San Francisco Theater Reviews

BWW Reviews: STUCK ELEVATOR a Hit at A.C.T.

'Stuck Elevator' is a thought-provoking, sometimes funny, often stirring piece that opens the door to the dark side of the American dream exposing, in the story of one lone man, the flawed and feckless nature of our attitude toward immigrants. Paying now thru April 28 at A.C.T.in San Francisco (more...)

BWW Reviews: CCCT's NEXT TO NORMAL is Anything But and is a Must-See!

Contra Costa Civic Theatre offers a prescription for a remarkable theatre experience and an emotionally powerful journey in the Tony award winning "Next To Normal" (more...)

BWW Review: It's a Big Bright Beautiful World with SHREK THE MUSICAL

Decorated with Monty Pythonesque humor, the touring production of 'Shrek' the musical contains enough tasteful pop culture and Broadway musical references to make the Genie at Disney California Adventure's 'Aladdin Musical Spectacular' proud. Creators lifted much of the dialogue from the original film and surrounded it with catchy music and endearing characters. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Broadway Couple Mazzie & Danieley Offer HE SAID/SHE SAID Cabaret

Armed with twice the vocal power and awash with plenty of real, fiery chemistry, Broadway vets -- and real-life married couple -- Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley's romantically-themed cabaret showcase titled 'He Said/She Said' played to packed audiences at the Samueli Theater in Costa Mesa over Valentine's Day Weekend, February 14 - 16. The touring concert act was cheekily explained as the couple's true love story told via specially-selected tunes that span Broadway and the Great American Songbook. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Center Rep Creates Beautiful and Moving OLD WICKED SONGS

Song echoes heart in Jon Marans' 'Old Wicked Songs,' a beautiful play that, like the classical music it celebrates, takes its time to mature story and soak in emotion and meaning. Much like the infamous Maria Callas account, 'Master Class,' 'Old Wicked Songs' follows teacher and student as pasts divulge and talents unfold. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Disney's DARE TO DREAM Offers Magical Time

'Dare to Dream' features some of the best costumes, sets and lighting in Disney on Ice history, not to mention some second act circus action. But some adults will have to wait until the second half of the show before the energy and choreography become engaging and impressive enough to capture their attention. Of course, the little ones and the children at heart will have no problem getting along with the entertainment, and for those looking for more advanced figure skating, Rapunzel's second act aerial segment makes the ticket well worth its price. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Phenomenal LION KING, a Must-See Theatrical Event

San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre plays host to Disney's 'The Lion King' now through January 13, 2013. I put that out there right away because if you're one for keeping a bucket list of must-see things to do and see before you 'exit stage left' then this show is surely one for the list. (more...)

BWW Reviews: A.C.T.'s ELEKTRA Rages Now thru November 18

Playing now through November 18, 'Elektra's keening, mournful and blood thirst quest for justice is challenging pedagogy but even more so, enthralling theatre. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre Presents WEST SIDE STORY

Now playing through November fourth, 'West Side Story' is gracing the stage at Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre. Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' is transported to mid-1950's New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs. Their struggle is one of the most heart-wrenching musicals of our time - and Tri-Valley's presentation of this classic is, to say the least, reborn. (more...)

BWW Reviews: DISNEY ON ICE Celebrates 100 Years

In one of the first numbers of Disney on Ice "100 Years of Magic," a host of genie duplicates from the classic film Aladdin cover the rink with their "magic," a small taste of the magic to come. The hour and a half celebration of Disney enchantment that follows retells shortened versions of several well-known Disney stories. Featured favorites include Finding Nemo, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, Pinocchio, Mulan, The Incredible and The Lion King, as well as shout outs to Disney parks with a wonderful first act finale tribute to It's A Small World and The Main Street Electrical Parade. (more...)

BWW Reviews: AN ILIAD is a Masterpiece in Storytelling at Berkeley Rep

Playing now through November 18th at Berkeley Repertory Theatre 'An Iliad' is a masterpiece of storytelling genius; an edge-of-your-seat, dramatic tour-de-force replete with capricious gods and glorious Greeks; Trojans and their lady fair, Helen of Troy and lives that were lost for really no reason at all. And it's all done by one man. (more...)

BWW Reviews: San Francisco Opera's New CAPULETS AND THE MONTAGUES is Breathtaking

Vincenzo Bellini's opera based on "Romeo and Juliet" does not follow the traditional Shakespeare plot, so it seems appropriate that the San Francisco Opera production, too, should veer away from traditional sets and costumes and create a world of its own. (more...)

BWW Reviews: BATMAN LIVE Stays True to Comics, Makes a Good Time for Kids and Fans

Fitting three performances in one day can come at a cost depending on where you're playing. And though Batman Live World Arena Tour was only in San Jose for four short days (heading to Los Angeles next), Saturday evening's performance, the third showing that day, found the large HP Pavilion less than half full. The audience was there in spirit, though, spread out from the top boxes to the main floor seating. Children smiled and pointed at the show's spectacular visuals and semi-stellar acrobatics while the enthusiastic Batman fans were excited just to be near their favorite superhero. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Everything is RAGTIME with Hillbarn Theatre

There is power in numbers. With 53 glorious cast members cleverly moved about the small Hillbarn Theatre stage, director Lee Foster's production of "Ragtime" excels over an imperfect script. (more...)

Steampunk CINDERELLA Delights Now Thru August 31

Playing now through August 31 in a limited engagement at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts, this 'Cinderella' is smart and edgy, giving a creatively refreshing twist to an old favorite. (more...)

BWW Reviews: WAR HORSE - Stunning Stage Wizardry at Curran Theatre

Playing now through September 9, 'War Horse' will dazzle you with its stage wizardry even as it brings into bold relief the gut-wrenching horrors that humans and horses alike endured during the war that was supposed to end them all, World War I. (more...)

BWW Reviews: New LITTLE MERMAID Still Entertains, but Fails to Fix Broadway Version

When you're dealing with a musical version of a classic like "The Little Mermaid," it becomes nearly impossible to botch a show enough to give viewers reason to hate it. You still have all the popular songs that everyone loves to sing along with (including one adorable little girl sitting in the back on opening night), and you have the iconic characters that we all love so much. Still, for avid fans of the movie or those who had complaints about the Broadway version of "Mermaid," the Sacramento Music Circus production of "The Little Mermaid" doesn't quite live up to the hype. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Audiences Get a Kick Out of ANYTHING GOES

Apparently, anything goes at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. Visit this stunning building this weekend and you'll find glimpses of "something shocking" as friendly ushers and ticketing staff welcome you, comfortable seats provide you with the perfect view and a standout orchestra begins playing that fantastic overture to the Cole Porter classic, "Anything Goes." But that's not all that goes at the Gallo Center this weekend. Modesto Performing Arts has gathered a stellar cast and crew to create an animated and "delovely" musical that, in the words one of its more popular songs, is the top! Its patriotic set colors and costumes also make it the perfect show to celebrate the 4th of July holiday week. (more...)

BWW Reviews: SCOTTSBORO BOYS Balances Smiles with Stirring Truth

Masterfully communicated through the art of minstrel storytelling, Kander and Ebb's "The Scottsboro Boys" turns around the stereotypes and exaggerated personalities that encouraged racism in the early 1900s to create a surprisingly poignant musical that celebrates the voice of the individual and reminds Americans of the pain necessary to bring about change. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Eve Ensler's EMOTIONAL CREATURE Empowers and Enthralls at Berkeley Rep

'Emotional Creature' exemplifies the spirit and heart of Ensler's best-selling book 'I am an Emotional Creature: The Secret Life of Girls Around the World, shedding light on the joys and challenges as well as the violence faced by girls across the globe. 'Emotional Creature' is a theatrically lit match that will light a fire in your heart and has the potential to spark a girl revolution. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Viva VERDI Comes Alive in SF Opera's New ATTILA

One of Giuseppe Verdi's lesser-performed operas, Attila lacks the hummable songs that have brought his better-known operas into popular culture. His complicated characters are ever-present, however, and his grand melodies support those characters with a commanding presence, especially when a large chorus takes up more than half the stage. Verdi definitely knew how to use the chorus. And in San Francisco Opera's Teatro alla Scala co-production, the singers, both leads and chorus, ultimately give Attila the power it needs to succeed, albeit a great deal of the production's success owes its existence to the visually stunning scenery on display behind the strong vocals on display. (more...)

BWW Reviews: New MAGIC FLUTE Full of Color and Wonder at SF Opera

Polka dots, neon and pastel colors, and innovative use of projector technology comprise a cheerful and vivid new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute, which premiered Wednesday night at the San Francisco Opera Memorial House. Although it sometimes lacks the dramatics needed to keep a strong momentum, the production makes a strong addition to a long line of creative takes on the opera. Plus, its nonsensical plot makes it the perfect opera to share with friends who do not regularly attend opera. San Francisco Opera General Director David Gockley's new modern English translation also adds to that note, although some audiences may miss the original German. (more...)

BWW Reviews: VOCA PEOPLE Inspire Life and Laughter

Home to some wonderfully strange and unique characters, San Francisco should have no trouble welcoming the Voca People. Hailing from planet Voca, the unusual group crash-lands its spaceship in the city every night through June 17, bringing with them non-stop comedy and mannerisms and costumes similar to those of the famed Blue Man Group. (more...)

BWW Reviews: BLACK N BLUE BOYS/BROKEN MEN: Brilliant Portrayal by Dael Orlandersmith Now thru June 24

'Black n Blue Boys/Broken Men is truth-telling at its very best...about the very worst. (more...)

BWW Reviews: MARY POPPINS Delights Now thru June 10

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious - coo, what a sight! 'Mary Poppins' flew into San Jose bringing magic and mayhem in the most delightful way. Hodges and Hodges were there for the magical high jinx and fun as well as the somewhat darker elements of 'Mary Poppins,' playing now through June 10th at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. (more...)