Madhuri Shekar Explores a Compulsive Gamer’s World by Patricia L. Morin World of Warcraft—WoW—is an actual online role-playing game that Madhuri Shekar creatively weaves into “In Love and Warcraft.” Shekar’s play tells us about the young gamers’ frustrations, their avatars, and real-life crushes. Choosing one’s own avatar empowers these gamers in special ways. Shy…
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…
Michael Gene Sullivan & Merry Pranksters Ridicule Police Wars by Barry David Horwitz In 2015, the San Francisco Mime Troupe celebrated its 56th Season offering Free Agit-Prop political theater all summer long. On Independence Day Weekend, they knocked it out of Dolores Park for hundreds of happy, laughing picnickers. Now, the Mime Troupe is…
Michael Lew Turns “Winter of Our Discontent” to Comedy by Barry David Horwitz It all starts in high school, where it’s so easy to shove aside the weak and the geek. At Theatre Wit in Chicago, playwright Michael Lew combines outrageous teen comedy with a Shakespeare villain. Lew makes us question whether the cruel…