Steve Murray

Conor McPherson’s 2020 revitalized translation of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya was hailed as a breath of fresh air and this production, featuring a stellar performance by Hugh Bonneville in the titular role, feels updated, and more humorous than previous incarnations.  The pace of the drama about the ennui of provincial life, unrequited loves, middle-aged disappointments and regrets is quicker and the humor from the updated language doesn’t detract from Chekhov’s work.

A whacky who-done-it is the subject of Nathan Tylutki’s one-man performance piece currently on the board at New Conservatory for a short run. Playing numerous characters, and including the use of recorded video mixed with the live performance, Tylutki attempts a gumshoe sleuth style ala Thin Man or Mike Hammer films. The show is framed as a podcast titled ‘Shoot Your Shot’ hosted by a bad drag imitation of Jennifer Coolidge (huh?).

Award-winning playwright Keiko Green’s surreal comedy is a sure-fire hit featuring a stellar cast, smart writing and absurd situations. Director Jesca Prudencio who helmed the 23 world premiere at the Old Globe once again directs this outrageous  story that involves time-travel, high school awkwardness, family legacies and the mysterious story of the famous seasoning MSG (monosodium glutamate). Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play is wildly inventive and laugh out loud funny.

Berkeley Rep’s World Premiere of Ali Benjamin’s coming of age story The Thing About Jellyfish is a tremendous technical achievement highlighted by an impressive lead performance by Matilda Lawler (HBO’s “Station Eleven” and “The Gilded Age,” The Ferryman on Broadway) in the role of Suzy. Prescient for today’s audiences, this story of love, loss, grief and resilience can be appreciated by all.

The press release on this coupling promised “an evening of unparalleled artistry,” a very lofty intention indeed. But after a few numbers I tend to agree whole-heartedly – these two critically-acclaimed musicians put on a master class that at moments, took my breath away.

What did our critic think of LEA DELARIA OUT RAGE at The Chan National Queer Arts Center?

What did our critic think of RACHMANINOFF AND THE TSAR at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley?

What did our critic think of CABARET at Theatre Rhinoceros?

What did our critic think of BALONEY - SF'S GAY ALL-MALE REVUE at Oasis?

What did our critic think of A RED CAROL at Z Space?

What did our critic think of A WHYNOT CHRISTMAS CAROL at American Conservatory Theatre?

What did our critic think of DEEP INSIDE TONIGHT! THE KINSEY SICKS 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR at New Conservatory Theatre Center?

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly might be my favorite secular Holiday offering – a shining jewel that follows the Bennet sisters of Jane Austin fame attempt at a cheery Xmas week mired by romantic foibles reminiscent of a good Shakespeare play. Award-winning playwright Lauren Gunderson developed this play, co-authoring the Christmas at Pemberley plays (Miss Bennet, The Wickhams, and Georgiana and Kitty) with Margot Melcon, former director of new play development at Marin Theatre Company. They have become beloved staples at TheatreWorks and this production shines through its stellar casting and excellent creative crew.

What did our critic think of THE GOLDEN GIRLS LIVE: THE CHRISTMAS EPISODES at Curran Theatre?

What did our critic think of SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN'S CHORUS HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR 2024 at Sydney Goldstein Theater?

What did our critic think of WAITRESS at SF Playhouse?

A sold out two-night engagement at Feinstein’s at the Nikko was a testament to the enduring draw power of veteran actor/director/song stylist Lucie Arnaz. Those in attendance were treated to a reprise of her well-crafted, autobiographical concert performed and recorded live at the Purple Room in Palm Springs last year.

Peter Pan flies into the Golden Gate Theatre with its fantastical message of the joys of childhood, innocence, and freedom. For over 70 years J.M. Barrie’s story has been told and retold, becoming a beloved childhood adventure. This newly imagined production plays on that familiarity and will bring a new generation of children into the fold with its eye-popping images, fairytale characters, swashbuckling adventure, and simplistic themes of good versus evil.

Not in the mood for more election drama or Mideast War horror? Then this current  production of Clue - Live on Stage! might  be the remedy. With lightning flashes and an ominous score, a mysterious dinner party at Boddy Manor begins with the arrival of an assortment of guests familiar to anyone who ever played the Parker Brothers board game Clue. Based on the popular game and the 1985 cult film, this delightful production helmed by director Casey Hushion and her talented cast and crew is a visual treat chock full of word puns, slapstick shtick and broad comic caricatures.

Ben Jones, award-winning singer, comedian, storyteller, and actor returned to the intimate Feinstein’s at the Nikko for an extremely successful two-run engagement displaying his considerable talents. If you haven’t seen Ben Jones, make it a must. He has that unique skill that makes a great entertainer – he’s so engaging and interesting that you can’t wait for the next moment. This show, titled ‘Temptation’, exhibits that proficiency brilliantly.