BWW Review: LEWIS AND TOLKIEN at Taproot Theater
by Amelia Divine - Feb 1, 2025
For two men who built grand worlds of myth and magic, LEWIS AND TOLKIEN is a strikingly intimate and deeply human story—not of great battles or epic journeys, but of friendship, regret, and the quiet ache of unspoken words. Now playing at the Taproot Theater, this play, adapted from Colin Duriez’s novel Tolkien and C.S. Lewis: The Gift of Friendship, is not a play about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien as authors, but as friends—friends who have hurt each other, who feel unseen, and who struggle, in the way that sometimes men do, to be truly vulnerable with one another.
Taproot Theatre Announces Emergency Fundraising Campaign
by Joshua Wright - Jun 3, 2024
Earlier this year Taproot Theatre, a $3.5 million theatre incorporated as both a nonprofit and a parachurch organization, initiated an emergency fundraising campaign. Now, the theatre has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at bridging the gap between the increasing costs of operation and the slow post-pandemic arts recovery.
Review: SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE PRECARIOUS POSITION at Taproot Theatre
by Jay Irwin - May 19, 2024
First off, Dear Readers, “Sherlock Holmes and the Precarious Position” currently playing at Taproot Theatre, is not a Holmes story from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It’s a silly little lark with Holmesian characters by Margaret Raether. The program even says, “Based on the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle”. Second, do not try and gleam anything from the title. I’m still not certain what the “Precarious Position” was. At least, not without really reaching for a connection. Having said that, this silly little lark was fairly fun, largely due to a cast that was having just as much fun. So, it’s not brilliant or life changing, but I will go so far as saying it’s gigglelicious.
Review: THE HELLO GIRLS at Taproot Theatre
by Kelly Rogers Flynt - Jul 16, 2023
How do you know when a show is really, really good? Often it is something beyond the story, the performance, and the staging that takes you to a place that can only be described as magic. Less than twenty minutes into the show, I leaned over to my theater companion and quietly whispered, “I’m already planning when I can come back.” THE HELLO GIRLS at Taproot Theatre brings the magic in so many ways that you are left breathless with goosebumps on your skin, a tear in your eye, and a song in your heart.What did our critic think of THE HELLO GIRLS at Taproot Theatre?
Review: A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE at Taproot Theatre
by Kelly Rogers Flynt - Jan 28, 2023
A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE is ironically an important work by none other than the esteemed Oscar Wilde. A thinking man’s comedy, Wilde imbues this work with witty banter while challenging society’s norms. The clips along with a steady stream of laughs punctuated by occasions of loud guffaws and eye-popping truths. You will be charmed. You will be delighted. You will be entertained.
Review: THE WICKHAMS: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY at Taproot Theatre
by Kelly Rogers Flynt - Nov 26, 2022
Christmas is a most favorite holiday to many, and the Jane Austen fan base has never been stronger. What could be more perfect than to revive some of Austen’s most beloved characters (and some of her most notorious) in a delightful Christmas setting? THE WICKHAMS: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY is a holiday treat. The production blends the lavish frippery of the Regency era with dollops of modern humor that is sure to please both traditional and contemporary tastes.
Review: A NIGHT WITH THE RUSSELLS at Taproot Theatre
by Kelly Rogers Flynt - Sep 25, 2022
The air is electric. The room is filled with smiles, greetings, hugs, and a huge amount of anticipation. From bated breath to roaring cheers, the audience welcomed the Russells onto the stage. The stories and songs shared by Faith Bennet Russell, Be Russell, and Sarah Russell turned the evening from a night at the theater into a lovefest. It was magical. It was cathartic. It was the missing piece that finally made us whole.
Lesher Center Announces 22/23 Season Featuring IN THE HEIGHTS & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 26, 2022
From breathtaking contemporary dance to internationally acclaimed musicians, a rollicking celebration of Patsy Cline to a hit musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, theLesher Center for the Arts will present a remarkable year of arts and cultural offerings for Bay Area arts lovers.
BWW Review: THE NERD at Taproot Theatre
by Jay Irwin - May 23, 2022
Larry Shue’s raucous comedy “The Nerd” was a staple of midrange to small theaters all over back in the 80’s and 90’s. It was zany, smart, and didn’t require too many outlandish elements. So, I was fairly excited to catch this new local production currently being offered at Taproot Theatre, especially with the people in the cast. However, I’m not sure if the show is just not that funny anymore or if this production missed the mark but, while still having some definite gut buster moments, much of it fell flat.
BWW Review: SEE HOW THEY RUN at Taproot Theatre
by Kelly Rogers Flynt - Jan 30, 2022
In a world full of conflict, division, and uncertainty, there is a lot to worry about. As the pandemic continues, we wonder if we will ever get back to normal. It’s been a very hard couple of years and now more than ever, I’m feeling the need for a reprieve - just a moment to forget all of the outside problems and things beyond my control. I have a deep-seeded need to just laugh. Taproot Theatre’s first show of 2022 just might be the tonic we all need. SEE HOW THEY RUN reminds us that laughter really is the best medicine.