Michael Gene Sullivan Alerts US: “Was Democracy Just A Dream?”

by Robert M. Gardner

Hooray! The San Francisco Mime Troupe is back! And they are just in time with a topical show about our current political mess. Written by the genius that is Michael Gene Sullivan, the master of political satire, the new musical sizzles with humor, insights, and warnings of impending political disaster.

This year’s show, “American Dreams,” carries the motto: “Was Democracy Just A Dream?” I saw it on Saturday, in Live Oak Park in Berkeley—and the SF Mime Troupe does not disappoint. As usual, their show appears at different parks and locations every week, all summer, till Labor Day.

The Mime Troupe combines the best of top rate summer fun: it’s mostly free, it’s a picnic in the parks. Outside in the bright light of day, they deliver hilarious and cutting satire that engages our brains.

The actors are outstanding, with Sullivan, the writer, playing an assertive, cranky grandfather, Gabriel Pearse, who is thinking about voting for the Former Guy. Sullivan also plays the slimy College Chancellor Quisling and a super-robot called Taalos, for overflowing comedy.

With a powerful voice and dynamic acting, Mikki Johnson plays Gabriel’s granddaughter, Paine Pearse, a History Professor fighting for her college job. She’s being fired for speaking up about Palestine. Daniel Savio’s song “Land of the Free?” expresses the history teacher’s fears for the future.

Lizzie Calogero plays multiple roles with wit and flair. Andre Amarotico brings friendship and menace to some villainous roles, delightfully.

Each of the actors possess great voices and I loved the clarity and conviction in their singing. The plot features a “A dream within a dream, within a dream”; but their dynamic delivery makes it all work.

The actors all experience nightmares about the looming November election. Although they don’t mention Biden or the Former Guy by name, the red MAGA hats reveal the object of their fun.

When each dreamer awakes, they realize that they are just dreaming about the upcoming election. Each dream shows the triumph of a police state following this fateful election.

The message is clear: We need to get involved now, if we want to prevent the worst, including “I will be a dictator on the first day.” The singers intone “The War on Thought,” expressing the dangers of what can happen.

Director Velina Brown keeps the pace moving swiftly, with lots of physical comedy. Daniel Savio supplies wonderful music and lyrics that keeps the action lively and zany.

Check out the SF Mime Troupe website for the locations and times:  sfmt.org Sunscreen, low folding chairs and water are essential equipment. Early arrivals staked out spots under the many trees surrounding the stage.

The Mime Troupe has been a San Francisco Bay tradition for 65 years! They deserve our support, fulfilling our expectations for live, satirical comedy and music.

They also fill the role of our social conscience, inspiring us to become involved. A true treasure of agitprop theater.

“American Dreams, A New Musical” by Michael Gene Sullivan, music and lyrics by Daniel Savio, directed by Velina Brown, musical direction by Dred Scott, sound by Taylor Gonzalez, costumes by Brooke Jennings, scenic design by Carlos-Antonio Aceves, props by Lena Seagrave, and stage management by Karen Runk

—The San Francisco Mime Troupe in parks near you. Info: sfmt.org
Shows all summer!

Cast: Michael Gene Sullivan, Mikki Johnson, Lizzie Calogero, and Andre Amarotico.

Band: Caroline Chung (Bass); Daniel Savio (Keyboards); and Dred Scott (Drums, Percussion, Keyboards).

Banner photo: Mikki Johnson, Lizzie Calogero, Michael Gene Sullivan, Andre Amarotico. Photos: Mike Melnyk

 

Performing around the Bay – to September 8, 2024:
San Francisco, Mill Valley (Marin), Ukiah (Mendocino), Cotati (Sonoma),
East Bay, Palo Alto, Santa Cruz, San Jose, and Davis.

Complete schedule at: sfmt.org/summer-schedule

Show runs 80 minutes.

All shows are FREE and open to the public unless otherwise noted.