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…
Michael Socrates Moran Grapples with Ruthless Autocrat by Jennifer Ann Charron I’m always drawn to Oakland Theater Project productions. The entire team typically overflows with talent and intelligence, bringing a cultural sensitivity to everything they do. Each production is spot on with the issues and emotions of the present day. OTP’s production of Shakespeare’s…
Michael Cavanagh Delivers the Miraculous Essence of Mozart by Jennifer Ann Charron San FRancisco Opera’s production of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte” (All Women Do It, or The School for Lovers) is one the most efficiently fabulous operas I’ve seen. Director Michael Cavanagh showcases the best opera has to offer, all wrapped up in a…