Theatrius
  • Now Playing
  • All Reviews
  • Writers
  • Reflections
  • Millennial Notes
  • Join Us
  • About Us
  • Search Icon

Theatrius

Theater Reviews—San Francisco and Beyond

“Red Scare on Sunset” Hilariously Spoofs McCarthyism, at NCTC, S.F.

“Red Scare on Sunset” Hilariously Spoofs McCarthyism, at NCTC, S.F.

October 9, 2018 Meaghan Gates

Millennial Notes

Charles Busch Mixes Glamour with Satire in S.F. Premiere  

by Meaghan Gates

The delightful “Red Scare on Sunset” by Charles Busch features stylish vintage costumes, strong physical acting, and the notorious Hollywood Blacklist. Busch interprets Cold War anti-communist “Red” paranoia as a study in slapstick, using period insults like “Pinko” and “Commie,” in a side-splitting vaudeville style. Busch modernizes Old Hollywood with Gay and bawdy humor and witty Chekhov and Stanislavski references. A staple of Busch’s work, the leading lady is played by a Fabulous Drag Queen.

Nancy French and J. Conrad Frank. Photos by Lois Tema

We open on a radio show with comedienne who is a staunch, self-proclaimed patriot, Pat Pilford (expressive Nancy French), breaking the fourth wall and denouncing communism. French seamlessly delivers the pretentious Pilford’s tongue in cheek humor.  Pat’s dearest friend, elegant movie star Mary Dale (sensational J. Conrad Frank) struts around the stage in lavish jewelry, heels, and gowns designed by Mr. David. Costume Designer Ruby Vixen and Set Designer Kuo-Hao Lo create an authentic 50s Hollywood with swatches of bright pinks, oranges, and greens. In the living room of an extravagant Beverly Hills mansion, the teal couch looks straight out of the 50s, with velvet upholstery and varnished wooden legs. Mary and Pat’s many outfits each have a matching pillbox hat, earrings, necklace, and shoes.

We also encounter Mary’s naïve, leftist, and often intoxicated husband Frank Taggart (genuine Kyle Goldman) and his mistress, suspicious actress Marta Towers (feisty Baily Hopkins). They begin an affair at Method Acting class. The Method opposes what Mary represents as a light musical comedy performer and bonafide Hollywood star.

Kyle Goldman, J. Conrad Frank, and Nancy French

Mary is a metaphor for Capitalism, while The Method serves as Soviet Communism, and Frank is caught in the middle unsure. Busch brilliantly uses acting techniques and the inner workings of movie studios to comment on politics. Even Pat Pilford, our original glaring beacon of the American way becomes a pawn in the Russian plot to take over. She is blackmailed by her ex-lover, salacious playwright Mitchell Drake (intense Robert Molossi).

Through the twists and turns, Mary Dale never misses a beat. We cannot take our eyes off her whenever she is onstage. Frank’s comedic timing is impeccable. As Mary’s paranoia intensifies, her multitude of exaggerated expressions allow for a thrilling combination of melodrama rooted in honesty. I was also impressed by the doubling of many ensemble roles, notably David Bicha who completely transforms himself from a suspected Communist co-star, to an A-List Hollywood director, to a scene stealing turn as Mary’s grandmother.

Baily Hopkins, Joe Wicht, and Robert Molossi taunt Kyle Goldman.

“Red Scare” draws striking parallels to today’s questions about personal privacy and the intertwining of politics with the entertainment industry. Pat and Mary’s convictions eerily remind us of our current right-wing regime. At the very least, some of the speeches are quite akin to Trump and his childish tweets. When, engulfed in a red spotlight, Mary maniacally reveals The Blacklist, I feel scared for the future of our country, knowing that there are individuals who do not value diverse perspectives and who let fear and hate rule their hearts. Allen Sawyer’s bold direction compels us to think about the past repeating itself—with nostalgia and sharp satire sharing center stage.

Kyle Dayrit, Baily Hopkins, J. Conrad Frank, and David Bicha

“Red Scare on Sunset” by Charles Busch, directed by Allen Sawyer, at New Conservatory Theatre Center, through Sunday, October 21, 2018. Information: nctcsf.org

Cast: J. Conrad Frank, Nancy French, Bailey Hopkins, David Bicha, Robert Molossi, Kyle Goldman, Joe Wicht, and Kyle Dayrit.

Banner photo: Kyle Goldman and J. Conrad Frank.


Plays
50s, Blacklist, Capitalism, Charles Busch, communism, drag, fashion, glamour, Hollywood, McCarthyism, Red Scare, Satire

Post navigation

NEXT
“Good Night, Gorilla”—Adorable Intro to Theater, at BACT, Berkeley
PREVIOUS
“Clybourne Park”—Captivating Comedy of Class & Race, at Altarena, Alameda
Comments are closed.

Menu

  • Now Playing
  • All Reviews
  • Writers
  • Reflections
  • Millennial Notes
  • Join Us
  • About Us

BLM

Black Lives Matter

Subscribe for upcoming reviews!
Loading

Current Shows

  • “Dry Powder” Spotlights Wall Street Power-Brokers—at Left Edge
  • “Pride and Prejudice, The Musical” Enchants with Sass & Satire—at Ross Valley
  • “Clue” Melds Mystery & Comedy into Entertaining Adventure—at SF Playhouse
  • “Donna”: Intimate Interviews Celebrate Trans Triumphs—On Screen
  • “Fannie”: Sixties Spirituals Pave Path to Freedom—at TheatreWorks
  • “’Tasha” Tackles Raw Racism—at 3Girls
  • “Tea Party” Brews Up a Cup of America—at The Strand
  • “A Raisin in the Sun” Explodes with Drama and Power—at 6th Street
  • “Cambodian Rock Band” Deserves Its Standing Ovation—at Berkeley Rep
  • “Cambodian Rock Band” Mixes Nostalgic Hits with Terror—at Berkeley Rep
  • “Fun Home” Seduces with Strong Songs & Sultry Sass—at Berkeley Playhouse
  • “Anything Goes”: It’s Delightful, It’s Delicious, It’s De-lovely—at 42nd Street Moon
  • “SIX, The Musical” Celebrates Women’s Freedom & Individuality—at BroadwaySF
  • “Fun Home” Bursts with Love & Feeling—at Berkeley Playhouse
  • “Dear San Francisco” Wows with Kaleidoscopic Acrobatics—at Club Fugazi

About us:

If you want to see the best plays & performances around the San Francisco Bay or beyond, read our reviews. We promise to give you a true report on the best shows.
Bay Area Critics Circle

Barry David Horwitz, Editor of Theatrius, is a Voting Member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics' Circle, SFBATCC. Follow us on: facebook.com

© 2023   All Rights Reserved.