Bright Sheng—A Brilliant, Innovative Composer for Our Time by Jennifer Ann Charron Bright Sheng’s score of Dream of the Red Chamber is one of the most dynamic, yet sumptuous pieces of music I have heard. He blends western and eastern musical traditions and sounds in innovative ways. Chinese folk tunes morph into lush, multi-dimensional…
Michael Cavanagh’s Reimagined Version Entertains & Bewilders by Jennifer Ann Charron Mozart’s Don Giovanni is nonpareil—a masterpiece with an amazing score, jam packed with beautiful arias, duets, and recitatives, and a creepy cautionary tale to keep your morals in check. When Mozart was at his creative height, he collaborated with poet Lorenzo Da Ponte…
Don Reed’s Wit & Brilliance Charm Hometown Crowd by Jennifer Ann Charron Don Reed truly does it all. Star of TV and film, he writes, acts, produces, directs, and does standup comedy—all with great presence and indisputable warmth. His solo show at The Marsh, San Francisco called “Going Out” is simply sidesplitting: Reed’s grace…
Cleavon Smith Debates the Ways and Means of Racial Progress by Jennifer Ann Charron Students rally frequently at UC Berkeley’s Sproul Plaza. During protests, University Police are often called to seal off buildings and to “protect” people and property. All too often police clash with impassioned students in predictable outcomes. Playwright Cleavon Smith wisely…