosic standout. —\u003ci>Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984283\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 960px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984283\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-6.jpg 960w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mona (Lauren Marcus, left) and waitress Edna Louise (Ashley Cowl, center) get reacquainted with Joanne (Shakina) in the musical ‘Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean: A New Musical’ at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘Jimmy Dean’ came back to Mountain View\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It is insanely hard to write a new hit musical. Just take a peek at the constant stream of revivals that have hit theaters in recent years. That’s what made TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s \u003ci>Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean: A New Musical\u003c/i> such an achievement. A darling of the company’s 2024 New Works Festival, the show premiered this past summer, featuring every component of what makes a musical unforgettable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Start with the insightful book from Ashley Robinson, the playful, fierce music from Dan Gillespie Sells and unbeatable lyrics by Shakina. Add a terrific creative team led by director Giovanna Sardelli, and you’ve got a magical show. As an added bonus, it was thrilling to see an unapologetic transgender narrative, with Shakina stunning as a vision in white. —\u003cem>David John Chávez\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984276\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1065\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984276\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-2.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-2-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Juicy (Devin A. Cunningham) stares down the ghost of Pap (Ron Chapman) in ‘Fat Ham’ at SF Playhouse.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Jessica Palopoli)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The Pulitzer-winning ‘Fat Ham’ astounded at SF Playhouse\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>A singular upside of the COVID lockdown was the rare chance to stream innovative performances from around the world. One such toothsome treat was the world premiere of the Pulitzer-winning \u003ci>Fat Ham\u003c/i>, by James Ijames, staged as a digital production by Philadelphia’s Wilma Theater. This first taste whetted my appetite for more. At SF Playhouse, \u003ci>Fat Ham\u003c/i> brought a deeply humorous, deeply human reimagining of \u003ci>Hamlet\u003c/i>, in which a grieving Juicy (Devin Cunningham) contemplated mortality and morality as his mother (Jenn Stephens) and new stepfather-uncle (Ron Chapman) celebrated their hasty nuptials with a backyard barbeque.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Deftly directed by Margo Hall, the actors pushed each punchline and outrageous misfortune to its absolute limit, flipping the existential dread of Denmark’s saddest prince into a flamboyant embrace of life’s possibilities. —\u003ci>Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984278\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984278\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-3.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-3-160x112.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-3-768x538.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tshembe (Jeuneé Simon) faces guard Eric (Monique Crawford) as Madame Nielsen (Jacinta Kaumbulu) sits and looks on in Oakland Theater Project’s production of ‘Les Blancs.’\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Ben Krantz Studio)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>A powerful Lorraine Hansberry revival in Oakland\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If there’s any Bay Area company outgrowing their britches faster than a teenager on a growth spurt, it’s Oakland Theater Project. In their charming space at the Flax Art & Design building, their current production of \u003ci>Cabaret\u003c/i> is sold out for the entire run weeks before closing. Ideally, they’d be able to move into a permanent space worthy of their fierce, bold reputation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Take their fantastic production of \u003ci>Les Blancs\u003c/i>. Though it lacks the name recognition of \u003ci>A Raisin in the Sun\u003c/i>, it carries major weight in the theater world as Lorraine Hansberry’s final work, adapted by her ex-husband Robert Nemiroff. The story is also the only one of Hansberry’s to be set in Africa, using beats, rhythms and dance to signify Black and African cultures. Presenting a clash between white colonialism and Black liberation, the story and production were both memorable and explosive. —\u003ci>David John Chávez\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984281\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1065\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984281\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-4.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-4-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-4-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marga Gomez in ‘The Search for Signs\u003cbr>of Intelligent Life in the Universe,’ the last production at famed Berkeley institution Aurora Theatre before the company ceased operations.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Marga Gomez helped bid goodnight to Aurora Theatre\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The first play I bought as a teenage theatre nerd, Jane Wagner’s inventive \u003ci>The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life In the Universe\u003c/i> was written to showcase the versatile talents of her wife, Lily Tomlin — a tough act to follow in any era. Thankfully, Aurora Theatre made the inspired move to cast Bay Area powerhouse Marga Gomez in its 2025 revival.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A comedian, MC, actor and seasoned solo show creator/performer, Gomez switches seamlessly between characters, scenarios and timelines without elaborate props or costume changes — making her a stellar choice to fill Tomlin’s cosmic shoes. Adding to the pressure of the performance was the concurrent announcement that Aurora Theatre would cease operations for the foreseeable future. At least Gomez ensured they went out with a (big) bang. \u003ci>—Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984279\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1116px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1116\" height=\"735\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984279\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-5.jpg 1116w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-5-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-5-768x506.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1116px) 100vw, 1116px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Theoretical physicist Marianne (Vivienne Truong) and beekeeper Roland (George Alexander K.), one of three couples with the same names and dialogue in ‘Constellations’ at the Pear Theatre in Mountain View.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Reed Flores)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘Constellations’ offered a terrific way forward\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On the surface, there was nothing terribly flashy about Nick Payne’s \u003ci>Constellations\u003c/i> at the Pear Theatre in Palo Alto. A group of actors — George Alexander K., Raven Douglas, Thomas Nguyen, Sahil Singh, Elana Swartz and Vivienne Truong — enter an open space, pair off and begin spilling their guts. The pairings were different at each performance, and at the end of the show, the audience got to make decisions for the next audience coming in the following night. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You’d be forgiven in thinking this sounds gimmicky. But under the direction of Reed Flores, it proved that theater need not have bells and whistles, just a great story and fantastic performances that grip the audience. If Bay Area theater is going to survive, phenomenal shows like this one will need to be at its forefront. —\u003ci>David John Chávez\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984284\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984284\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-1.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-1-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Katherine Park, Elana Swartz, Carl Lucania and Alejandra Wahl took their ‘Tempest’ to the ocean with Berkeley Shakespeare Company.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Sara Nicole Mindful)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Fabulous backdrops that reinvigorated the classics\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Theatre-makers love a copyright-free classic, but some productions really push their source material to exciting extremes. This year, standouts included Nate Currier’s first-time adaptation of \u003ci>The Epic of Gilgamesh\u003c/i> at Marin Shakespeare Company, and a site-expansive production of \u003ci>The Tempest\u003c/i> at the windswept Point Montara Lighthouse and Hostel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Currier’s \u003ci>Gilgamesh\u003c/i> combined action-hero vigor with bare-bones physical staging, honoring the poetry of the 4,000-year-old original with a modern vernacular — somewhat reminiscent of Maria Dahvana Headley’s “bro”-tinged \u003ci>Beowulf\u003c/i>. Meanwhile, Stuart Bousel’s \u003ci>Tempest\u003c/i>, produced by Berkeley Shakespeare Company, utilized its proximity to the ocean and uniquely intimate interiors to create a truly magical realm for its artists and audiences alike. —\u003ci>Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984282\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1452px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/24sanfrancisco1-superJumbo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1452\" height=\"1040\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984282\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/24sanfrancisco1-superJumbo.jpg 1452w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/24sanfrancisco1-superJumbo-160x115.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/24sanfrancisco1-superJumbo-768x550.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1452px) 100vw, 1452px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L–R) Outgoing American Conservatory Theater artistic director Pam MacKinnon and incoming Golden Thread Productions artistic director Nabra Nelson. \u003ccite>(ACT / Golden Thread)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Seismic comings and goings in San Francisco\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Two theater companies are going into the new year with big shifts at the top. Sahar Assaf, who’s made Golden Thread Productions her artistic home for the past four years, is turning over the reins as artistic director to Nabra Nelson, who has a wealth of experience in arts administration. Nelson is a multi-hyphenate artist, having delved into playwriting, dramaturgy, consultant, director and community engagement, among other roles. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, Pam MacKinnon concludes her eight years leading American Conservatory Theater at the end of the 2025-2026 season. Soon returning to New York City, she plans to rekindle her freelance directing career. Succeeding longtime A.C.T. leader Carey Perloff, MacKinnon dove deeply into commissions with big names, and oversaw some tough times for the company, including the COVID shutdown and the closure of A.C.T.’s highly regarded MFA program. —\u003ci>David John Chávez\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984293\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1060px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/113301VdVSD-Opening-Night2025-09-05-21_59_03Philip-Pavliger_Web_654x390.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1060\" height=\"632\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984293\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/113301VdVSD-Opening-Night2025-09-05-21_59_03Philip-Pavliger_Web_654x390.jpg 1060w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/113301VdVSD-Opening-Night2025-09-05-21_59_03Philip-Pavliger_Web_654x390-160x95.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/113301VdVSD-Opening-Night2025-09-05-21_59_03Philip-Pavliger_Web_654x390-768x458.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1060px) 100vw, 1060px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Joan Baez joined the circus and starred in ‘The Soiled Dove’ in Alameda. \u003ccite>(Philip Pavliger / Vau de Vire Society)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘The Soiled Dove’ flew high in Alameda\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Is there anything more synonymous with the Bay Area performing arts than circuses and sin? I hope not, because I’m here for all of it. The Vau de Vire Society’s wicked and wonderful Barbary Coast dinner theatre extravaganza, \u003ci>The Soiled Dove\u003c/i>, has been a perennial crowd-pleaser for over 10 years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This year’s Alameda revival prominently featured legendary singer-songwriter and social activist Joan Baez — whose six-decade career continues to flourish — while the seasoned circus and cabaret performers who make up Vau de Vire’s core company soared. Viva, Vau de Vire! —\u003ci>Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984277\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 803px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"803\" height=\"630\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984277\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-7.jpg 803w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-7-160x126.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-7-768x603.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 803px) 100vw, 803px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Magic Theatre’s artistic director Sean San José made a return to the Fort Mason stage in ‘Aztlan’ by Luis Alfaro.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Jay Yamada)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Life after prison in the poetic ‘Aztlán’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Anytime transcendent poet and playwright Luis Alfaro collaborates with the Magic Theatre, it’s a massive win. This past summer, their pairing yielded the powerful \u003ci>Aztlán\u003c/i>, rooted in Alfaro’s intimate knowledge of the Central Valley. With imagery from Mayan and Mexica folklore, the story of a parolee trying to reinvent his life outside of prison walls was aided by David Arevalo’s costume design, Alejandro Acosta’s sharp lighting design, and dazzling scenic design by Tanya Orellana.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Beautifully directed by El Teatro Campesino’s Kinan Valdez, Alfaro’s story featured a great cast of Magic regulars. An added bonus? Sean San José’s thrilling return to the stage as an evil-minded deity. —\u003ci>David John Chávez\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This week, we’re looking back on the best art, music, food, movies and more from the year. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/best-of-2025\">See our entire Best of 2025 guide here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2025, Bay Area theater was loaded with innovative artists producing great shows, coupled with a hope that the local scene will soon see healthier days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During a spate of theater closures, funding challenges and diminished audiences, there’s been \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13978734/how-to-save-bay-area-theater-from-collapse-and-closures\">no shortage of ideas\u003c/a> from the Bay Area’s top theater brass as to how Bay Area theater can survive. There were also plenty of victories to be had on our region’s stages in 2025.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Below, theater critics and regular KQED contributors Nicole Gluckstern and David John Chávez share their most significant Bay Area theater happenings of 2025.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984280\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1047\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-768x503.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-1536x1005.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Syrian-Armenian-American artist Sona Tatoyan talks about her friend, Turkish political activist Osman Kavala, as renowned oud player Ara Dinkjian accompanies her in ‘AZAD,’ at Golden Thread.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(David Allen Studio)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The beautiful spectacle of ‘AZAD’ at Golden Thread\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Written and performed by Sona Tatoyan, a Syrian Armenian American theatre-maker and Storyteller, \u003ci>AZAD\u003c/i> defied categorization in its April premiere at Golden Thread. With its compelling personal narrative, it presented like a solo show but relied on a taut ensemble of puppeteers, centenarian Karagöz puppets and a live musician to create an expansive, visionary performance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>AZAD\u003c/em> excavated painful, rigorously researched histories that rarely see the spotlight, putting the audience and performer through an intense emotional wringer that never relied on cliché or manipulation to elicit a response. With atmospheric projections designed by Camilla Tassi, and meticulous scenic design by Marcelo Martínez García, this Jared Mezzocchi-directed piece was a visual and virtuosic standout. —\u003ci>Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984283\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 960px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984283\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-6.jpg 960w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mona (Lauren Marcus, left) and waitress Edna Louise (Ashley Cowl, center) get reacquainted with Joanne (Shakina) in the musical ‘Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean: A New Musical’ at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘Jimmy Dean’ came back to Mountain View\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It is insanely hard to write a new hit musical. Just take a peek at the constant stream of revivals that have hit theaters in recent years. That’s what made TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s \u003ci>Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean: A New Musical\u003c/i> such an achievement. A darling of the company’s 2024 New Works Festival, the show premiered this past summer, featuring every component of what makes a musical unforgettable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Start with the insightful book from Ashley Robinson, the playful, fierce music from Dan Gillespie Sells and unbeatable lyrics by Shakina. Add a terrific creative team led by director Giovanna Sardelli, and you’ve got a magical show. As an added bonus, it was thrilling to see an unapologetic transgender narrative, with Shakina stunning as a vision in white. —\u003cem>David John Chávez\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984276\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1065\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984276\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-2.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-2-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Juicy (Devin A. Cunningham) stares down the ghost of Pap (Ron Chapman) in ‘Fat Ham’ at SF Playhouse.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Jessica Palopoli)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The Pulitzer-winning ‘Fat Ham’ astounded at SF Playhouse\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>A singular upside of the COVID lockdown was the rare chance to stream innovative performances from around the world. One such toothsome treat was the world premiere of the Pulitzer-winning \u003ci>Fat Ham\u003c/i>, by James Ijames, staged as a digital production by Philadelphia’s Wilma Theater. This first taste whetted my appetite for more. At SF Playhouse, \u003ci>Fat Ham\u003c/i> brought a deeply humorous, deeply human reimagining of \u003ci>Hamlet\u003c/i>, in which a grieving Juicy (Devin Cunningham) contemplated mortality and morality as his mother (Jenn Stephens) and new stepfather-uncle (Ron Chapman) celebrated their hasty nuptials with a backyard barbeque.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Deftly directed by Margo Hall, the actors pushed each punchline and outrageous misfortune to its absolute limit, flipping the existential dread of Denmark’s saddest prince into a flamboyant embrace of life’s possibilities. —\u003ci>Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984278\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984278\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-3.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-3-160x112.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-3-768x538.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tshembe (Jeuneé Simon) faces guard Eric (Monique Crawford) as Madame Nielsen (Jacinta Kaumbulu) sits and looks on in Oakland Theater Project’s production of ‘Les Blancs.’\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Ben Krantz Studio)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>A powerful Lorraine Hansberry revival in Oakland\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If there’s any Bay Area company outgrowing their britches faster than a teenager on a growth spurt, it’s Oakland Theater Project. In their charming space at the Flax Art & Design building, their current production of \u003ci>Cabaret\u003c/i> is sold out for the entire run weeks before closing. Ideally, they’d be able to move into a permanent space worthy of their fierce, bold reputation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Take their fantastic production of \u003ci>Les Blancs\u003c/i>. Though it lacks the name recognition of \u003ci>A Raisin in the Sun\u003c/i>, it carries major weight in the theater world as Lorraine Hansberry’s final work, adapted by her ex-husband Robert Nemiroff. The story is also the only one of Hansberry’s to be set in Africa, using beats, rhythms and dance to signify Black and African cultures. Presenting a clash between white colonialism and Black liberation, the story and production were both memorable and explosive. —\u003ci>David John Chávez\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984281\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1065\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984281\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-4.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-4-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-4-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marga Gomez in ‘The Search for Signs\u003cbr>of Intelligent Life in the Universe,’ the last production at famed Berkeley institution Aurora Theatre before the company ceased operations.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Marga Gomez helped bid goodnight to Aurora Theatre\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The first play I bought as a teenage theatre nerd, Jane Wagner’s inventive \u003ci>The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life In the Universe\u003c/i> was written to showcase the versatile talents of her wife, Lily Tomlin — a tough act to follow in any era. Thankfully, Aurora Theatre made the inspired move to cast Bay Area powerhouse Marga Gomez in its 2025 revival.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A comedian, MC, actor and seasoned solo show creator/performer, Gomez switches seamlessly between characters, scenarios and timelines without elaborate props or costume changes — making her a stellar choice to fill Tomlin’s cosmic shoes. Adding to the pressure of the performance was the concurrent announcement that Aurora Theatre would cease operations for the foreseeable future. At least Gomez ensured they went out with a (big) bang. \u003ci>—Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984279\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1116px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1116\" height=\"735\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984279\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-5.jpg 1116w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-5-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-5-768x506.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1116px) 100vw, 1116px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Theoretical physicist Marianne (Vivienne Truong) and beekeeper Roland (George Alexander K.), one of three couples with the same names and dialogue in ‘Constellations’ at the Pear Theatre in Mountain View.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Reed Flores)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘Constellations’ offered a terrific way forward\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On the surface, there was nothing terribly flashy about Nick Payne’s \u003ci>Constellations\u003c/i> at the Pear Theatre in Palo Alto. A group of actors — George Alexander K., Raven Douglas, Thomas Nguyen, Sahil Singh, Elana Swartz and Vivienne Truong — enter an open space, pair off and begin spilling their guts. The pairings were different at each performance, and at the end of the show, the audience got to make decisions for the next audience coming in the following night. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You’d be forgiven in thinking this sounds gimmicky. But under the direction of Reed Flores, it proved that theater need not have bells and whistles, just a great story and fantastic performances that grip the audience. If Bay Area theater is going to survive, phenomenal shows like this one will need to be at its forefront. —\u003ci>David John Chávez\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984284\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984284\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-1.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-1-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Katherine Park, Elana Swartz, Carl Lucania and Alejandra Wahl took their ‘Tempest’ to the ocean with Berkeley Shakespeare Company.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Sara Nicole Mindful)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Fabulous backdrops that reinvigorated the classics\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Theatre-makers love a copyright-free classic, but some productions really push their source material to exciting extremes. This year, standouts included Nate Currier’s first-time adaptation of \u003ci>The Epic of Gilgamesh\u003c/i> at Marin Shakespeare Company, and a site-expansive production of \u003ci>The Tempest\u003c/i> at the windswept Point Montara Lighthouse and Hostel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Currier’s \u003ci>Gilgamesh\u003c/i> combined action-hero vigor with bare-bones physical staging, honoring the poetry of the 4,000-year-old original with a modern vernacular — somewhat reminiscent of Maria Dahvana Headley’s “bro”-tinged \u003ci>Beowulf\u003c/i>. Meanwhile, Stuart Bousel’s \u003ci>Tempest\u003c/i>, produced by Berkeley Shakespeare Company, utilized its proximity to the ocean and uniquely intimate interiors to create a truly magical realm for its artists and audiences alike. —\u003ci>Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984282\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1452px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/24sanfrancisco1-superJumbo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1452\" height=\"1040\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984282\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/24sanfrancisco1-superJumbo.jpg 1452w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/24sanfrancisco1-superJumbo-160x115.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/24sanfrancisco1-superJumbo-768x550.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1452px) 100vw, 1452px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L–R) Outgoing American Conservatory Theater artistic director Pam MacKinnon and incoming Golden Thread Productions artistic director Nabra Nelson. \u003ccite>(ACT / Golden Thread)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Seismic comings and goings in San Francisco\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Two theater companies are going into the new year with big shifts at the top. Sahar Assaf, who’s made Golden Thread Productions her artistic home for the past four years, is turning over the reins as artistic director to Nabra Nelson, who has a wealth of experience in arts administration. Nelson is a multi-hyphenate artist, having delved into playwriting, dramaturgy, consultant, director and community engagement, among other roles. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, Pam MacKinnon concludes her eight years leading American Conservatory Theater at the end of the 2025-2026 season. Soon returning to New York City, she plans to rekindle her freelance directing career. Succeeding longtime A.C.T. leader Carey Perloff, MacKinnon dove deeply into commissions with big names, and oversaw some tough times for the company, including the COVID shutdown and the closure of A.C.T.’s highly regarded MFA program. —\u003ci>David John Chávez\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984293\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1060px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/113301VdVSD-Opening-Night2025-09-05-21_59_03Philip-Pavliger_Web_654x390.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1060\" height=\"632\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984293\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/113301VdVSD-Opening-Night2025-09-05-21_59_03Philip-Pavliger_Web_654x390.jpg 1060w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/113301VdVSD-Opening-Night2025-09-05-21_59_03Philip-Pavliger_Web_654x390-160x95.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/113301VdVSD-Opening-Night2025-09-05-21_59_03Philip-Pavliger_Web_654x390-768x458.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1060px) 100vw, 1060px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Joan Baez joined the circus and starred in ‘The Soiled Dove’ in Alameda. \u003ccite>(Philip Pavliger / Vau de Vire Society)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘The Soiled Dove’ flew high in Alameda\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Is there anything more synonymous with the Bay Area performing arts than circuses and sin? I hope not, because I’m here for all of it. The Vau de Vire Society’s wicked and wonderful Barbary Coast dinner theatre extravaganza, \u003ci>The Soiled Dove\u003c/i>, has been a perennial crowd-pleaser for over 10 years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This year’s Alameda revival prominently featured legendary singer-songwriter and social activist Joan Baez — whose six-decade career continues to flourish — while the seasoned circus and cabaret performers who make up Vau de Vire’s core company soared. Viva, Vau de Vire! —\u003ci>Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13984277\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 803px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"803\" height=\"630\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13984277\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-7.jpg 803w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-7-160x126.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/unnamed-7-768x603.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 803px) 100vw, 803px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Magic Theatre’s artistic director Sean San José made a return to the Fort Mason stage in ‘Aztlan’ by Luis Alfaro.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Jay Yamada)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Life after prison in the poetic ‘Aztlán’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Anytime transcendent poet and playwright Luis Alfaro collaborates with the Magic Theatre, it’s a massive win. This past summer, their pairing yielded the powerful \u003ci>Aztlán\u003c/i>, rooted in Alfaro’s intimate knowledge of the Central Valley. With imagery from Mayan and Mexica folklore, the story of a parolee trying to reinvent his life outside of prison walls was aided by David Arevalo’s costume design, Alejandro Acosta’s sharp lighting design, and dazzling scenic design by Tanya Orellana.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Beautifully directed by El Teatro Campesino’s Kinan Valdez, Alfaro’s story featured a great cast of Magic regulars. An added bonus? Sean San José’s thrilling return to the stage as an evil-minded deity. —\u003ci>David John Chávez\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "review-kims-convenience-act-san-francisco",
"title": "‘Kim’s Convenience’ at ACT: A Funny, Touching Story of an Immigrant Family Business",
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"headTitle": "‘Kim’s Convenience’ at ACT: A Funny, Touching Story of an Immigrant Family Business | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>At just 83 minutes long, \u003cem>Kim’s Convenience\u003c/em> may be short, and set entirely in a small corner store, but it embraces the big stuff: family, regret, forgiveness, the need for belonging. Ultimately, it asks: What is the story of a life? Is it the work we do, the things we accumulate, or the other lives we touch along the way?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Appa (Ins Choi) runs a convenience store, where toiletries and “Canada” T-shirts share space with Korean flags in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood in Toronto. When he’s not launching into tirades about the history of Korea, he bluntly roasts customers and pressures his adult daughter Janet (Kelly Seo) to successfully live up to his high immigrant-parent expectations. (Years prior, his son Jung [Ryan Jinn] chafed under his pressure, cut all ties after a violent fight, and left the house.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13981819\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13981819\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2545.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2545.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2545-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2545-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2545-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Appa (Ins Choi) detains Alex (Brandon McKnight) and Janet (Kelly Seo) in a scene from ‘Kim’s Convenience.’ \u003ccite>(Dahlia Katz)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Adding to the thickness in the air, a Walmart is set to open nearby. A real estate developer offers to buy Appa’s store, where business isn’t exactly brisk. Alex (Brandon McKnight), a childhood friend of Jung who’s now a cop, stops in and is mesmerized by Janet, who is similarly love-stricken. While sparks fly between the two, we learn that Umma (Esther Chung), Appa’s wife, has secretly been meeting with Jung at their local church.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That all of this gets resolved neatly and hilariously over the course of a single day is a testament to Choi’s taut script. As the playwright, Choi based the story on his own immigrant family, and his acting performance as Appa carries extra emotional weight. He also garners the largest howls of laughter, whether explaining to Janet the different types of customers who shoplift, or persistently offering Alex some snacks for the road in an accent so thick that you’ll never think of chocolate-covered peanuts the same way again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13981812\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13981812\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2348.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2348.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2348-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2348-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2348-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Umma (Esther Chung) and Jung (Ryan Jinn) have a heart-to-heart in a scene from ‘Kim’s Convenience.’ \u003ccite>(Dahlia Katz)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Kim’s Convenience\u003c/em> will especially resonate with second-generation audience members, or anyone who’s ever worked behind the counter of a small mom ‘n’ pop retail business. But its themes cut across all ethnic and economic lines, exemplified in a monologue by Appa about a Korean shopkeeper in South Central L.A. during the Rodney King riots, and the unlikely bond between the owner and the Black residents of the neighborhood during a time of high tensions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those of a certain age may remember “\u003ca href=\"https://genius.com/Ice-cube-black-korea-lyrics\">Black Korea\u003c/a>,” the controversial song by Ice Cube recorded after the murder of 15-year-old Latasha Harlins, which called out business owners’ racial profiling and threatened to burn down Korean convenience stores in L.A. Ice Cube eventually apologized for the song, but the dehumanization of immigrants has now been federalized, with ICE’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101910650/ices-budget-just-tripled-whats-next\">massive budget increase\u003c/a> and unprecedented powers to \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2025/09/13/nx-s1-5507125/the-supreme-court-clears-the-way-for-ice-agents-to-treat-race-as-grounds-for-immigration-stops\">racially profile\u003c/a>, detain and deport anyone without oversight.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Kim’s Convenience\u003c/em>, meanwhile, played to a rapturous full house. It was enough to make you believe that, despite everything, maybe humanization will win after all.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘Kim’s Convenience’ runs through Oct. 19 at the Toni Rembe Theater (415 Geary St,, San Francisco). \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2025-26-season/kims-convenience/\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>At just 83 minutes long, \u003cem>Kim’s Convenience\u003c/em> may be short, and set entirely in a small corner store, but it embraces the big stuff: family, regret, forgiveness, the need for belonging. Ultimately, it asks: What is the story of a life? Is it the work we do, the things we accumulate, or the other lives we touch along the way?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Appa (Ins Choi) runs a convenience store, where toiletries and “Canada” T-shirts share space with Korean flags in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood in Toronto. When he’s not launching into tirades about the history of Korea, he bluntly roasts customers and pressures his adult daughter Janet (Kelly Seo) to successfully live up to his high immigrant-parent expectations. (Years prior, his son Jung [Ryan Jinn] chafed under his pressure, cut all ties after a violent fight, and left the house.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13981819\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13981819\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2545.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2545.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2545-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2545-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2545-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Appa (Ins Choi) detains Alex (Brandon McKnight) and Janet (Kelly Seo) in a scene from ‘Kim’s Convenience.’ \u003ccite>(Dahlia Katz)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Adding to the thickness in the air, a Walmart is set to open nearby. A real estate developer offers to buy Appa’s store, where business isn’t exactly brisk. Alex (Brandon McKnight), a childhood friend of Jung who’s now a cop, stops in and is mesmerized by Janet, who is similarly love-stricken. While sparks fly between the two, we learn that Umma (Esther Chung), Appa’s wife, has secretly been meeting with Jung at their local church.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That all of this gets resolved neatly and hilariously over the course of a single day is a testament to Choi’s taut script. As the playwright, Choi based the story on his own immigrant family, and his acting performance as Appa carries extra emotional weight. He also garners the largest howls of laughter, whether explaining to Janet the different types of customers who shoplift, or persistently offering Alex some snacks for the road in an accent so thick that you’ll never think of chocolate-covered peanuts the same way again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13981812\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13981812\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2348.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2348.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2348-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2348-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/SPKims-photocall-photobyDahliaKatz-2348-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Umma (Esther Chung) and Jung (Ryan Jinn) have a heart-to-heart in a scene from ‘Kim’s Convenience.’ \u003ccite>(Dahlia Katz)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Kim’s Convenience\u003c/em> will especially resonate with second-generation audience members, or anyone who’s ever worked behind the counter of a small mom ‘n’ pop retail business. But its themes cut across all ethnic and economic lines, exemplified in a monologue by Appa about a Korean shopkeeper in South Central L.A. during the Rodney King riots, and the unlikely bond between the owner and the Black residents of the neighborhood during a time of high tensions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those of a certain age may remember “\u003ca href=\"https://genius.com/Ice-cube-black-korea-lyrics\">Black Korea\u003c/a>,” the controversial song by Ice Cube recorded after the murder of 15-year-old Latasha Harlins, which called out business owners’ racial profiling and threatened to burn down Korean convenience stores in L.A. Ice Cube eventually apologized for the song, but the dehumanization of immigrants has now been federalized, with ICE’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101910650/ices-budget-just-tripled-whats-next\">massive budget increase\u003c/a> and unprecedented powers to \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2025/09/13/nx-s1-5507125/the-supreme-court-clears-the-way-for-ice-agents-to-treat-race-as-grounds-for-immigration-stops\">racially profile\u003c/a>, detain and deport anyone without oversight.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Kim’s Convenience\u003c/em>, meanwhile, played to a rapturous full house. It was enough to make you believe that, despite everything, maybe humanization will win after all.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘Kim’s Convenience’ runs through Oct. 19 at the Toni Rembe Theater (415 Geary St,, San Francisco). \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2025-26-season/kims-convenience/\">Tickets and more information here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>In 2004, \u003cem>Freestyle Love Supreme\u003c/em>, an experiment in improv, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareahiphop\">hip-hop\u003c/a> and spontaneity featuring Lin-Manual Miranda, Thomas Kail and Anthony Veneziale, burst onto the scene. Inviting artists and audiences to spend a couple of hours in of-the-moment connection set to beatbox rhythms, \u003cem>FLS\u003c/em> helped to cement Miranda and Kail’s theatrical trajectory, eventually leading to the creation and direction of \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13972698/hamilton-cancels-kennedy-center-2026\">Hamilton\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, the smash hit musical about the “founding fathers” circa the late 1700s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now it’s Veneziale’s turn (as a co-producer) to bring a cohort of founders to the hip-hop musical stage with \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2024-25-season/co-founders/\">\u003cem>Co-Founders\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, an American Conservatory Theater production in which contemporary West Oakland and Silicon Valley mix it up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Spoofing Bay Area tech incubator \u003ca href=\"https://www.ycombinator.com/\">Y Combinator\u003c/a>, \u003cem>Co-Founders\u003c/em>’ Xcelerator promises to turn “losers” (like Nikola Tesla) into the “1%” of innovators and entrepreneurs. With her family home on the line, and a self-developed interactive AI avatar based on her deceased father, Oakland-born hacker Esata (Aneesa Folds) bets on herself and applies to their 10-week startup program for aspiring unicorns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13977685\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13977685\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_271_2000.jpg\" alt=\"white man and Black woman bump fists on stage\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_271_2000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_271_2000-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_271_2000-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_271_2000-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Roe Hartrampf as Conway and Aneesa Folds as Esata in ‘Co-Founders.’ \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>By a quirk of chance and Uber Pool algorithms, she shares a ride with another applicant Conway (Roe Hartrampf) whose virtual vacation device AVreality lacks actual tech, but whose founder demonstrates the requisite amount of white-guy confidence to give it a chance to push through. Given their complementary strengths and weaknesses, the two soon find themselves agreeing to work together as co-founders rather than as solopreneuers, melding her Dadvatar into the AVreality world as a prototype guide for virtual reality tours of Paris, Mykonos and Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What follows is a somewhat predictable series of events culminating in our protagonists eventually learning to accept themselves for who they are while developing kinder, more ethical versions of their hi-tech dreams. But not before we’re treated to a variety of scenarios written to send-up startup culture in diabolical and delicious ways: a company called “Buttbit” (“like fitbit for your butt”), rounds of rooftop shots and preposterous PowerPoints.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s even a pre-show projection of startup ideas sourced from incoming audience members (shoutout to whoever submitted Scat-GPT on opening night). The musical’s plot includes development of an insidious surveillance app with the chillingly of-the-moment moniker of “Victory AI,” positioned to be the next soulless unicorn to advance onto the global stage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13977683\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13977683\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_080_2000.jpg\" alt=\"Black woman with hands on head under green light\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1330\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_080_2000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_080_2000-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_080_2000-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_080_2000-1536x1021.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aneesa Folds as Esata in ‘Co-Founders.’ \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>A vocal powerhouse, Aneesa Folds embodies Esata’s intellectual virtuosity with warmth and depth. Her emotional arc travels from self-negating worrying about whether she will be accepted or rejected for who she is, to declaring herself a “Super Nova,” and captain of her destiny — which begins to look a lot more expansive once she successfully infiltrates the Xcelerator.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As her foil — and situational co-founder — Hartrampf exudes an awkward charm anchored by a steadfast tenor range. Their onstage relationship is fun without being flirty, and both their friendship and their inevitable falling-out and reunification feel logical and realistic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Co-stars (and co-writers) \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13905839/startup-dreams-hip-hop-and-theater-meet-in-a-new-play-about-tech-art\">RyanNicole Austin\u003c/a> and Adesha Adefela imbue their characters with strong wills, side-eyes and a clear commitment to embracing the “yes” in every line. Austin, as Esata’s cousin Kamaiyah, is a quintessential Oakland hustler, whose many gigs include nail art, selling bespoke “Startup Founder kits” (complete with vape pens and mushroom truffles) and angel investing. Adefela as Esata’s mother and as potential investor Sandy Hill provides grounded doses of practical wisdom underscored by her smooth, R&B-channeling vocals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13977684\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13977684\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_143_2000.jpg\" alt=\"Black woman in foreground with other cast members behind desks\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_143_2000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_143_2000-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_143_2000-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_143_2000-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Adesha Adefela, Tommy Soulati Shepherd, RyanNicole Austin, Jordan Covington, Roe Hartrampf and Aneesa Folds in ‘Co-Founders.’ \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Two members of Bay Area hip-hop theater company Felonius (Tommy Soulati Shepherd and Keith Pinto) grab attention \u003ci>and\u003c/i> the mic as the video-game console controlled “Dadvatar” and insufferably smarmy Xcelerator bigwig Victor. And the pitch-perfect, Energizer Bunny–esque Deanalís Arocho Resto, as Victor’s sidekick Chadwick, steals every scene they’re in with a gap-toothed grin and unimpeachable charisma and dance moves. “Science has proven that you retain information better when you move your booty,” they remind us, as they shake their own to a syncopated beat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It wouldn’t be a proper ode to technological advancement if the creative team at ACT hadn’t leaned into using as much fun tech onstage as possible. There’s the now-requisite background projections (designed by David Richardson) and a bonus second projection screen set up at the front of the stage displaying avatars, algorithms, and endless lines of code to complement the action (projection system designed by Frédéric O. Boulay). It gives \u003ci>Star Trek\u003c/i> vibes as Folds swipes through her options and chooses her commands. Shepard operates his “Dadvatar” character from backstage with an Xbox controller, and tech lingo flavors the lyrics to every song like a sprinkling of sea salt on a high-end cupcake.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The show’s reliance on creative tech offered the opening night audience an impromptu lesson on its limits after a projector failure resulted in a 30-minute delay halfway through the first act. But rather than derailing the show’s momentum, it merely offered a pause to reflect on how ultimately the technical difficulties mattered far less to the show’s overall message. That the Bay Area is a place of innovators and dreamers, that our superpower is our ability to think and act outside of the (X)box and make a viable hustle out of any possible pursuit. While hi-tech is here to stay, without people to activate it, it’s just a construct wrapped in an empty platitude of a better world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In \u003cem>Co-Founders\u003c/em>, as in life, it’s the people who hold the power to move and unite us.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2024-25-season/co-founders/s\">Co-Founders\u003c/a>’ plays through July 6, 2025 at American Conservatory Theater (Strand Theater, 1127 Market St., San Francisco).\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>In 2004, \u003cem>Freestyle Love Supreme\u003c/em>, an experiment in improv, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareahiphop\">hip-hop\u003c/a> and spontaneity featuring Lin-Manual Miranda, Thomas Kail and Anthony Veneziale, burst onto the scene. Inviting artists and audiences to spend a couple of hours in of-the-moment connection set to beatbox rhythms, \u003cem>FLS\u003c/em> helped to cement Miranda and Kail’s theatrical trajectory, eventually leading to the creation and direction of \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13972698/hamilton-cancels-kennedy-center-2026\">Hamilton\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, the smash hit musical about the “founding fathers” circa the late 1700s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now it’s Veneziale’s turn (as a co-producer) to bring a cohort of founders to the hip-hop musical stage with \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2024-25-season/co-founders/\">\u003cem>Co-Founders\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, an American Conservatory Theater production in which contemporary West Oakland and Silicon Valley mix it up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Spoofing Bay Area tech incubator \u003ca href=\"https://www.ycombinator.com/\">Y Combinator\u003c/a>, \u003cem>Co-Founders\u003c/em>’ Xcelerator promises to turn “losers” (like Nikola Tesla) into the “1%” of innovators and entrepreneurs. With her family home on the line, and a self-developed interactive AI avatar based on her deceased father, Oakland-born hacker Esata (Aneesa Folds) bets on herself and applies to their 10-week startup program for aspiring unicorns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13977685\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13977685\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_271_2000.jpg\" alt=\"white man and Black woman bump fists on stage\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_271_2000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_271_2000-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_271_2000-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_271_2000-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Roe Hartrampf as Conway and Aneesa Folds as Esata in ‘Co-Founders.’ \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>By a quirk of chance and Uber Pool algorithms, she shares a ride with another applicant Conway (Roe Hartrampf) whose virtual vacation device AVreality lacks actual tech, but whose founder demonstrates the requisite amount of white-guy confidence to give it a chance to push through. Given their complementary strengths and weaknesses, the two soon find themselves agreeing to work together as co-founders rather than as solopreneuers, melding her Dadvatar into the AVreality world as a prototype guide for virtual reality tours of Paris, Mykonos and Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What follows is a somewhat predictable series of events culminating in our protagonists eventually learning to accept themselves for who they are while developing kinder, more ethical versions of their hi-tech dreams. But not before we’re treated to a variety of scenarios written to send-up startup culture in diabolical and delicious ways: a company called “Buttbit” (“like fitbit for your butt”), rounds of rooftop shots and preposterous PowerPoints.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s even a pre-show projection of startup ideas sourced from incoming audience members (shoutout to whoever submitted Scat-GPT on opening night). The musical’s plot includes development of an insidious surveillance app with the chillingly of-the-moment moniker of “Victory AI,” positioned to be the next soulless unicorn to advance onto the global stage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13977683\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13977683\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_080_2000.jpg\" alt=\"Black woman with hands on head under green light\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1330\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_080_2000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_080_2000-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_080_2000-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_080_2000-1536x1021.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aneesa Folds as Esata in ‘Co-Founders.’ \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>A vocal powerhouse, Aneesa Folds embodies Esata’s intellectual virtuosity with warmth and depth. Her emotional arc travels from self-negating worrying about whether she will be accepted or rejected for who she is, to declaring herself a “Super Nova,” and captain of her destiny — which begins to look a lot more expansive once she successfully infiltrates the Xcelerator.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As her foil — and situational co-founder — Hartrampf exudes an awkward charm anchored by a steadfast tenor range. Their onstage relationship is fun without being flirty, and both their friendship and their inevitable falling-out and reunification feel logical and realistic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Co-stars (and co-writers) \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13905839/startup-dreams-hip-hop-and-theater-meet-in-a-new-play-about-tech-art\">RyanNicole Austin\u003c/a> and Adesha Adefela imbue their characters with strong wills, side-eyes and a clear commitment to embracing the “yes” in every line. Austin, as Esata’s cousin Kamaiyah, is a quintessential Oakland hustler, whose many gigs include nail art, selling bespoke “Startup Founder kits” (complete with vape pens and mushroom truffles) and angel investing. Adefela as Esata’s mother and as potential investor Sandy Hill provides grounded doses of practical wisdom underscored by her smooth, R&B-channeling vocals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13977684\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13977684\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_143_2000.jpg\" alt=\"Black woman in foreground with other cast members behind desks\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_143_2000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_143_2000-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_143_2000-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CFS_143_2000-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Adesha Adefela, Tommy Soulati Shepherd, RyanNicole Austin, Jordan Covington, Roe Hartrampf and Aneesa Folds in ‘Co-Founders.’ \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Two members of Bay Area hip-hop theater company Felonius (Tommy Soulati Shepherd and Keith Pinto) grab attention \u003ci>and\u003c/i> the mic as the video-game console controlled “Dadvatar” and insufferably smarmy Xcelerator bigwig Victor. And the pitch-perfect, Energizer Bunny–esque Deanalís Arocho Resto, as Victor’s sidekick Chadwick, steals every scene they’re in with a gap-toothed grin and unimpeachable charisma and dance moves. “Science has proven that you retain information better when you move your booty,” they remind us, as they shake their own to a syncopated beat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It wouldn’t be a proper ode to technological advancement if the creative team at ACT hadn’t leaned into using as much fun tech onstage as possible. There’s the now-requisite background projections (designed by David Richardson) and a bonus second projection screen set up at the front of the stage displaying avatars, algorithms, and endless lines of code to complement the action (projection system designed by Frédéric O. Boulay). It gives \u003ci>Star Trek\u003c/i> vibes as Folds swipes through her options and chooses her commands. Shepard operates his “Dadvatar” character from backstage with an Xbox controller, and tech lingo flavors the lyrics to every song like a sprinkling of sea salt on a high-end cupcake.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The show’s reliance on creative tech offered the opening night audience an impromptu lesson on its limits after a projector failure resulted in a 30-minute delay halfway through the first act. But rather than derailing the show’s momentum, it merely offered a pause to reflect on how ultimately the technical difficulties mattered far less to the show’s overall message. That the Bay Area is a place of innovators and dreamers, that our superpower is our ability to think and act outside of the (X)box and make a viable hustle out of any possible pursuit. While hi-tech is here to stay, without people to activate it, it’s just a construct wrapped in an empty platitude of a better world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In \u003cem>Co-Founders\u003c/em>, as in life, it’s the people who hold the power to move and unite us.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2024-25-season/co-founders/s\">Co-Founders\u003c/a>’ plays through July 6, 2025 at American Conservatory Theater (Strand Theater, 1127 Market St., San Francisco).\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "best-plays-musicals-summer-bay-area",
"title": "10 of the Best Plays and Musicals in the Bay Area This Summer",
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"headTitle": "10 of the Best Plays and Musicals in the Bay Area This Summer | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003ci>Be sure to check out our full \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/summer-guide-2025\">2025 Summer Arts Guide to live music, movies, art, theater, festivals and more\u003c/a> in the Bay Area.\u003c/i>\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In case you’ve avoided the news cycle, the performing arts are in an unprecedented funding crisis. The U.S. government is slowly dismantling the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities, which have \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13975661/national-endowment-for-the-arts-grants-canceled-nonprofits\">canceled millions of dollars in already-awarded grants\u003c/a> across the country — including several nonprofits on this very summer theater preview.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means the support of your favorite organizations is more crucial than ever. What better way to support than to simply \u003cem>show up\u003c/em>? Get thee to a cabaret, a salon, or a summer musical. Buy a ticket, buy a drink, make the scene and make a difference. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here are 12 ways to avail yourself of theater’s transformative potential all summer long.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13976131\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13976131\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L–R) The ‘Co-Founders’ creative team of Beau Lewis, Adesha Adefela, and RyanNicole Austin. \u003ccite>(Michaela Schulz)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2024-25-season/co-founders/\">Co-Founders\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>May 29–July 6, 2025\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Strand Theater, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area-borne, \u003ca href=\"https://www.rhymecombinator.com/\">Rhyme Combinator\u003c/a>-conceived hip-hop musical \u003cem>Co-Founders\u003c/em> has its world premiere at last. Taking audience immersion to the next level, this “tech-savvy” production promises next-level design elements, powerhouse local performers, and an of-the-moment tale of a Black woman’s attempt to break into the upper echelons of Silicon Valley without losing her soul (and her home). This show’s been \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13905839/startup-dreams-hip-hop-and-theater-meet-in-a-new-play-about-tech-art\">a long time in the making\u003c/a>, and it’s ready to make some noise.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13976132\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1272\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13976132\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1-800x509.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1-1020x649.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1-160x102.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1-768x488.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1-1536x977.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1-1920x1221.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sasha Velour in ‘The Big Reveal Live Show,’ running at Berkeley Rep June 4–15. \u003ccite>(Greg Endries)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.berkeleyrep.org/shows/the-big-reveal-live-show/\">Sasha Velour: The Big Reveal Live Show\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>June 4–15, 2025\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Roda Theatre, Berkeley\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The incomparable Sasha Velour, drag queen of 1,000 rose petals and winner of Season 9 of \u003cem>RuPaul’s Drag Race\u003c/em>, comes back to her former hometown at Berkeley Rep with a revival of \u003cem>The Big Reveal Live Show\u003c/em>. A showcase for Velour’s big ideas and even bigger drag, \u003cem>The Big Reveal\u003c/em> offers a fabulous window into the creative landscape of one of drag’s most innovative performers. Sumptuous, playful, and profound.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13976126\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"661\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13976126\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_-800x264.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_-1020x337.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_-160x53.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_-768x254.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_-1536x508.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_-1920x635.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L–R) Jeremy Julian Greco, Tony Cyprien and Scott Cohen. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sunset Solos)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sunsetsolos.com/\">Sunset Solos\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Ongoing; third Sunday of each month\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Sealevel, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since January 2024, a monthly solo performance showcase has been underway at Sealevel, a gallery and community space in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset. The brainchild of seasoned performer and producer Jeremy Julian Greco, this intimate, low-tech series brings some of the Bay Area’s best solo artists to a venue so close to the ocean you can smell the salt tang in the air. A flourishing testament to the arts’ ability to take root and bloom wherever it may be planted, Sunset Solos’ summer performers include Scott Cohen and Tony Cyprien, with more to be announced.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13976134\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13976134\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">New York Police officers outside the Altoona Police Department, where Luigi Mangione was taken into police custody, on Dec. 9, 2024, in Altoona, Pa. \u003ccite>(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://luigithemusical.info/\">Luigi: the Musical\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>June 13-28; more dates TBA\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Taylor Street Theater, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If I’m being honest, when I first heard about \u003cem>Luigi: the Musical\u003c/em>, I wondered if perhaps it was a little \u003cem>too soon\u003c/em>. Especially since there are apparently two unrelated Luigi Mangione musicals in the works, one here and \u003ca href=\"https://www.lonestarlive.com/life/2025/02/austin-company-behind-young-greg-abbott-creating-satirical-musical-inspired-by-luigi-mangione.html\">one in Austin, Texas\u003c/a>. But rather than a sympathetic portrait or ill-timed SNL-style skit, this 60-minute musical satire imagines three notorious inmates — Mangione, the accused shooter of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson; accused sex trafficker Sean “Diddy” Combs; and convicted cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried — in a cell together, representing the worst manifestations of individualism and fracturing societal norms. Also, songs. Its initial run at Taylor Street Theatre is already sold out, so watch for new dates to be announced.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13976125\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13976125\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs-1920x1281.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marga Gomez. \u003ccite>(Cheshire Isaacs)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://auroratheatre.org/search-for-signs\">The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>July 12-Aug. 10\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Aurora Theatre, Berkeley\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Written for and first performed by the extraordinary Lily Tomlin in 1985, Jane Wagner’s \u003cem>The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe\u003c/em> remains a skillful and relevant commentary on creativity, society and the human condition as experienced by a multi-generational collection of misfits, middle Americans, and muses. Aurora Theatre’s production stars Bay Area comedy performance legend Marga Gomez, poised to guide us — and some curious visitors from outer space — through a world where soup is art, art is soup, and the search for intelligence is a truly universal concern.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13857596\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/LorraineHansberry-PBS.jpg\" alt='Still from \"Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart,\" a documentary directed by Tracy Heather Strain that premiered on PBS in 2018.' width=\"1920\" height=\"1082\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13857596\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/LorraineHansberry-PBS.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/LorraineHansberry-PBS-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/LorraineHansberry-PBS-800x451.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/LorraineHansberry-PBS-768x433.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/LorraineHansberry-PBS-1020x575.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/LorraineHansberry-PBS-1200x676.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lorraine Hansberry. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of PBS)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/blancs\">Les Blancs\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>July 11-27\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Oakland Theater Project at FLAX, Oakland\u003c/em> \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 1961, the prominent playwright and activist Lorraine Hansberry penned \u003ca href=\"https://www.villagevoice.com/genet-mailer-the-new-paternalism/\">a thoughtful takedown\u003c/a> of Jean Genet’s \u003cem>The Blacks\u003c/em> for the \u003cem>Village Voice\u003c/em>. She worked on a theatrical response as well — her posthumously produced \u003cem>Les Blancs\u003c/em>. Set on the African continent, this seldom-performed play tackles the deep wounds of colonialism, and the right of indigenous people everywhere for self-determination and freedom from oppression and exploitation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13976135\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1679px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Torange-Photo-by-Navid-G-Maghami-for-web.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1679\" height=\"1011\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13976135\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Torange-Photo-by-Navid-G-Maghami-for-web.jpg 1679w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Torange-Photo-by-Navid-G-Maghami-for-web-800x482.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Torange-Photo-by-Navid-G-Maghami-for-web-1020x614.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Torange-Photo-by-Navid-G-Maghami-for-web-160x96.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Torange-Photo-by-Navid-G-Maghami-for-web-768x462.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Torange-Photo-by-Navid-G-Maghami-for-web-1536x925.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1679px) 100vw, 1679px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Torange Yeghiazarian, the founding artistic director of Golden Thread Productions. \u003ccite>(Navid G. Maghami)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marinshakespeare.org/seeds/\">Seeds of Time Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>July 15-Aug. 3\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>514 Fourth Street Theater, San Rafael\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Something artistic this way comes. Marin Shakespeare Company and Play On Shakespeare team up for this festival of works-in-progress that reimagine classics into theatrical expressions of the now. Mostly Shakespeare-inspired — with Chekov and 12th century Persia in the mix — the six featured plays riff on themes of love, identity, power, motherhood and AI. A feast of local talent and fervent ideas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13966072\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/RideTheCycloneNCTC_-Grace-Margaret-Craig.-Photo-by-Jenni-Chapman.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13966072\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/RideTheCycloneNCTC_-Grace-Margaret-Craig.-Photo-by-Jenni-Chapman.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/RideTheCycloneNCTC_-Grace-Margaret-Craig.-Photo-by-Jenni-Chapman-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/RideTheCycloneNCTC_-Grace-Margaret-Craig.-Photo-by-Jenni-Chapman-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/RideTheCycloneNCTC_-Grace-Margaret-Craig.-Photo-by-Jenni-Chapman-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/RideTheCycloneNCTC_-Grace-Margaret-Craig.-Photo-by-Jenni-Chapman-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Grace Margaret Craig in ‘Ride the Cyclone’ at the New Conservatory Theatre Center in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Jenni Chapman/Courtesy NCTC)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://cltc.org/current-events/\">Head Over Heels\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>July 17- Aug. 24\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>City Lights Theater, San Jose\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://nctcsf.org/event/ride-the-cyclone-returns/\">Ride the Cyclone\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>July 11-Aug. 15\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>New Conservatory Theatre Center, San Francisco\u003c/em> \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If jukebox musicals have a “season,” surely it’s summer, when long days and languid nights seem to demand lighter, more joyous fare. City Lights Theater Company’s production of \u003cem>Head Over Heels\u003c/em> — a jukebox musical featuring the greatest hits of the Go-Go’s — can fill that need. A less-than idyllic romp through ancient Arcadia, punctuated by songs such as “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips are Sealed” and “Vacation,” \u003cem>Head Over Heels\u003c/em> takes on gender, love and destiny with poppy aplomb. For fun-loving levity with original songs made popular on TikTok, New Conservatory Theatre Center in San Francisco brings back their \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13966064/ride-the-cyclone-musical-review-san-francisco\">well received\u003c/a> and raucous production of teenage afterlife musical \u003cem>Ride the Cyclone\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13976129\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13976129\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Circus Bella performs at the 25th Yerba Buena Gardens Festival on June 20 and 21. \u003ccite>(Emil Alex)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>All Summer Long\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Take it outside with Circus Bella and ChoreoFest at the \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/\">Yerba Buena Gardens Festival\u003c/a>; an \u003ca href=\"https://www.clubfugazisf.com/walking-tour\">arts-centered walking tour of North Beach\u003c/a> presented by the team behind circus spectacle \u003cem>Dear San Francisco\u003c/em>; an ode to California, SF Shakes-style, with \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/gentlemen/\">Two Gentlemen of Verona\u003c/a>\u003c/em>; a hopefully restored mini-tour from the SF Mime Troupe (\u003ca href=\"https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/oyEZqUJSGrc_p45PgwHjhg\">donations are being accepted\u003c/a> to make it happen); \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://pineconesandportals.com/alice2025\">Alice in Wander Land\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, a “hiking theatre” production for the young with ADA and ASL options for extra access; or \u003ca href=\"https://www.aeofberkeley.org/\">Shakespeare’s \u003cem>Cymbeline\u003c/em> and \u003cem>The Taming of the Shrew\u003c/em>\u003c/a> with Actor’s Ensemble of Berkeley in John Hinkel Park.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"excerpt": "Outdoor Shakespeare, musical premieres and returning favorites keep Bay Area stages hopping this summer.",
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"title": "10 of the Best Plays and Musicals in the Bay Area This Summer | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003ci>Be sure to check out our full \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/summer-guide-2025\">2025 Summer Arts Guide to live music, movies, art, theater, festivals and more\u003c/a> in the Bay Area.\u003c/i>\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In case you’ve avoided the news cycle, the performing arts are in an unprecedented funding crisis. The U.S. government is slowly dismantling the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities, which have \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13975661/national-endowment-for-the-arts-grants-canceled-nonprofits\">canceled millions of dollars in already-awarded grants\u003c/a> across the country — including several nonprofits on this very summer theater preview.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means the support of your favorite organizations is more crucial than ever. What better way to support than to simply \u003cem>show up\u003c/em>? Get thee to a cabaret, a salon, or a summer musical. Buy a ticket, buy a drink, make the scene and make a difference. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here are 12 ways to avail yourself of theater’s transformative potential all summer long.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13976131\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13976131\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/BAR9-2024_Credit_MichaelaSchulz-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L–R) The ‘Co-Founders’ creative team of Beau Lewis, Adesha Adefela, and RyanNicole Austin. \u003ccite>(Michaela Schulz)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2024-25-season/co-founders/\">Co-Founders\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>May 29–July 6, 2025\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Strand Theater, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area-borne, \u003ca href=\"https://www.rhymecombinator.com/\">Rhyme Combinator\u003c/a>-conceived hip-hop musical \u003cem>Co-Founders\u003c/em> has its world premiere at last. Taking audience immersion to the next level, this “tech-savvy” production promises next-level design elements, powerhouse local performers, and an of-the-moment tale of a Black woman’s attempt to break into the upper echelons of Silicon Valley without losing her soul (and her home). This show’s been \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13905839/startup-dreams-hip-hop-and-theater-meet-in-a-new-play-about-tech-art\">a long time in the making\u003c/a>, and it’s ready to make some noise.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13976132\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1272\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13976132\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1-800x509.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1-1020x649.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1-160x102.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1-768x488.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1-1536x977.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/TBRLS_6.2_GregEndries-1-1920x1221.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sasha Velour in ‘The Big Reveal Live Show,’ running at Berkeley Rep June 4–15. \u003ccite>(Greg Endries)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.berkeleyrep.org/shows/the-big-reveal-live-show/\">Sasha Velour: The Big Reveal Live Show\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>June 4–15, 2025\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Roda Theatre, Berkeley\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The incomparable Sasha Velour, drag queen of 1,000 rose petals and winner of Season 9 of \u003cem>RuPaul’s Drag Race\u003c/em>, comes back to her former hometown at Berkeley Rep with a revival of \u003cem>The Big Reveal Live Show\u003c/em>. A showcase for Velour’s big ideas and even bigger drag, \u003cem>The Big Reveal\u003c/em> offers a fabulous window into the creative landscape of one of drag’s most innovative performers. Sumptuous, playful, and profound.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13976126\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"661\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13976126\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_-800x264.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_-1020x337.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_-160x53.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_-768x254.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_-1536x508.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/jeremy.tony_.scott_-1920x635.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L–R) Jeremy Julian Greco, Tony Cyprien and Scott Cohen. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sunset Solos)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sunsetsolos.com/\">Sunset Solos\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Ongoing; third Sunday of each month\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Sealevel, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since January 2024, a monthly solo performance showcase has been underway at Sealevel, a gallery and community space in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset. The brainchild of seasoned performer and producer Jeremy Julian Greco, this intimate, low-tech series brings some of the Bay Area’s best solo artists to a venue so close to the ocean you can smell the salt tang in the air. A flourishing testament to the arts’ ability to take root and bloom wherever it may be planted, Sunset Solos’ summer performers include Scott Cohen and Tony Cyprien, with more to be announced.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13976134\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13976134\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/NYPDAP-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">New York Police officers outside the Altoona Police Department, where Luigi Mangione was taken into police custody, on Dec. 9, 2024, in Altoona, Pa. \u003ccite>(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://luigithemusical.info/\">Luigi: the Musical\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>June 13-28; more dates TBA\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Taylor Street Theater, San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If I’m being honest, when I first heard about \u003cem>Luigi: the Musical\u003c/em>, I wondered if perhaps it was a little \u003cem>too soon\u003c/em>. Especially since there are apparently two unrelated Luigi Mangione musicals in the works, one here and \u003ca href=\"https://www.lonestarlive.com/life/2025/02/austin-company-behind-young-greg-abbott-creating-satirical-musical-inspired-by-luigi-mangione.html\">one in Austin, Texas\u003c/a>. But rather than a sympathetic portrait or ill-timed SNL-style skit, this 60-minute musical satire imagines three notorious inmates — Mangione, the accused shooter of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson; accused sex trafficker Sean “Diddy” Combs; and convicted cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried — in a cell together, representing the worst manifestations of individualism and fracturing societal norms. Also, songs. Its initial run at Taylor Street Theatre is already sold out, so watch for new dates to be announced.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13976125\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13976125\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/MargaGomez.CheshireIsaacs-1920x1281.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marga Gomez. \u003ccite>(Cheshire Isaacs)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://auroratheatre.org/search-for-signs\">The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>July 12-Aug. 10\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Aurora Theatre, Berkeley\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Written for and first performed by the extraordinary Lily Tomlin in 1985, Jane Wagner’s \u003cem>The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe\u003c/em> remains a skillful and relevant commentary on creativity, society and the human condition as experienced by a multi-generational collection of misfits, middle Americans, and muses. Aurora Theatre’s production stars Bay Area comedy performance legend Marga Gomez, poised to guide us — and some curious visitors from outer space — through a world where soup is art, art is soup, and the search for intelligence is a truly universal concern.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13857596\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/LorraineHansberry-PBS.jpg\" alt='Still from \"Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart,\" a documentary directed by Tracy Heather Strain that premiered on PBS in 2018.' width=\"1920\" height=\"1082\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13857596\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/LorraineHansberry-PBS.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/LorraineHansberry-PBS-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/LorraineHansberry-PBS-800x451.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/LorraineHansberry-PBS-768x433.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/LorraineHansberry-PBS-1020x575.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/LorraineHansberry-PBS-1200x676.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lorraine Hansberry. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of PBS)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/blancs\">Les Blancs\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>July 11-27\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Oakland Theater Project at FLAX, Oakland\u003c/em> \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 1961, the prominent playwright and activist Lorraine Hansberry penned \u003ca href=\"https://www.villagevoice.com/genet-mailer-the-new-paternalism/\">a thoughtful takedown\u003c/a> of Jean Genet’s \u003cem>The Blacks\u003c/em> for the \u003cem>Village Voice\u003c/em>. She worked on a theatrical response as well — her posthumously produced \u003cem>Les Blancs\u003c/em>. Set on the African continent, this seldom-performed play tackles the deep wounds of colonialism, and the right of indigenous people everywhere for self-determination and freedom from oppression and exploitation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13976135\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1679px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Torange-Photo-by-Navid-G-Maghami-for-web.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1679\" height=\"1011\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13976135\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Torange-Photo-by-Navid-G-Maghami-for-web.jpg 1679w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Torange-Photo-by-Navid-G-Maghami-for-web-800x482.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Torange-Photo-by-Navid-G-Maghami-for-web-1020x614.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Torange-Photo-by-Navid-G-Maghami-for-web-160x96.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Torange-Photo-by-Navid-G-Maghami-for-web-768x462.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Torange-Photo-by-Navid-G-Maghami-for-web-1536x925.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1679px) 100vw, 1679px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Torange Yeghiazarian, the founding artistic director of Golden Thread Productions. \u003ccite>(Navid G. Maghami)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marinshakespeare.org/seeds/\">Seeds of Time Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>July 15-Aug. 3\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>514 Fourth Street Theater, San Rafael\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Something artistic this way comes. Marin Shakespeare Company and Play On Shakespeare team up for this festival of works-in-progress that reimagine classics into theatrical expressions of the now. Mostly Shakespeare-inspired — with Chekov and 12th century Persia in the mix — the six featured plays riff on themes of love, identity, power, motherhood and AI. A feast of local talent and fervent ideas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13966072\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/RideTheCycloneNCTC_-Grace-Margaret-Craig.-Photo-by-Jenni-Chapman.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13966072\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/RideTheCycloneNCTC_-Grace-Margaret-Craig.-Photo-by-Jenni-Chapman.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/RideTheCycloneNCTC_-Grace-Margaret-Craig.-Photo-by-Jenni-Chapman-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/RideTheCycloneNCTC_-Grace-Margaret-Craig.-Photo-by-Jenni-Chapman-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/RideTheCycloneNCTC_-Grace-Margaret-Craig.-Photo-by-Jenni-Chapman-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/RideTheCycloneNCTC_-Grace-Margaret-Craig.-Photo-by-Jenni-Chapman-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Grace Margaret Craig in ‘Ride the Cyclone’ at the New Conservatory Theatre Center in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Jenni Chapman/Courtesy NCTC)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://cltc.org/current-events/\">Head Over Heels\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>July 17- Aug. 24\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>City Lights Theater, San Jose\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://nctcsf.org/event/ride-the-cyclone-returns/\">Ride the Cyclone\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>July 11-Aug. 15\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>New Conservatory Theatre Center, San Francisco\u003c/em> \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If jukebox musicals have a “season,” surely it’s summer, when long days and languid nights seem to demand lighter, more joyous fare. City Lights Theater Company’s production of \u003cem>Head Over Heels\u003c/em> — a jukebox musical featuring the greatest hits of the Go-Go’s — can fill that need. A less-than idyllic romp through ancient Arcadia, punctuated by songs such as “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips are Sealed” and “Vacation,” \u003cem>Head Over Heels\u003c/em> takes on gender, love and destiny with poppy aplomb. For fun-loving levity with original songs made popular on TikTok, New Conservatory Theatre Center in San Francisco brings back their \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13966064/ride-the-cyclone-musical-review-san-francisco\">well received\u003c/a> and raucous production of teenage afterlife musical \u003cem>Ride the Cyclone\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13976129\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13976129\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Circus-Bella-credit-Emil-Alex-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Circus Bella performs at the 25th Yerba Buena Gardens Festival on June 20 and 21. \u003ccite>(Emil Alex)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>All Summer Long\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Take it outside with Circus Bella and ChoreoFest at the \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/\">Yerba Buena Gardens Festival\u003c/a>; an \u003ca href=\"https://www.clubfugazisf.com/walking-tour\">arts-centered walking tour of North Beach\u003c/a> presented by the team behind circus spectacle \u003cem>Dear San Francisco\u003c/em>; an ode to California, SF Shakes-style, with \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/gentlemen/\">Two Gentlemen of Verona\u003c/a>\u003c/em>; a hopefully restored mini-tour from the SF Mime Troupe (\u003ca href=\"https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/oyEZqUJSGrc_p45PgwHjhg\">donations are being accepted\u003c/a> to make it happen); \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://pineconesandportals.com/alice2025\">Alice in Wander Land\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, a “hiking theatre” production for the young with ADA and ASL options for extra access; or \u003ca href=\"https://www.aeofberkeley.org/\">Shakespeare’s \u003cem>Cymbeline\u003c/em> and \u003cem>The Taming of the Shrew\u003c/em>\u003c/a> with Actor’s Ensemble of Berkeley in John Hinkel Park.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "review-nobody-loves-you-act-san-francisco",
"title": "Don’t Change the Channel on ACT’s Witty, Potent ‘Nobody Loves You’",
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"headTitle": "Don’t Change the Channel on ACT’s Witty, Potent ‘Nobody Loves You’ | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13973179\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036.jpg\" alt=\"A slender Black man in a yellow suit points to the right while young contestants in colorful clothes stand against a blue wall\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13973179\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jason Veasey (far right) with Ana Yi Puig, Seth Hanson, Molly Hager, A.J. Holmes and John-Michael Lyles (background, L–R) in ‘Nobody Loves You’ at ACT. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Are there any bigger losers than winners of a dating show?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/american-conservatory-theater\">American Conservatory Theater\u003c/a>’s stupendous production of \u003cem>Nobody Loves You\u003c/em>, the answer is a resounding yes. As in, yes, everyone involved with reality dating shows are gluttons for embarrassment on a national level.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The action revolves around Jeff (A.J. Holmes), whose bouncy girlfriend Tanya (Ashley D. Williams, in multiple roles) locks in with the rest of the country to see who will be told “nobody loves you,” the popular sign-off where losers of the same-named reality dating show are reminded just how undesirable they are.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13973182\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13973182\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L–R) Ana Yi Puig, Molly Hager, A.J. Holmes, Seth Hanson, and John-Michael Lyles in ‘Nobody Loves You’ at ACT. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Jeff, who is much more consumed with trying to find a philosophy dissertation focus, soon realizes that he can explore the sociological impact of reality dating, where spontaneous meet cutes are impromptu only until a director asks for a re-shoot with a new camera angle. And if he can infiltrate the operation as a covert contestant, he can not only win back Tanya, but expose the rot within the genre, allowing grateful citizens to someday welcome him as their great liberator. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But how does one with only a Ph.D mandate and dreams of destruction take down a billion-dollar entertainment juggernaut? What awaits Jeff is a societal microcosm, a merry band of narcissists ready for inane competitions to obtain sweet, sweet lovin’. The capricious nature of what plays well for the millions of fans who hang on every vapidity make this level of “reality” as truthful as a three-dollar bill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Nobody Loves You\u003c/em> is created by two Berkeley natives and childhood friends – Tony-winning playwright Itamar Moses and composer Gaby Alter, who clearly understand what makes reality shows tick. There are opposites who attract when they really don’t, such as the Jesus-loving, aptly named Christian (Seth Hanson), paired with party girl Megan (Molly Hager), who does what she can to bring sexy back when a sauna is her dance partner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13973180\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13973180\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Molly Hager and Seth Hanson in ‘Nobody Loves You’ at ACT. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>A third complication comes aboard in the form of Samantha (Ana Yi Puig), a third grade teacher looking for love and validation. But just like smarmy, silky-smooth soul singer and vacuous show host Byron (Jason Veasey) clearly states, triangles and love make for poor bedfellows, a dazzling soul tune accompanying the point.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID='arts_13971920']What makes the show especially delightful is the way it both handles and exploits the minutiae of the reality-TV world under Pam MacKinnon’s assured direction. Whether it’s doing the tango while trying to avoid a truth mine, embarking on an “Intense Crush Ceremony” or watching the grand finale two-hour special the day before the actual grand finale two-hour special, Moses’ script goes wild with wit. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those witticisms spill towards a different kind of tango when the freshly-freed Jeff meets the show’s assistant producer, who feels the same about the reality genre. Jenny (Kuhoo Verma) has big plans to lean into her unapologetic femininity as a documentarian, a dream most definitely deferred. Can both of these curious, pensive souls avoid the pitfalls of this plastic world of Crush Ceremony Mix CDs?\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13973178\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13973178\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L-R) Molly Hager, John-Michael Lyles, Ana Yi Puig and Seth Hanson in ‘Nobody Loves\u003cbr>You’ at ACT. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The magic of MacKinnon’s succinct pacing alongside Steph Paul’s snazzy choreography make this story tight and compact. It doesn’t hurt that the cast is full of of triple-threat talent that doesn’t let up. Hanson, Hager and Puig are terrific at playing the sacrificial lambs for mass entertainment, hoofing and bleating as the chaos unfolds. Holmes excels at divvying up Jeff’s own inner torture and conflicted feelings, and Williams plays well with the audience, providing a nod and a wink to let them in on inside jokes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As the host, Veasey channels James Ingram, with dashes of Barry White and Luther Vandross; his costumes (designed by Sarita Fellows) seem to indicate that the sequin store is missing most of its stash. The frenetically hilarious John-Michael Lyles, and his turn as Evan, reveals a joyous dance with this genre in the show’s waning moments. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yet the most potent number belongs to Verma, who rattles off “Jenny’s Song” within a moment of personal tragedy, and drills into every ounce of the tune’s pure intentions with assured gravitas. Sure, the job sucked, but when you’re young, and connections that’ve taken years to build go poof, it’s a tough thing to reckon with.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13973181\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13973181\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">John-Michael Lyles and Kuhoo Verma in ‘Nobody Loves You’ at ACT. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Mindless entertainment is a necessary evil. With perceived triumphs and consequences in every episode, reality television appeals to our inner voyeur and allows our own placement atop the societal pyramid. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While \u003cem>Nobody Loves You\u003c/em> can offer pure laughs — and reality shows may lead the league in unintentional comedy — there’s a hint of melancholia in watching folks debase themselves in pursuit of love, the thing we all strive to obtain. As Jenny says with potency, “You can perform or you can connect, but you can’t do both at the same time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether or not there’s truth in that sentiment, rest assured that the 15 seniors looking for love in “Golden Nobody Loves You” will be trying to prove Jenny wrong.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘Nobody Loves You’ runs through March 30 at the Toni Rembe Theater in San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2024-25-season/nobody-loves-you/\">Details here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13973179\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036.jpg\" alt=\"A slender Black man in a yellow suit points to the right while young contestants in colorful clothes stand against a blue wall\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13973179\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_036-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jason Veasey (far right) with Ana Yi Puig, Seth Hanson, Molly Hager, A.J. Holmes and John-Michael Lyles (background, L–R) in ‘Nobody Loves You’ at ACT. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Are there any bigger losers than winners of a dating show?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/american-conservatory-theater\">American Conservatory Theater\u003c/a>’s stupendous production of \u003cem>Nobody Loves You\u003c/em>, the answer is a resounding yes. As in, yes, everyone involved with reality dating shows are gluttons for embarrassment on a national level.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The action revolves around Jeff (A.J. Holmes), whose bouncy girlfriend Tanya (Ashley D. Williams, in multiple roles) locks in with the rest of the country to see who will be told “nobody loves you,” the popular sign-off where losers of the same-named reality dating show are reminded just how undesirable they are.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13973182\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13973182\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_186-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L–R) Ana Yi Puig, Molly Hager, A.J. Holmes, Seth Hanson, and John-Michael Lyles in ‘Nobody Loves You’ at ACT. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Jeff, who is much more consumed with trying to find a philosophy dissertation focus, soon realizes that he can explore the sociological impact of reality dating, where spontaneous meet cutes are impromptu only until a director asks for a re-shoot with a new camera angle. And if he can infiltrate the operation as a covert contestant, he can not only win back Tanya, but expose the rot within the genre, allowing grateful citizens to someday welcome him as their great liberator. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But how does one with only a Ph.D mandate and dreams of destruction take down a billion-dollar entertainment juggernaut? What awaits Jeff is a societal microcosm, a merry band of narcissists ready for inane competitions to obtain sweet, sweet lovin’. The capricious nature of what plays well for the millions of fans who hang on every vapidity make this level of “reality” as truthful as a three-dollar bill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Nobody Loves You\u003c/em> is created by two Berkeley natives and childhood friends – Tony-winning playwright Itamar Moses and composer Gaby Alter, who clearly understand what makes reality shows tick. There are opposites who attract when they really don’t, such as the Jesus-loving, aptly named Christian (Seth Hanson), paired with party girl Megan (Molly Hager), who does what she can to bring sexy back when a sauna is her dance partner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13973180\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13973180\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_075-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Molly Hager and Seth Hanson in ‘Nobody Loves You’ at ACT. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>A third complication comes aboard in the form of Samantha (Ana Yi Puig), a third grade teacher looking for love and validation. But just like smarmy, silky-smooth soul singer and vacuous show host Byron (Jason Veasey) clearly states, triangles and love make for poor bedfellows, a dazzling soul tune accompanying the point.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>What makes the show especially delightful is the way it both handles and exploits the minutiae of the reality-TV world under Pam MacKinnon’s assured direction. Whether it’s doing the tango while trying to avoid a truth mine, embarking on an “Intense Crush Ceremony” or watching the grand finale two-hour special the day before the actual grand finale two-hour special, Moses’ script goes wild with wit. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those witticisms spill towards a different kind of tango when the freshly-freed Jeff meets the show’s assistant producer, who feels the same about the reality genre. Jenny (Kuhoo Verma) has big plans to lean into her unapologetic femininity as a documentarian, a dream most definitely deferred. Can both of these curious, pensive souls avoid the pitfalls of this plastic world of Crush Ceremony Mix CDs?\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13973178\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13973178\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_126-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L-R) Molly Hager, John-Michael Lyles, Ana Yi Puig and Seth Hanson in ‘Nobody Loves\u003cbr>You’ at ACT. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The magic of MacKinnon’s succinct pacing alongside Steph Paul’s snazzy choreography make this story tight and compact. It doesn’t hurt that the cast is full of of triple-threat talent that doesn’t let up. Hanson, Hager and Puig are terrific at playing the sacrificial lambs for mass entertainment, hoofing and bleating as the chaos unfolds. Holmes excels at divvying up Jeff’s own inner torture and conflicted feelings, and Williams plays well with the audience, providing a nod and a wink to let them in on inside jokes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As the host, Veasey channels James Ingram, with dashes of Barry White and Luther Vandross; his costumes (designed by Sarita Fellows) seem to indicate that the sequin store is missing most of its stash. The frenetically hilarious John-Michael Lyles, and his turn as Evan, reveals a joyous dance with this genre in the show’s waning moments. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yet the most potent number belongs to Verma, who rattles off “Jenny’s Song” within a moment of personal tragedy, and drills into every ounce of the tune’s pure intentions with assured gravitas. Sure, the job sucked, but when you’re young, and connections that’ve taken years to build go poof, it’s a tough thing to reckon with.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13973181\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13973181\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/NLY_157-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">John-Michael Lyles and Kuhoo Verma in ‘Nobody Loves You’ at ACT. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Mindless entertainment is a necessary evil. With perceived triumphs and consequences in every episode, reality television appeals to our inner voyeur and allows our own placement atop the societal pyramid. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While \u003cem>Nobody Loves You\u003c/em> can offer pure laughs — and reality shows may lead the league in unintentional comedy — there’s a hint of melancholia in watching folks debase themselves in pursuit of love, the thing we all strive to obtain. As Jenny says with potency, “You can perform or you can connect, but you can’t do both at the same time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether or not there’s truth in that sentiment, rest assured that the 15 seniors looking for love in “Golden Nobody Loves You” will be trying to prove Jenny wrong.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘Nobody Loves You’ runs through March 30 at the Toni Rembe Theater in San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2024-25-season/nobody-loves-you/\">Details here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "best-bay-area-theater-2024",
"title": "The Best Bay Area Theater We Saw in 2024",
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"headTitle": "The Best Bay Area Theater We Saw in 2024 | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>There’s no denying that theater continued to face massive obstacles in 2024. With audiences still choosing to stay home in large numbers, fundraising campaigns were often as common as season announcements, while consequential closures of legacy institutions stung the ecosystem as a whole.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, companies large and small continued to crank out successful, fantastic productions in the face of brutal headwinds — with some of the nation’s biggest touring productions adding cherries to our already massive regional theatrical sundae. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Below, theater critics and regular KQED contributors Nicole Gluckstern and David John Chávez share their most significant Bay Area theater happenings of 2024.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968854\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1248\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968854\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-800x499.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1020x636.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-160x100.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-768x479.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1536x958.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1920x1198.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jim (William Thomas Hodgson), Amanda (Susi Damilano), Laura (Nicole Javier) and Tom (Jomar Tagatac) in ‘The Glass Menagerie’ at San Francisco Playhouse. \u003ccite>(Jessica Palopoli)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The Truth of Illusion in ‘Glass Menagerie’ at SF Playhouse\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/san-francisco-playhouse\">San Francisco Playhouse\u003c/a> in May, \u003cem>The Glass Menagerie\u003c/em>, one of Tennessee Williams’ most produced and haunting plays, served a master class in how to modernize a classic. First, find themes of relevance in our modern world through the fraught existence of the Wingfield family and its illusory protagonist Tom. Second, collect a bang-up cast of terrific performers. Third, let them cook.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This production wrangled such explosiveness out of the piercing text, extracting lessons of race, class and sexuality in flaring new ways. Jeffrey Lo’s direction of his diverse cast bubbled to a firmly unifying crescendo, easily making this one of the year’s most thrilling locally produced pieces of theater. The show blew me away at every turn.\u003cem>—David John Chávez\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968851\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1265\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968851\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1-800x506.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1-1020x645.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1-160x101.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1-768x486.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1-1536x972.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1-1920x1214.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lisa Ramirez and the cast of ‘Angels in America.’\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Ben Krantz Studio)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>A Soaring ‘Angels in America’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/oakland-theater-project\">Oakland Theater Project\u003c/a>’s exquisitely distilled \u003cem>Angels in America\u003c/em> stomped, glided and soared across the stage at Marin Shakespeare Company’s new digs in San Rafael. Remounts of this heaving contemporary epic with deep Bay Area roots are always highly anticipated events around these parts, and OTP’s version was a welcome addition to the firmament. From the inspired casting (including company stalwarts J Jha as Prior, and Lisa Ramirez as the Angel) to the bare-bones but carefully curated design choices and the full-throated demand for \u003cem>more life\u003c/em>, this production felt utterly of this time. That’s despite ostensibly being set in an earlier, similarly fraught era, when public health, personal faith and political machination collided in generationally shifting ways. Kudos to director Michael Moran for taking a big swing, and hitting a theatrical home run.\u003cem>—Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968847\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968847\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson in ‘Mexodus.’\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Ben Krantz Studio)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Solidarity Shined in Berkeley Rep’s ‘Mexodus’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If one of theater’s goals is to break new ground while bringing in a younger and more diverse patron base, then \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/berkeley-rep\">Berkeley Rep\u003c/a>’s production of \u003cem>Mexodus\u003c/em> was wildly successful. Channeling the art form of live looping in this two-hander, Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson fluttered and flew all over the stage while dropping sick beats everywhere. Their musical magic traversed multiple genres: hip-hop, reggaeton, bachata and classic Mexican bolero. In our fraught times, the message of unity between a Black slave and brown soldier through the Underground Railroad’s little known pathway into Mexico may be the show’s most hopeful lesson.\u003cem>—David John Chávez\u003c/em> \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968855\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968855\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ai Yin Adelski, Laura Elaine Ellis and Jhia Jackson in Flyaway Productions’ ‘Ode to Jane.’ \u003ccite>(Brechin Flournoy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Dance Dance Revolution\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Election years seem to generate desire for two very different kinds of works: the resolutely political, and the resolutely \u003cem>not\u003c/em>. For the former, I found solace and solidarity emanating from the dance community. Standouts included Flyaway Productions’ \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.tenderloinmuseum.org/public-programs-2024-2/10/4-12/ode-to-jane\">Ode to Jane\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, in which a fierce cohort of aerial performers scaled the walls of the Tenderloin’s Cadillac Hotel and soared over the streets to audio of abortion rights activists, community activators and a stirring score by Xoa Asa.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, the return of Dance Mission Theater’s \u003ca href=\"https://dancemissiontheater.org/2024/07/15/oct-13-nov-15-d-i-r-t-festival-2024/\">D.I.R.T. (Dance in Revolt-ing Times) Festival\u003c/a> included free outdoor activations in the form of embodied invocations led by Dance Brigade and guest artists, followed by pay-what-you-could indoor performances by powerhouse radicals such as the Embodiment Project, amara tabor-smith and Sara Shelton Mann. And over at Z Space, the barrier-breaking \u003ca href=\"https://seandorseydance.com/\">Sean Dorsey Dance\u003c/a> celebrated 20 years of cultivating trans and queer resistance via life-affirming, liberatory dance with a retrospective of early works.\u003cem>—Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968852\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1548\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968852\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3-800x619.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3-1020x789.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3-160x124.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3-768x594.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3-1536x1189.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3-1920x1486.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L–R) Wiley Naman Strasser and Sam Jackson in ‘As You Like It’ at Cal Shakes — the final production in the company’s history. \u003ccite>(Craig Isaacs/BlueGoo photography)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The Continued Rise (With One Tough Fall) of Outdoor Theater\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s temperate summer climate makes us the envy of those who sweat, swelter and shrink elsewhere in the country. Sure, it’s a little chilly at night, but the cool fog rolling in is the stuff from which legendary songs are made. This year, summertime shows like \u003cem>Jersey Boys\u003c/em> at Oakland’s picturesque Woodminster Summer Musicals or the San Francisco Chinatown-inspired production of \u003cem>The Comedy of Errors\u003c/em> at Silicon Valley Shakespeare were dazzling in both spectacle and scenery. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sadly, one of the Bay’s most perfect outdoor venues has officially \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13966472/cal-shakes-to-close-down-citing-insurmountable-financial-impasse\">shut down for good\u003c/a>, and it’s impossible to overstate the impact on the Bay Area’s theater ecosystem. Many efforts were made to save \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/cal-shakes\">California Shakespeare Theater\u003c/a>, including a $350,000 fundraiser to bankroll its final production. Even a softening of the budget and a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13952927/zendaya-cal-shakes-north-star-fund-donation\">$100,000 gift from superstar (and Cal Shakes alum) Zendaya\u003c/a> could not stave off the inevitable. It’s depressing to think that Bruns Memorial Amphitheatre in Orinda, whose last production was \u003cem>As You Like It\u003c/em>, will now move forward only as a beautiful forest, “sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.”\u003cem>—David John Chávez\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968849\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968849\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L-R) Andre Amarotico, Michael Gene Sullivan, Mikki Johnson in the San Francisco Mime Troupe’s production of ‘American Dreams.’ \u003ccite>(Mike Melnyk)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Go Out(side) and Play\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Speaking of the great outdoors, it’s been a particularly good year to take in a performance al fresco. From the joys of witnessing a mesmerizing Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe wreak magical havoc in SF Shakes’ \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/tempest/\">The Tempest\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, to the solace of SF Mime Troupe’s election-year production \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmt.org/show-archive/american-dreams\">American Dreams\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, to a chance encounter with an afterlife-themed play — \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.dayofthedeadsf.org/skateboarding-through-bardos\">Skateboarding Through Bardos\u003c/a>\u003c/em> — during the Día de Los Muertos celebrations at Potrero del Sol Park, there were more than enough opportunities to scratch the theatre-going itch outside.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A couple of way-outside-the-black-box concepts that I hope make a comeback next year are San Francisco’s mid-Market block parties, \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marketstreetarts.org/unstaged\">Unstaged\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, which included a rollicking “jazz club” aboard the F-Market train, and the delightful, kid-oriented \u003ca href=\"https://www.pineconesandportals.com/aiw2024\">Pinecones and Portals\u003c/a> “Hiking Theater Company” which holds its performances in East Bay parks. Audiences follow the action literally along woodland trails, or huddle together around campfires for music, stories, and s’mores. How cool is that?\u003cem>—Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968856\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1459\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968856\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150-800x584.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150-1020x744.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150-160x117.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150-768x560.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150-1536x1121.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150-1920x1401.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dyana Diaz and Iris Diaz in ‘Paradise’ at La Lengua Teatro en Español in September.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Manuel Orbegozo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Cinco Años de la Lengua\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Producing theater in San Francisco can be viciously difficult and cost-restrictive, often quickly turning grand openings in grand closings. Fortunately, Virginia M. Blanco didn’t get that message. Blanco’s company, La Lengua Teatro en Español, continues to find new ways forward, with a September run of their critically-acclaimed, world premiere production \u003cem>Paradise\u003c/em> by Tere Martínez playing to sold out houses at the Mission’s Brava Theater Center studio space.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Blanco, a native Argentinian and the executive artistic director and founder of the company, has poured heart and soul into the venture, surrounding herself with a terrific team of like-minded, passionate creatives who’ve tapped into the Bay’s massive Spanish-speaking citizenry. The company is celebrating their fifth year of existence, and are now in a \u003ca href=\"https://givebutter.com/lalengua5years/davidmolina\">critical campaign\u003c/a> to secure funding for 2025. Despite the company being around since 2019, it certainly feels like they’re just getting started.\u003cem>—David John Chávez\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968850\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968850\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L-R) Lan (Sharon Omi) and Mai (Jenny Nguyen Nelson) are taken aback by consultant Vera (Rinabeth Apostol) in San Francisco Playhouse’s ‘My Home on the Moon.’ \u003ccite>(Jessica Palopoli)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The Future (Really) is Now\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It was a good year for staged speculative fictions, with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/san-francisco-playhouse\">SF Playhouse\u003c/a>’s production of \u003cem>My Home on the Moon\u003c/em>, by Minna Lee, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/act\">ACT\u003c/a>’s \u003cem>Big Data\u003c/em>, by Kate Atwell (both world premieres). The former was set in a simulverse inside a woman-owned, struggling Phở shop, where a community development “grant” from a corporate benefactor comes with a suspiciously helpful “consultant” named Vera (played impeccably by Rinabeth Apostol). With seemingly unflagging optimism for novelty and aphorism, Vera is eventually revealed to be AI, and when the newly decorated walls of the restaurant begin to crack and eventually transform, reality itself is revealed to be a fragmenting hall of mirrors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, in Atwell’s \u003cem>Big Data\u003c/em>, the suspiciously helpful character “M” (a magnetic BD Wong) was the embodiment of “the” algorithm that dominates so much of what we consciously and unconsciously consume. Casually embedded in the everyday routines of a cast of interrelated characters, M had an uncanny ability to simultaneously attack and affirm, flirt and fight, and the startling results of his capricious, relentless campaign flipped the script, quite literally, by the play’s end. That both productions had incredible sets designed by Tanya Orellana was a welcome detail.\u003cem>—Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968853\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968853\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The world premiere of SFBATCO’s ‘Sign My Name to Freedom’ told the story of Bay Area icon Betty Reid Soskin, portrayed in four different phases of her life by (L–R) Cathleen Riddley, Aidaa Peerzada, Lucca Troutman and Tierra Allen.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Alexa 'LexMex' Treviño)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>SFBATCO Celebrates a Decade\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>I first interviewed Rodney Earl Jackson, Jr. in 2014, when he was on tour in Motown: The Musical playing David Ruffin, which came with lead vocals on “My Girl.” That conversation with the native San Franciscan came around the same time his new theater venture, the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company (SFBATCO), was kicking off. Jackson and co-founder Marcelo Javier’s company has made huge strides in the past 10 years, and is now considered one of the most critical developers of new work in the Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2021, their New Roots Theatre Festival launched with a focus on developing new works from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices. And one of the company’s highlights in 2024 was their scintillating world premiere musical \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13955108/betty-reid-soskin-stage-play-z-space-sign-my-name-to-freedom-review\">Sign My Name to Freedom\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, telling the story of 103-year-old Betty Reid Soskin and her rich history in the Bay Area, including her retirement as a national park ranger at the age of 100.\u003cem>—David John Chávez\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"title": "The Best Bay Area Theater We Saw in 2024 | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>There’s no denying that theater continued to face massive obstacles in 2024. With audiences still choosing to stay home in large numbers, fundraising campaigns were often as common as season announcements, while consequential closures of legacy institutions stung the ecosystem as a whole.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, companies large and small continued to crank out successful, fantastic productions in the face of brutal headwinds — with some of the nation’s biggest touring productions adding cherries to our already massive regional theatrical sundae. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Below, theater critics and regular KQED contributors Nicole Gluckstern and David John Chávez share their most significant Bay Area theater happenings of 2024.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968854\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1248\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968854\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-800x499.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1020x636.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-160x100.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-768x479.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1536x958.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1920x1198.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jim (William Thomas Hodgson), Amanda (Susi Damilano), Laura (Nicole Javier) and Tom (Jomar Tagatac) in ‘The Glass Menagerie’ at San Francisco Playhouse. \u003ccite>(Jessica Palopoli)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The Truth of Illusion in ‘Glass Menagerie’ at SF Playhouse\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/san-francisco-playhouse\">San Francisco Playhouse\u003c/a> in May, \u003cem>The Glass Menagerie\u003c/em>, one of Tennessee Williams’ most produced and haunting plays, served a master class in how to modernize a classic. First, find themes of relevance in our modern world through the fraught existence of the Wingfield family and its illusory protagonist Tom. Second, collect a bang-up cast of terrific performers. Third, let them cook.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This production wrangled such explosiveness out of the piercing text, extracting lessons of race, class and sexuality in flaring new ways. Jeffrey Lo’s direction of his diverse cast bubbled to a firmly unifying crescendo, easily making this one of the year’s most thrilling locally produced pieces of theater. The show blew me away at every turn.\u003cem>—David John Chávez\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968851\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1265\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968851\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1-800x506.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1-1020x645.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1-160x101.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1-768x486.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1-1536x972.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-1-1920x1214.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lisa Ramirez and the cast of ‘Angels in America.’\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Ben Krantz Studio)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>A Soaring ‘Angels in America’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/oakland-theater-project\">Oakland Theater Project\u003c/a>’s exquisitely distilled \u003cem>Angels in America\u003c/em> stomped, glided and soared across the stage at Marin Shakespeare Company’s new digs in San Rafael. Remounts of this heaving contemporary epic with deep Bay Area roots are always highly anticipated events around these parts, and OTP’s version was a welcome addition to the firmament. From the inspired casting (including company stalwarts J Jha as Prior, and Lisa Ramirez as the Angel) to the bare-bones but carefully curated design choices and the full-throated demand for \u003cem>more life\u003c/em>, this production felt utterly of this time. That’s despite ostensibly being set in an earlier, similarly fraught era, when public health, personal faith and political machination collided in generationally shifting ways. Kudos to director Michael Moran for taking a big swing, and hitting a theatrical home run.\u003cem>—Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968847\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968847\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mexodus_Production_2024_1581-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson in ‘Mexodus.’\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Ben Krantz Studio)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Solidarity Shined in Berkeley Rep’s ‘Mexodus’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If one of theater’s goals is to break new ground while bringing in a younger and more diverse patron base, then \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/berkeley-rep\">Berkeley Rep\u003c/a>’s production of \u003cem>Mexodus\u003c/em> was wildly successful. Channeling the art form of live looping in this two-hander, Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson fluttered and flew all over the stage while dropping sick beats everywhere. Their musical magic traversed multiple genres: hip-hop, reggaeton, bachata and classic Mexican bolero. In our fraught times, the message of unity between a Black slave and brown soldier through the Underground Railroad’s little known pathway into Mexico may be the show’s most hopeful lesson.\u003cem>—David John Chávez\u003c/em> \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968855\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968855\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/01-Flyaway-Productions-Ode-to-Jane-Ai-Yin-Adelski-Laura-Elaine-Ellis-Jhia-Jackson-Photo-by-Brechin-Flournoy-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ai Yin Adelski, Laura Elaine Ellis and Jhia Jackson in Flyaway Productions’ ‘Ode to Jane.’ \u003ccite>(Brechin Flournoy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Dance Dance Revolution\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Election years seem to generate desire for two very different kinds of works: the resolutely political, and the resolutely \u003cem>not\u003c/em>. For the former, I found solace and solidarity emanating from the dance community. Standouts included Flyaway Productions’ \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.tenderloinmuseum.org/public-programs-2024-2/10/4-12/ode-to-jane\">Ode to Jane\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, in which a fierce cohort of aerial performers scaled the walls of the Tenderloin’s Cadillac Hotel and soared over the streets to audio of abortion rights activists, community activators and a stirring score by Xoa Asa.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, the return of Dance Mission Theater’s \u003ca href=\"https://dancemissiontheater.org/2024/07/15/oct-13-nov-15-d-i-r-t-festival-2024/\">D.I.R.T. (Dance in Revolt-ing Times) Festival\u003c/a> included free outdoor activations in the form of embodied invocations led by Dance Brigade and guest artists, followed by pay-what-you-could indoor performances by powerhouse radicals such as the Embodiment Project, amara tabor-smith and Sara Shelton Mann. And over at Z Space, the barrier-breaking \u003ca href=\"https://seandorseydance.com/\">Sean Dorsey Dance\u003c/a> celebrated 20 years of cultivating trans and queer resistance via life-affirming, liberatory dance with a retrospective of early works.\u003cem>—Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968852\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1548\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968852\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3-800x619.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3-1020x789.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3-160x124.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3-768x594.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3-1536x1189.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-3-1920x1486.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L–R) Wiley Naman Strasser and Sam Jackson in ‘As You Like It’ at Cal Shakes — the final production in the company’s history. \u003ccite>(Craig Isaacs/BlueGoo photography)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The Continued Rise (With One Tough Fall) of Outdoor Theater\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s temperate summer climate makes us the envy of those who sweat, swelter and shrink elsewhere in the country. Sure, it’s a little chilly at night, but the cool fog rolling in is the stuff from which legendary songs are made. This year, summertime shows like \u003cem>Jersey Boys\u003c/em> at Oakland’s picturesque Woodminster Summer Musicals or the San Francisco Chinatown-inspired production of \u003cem>The Comedy of Errors\u003c/em> at Silicon Valley Shakespeare were dazzling in both spectacle and scenery. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sadly, one of the Bay’s most perfect outdoor venues has officially \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13966472/cal-shakes-to-close-down-citing-insurmountable-financial-impasse\">shut down for good\u003c/a>, and it’s impossible to overstate the impact on the Bay Area’s theater ecosystem. Many efforts were made to save \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/cal-shakes\">California Shakespeare Theater\u003c/a>, including a $350,000 fundraiser to bankroll its final production. Even a softening of the budget and a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13952927/zendaya-cal-shakes-north-star-fund-donation\">$100,000 gift from superstar (and Cal Shakes alum) Zendaya\u003c/a> could not stave off the inevitable. It’s depressing to think that Bruns Memorial Amphitheatre in Orinda, whose last production was \u003cem>As You Like It\u003c/em>, will now move forward only as a beautiful forest, “sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.”\u003cem>—David John Chávez\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968849\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968849\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Mimetroupe-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L-R) Andre Amarotico, Michael Gene Sullivan, Mikki Johnson in the San Francisco Mime Troupe’s production of ‘American Dreams.’ \u003ccite>(Mike Melnyk)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Go Out(side) and Play\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Speaking of the great outdoors, it’s been a particularly good year to take in a performance al fresco. From the joys of witnessing a mesmerizing Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe wreak magical havoc in SF Shakes’ \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/tempest/\">The Tempest\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, to the solace of SF Mime Troupe’s election-year production \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmt.org/show-archive/american-dreams\">American Dreams\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, to a chance encounter with an afterlife-themed play — \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.dayofthedeadsf.org/skateboarding-through-bardos\">Skateboarding Through Bardos\u003c/a>\u003c/em> — during the Día de Los Muertos celebrations at Potrero del Sol Park, there were more than enough opportunities to scratch the theatre-going itch outside.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A couple of way-outside-the-black-box concepts that I hope make a comeback next year are San Francisco’s mid-Market block parties, \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marketstreetarts.org/unstaged\">Unstaged\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, which included a rollicking “jazz club” aboard the F-Market train, and the delightful, kid-oriented \u003ca href=\"https://www.pineconesandportals.com/aiw2024\">Pinecones and Portals\u003c/a> “Hiking Theater Company” which holds its performances in East Bay parks. Audiences follow the action literally along woodland trails, or huddle together around campfires for music, stories, and s’mores. How cool is that?\u003cem>—Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968856\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1459\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968856\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150-800x584.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150-1020x744.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150-160x117.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150-768x560.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150-1536x1121.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Paradise_LaLengua_ManuelOrbegozo-150-1920x1401.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dyana Diaz and Iris Diaz in ‘Paradise’ at La Lengua Teatro en Español in September.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Manuel Orbegozo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Cinco Años de la Lengua\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Producing theater in San Francisco can be viciously difficult and cost-restrictive, often quickly turning grand openings in grand closings. Fortunately, Virginia M. Blanco didn’t get that message. Blanco’s company, La Lengua Teatro en Español, continues to find new ways forward, with a September run of their critically-acclaimed, world premiere production \u003cem>Paradise\u003c/em> by Tere Martínez playing to sold out houses at the Mission’s Brava Theater Center studio space.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Blanco, a native Argentinian and the executive artistic director and founder of the company, has poured heart and soul into the venture, surrounding herself with a terrific team of like-minded, passionate creatives who’ve tapped into the Bay’s massive Spanish-speaking citizenry. The company is celebrating their fifth year of existence, and are now in a \u003ca href=\"https://givebutter.com/lalengua5years/davidmolina\">critical campaign\u003c/a> to secure funding for 2025. Despite the company being around since 2019, it certainly feels like they’re just getting started.\u003cem>—David John Chávez\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968850\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968850\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/SFP_MyHomeOnTheMoon_JessicaPalopoli_2-1920x1278.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L-R) Lan (Sharon Omi) and Mai (Jenny Nguyen Nelson) are taken aback by consultant Vera (Rinabeth Apostol) in San Francisco Playhouse’s ‘My Home on the Moon.’ \u003ccite>(Jessica Palopoli)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The Future (Really) is Now\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It was a good year for staged speculative fictions, with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/san-francisco-playhouse\">SF Playhouse\u003c/a>’s production of \u003cem>My Home on the Moon\u003c/em>, by Minna Lee, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/act\">ACT\u003c/a>’s \u003cem>Big Data\u003c/em>, by Kate Atwell (both world premieres). The former was set in a simulverse inside a woman-owned, struggling Phở shop, where a community development “grant” from a corporate benefactor comes with a suspiciously helpful “consultant” named Vera (played impeccably by Rinabeth Apostol). With seemingly unflagging optimism for novelty and aphorism, Vera is eventually revealed to be AI, and when the newly decorated walls of the restaurant begin to crack and eventually transform, reality itself is revealed to be a fragmenting hall of mirrors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, in Atwell’s \u003cem>Big Data\u003c/em>, the suspiciously helpful character “M” (a magnetic BD Wong) was the embodiment of “the” algorithm that dominates so much of what we consciously and unconsciously consume. Casually embedded in the everyday routines of a cast of interrelated characters, M had an uncanny ability to simultaneously attack and affirm, flirt and fight, and the startling results of his capricious, relentless campaign flipped the script, quite literally, by the play’s end. That both productions had incredible sets designed by Tanya Orellana was a welcome detail.\u003cem>—Nicole Gluckstern\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13968853\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13968853\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/unnamed-4-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The world premiere of SFBATCO’s ‘Sign My Name to Freedom’ told the story of Bay Area icon Betty Reid Soskin, portrayed in four different phases of her life by (L–R) Cathleen Riddley, Aidaa Peerzada, Lucca Troutman and Tierra Allen.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Alexa 'LexMex' Treviño)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>SFBATCO Celebrates a Decade\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>I first interviewed Rodney Earl Jackson, Jr. in 2014, when he was on tour in Motown: The Musical playing David Ruffin, which came with lead vocals on “My Girl.” That conversation with the native San Franciscan came around the same time his new theater venture, the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company (SFBATCO), was kicking off. Jackson and co-founder Marcelo Javier’s company has made huge strides in the past 10 years, and is now considered one of the most critical developers of new work in the Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2021, their New Roots Theatre Festival launched with a focus on developing new works from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices. And one of the company’s highlights in 2024 was their scintillating world premiere musical \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13955108/betty-reid-soskin-stage-play-z-space-sign-my-name-to-freedom-review\">Sign My Name to Freedom\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, telling the story of 103-year-old Betty Reid Soskin and her rich history in the Bay Area, including her retirement as a national park ranger at the age of 100.\u003cem>—David John Chávez\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "best-plays-musicals-bay-area-fall-2024-guide",
"title": "The Best Plays and Musicals to See This Fall in the Bay Area",
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"headTitle": "The Best Plays and Musicals to See This Fall in the Bay Area | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>This past July is officially on record as the hottest California month in decades. And while cooler temperatures will be ushered into the Bay Area soon, theater companies are hoping that local stages continue to stay hot well into the fall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Companies are also gearing up to showcase their most artistic selves while continuing to find creative ways to achieve and maintain financial solvency. Here are 10 terrific shows from Labor Day to Thanksgiving one can start with to help support Bay Area theater companies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963219\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Opt_6B5A2580_Credit-Tim-Fuller.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1301\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963219\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Opt_6B5A2580_Credit-Tim-Fuller.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Opt_6B5A2580_Credit-Tim-Fuller-800x542.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Opt_6B5A2580_Credit-Tim-Fuller-1020x691.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Opt_6B5A2580_Credit-Tim-Fuller-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Opt_6B5A2580_Credit-Tim-Fuller-768x520.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Opt_6B5A2580_Credit-Tim-Fuller-1536x1041.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sarita Ocón and Hugo E. Carbajal in ‘Private Lives.’ \u003ccite>(Tim Fuller)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2024-25-season/private-lives/\">Private Lives\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Toni Rembe Theater, San Francisco\u003cbr>\nSept. 12–Oct. 6, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Loathsome couple Elyot and Amanda aren’t looking for a reunion when they embark on a French vacation with new spouses. Yet the pull of their prior passions proves to be too much to resist, and a humor-filled comedy of manners ensues, rich with Noël Coward’s exquisite use of prose. A reunion of sorts from an acclaimed bilingual production of \u003cem>Romeo and Juliet\u003c/em> at Cal Shakes in 2022, multiple cast members now move to American Conservatory Theater’s Toni Rembe Theater to be directed by KJ Sanchez. The play’s original setting of France, meanwhile, is swapped out for Argentina, where an exotic and sensual tango informs Coward’s narrative.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963072\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963072\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-1.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-1-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-1-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">After serving as artistic director of the Peninsula’s Pear Theatre since early 2020, Sinjin Jones is entering his final season helming the company, kicking off the 2024 campaign directing the musical ‘Once on This Island.’ \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sinjin Jones)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.thepear.org/\">Once on This Island\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The Pear Theatre, Palo Alto\u003cbr>\nSept. 13–Oct. 13, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The story of a young Black peasant girl and the love she finds with a mixed-race aristocrat in Haiti is the basis for this one-act musical. While the show itself carries a history of consequential productions, its significance as the kickoff for The Pear Theatre season is tinted with an impending loss. Sinjin Jones, who took over as artistic director of the Palo Alto company in early 2020, will leave at the end of the 2025 season. Jones has played a vital role in leading the company through the pandemic, all while revitalizing the 22-year-old theater troupe by promoting diversity and equity in addition to strengthening the company’s educational and community programs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963071\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1103\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963071\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-2.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-2-800x552.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-2-1020x703.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-2-160x110.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-2-768x529.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-2-1536x1059.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marie (Dominique Thorne) observes the wedding dress of Jaja (Somi Kakoma) in the Broadway production of ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,’ heading to Berkeley this fall.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Matthew Murphy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.berkeleyrep.org/shows/jaja-s-african-hair-braiding/\">Jaja’s African Hair Braiding\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Berkeley\u003cbr>\nNov. 8–Dec. 15, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Playwright Jocelyn Bioh is no stranger to Berkeley Rep, having premiered the musical \u003cem>Goddess\u003c/em> there in 2022. Her next visit to the East Bay is with Broadway’s sleeper hit of last fall, \u003cem>Jaja’s African Hair Braiding\u003c/em>, with Whitney White returning to the director’s chair in this co-production with Arena Stage and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Bioh’s play is an exercise in joy with serious themes about immigration and access to the American dream, all fused with a scorching Afrobeat soundtrack of the genre’s biggest stars. The play also features one of the coolest stage effects in recent memory throughout the entire show, culminating in some true theater magic at the end.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963070\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1065\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963070\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-3.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-3-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-3-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-3-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">TheatreWorks Silicon Valley artistic director Giovanna Sardelli and Pulitzer-finalist playwright Rajiv Joseph have developed a long collaboration over the years. Joseph’s play ‘King James’ kicks of TheatreWorks’s 54th season. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/url?q=https://theatreworks.org/mainstage/king-james/\">King James\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Mountain View\u003cbr>\nOct. 9–Nov. 3, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After the rousing success of the United States men’s national basketball team, capped by a thrilling finish and a gold medal, there’s no better time to dive into this story of two friends who enter into an unexpected connection. These men, whose fortunes run through the early, prodigious career of Lebron James, are the creation of Pulitzer-finalist playwright Rajiv Joseph. TheatreWorks’ artistic director Giovanna Sardelli, a frequent collaborator of Joseph, kicks off the company’s 54th season directing this tale of hoops and hopes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963069\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1035\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963069\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-4.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-4-800x518.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-4-1020x660.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-4-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-4-768x497.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-4-1536x994.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The New Conservatory Theatre Center cast of ‘Ride the Cyclone,’ a show described as ‘weird and wondrous.’\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(New Conservatory Theatre Center)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://nctcsf.org/\">Ride the Cyclone\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>New Conservatory Theatre Center, San Francisco\u003cbr>\nSept. 20–Oct. 20, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This grizzled and gritty musical follows a Canadian school choir group who perish on the Cyclone roller coaster — but, while in limbo, are offered a chance to return to life via a mechanical fortune teller. The piece has had a bit of a zany history since its 2008 premiere, created by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell. The musical’s success reached something of a zenith in 2022 – on TikTok, millions of Gen Z users began diving deep into \u003cem>Ride the Cyclone\u003c/em> songs, stories and lore. The musical is dark, but also quite fun, and its regional premiere gives the Bay Area a chance to see what the hype is all about.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963068\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1020px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1020\" height=\"679\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963068\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-5.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-5-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sara Porkalob, seen here during the Marin Theatre Company production of ‘Dragon Lady’ in November of 2023, weaves a captivating tale of her grandmother’s perilous journey from Manila to the United States. Porkalob’s one-person show makes a return to the Bay Area via Walnut Creek at Center Rep. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.lesherartscenter.org/programs/center-repertory-company\">Dragon Lady\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Center Repertory Company, Walnut Creek\u003cbr>\nOct. 27–Nov. 24, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Seattle’s Sara Porkalob is a piercing, shooting star, tackling the theater world on her own terms, and her trilogy of plays that chronicle the women in her life are produced all over the country. For those who missed her \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13938714/powerful-dragon-lady-weaves-tales-of-trauma-karaoke-and-a-very-memorable-matriarch\">critically acclaimed run\u003c/a> in Marin last fall of \u003cem>Dragon Lady\u003c/em>, where she morphs into multiple characters while showcasing her buttery singing voice, a second chance in Walnut Creek is a gift. Presented in association with Marin Theatre Company, Porkalob’s one-person show about her grandmother’s perilous and painful journey from Manila to the United States is a masterclass in how to command a theater space with splash and panache.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963076\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 640px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/TonyKushner.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963076\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/TonyKushner.jpg 640w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/TonyKushner-160x90.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tony Kushner’s ‘Angels in America’ gets a reimagined production from the Oakland Theater Project. \u003ccite>(Maury Phillips/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/angels\">Angels in America, Parts I and II\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oakland Theater Project at Marin Shakespeare Company\u003cbr>\nSept. 27–Oct. 27, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For this interpretation of one of theater’s greatest achievements, Tony Kushner’s two-part opus \u003cem>Angels in America\u003c/em>, Oakland Theater Project goes on the road to San Rafael at Marin Shakespeare Company’s new indoor space. Kushner is not known for writing pieces that are slim, and over two plays, \u003cem>Angels\u003c/em> easily surpasses seven hours. But what exists within those hours is incredibly powerful, raw and utterly thrilling.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are endless themes within this story about AIDS’ impact on multiple couples in 1985. The Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play encompasses the taboo of homosexuality in the 1980s, the AIDS crisis that disproportionately impacted gay couples, and the crisis of religious faith, all intersecting with appearances by historical figures. The Bay Area is home to \u003cem>Angels in America\u003c/em> in many ways, from its initial commission at the former Eureka Theatre in San Francisco in 1990 to a hugely consequential production at Berkeley Rep in 2018. (Lisa Ramirez, featured in OTP’s production, also played The Angel in Berkeley that year.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963077\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-141199711.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963077\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-141199711.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-141199711-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-141199711-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-141199711-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-141199711-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Lizzie Borden case is fodder for a new punk musical. \u003ccite>(Bill Greene/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/2024-25/lizzie-the-musical/\">Lizzie: The Musical\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa\u003cbr>\nOct. 4–27, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her father and stepmother in 1892. In 1893, she was fully acquitted and lived the rest of her life in the same city the murders took place, Fall River, Massachusetts. And now, in Santa Rosa in 2024, her story is ready to shred at 6th Street Playhouse in the form of the 2009 rock musical. Expect all the components that make for a brutal tale of rage, sex, murder and mystery, plus power chords. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As a precursor to the bloody delights of the visceral musical’s sharp rock score, some gentler fare is going down at 6th Street, with the musical \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/2024-25/four-guys-named-jose-and-una-mujer-named-maria/\">4 Guys Named José…and Una Mujer Named María\u003c/a>\u003c/em> opening at the end of August.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963078\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1231\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963078\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1-800x492.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1-1020x628.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1-160x98.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1-768x473.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1-1536x945.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1-1920x1182.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sam Jackson, left, takes on the joyful role of Rosalind, pursuing the love of Orlando, played by Wiley Naman Strasser, in Cal Shakes’s 50th anniversary production of William Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ in Orinda. \u003ccite>(Cal Shakes)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://calshakes.org/asyoulikeit/\">As You Like It\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Bruns Amphitheater, Orinda\u003cbr>\nSept. 12–29, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Shakes faced some serious uphill battles to produce their first full production in two years, implementing a fundraising campaign that netted $365,000 — over their stated goal. While the future of the company is still fluid (the fundraiser is only supplementing the budget for this production), the company is firmly focused this 50th anniversary production of William Shakespeare’s classic at their picturesque outdoor space.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Elizabeth Carter directs this pastoral comedy with one of Shakespeare’s most beloved female characters, Rosalind, who flees persecution in search of safety and love in the Forest of Arden, with many colorful characters entering her world along the way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Murakami.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"501\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13963079\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Murakami.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Murakami-160x100.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Murakami-768x481.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.zspace.org/murakami\">Murakami: The Strange Library\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Z Space and Word for Word, San Francisco\u003cbr>\nNov. 13–Dec. 8, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A library best described as a nightmare is the setting for Haruki Murakami’s short novel \u003cem>The Strange Library\u003c/em>. With a lonely young boy, a mysterious girl and a tortured sheep man, the story is brought to life by Word for Word, a program of Z Space. The program has performed more than 70 stories since 1996, bringing theatrical flair to written word of all types. Lead teaching artist with the Youth Theater Project Lisa Hori-Garcia collaborates with Bay Area actor and designer Keiko Shimosato Carreiro to direct Murakami’s popular children’s story.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"title": "Your Guide to the Best Plays and Musicals to See This Fall | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>This past July is officially on record as the hottest California month in decades. And while cooler temperatures will be ushered into the Bay Area soon, theater companies are hoping that local stages continue to stay hot well into the fall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Companies are also gearing up to showcase their most artistic selves while continuing to find creative ways to achieve and maintain financial solvency. Here are 10 terrific shows from Labor Day to Thanksgiving one can start with to help support Bay Area theater companies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963219\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Opt_6B5A2580_Credit-Tim-Fuller.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1301\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963219\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Opt_6B5A2580_Credit-Tim-Fuller.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Opt_6B5A2580_Credit-Tim-Fuller-800x542.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Opt_6B5A2580_Credit-Tim-Fuller-1020x691.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Opt_6B5A2580_Credit-Tim-Fuller-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Opt_6B5A2580_Credit-Tim-Fuller-768x520.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Opt_6B5A2580_Credit-Tim-Fuller-1536x1041.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sarita Ocón and Hugo E. Carbajal in ‘Private Lives.’ \u003ccite>(Tim Fuller)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2024-25-season/private-lives/\">Private Lives\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Toni Rembe Theater, San Francisco\u003cbr>\nSept. 12–Oct. 6, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Loathsome couple Elyot and Amanda aren’t looking for a reunion when they embark on a French vacation with new spouses. Yet the pull of their prior passions proves to be too much to resist, and a humor-filled comedy of manners ensues, rich with Noël Coward’s exquisite use of prose. A reunion of sorts from an acclaimed bilingual production of \u003cem>Romeo and Juliet\u003c/em> at Cal Shakes in 2022, multiple cast members now move to American Conservatory Theater’s Toni Rembe Theater to be directed by KJ Sanchez. The play’s original setting of France, meanwhile, is swapped out for Argentina, where an exotic and sensual tango informs Coward’s narrative.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963072\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963072\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-1.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-1-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-1-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">After serving as artistic director of the Peninsula’s Pear Theatre since early 2020, Sinjin Jones is entering his final season helming the company, kicking off the 2024 campaign directing the musical ‘Once on This Island.’ \u003ccite>(Courtesy Sinjin Jones)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.thepear.org/\">Once on This Island\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The Pear Theatre, Palo Alto\u003cbr>\nSept. 13–Oct. 13, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The story of a young Black peasant girl and the love she finds with a mixed-race aristocrat in Haiti is the basis for this one-act musical. While the show itself carries a history of consequential productions, its significance as the kickoff for The Pear Theatre season is tinted with an impending loss. Sinjin Jones, who took over as artistic director of the Palo Alto company in early 2020, will leave at the end of the 2025 season. Jones has played a vital role in leading the company through the pandemic, all while revitalizing the 22-year-old theater troupe by promoting diversity and equity in addition to strengthening the company’s educational and community programs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963071\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1103\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963071\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-2.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-2-800x552.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-2-1020x703.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-2-160x110.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-2-768x529.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-2-1536x1059.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marie (Dominique Thorne) observes the wedding dress of Jaja (Somi Kakoma) in the Broadway production of ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,’ heading to Berkeley this fall.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Matthew Murphy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.berkeleyrep.org/shows/jaja-s-african-hair-braiding/\">Jaja’s African Hair Braiding\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Berkeley\u003cbr>\nNov. 8–Dec. 15, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Playwright Jocelyn Bioh is no stranger to Berkeley Rep, having premiered the musical \u003cem>Goddess\u003c/em> there in 2022. Her next visit to the East Bay is with Broadway’s sleeper hit of last fall, \u003cem>Jaja’s African Hair Braiding\u003c/em>, with Whitney White returning to the director’s chair in this co-production with Arena Stage and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Bioh’s play is an exercise in joy with serious themes about immigration and access to the American dream, all fused with a scorching Afrobeat soundtrack of the genre’s biggest stars. The play also features one of the coolest stage effects in recent memory throughout the entire show, culminating in some true theater magic at the end.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963070\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1065\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963070\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-3.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-3-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-3-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-3-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">TheatreWorks Silicon Valley artistic director Giovanna Sardelli and Pulitzer-finalist playwright Rajiv Joseph have developed a long collaboration over the years. Joseph’s play ‘King James’ kicks of TheatreWorks’s 54th season. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/url?q=https://theatreworks.org/mainstage/king-james/\">King James\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Mountain View\u003cbr>\nOct. 9–Nov. 3, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After the rousing success of the United States men’s national basketball team, capped by a thrilling finish and a gold medal, there’s no better time to dive into this story of two friends who enter into an unexpected connection. These men, whose fortunes run through the early, prodigious career of Lebron James, are the creation of Pulitzer-finalist playwright Rajiv Joseph. TheatreWorks’ artistic director Giovanna Sardelli, a frequent collaborator of Joseph, kicks off the company’s 54th season directing this tale of hoops and hopes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963069\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1035\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963069\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-4.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-4-800x518.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-4-1020x660.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-4-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-4-768x497.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-4-1536x994.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The New Conservatory Theatre Center cast of ‘Ride the Cyclone,’ a show described as ‘weird and wondrous.’\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(New Conservatory Theatre Center)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://nctcsf.org/\">Ride the Cyclone\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>New Conservatory Theatre Center, San Francisco\u003cbr>\nSept. 20–Oct. 20, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This grizzled and gritty musical follows a Canadian school choir group who perish on the Cyclone roller coaster — but, while in limbo, are offered a chance to return to life via a mechanical fortune teller. The piece has had a bit of a zany history since its 2008 premiere, created by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell. The musical’s success reached something of a zenith in 2022 – on TikTok, millions of Gen Z users began diving deep into \u003cem>Ride the Cyclone\u003c/em> songs, stories and lore. The musical is dark, but also quite fun, and its regional premiere gives the Bay Area a chance to see what the hype is all about.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963068\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1020px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1020\" height=\"679\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963068\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-5.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/unnamed-5-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sara Porkalob, seen here during the Marin Theatre Company production of ‘Dragon Lady’ in November of 2023, weaves a captivating tale of her grandmother’s perilous journey from Manila to the United States. Porkalob’s one-person show makes a return to the Bay Area via Walnut Creek at Center Rep. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.lesherartscenter.org/programs/center-repertory-company\">Dragon Lady\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Center Repertory Company, Walnut Creek\u003cbr>\nOct. 27–Nov. 24, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Seattle’s Sara Porkalob is a piercing, shooting star, tackling the theater world on her own terms, and her trilogy of plays that chronicle the women in her life are produced all over the country. For those who missed her \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13938714/powerful-dragon-lady-weaves-tales-of-trauma-karaoke-and-a-very-memorable-matriarch\">critically acclaimed run\u003c/a> in Marin last fall of \u003cem>Dragon Lady\u003c/em>, where she morphs into multiple characters while showcasing her buttery singing voice, a second chance in Walnut Creek is a gift. Presented in association with Marin Theatre Company, Porkalob’s one-person show about her grandmother’s perilous and painful journey from Manila to the United States is a masterclass in how to command a theater space with splash and panache.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963076\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 640px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/TonyKushner.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963076\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/TonyKushner.jpg 640w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/TonyKushner-160x90.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tony Kushner’s ‘Angels in America’ gets a reimagined production from the Oakland Theater Project. \u003ccite>(Maury Phillips/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/angels\">Angels in America, Parts I and II\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Oakland Theater Project at Marin Shakespeare Company\u003cbr>\nSept. 27–Oct. 27, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For this interpretation of one of theater’s greatest achievements, Tony Kushner’s two-part opus \u003cem>Angels in America\u003c/em>, Oakland Theater Project goes on the road to San Rafael at Marin Shakespeare Company’s new indoor space. Kushner is not known for writing pieces that are slim, and over two plays, \u003cem>Angels\u003c/em> easily surpasses seven hours. But what exists within those hours is incredibly powerful, raw and utterly thrilling.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are endless themes within this story about AIDS’ impact on multiple couples in 1985. The Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play encompasses the taboo of homosexuality in the 1980s, the AIDS crisis that disproportionately impacted gay couples, and the crisis of religious faith, all intersecting with appearances by historical figures. The Bay Area is home to \u003cem>Angels in America\u003c/em> in many ways, from its initial commission at the former Eureka Theatre in San Francisco in 1990 to a hugely consequential production at Berkeley Rep in 2018. (Lisa Ramirez, featured in OTP’s production, also played The Angel in Berkeley that year.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963077\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-141199711.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963077\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-141199711.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-141199711-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-141199711-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-141199711-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-141199711-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Lizzie Borden case is fodder for a new punk musical. \u003ccite>(Bill Greene/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/2024-25/lizzie-the-musical/\">Lizzie: The Musical\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa\u003cbr>\nOct. 4–27, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her father and stepmother in 1892. In 1893, she was fully acquitted and lived the rest of her life in the same city the murders took place, Fall River, Massachusetts. And now, in Santa Rosa in 2024, her story is ready to shred at 6th Street Playhouse in the form of the 2009 rock musical. Expect all the components that make for a brutal tale of rage, sex, murder and mystery, plus power chords. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As a precursor to the bloody delights of the visceral musical’s sharp rock score, some gentler fare is going down at 6th Street, with the musical \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/2024-25/four-guys-named-jose-and-una-mujer-named-maria/\">4 Guys Named José…and Una Mujer Named María\u003c/a>\u003c/em> opening at the end of August.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13963078\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1231\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13963078\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1-800x492.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1-1020x628.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1-160x98.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1-768x473.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1-1536x945.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/AsYouLikeIt-1-1920x1182.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sam Jackson, left, takes on the joyful role of Rosalind, pursuing the love of Orlando, played by Wiley Naman Strasser, in Cal Shakes’s 50th anniversary production of William Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ in Orinda. \u003ccite>(Cal Shakes)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://calshakes.org/asyoulikeit/\">As You Like It\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Bruns Amphitheater, Orinda\u003cbr>\nSept. 12–29, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Shakes faced some serious uphill battles to produce their first full production in two years, implementing a fundraising campaign that netted $365,000 — over their stated goal. While the future of the company is still fluid (the fundraiser is only supplementing the budget for this production), the company is firmly focused this 50th anniversary production of William Shakespeare’s classic at their picturesque outdoor space.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Elizabeth Carter directs this pastoral comedy with one of Shakespeare’s most beloved female characters, Rosalind, who flees persecution in search of safety and love in the Forest of Arden, with many colorful characters entering her world along the way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Murakami.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"501\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13963079\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Murakami.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Murakami-160x100.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Murakami-768x481.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.zspace.org/murakami\">Murakami: The Strange Library\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Z Space and Word for Word, San Francisco\u003cbr>\nNov. 13–Dec. 8, 2024\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A library best described as a nightmare is the setting for Haruki Murakami’s short novel \u003cem>The Strange Library\u003c/em>. With a lonely young boy, a mysterious girl and a tortured sheep man, the story is brought to life by Word for Word, a program of Z Space. The program has performed more than 70 stories since 1996, bringing theatrical flair to written word of all types. Lead teaching artist with the Youth Theater Project Lisa Hori-Garcia collaborates with Bay Area actor and designer Keiko Shimosato Carreiro to direct Murakami’s popular children’s story.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "‘The Lehman Trilogy’ at ACT: Phenomenal Acting, But Too Kind to Finance",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>The Lehman Trilogy\u003c/em>, which opened at A.C.T. Wednesday in San Francisco, is a three-and-a-half hour tour de force of impeccable acting talent. On Broadway, it won five Tony Awards, including Best Play. It is a thrill to watch. It will also evaporate your faith in this country’s financial system, and the willingness of theater to challenge its abuses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A chronological telling of the Lehman Brothers as both a family and a company, the play opens in 1844, when Henry Lehman arrives in New York from Bavaria. Filled with reverence for the promise of America, he moves to Montgomery, Alabama, and is soon joined by his brothers Emanuel and Mayer, who help run the Lehman general store.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13958916\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13958916\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_112.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1278\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_112.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_112-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_112-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_112-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_112-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_112-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L–R): Aaron Krohn (Mayer Lehman), John Heffernan (Henry Lehman), and Howard W. Overshown (Emanuel Lehman) in ‘The Lehman Trilogy’ at A.C.T.’s Toni Rembe Theater. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Over three acts, the Lehmans serve as a proxy for a history of U.S. finance. Slavery, the Civil War, various tragedies and downturns — the Lehmans, as middlemen, find a way to profit from all of it. They go from buying and selling commodities to investing their millions into industry, technology and, ultimately, the intangible concept of investing itself. (As one character bellows: “Money is a ghost! Money is numbers! Money is air!”)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Every actor on stage delivers jaw-dropping performances. In \u003cem>The Lehman Trilogy\u003c/em>’s masterclass, actors John Hefferman, Aaron Krohn and Howard W. Overshown play their roles, narrate the action, occupy new characters and impersonate others, often in the same 10-second span. With exact pacing from famed director Sam Mendes, and a taut script by Stefano Massini, these are experts at their craft. The set design by Es Devlin is similarly dazzling — a plain office of boxes and furniture on a turntable, constantly and imaginatively transformed against a semicircle of projected backdrops.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13958919\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13958919\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_053.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1278\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_053.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_053-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_053-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_053-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_053-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_053-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L-R): Howard W. Overshown (Emanuel Lehman), John Heffernan (Henry Lehman), and Aaron Krohn (Mayer Lehman) in ‘The Lehman Trilogy’ at A.C.T.’s Toni Rembe Theater. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But at the end of each act, I had to ask myself: Where is any sort of indictment for the Lehmans’ rampant greed and exploitation?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As a Horatio Alger story of the opportunity of America, \u003cem>The Lehman Trilogy\u003c/em> too often lionizes rather than criticizes the firm that played a leading role in the financial collapse and subsequent Great Recession. It jumps from the 1960s to 2008 in a short matter of minutes, skipping entirely over the Reagan era, deregulation, the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act, adjustable rate mortgages, credit default swaps, foreclosed homes and the many who suffered and died at the hands of Wall Street run amok.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13958918\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13958918\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_236.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1278\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_236.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_236-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_236-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_236-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_236-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_236-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L-R): Howard W. Overshown (Emanuel Lehman), Aaron Krohn (Mayer Lehman), and John Heffernan (Henry Lehman) in ‘The Lehman Trilogy’ at A.C.T.’s Toni Rembe Theater. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>I repeat: the acting is astonishing. But while the play’s final image on stage is mesmerizing, after three and a half hours of humanizing the Lehman Brothers firm, the play doesn’t present its bankruptcy and collapse as comeuppance so much as a sad loss of one family’s American dream.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thousands of other American families, meanwhile, would like a word.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘The Lehman Trilogy’ runs through June 23 at the Toni Rembe Theater in San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2023-24-season/the-lehman-trilogy/\">Details here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>The Lehman Trilogy\u003c/em>, which opened at A.C.T. Wednesday in San Francisco, is a three-and-a-half hour tour de force of impeccable acting talent. On Broadway, it won five Tony Awards, including Best Play. It is a thrill to watch. It will also evaporate your faith in this country’s financial system, and the willingness of theater to challenge its abuses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A chronological telling of the Lehman Brothers as both a family and a company, the play opens in 1844, when Henry Lehman arrives in New York from Bavaria. Filled with reverence for the promise of America, he moves to Montgomery, Alabama, and is soon joined by his brothers Emanuel and Mayer, who help run the Lehman general store.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13958916\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13958916\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_112.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1278\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_112.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_112-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_112-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_112-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_112-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_112-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L–R): Aaron Krohn (Mayer Lehman), John Heffernan (Henry Lehman), and Howard W. Overshown (Emanuel Lehman) in ‘The Lehman Trilogy’ at A.C.T.’s Toni Rembe Theater. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Over three acts, the Lehmans serve as a proxy for a history of U.S. finance. Slavery, the Civil War, various tragedies and downturns — the Lehmans, as middlemen, find a way to profit from all of it. They go from buying and selling commodities to investing their millions into industry, technology and, ultimately, the intangible concept of investing itself. (As one character bellows: “Money is a ghost! Money is numbers! Money is air!”)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Every actor on stage delivers jaw-dropping performances. In \u003cem>The Lehman Trilogy\u003c/em>’s masterclass, actors John Hefferman, Aaron Krohn and Howard W. Overshown play their roles, narrate the action, occupy new characters and impersonate others, often in the same 10-second span. With exact pacing from famed director Sam Mendes, and a taut script by Stefano Massini, these are experts at their craft. The set design by Es Devlin is similarly dazzling — a plain office of boxes and furniture on a turntable, constantly and imaginatively transformed against a semicircle of projected backdrops.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13958919\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13958919\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_053.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1278\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_053.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_053-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_053-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_053-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_053-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_053-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L-R): Howard W. Overshown (Emanuel Lehman), John Heffernan (Henry Lehman), and Aaron Krohn (Mayer Lehman) in ‘The Lehman Trilogy’ at A.C.T.’s Toni Rembe Theater. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But at the end of each act, I had to ask myself: Where is any sort of indictment for the Lehmans’ rampant greed and exploitation?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As a Horatio Alger story of the opportunity of America, \u003cem>The Lehman Trilogy\u003c/em> too often lionizes rather than criticizes the firm that played a leading role in the financial collapse and subsequent Great Recession. It jumps from the 1960s to 2008 in a short matter of minutes, skipping entirely over the Reagan era, deregulation, the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act, adjustable rate mortgages, credit default swaps, foreclosed homes and the many who suffered and died at the hands of Wall Street run amok.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13958918\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13958918\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_236.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1278\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_236.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_236-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_236-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_236-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_236-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/LEH_236-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L-R): Howard W. Overshown (Emanuel Lehman), Aaron Krohn (Mayer Lehman), and John Heffernan (Henry Lehman) in ‘The Lehman Trilogy’ at A.C.T.’s Toni Rembe Theater. \u003ccite>(Kevin Berne)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>I repeat: the acting is astonishing. But while the play’s final image on stage is mesmerizing, after three and a half hours of humanizing the Lehman Brothers firm, the play doesn’t present its bankruptcy and collapse as comeuppance so much as a sad loss of one family’s American dream.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thousands of other American families, meanwhile, would like a word.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘The Lehman Trilogy’ runs through June 23 at the Toni Rembe Theater in San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2023-24-season/the-lehman-trilogy/\">Details here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
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"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
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"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
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"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
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"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
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"possible": {
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"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
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"pri-the-world": {
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"radiolab": {
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"info": "A two-time Peabody Award-winner, Radiolab is an investigation told through sounds and stories, and centered around one big idea. In the Radiolab world, information sounds like music and science and culture collide. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, the show is designed for listeners who demand skepticism, but appreciate wonder. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Death, Sex & Money, On the Media and many more.",
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"reveal": {
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"info": "Created by The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX, Reveal is public radios first one-hour weekly radio show and podcast dedicated to investigative reporting. Credible, fact based and without a partisan agenda, Reveal combines the power and artistry of driveway moment storytelling with data-rich reporting on critically important issues. The result is stories that inform and inspire, arming our listeners with information to right injustices, hold the powerful accountable and improve lives.Reveal is hosted by Al Letson and showcases the award-winning work of CIR and newsrooms large and small across the nation. In a radio and podcast market crowded with choices, Reveal focuses on important and often surprising stories that illuminate the world for our listeners.",
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},
"rightnowish": {
"id": "rightnowish",
"title": "Rightnowish",
"tagline": "Art is where you find it",
"info": "Rightnowish digs into life in the Bay Area right now… ish. Journalist Pendarvis Harshaw takes us to galleries painted on the sides of liquor stores in West Oakland. We'll dance in warehouses in the Bayview, make smoothies with kids in South Berkeley, and listen to classical music in a 1984 Cutlass Supreme in Richmond. Every week, Pen talks to movers and shakers about how the Bay Area shapes what they create, and how they shape the place we call home.",
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"order": 16
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},
"science-friday": {
"id": "science-friday",
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"info": "Science Friday is a weekly science talk show, broadcast live over public radio stations nationwide. Each week, the show focuses on science topics that are in the news and tries to bring an educated, balanced discussion to bear on the scientific issues at hand. Panels of expert guests join host Ira Flatow, a veteran science journalist, to discuss science and to take questions from listeners during the call-in portion of the program.",
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"snap-judgment": {
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