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Jim Munson - Page 7

Jim Munson

Jim has been hooked on theater ever since being dazzled by a high school production of “Damn Yankees” in Wilmington, Delaware way back in 1972 featuring his older brother in a cameo role. Fortunately, his horizons have expanded just a bit since then. A longtime San Francisco resident, Jim is an avid theater- and dance-goer throughout the Bay Area. He has also followed the theater scene across the country and loves nothing more than the 3-show days that can occasionally be scheduled in New York City. For the record, he holds a BA in Theater Arts from SUNY Buffalo, but happily learned long ago that his skills as a discerning audience member far exceed his skills as an actor.




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First Show:

Raisin

Favorite Show:

"Falsettoland" at the Lucille Lortel in 1990. Even though I'd seen and loved "March of the Falsettos," I somehow went in having no idea what this sequel of sorts was about. I was absolutely gutted. Living in that time of the worst of the HIV pandemic, it felt like having my community as they actually were reflected right back at me from the stage. Faith Prince was a sublime Trina (the best I've ever seen). Her "Holding to the Ground" haunted me for weeks afterwards. Lonny Price had stepped in as Mendel and gave that character so much gravitas it was heartbreaking. And, of course, Michael Rupert and Stephen Bogardus were unparalleled as Marvin and Whizzer. I don't know if I've ever laughed and cried so hard at a performance. Afterwards, I remember taking a long, silent walk down along the Hudson River with my husband just because we weren't yet ready to be back in the real world, the emotions the show had brought to the surface were still too raw. I've been fortunate to see the full two-act "Falsettos" many times since then, on Broadway, on tour, in regional theaters, but nothing can top that first exposure to "Falsettoland."

Favorite Stories:

  • Interview: Laura Benanti at the Lesher Center for the Arts is a Golden-Age Star for Our Times - Laura was so approachable, direct, honest and generous with her time that it felt like talking to an old friend. Among other things, we took a deep dive into her conception of the character of Eliza Doolittle. I learned so much from her and yet it was like two theater geeks just shooting the breeze. Easiest interview I've ever done, and after it was published her husband told her it was the best interview she'd ever given.


BWW Review: San Francisco Ballet's PROGRAM 1 at War Memorial Opera House Literally Leaps for Joy
BWW Review: San Francisco Ballet's PROGRAM 1 at War Memorial Opera House Literally Leaps for Joy
February 3, 2022

San Francisco Ballet fairly leaps for joy in the opening program of its 2022 season live onstage at the War Memorial Opera House. Program 1 includes George Balanchine's eternally effervescent 'Symphony in C' and the world premiere of 'Mrs. Robinson' by Cathy Marston, based on the seminal novel 'The Graduate.' Performances continue thru 2/12/22.

BWW Review: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Offers a Gorgeous New Take on the Holiday Classic
BWW Review: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Offers a Gorgeous New Take on the Holiday Classic
December 23, 2021

BroadwayWorld reviews TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's gorgeous new production of 'It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play' running thru December 26th at the Lucie Stern Theatre, with streaming available thru Jan 2nd.

BWW Interview: Adam Gwon & Giovanna Sardelli of ALICE BLISS at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley & Montalvo Arts Center Bring a Heartrending New Musical to Life
BWW Interview: Adam Gwon & Giovanna Sardelli of ALICE BLISS at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley & Montalvo Arts Center Bring a Heartrending New Musical to Life
December 17, 2021

BroadwayWorld talks to lyricist Adam Gwon and TheatreWorks Director of New Works Giovanna Sardelli about their collaboration with Montalvo Arts Center on the development of the new musical 'Alice Bliss.'

BWW Review: NUTCRACKER at San Francisco Ballet Returns with an Extra Dollop of Enchantment & Delight
BWW Review: NUTCRACKER at San Francisco Ballet Returns with an Extra Dollop of Enchantment & Delight
December 16, 2021

BroadwayWorld reviews San Francisco Ballet's enchanting production of the classic 'Nutcracker' ballet, now running at the SF Opera House through December 30th.

BWW Interview: Giovanna Sardelli of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Believes We Can All See Ourselves in This Timeless Tale
BWW Interview: Giovanna Sardelli of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Believes We Can All See Ourselves in This Timeless Tale
November 29, 2021

BroadwayWorld talks to Giovanna Sardelli, the irrepressible director of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's 'It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play' running December 1 to 26 at the Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto.

BWW Interview: Li-Leng Au of GREAT EXPECTATIONS at San Jose Stage Company Has Been Dying to Get Back Onstage
BWW Interview: Li-Leng Au of GREAT EXPECTATIONS at San Jose Stage Company Has Been Dying to Get Back Onstage
November 19, 2021

BroadwayWorld talks to actor Li-Leng Au, who is thrilled to be back onstage in San Jose Stage Company's production of Dickens' 'Great Expectations' as adapted by playwright Neil Bartlett, running thru December 12th.

BWW Interview: Elkhanah Pulitzer of DIDO AND AENEAS at Opera San José Sees Opportunities for Renewal and Rejuvenation in the Pain of Tragedy
BWW Interview: Elkhanah Pulitzer of DIDO AND AENEAS at Opera San José Sees Opportunities for Renewal and Rejuvenation in the Pain of Tragedy
November 5, 2021

BroadwayWorld talks to director Elkhanah Pulitzer about her new production of Henry Purcell's Baroque masterpiece 'Dido and Aneas' which marks Opera San Jose's return to live performances November 13th to 28th.

BWW Interview: Alison Ewing of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at 42nd Street Moon Is Thrilled to Be Back Onstage in a Sondheim Classic
BWW Interview: Alison Ewing of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at 42nd Street Moon Is Thrilled to Be Back Onstage in a Sondheim Classic
November 2, 2021

BroadwayWorld talks to leading lady Alison Ewing about playing Desiree in 42nd Street Moon's new production of Stephen Sondheim's 'A Little Night Music' playing November 4 to 21 in San Francisco.

BWW Interview: Doug Varone of DOUG VARONE AND DANCERS at The Hammer Theatre Center Offers a Whole New Way to Experience the Iconic Score to 'West Side Story'
BWW Interview: Doug Varone of DOUG VARONE AND DANCERS at The Hammer Theatre Center Offers a Whole New Way to Experience the Iconic Score to 'West Side Story'
October 22, 2021

BroadwayWorld talks to award-winning choreographer and director Doug Varone about his company's upcoming program in San Jose, which includes 'Somewhere,' his take on the iconic score from 'West Side Story.' They also discuss Varone's choreography for two musicals that have become cult classics - 'The Triumph of Love' and 'Murder Ballad.'

BWW Review: SPANKING MACHINE at The Marsh Offers a  Painfully Funny Exploration of Our Collective Fear
BWW Review: SPANKING MACHINE at The Marsh Offers a Painfully Funny Exploration of Our Collective Fear
October 7, 2021

'Spanking Machine' at The Marsh is Marga Gomez' latest theatrical memoir, a funny-scary tale of growing up brown and queer in Washington Heights.

BWW Interview: Justin Huertas of LIZARD BOY at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Combines His Twin Passions for Comic Book Heroes & Musical Theater
BWW Interview: Justin Huertas of LIZARD BOY at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Combines His Twin Passions for Comic Book Heroes & Musical Theater
October 3, 2021

BroadwayWorld talks to Justin Huertas, the multi-talented playwright, composer and star of 'Lizard Boy' at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. His new indie folk-rock music will be performed live in person Oct. 6 to 31 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, kicking off TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's 51st season.

BWW Interview: Wei Wang of THE MARSH FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICAL VOICES 2021 at The Marsh Makes the Leap to Film
BWW Interview: Wei Wang of THE MARSH FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICAL VOICES 2021 at The Marsh Makes the Leap to Film
September 28, 2021

BroadwayWorld talks to virtuoso ballet dancer, choreographer and director Wei Wang about his ambitious new film 'Aphrodisia' created in collaboration with Stephanie Weisman as part of The Marsh New Festival of Musical Voices 2021, which runs September 30 to October 10, 2021.

BWW Interview: Sidney Outlaw of MOZART AND SALIERI at Opera San José Finds Himself Entering the Prime of His Career
BWW Interview: Sidney Outlaw of MOZART AND SALIERI at Opera San José Finds Himself Entering the Prime of His Career
September 23, 2021

It would appear that acclaimed baritone Sidney Outlaw is having the busiest year of his career. In addition to starring as composer Antonio Salieri in Opera San José’s new virtual production of Rimsky-Korsakov’s 'Mozart and Salieri,' Outlaw will be performing 'Barber of Seville,' 'Porgy and Bess,' and 'La Bohème.' BroadwayWorld speaks with Outlaw.

BWW Interview: Cate Hayman of CHESS IN CONCERT at 42nd Street Moon Aims to Be an Old-School Diva for Our Times
BWW Interview: Cate Hayman of CHESS IN CONCERT at 42nd Street Moon Aims to Be an Old-School Diva for Our Times
September 21, 2021

BroadwayWorld chats with Cate Hayman, star of 'CHESS in Concert' at 42nd Street Moon. The show marks Moon's return to live, in-person performance and features a killer score by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson and renowned lyricist Tim Rice. It remains the only musical of the modern era to generate multiple, massive hits on the pop charts.

BWW Interview: Marga Gomez of SPANKING MACHINE at The Marsh Returns to Live Performance With Her Hilarious and Intensely Moving Memoir of Growing Up Brown and Queer
BWW Interview: Marga Gomez of SPANKING MACHINE at The Marsh Returns to Live Performance With Her Hilarious and Intensely Moving Memoir of Growing Up Brown and Queer
September 15, 2021

Good news! The Marsh will soon be once again presenting live, in-person performances at their San Francisco location with Marga Gomez's 'Spanking Machine' running September 17 through October 23. BroadwayWorld speaks with Gomez about her hilarious and heart-rending new memoir piece about growing up brown & queer in Washington Heights.

BWW Interview: Don Reed of GOING OUT at The Marsh Is Thrilled to Be Back Where He Belongs, Performing Live Onstage in Berkeley
BWW Interview: Don Reed of GOING OUT at The Marsh Is Thrilled to Be Back Where He Belongs, Performing Live Onstage in Berkeley
August 19, 2021

The Marsh couldn't have chosen anyone more fitting for its return to live in-person performances than fan favorite Don Reed, whose partnership with The Marsh encompasses many hit shows over the past decade. Starting August 21st, Reed performs his brand-new one-man show 'Going Out' at The Marsh Berkeley. BroadwayWorld talks to Reed about the show.

BWW Interview: Sean San José of THE NEW AGE OF MAGIC GALA at Magic Theatre Wants to Invite Everyone to the Party
BWW Interview: Sean San José of THE NEW AGE OF MAGIC GALA at Magic Theatre Wants to Invite Everyone to the Party
July 28, 2021

For his opening salvo as Magic Theatre’s newly appointed Artistic Director, Sean San José has decided to throw a party. On Thursday, August 5th, Magic will present its 2021 gala 'The New Age of Magic' outdoors at Fort Mason. San José strongly believes theater should be for everyone, not just people of means, so Magic is hosting a more egalitarian event with ticket prices starting at a very reasonable $25. Mainly, though, the goal is to bring people together to kick back and have some fun.

BWW Interview: Jessica Bird Beza of BAY AREA PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL at Playwrights Foundation Uplifts the Work of a Diverse Array of Theater Makers
BWW Interview: Jessica Bird Beza of BAY AREA PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL at Playwrights Foundation Uplifts the Work of a Diverse Array of Theater Makers
July 15, 2021

Pulitzer winners Paula Vogel, Katori Hall, Annie Baker & Sam Shepard are just 4 of the many celebrated playwrights whose work was developed in the Bay Area Playwrights Festival (BAPF). Established in 1976 and currently led by Playwrights Foundation’s Executive Artistic Director Jessica Bird Beza, this year’s BAPF runs July 16-25, featuring 5 very different new works. Casts include acclaimed actors such as Emily Kuroda. BroadwayWorld recently caught up with Beza to talk about the festival.

BWW Interview: Hai-Ting Chinn of ASTRONAUTICA at The Marsh Explores the Wonders of Outer Space from the Perspective of Women Astronauts
BWW Interview: Hai-Ting Chinn of ASTRONAUTICA at The Marsh Explores the Wonders of Outer Space from the Perspective of Women Astronauts
June 22, 2021

And now for something ethereal, funny and more than a little trippy. On June 26, The Marsh presents 'Astronautica,' a musical drawn from the words of women who have traveled through outer space, to its digital platform, MarshStream. Conceived and performed by Hai-Ting Chinn, Lindsay Kesselman & Kirsten Sollek. BroadwayWorld speaks with Ms. Chinn.

BWW Review: DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL: DC & PETER'S GLORIOUS ROMP THROUGH THE GOLDEN AGE OF TV THEME SONGS at 42nd Street Moon Delivers a Fizzy Celebration of Pop Culture
BWW Review: DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL: DC & PETER'S GLORIOUS ROMP THROUGH THE GOLDEN AGE OF TV THEME SONGS at 42nd Street Moon Delivers a Fizzy Celebration of Pop Culture
June 21, 2021

42nd Street Moon is concluding its online Moonbeams series on a rather deliciously demented high note with Don’t Touch That Dial: DC & Peter’s Glorious Romp through the Golden Age of TV Theme Songs. Just like the timeworn sitcoms that generated most of its songs, Don’t Touch That Dial wants nothing more than to entertain, packing in dozens of catchy tunes you maybe didn’t even know you knew in a fast-moving hourlong fantasia of fizzy humor and gimlet-eyed nostalgia. Although Moon’s remit is normally to revisit stage musicals, rather than television shows, this enterprise isn’t quite as far afield for them as you might imagine. It, too, comes wrapped in affectionate homage to times past.



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