Danny Cozart’s Musical Satire Shines with Young Stars by Sydney Roberts Imagine a world where water is in short supply, where environmental funding is cut, where the world is run by a tyrannical big-business tycoon, and where corrupt policemen unfairly target citizens. No, I’m not talking about the U.S., today, I’m talking about “Urinetown:…
Philip Kan Gotanda Asks, “What Is an American?” by Sydney Roberts “Sisters Matsumoto” by Philip Kan Gotanda tells a moving and heartwarming story that sheds light on the after effects of Japanese internment camps during World War II. Directed by Mina Morita, the play is set in 1945, and tells the story of three…
Christina Lazo’s Musical Classic Delivers the Goods by Sydney Roberts The curtain is down at the Lesher Center of the Arts, and it reads “Rydell” in classic high school letterman font. It’s dress-up night for the opening performance of Contra Costa Musical Theatre’s “Grease.” I see women in poodle-skirts and keds, men dressed in…
Danai Gurira Shines Light on African Patriarchy by Sydney Roberts In dark political times, Danai Gurira’s “Eclipsed,” a wartime herstory from Liberia about five women, brings to light to women’s indomitable resilience and sisterhood. During Women’s History Month, the elegantly restored Curran Theatre welcomes “Eclipsed,” directed by Leisl Tommy. Tommy directed the award-winning play…