Reflections Bernstein, Sondheim Champion Youthful Self-Discovery by Abby Tozer Whenever I hear the words “West Side Story,” I recall my Grandpa’s story of proposing to my Grandma at a 1961 packed premiere in downtown San Francisco. Assuming the musical has a Hollywood ending, he pulled out the ring halfway through. Little did he know…
Wheatle & Hussein Celebrate Bravery of Inner-City Youth by Patricia L. Morin Alex Wheatle’s award-winning young adult novel, turned into a play by Emteaz Hussain, draws us into the lives of six multicultural teens who introduce themselves by rapping: “We are the Magnificent Six.” In “Crongton Knights,” the conflict centers around survival and poverty,…
Millennial Notes Whitty & Magruder Challenge Love & Gender Norms by Jordan Freed Does it make a lick of sense to combine Sir Philip Sidney’s 400-year-old pastoral romance Arcadia with the 1980s new wave sound of the Go-Go’s? Not in the slightest. But is it entertaining as hell? You bet! At New Conservatory Theatre…
Millennial Notes Ron Lytle Scores with Winter Fantasy, Joyful Music by Rachel Norby “Christmas in Oz” by East Bay Children’s Theatre offers a delightful adventure through Oz during Christmastime. As Dorothy, Jordyn Foley sings like an angel—clear and captivating. The Douglas Morrison Theatre in Hayward overflows with unforgettable songs and joy. Especially remarkable are…