Robert Sokol is the editor-publisher of BAYSTAGES, the creative director at VIA MEDIA, serves on the executive committee of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA), is senior editor for BWW-San Francisco, and sometimes moonlights as a diva wrangler, cinefiler, and occasional saloon singer. He has been touching showbiz all his life. (So far no restraining orders have been issued!) His byline also appears in the San Francisco Examiner and other publications and websites.
BWW Review: LOVE NEVER DIES at Broadway San Jose but Lloyd Webber lays it to rest in PHANTOM sequel
March 19, 2018
March 19, 2018
LOVE NEVER DIES is an unnecessary sequel to the megahit PHANTOM that wisely skips Broadway and hits the national tour road for ALW fans. The ladies of this evening rule even though the guys are (supposed to be) in charge of the action in this passable evening of musical theatre.
BWW Review: THE KING AND I at Broadway San Jose is a welcome visitor
February 23, 2018
February 23, 2018
At 67, this King is timely and timeless in a lush tour based on the Tony-winning Lincoln Center Theater revival directed by Bartlett Sher. As on Broadway, Lady Thiang steals the show.
BWW Interview: Caissie Levy at Feinstein's at the Nikko
November 18, 2017
November 18, 2017
Caissie Levy shares some thoughts on fitting in some cabaret gigs between Frozen runs and how motherhood has changed her approach to her career.
BWW Review: AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is Lighter Than Air at the Orpheum Theatre
September 14, 2017
September 14, 2017
Delicious dancing, gorgeous design, and great Gershwin songs are a joy but can't mask the musical theatre shortcomings of another film-to-stage transfer in AN AMERICAN IN PARIS.
BWW Interview: Riley Costello makes his directing debut with THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME at Hillbarn Theatre
September 9, 2017
September 9, 2017
Actor Riley Costello makes the directing leap with a regional production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and reveals his favorite character. It's not who you might guess!
BWW Review: THE BOOK OF MORMON at Broadway San Jose has you at 'Hello!'
July 18, 2017
July 18, 2017
There's not a lot to be written about The Book of Mormon that's new but the tour currently in San Jose is definitely worth another joyful, irreverent look.
BWW Review: A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN Rocks the Geary Theatre
June 26, 2017
June 26, 2017
While not particularly illuminating on the life of the singer, A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN (now extended to July 9) delivers powerful vocal performances from Kacee Clanton and a strong supporting cast including Sharon Brown.
BWW Review: THE BODYGUARD Stands Watch at Broadway San Jose
April 27, 2017
April 27, 2017
Deborah Cox and company make THE BODYGUARD easy to consume pop nostalgia in a slick production that makes few demands and delivers on the expected soundtrack highlights.
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