Cari Pace Reviews

Astonishing "Proof" at 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa

2012-02-22T17:10:00.000-08:00

This contemporary and multi-award-winning play, written by David Auburn, is an absolute triumph for the 6th Street Playhouse. From the moment the audience enters through a vine-covered trellis to sit around the backyard stage setting, we are captivated. It's an old house in Chicago: screens on the windows need fixing, the ground is littered with dead leaves, old toys and dried-up flower pots set the mood of neglect.

There's a young woman sitting on the steps of a back porch, weeping softly. Dana Scott ("Catherine") is totally convincing as the 25-year old who has selflessly cared for her father, a once-brilliant math professor who has declined into delusion as the years passed. Flashbacks display her father's pride in his loving and math-gifted daughter. We see their joys and sorrows as he loses touch with reality, and his daughter wonders if she too will follow in mental decline. Alan Kaplan does an outstanding job in his role as the father, blustering his way through the frustrating confusion he cannot comprehend. We learn that he has recently passed, leaving Catherine to celebrate her birthday alone and bereft.

A grad student, appropriately played as a geek by Mark Bradbury, has come to scour the professor's old notebooks in hopes of discovering something mathematically significant, perhaps the proof to an unsolved equation. Bradbury's gestures and body language are simply seamless, as he vacillates between awkward self-consciousness and graceful explanations of the professor's former genius.

Enter the practical older sister, Claire, flying in from New York to arrange funeral details. Claire has not inherited any of her father's mathematical genes, as has Catherine. Claire merely wants to wind things up and get back to the city. This role is played with control and sympathy by Jill Zimmerman. In the hands of a less-skilled actor this role could have played out as a badgering nag, but Zimmerman brings subtle touches of caring and patience to give a much better depth to the role. It works beautifully.

The small and intimate Studio Theater is played in the round - or nearly three quarters of it at any rate. Director David Lear is to be commended for directing the four actors in such a way that no one in the audience has a blocked view, and the actors' diction is excellent even when their backs are briefly to the audience.

The play contains much laughter and sweet poignancy; an entertaining evening to be sure. Performances are Friday and Saturdays at 8 PM and 2 PM on Sundays through February 26th. A special 2 PM performance will be Saturday February 25th. Tickets are $10 to $25. Phone (707) 523-4185 or go to www.6thstreetplayhouse.com.

"Humor Abuse" Juggles History, Fun, and Clowns

2012-01-20T16:12:00.000-08:00

Ever wish you could run off to join the circus? "Humor Abuse", a thoroughly enjoyable A.C.T. production, presents Lorenzo Pisoni recalling his eccentric and hilarious life being raised in the circus. Pisoni grew up as the youngest member of the Pickle Family Circus, founded in San Francisco in 1974 by Larry Pisoni, Peggy Snyder, and Cecil MacKinnon. Bill Irwin and Geoff Hoyle joined their ranks to bolster the much-beloved Bay Area troupe who performed here and beyond.

Pisoni's parents encouraged their son's natural stage presence from the age of two. He grew up as a child among adults who played for a living every day. At a young age, Pisoni accidentally toddled away from the circus, causing his parents to make him wear a button announcing "My name is Lorenzo Pisoni. I belong to the circus." His father, Larry Pisoni, also known as Lorenzo Pickle, taught him prat falls, back flips, make-up, and the comic timing all clowns must possess.

"Humor Abuse" is fast-paced, diverse, and madcap at times. The laughs begin right at the start, when the spotlight stubbornly refuses to focus on Pisoni, and he chases it down. Lorenzo bases his no-holds-barred memoir on the role his father played in his journey to entertain. Pisoni narrates while he peels off costumes, using flashbacks of actual photographs from the Pickle Family Circus archives and vintage props. The story of his youth is one of closeness with his masterful clown father, an adoration to be envied. Pisoni partnered with him, making people laugh, yet admits he was always the straight guy in their act. It's clear the clown gene is genetic, as we watch Pisoni do his onstage theatrics, whether juggling, dodging falling sand bags, or diving with swim fins into a bucket.

Pisoni went off to New York to find success in acting. The audience chuckles when Pisoni relates how his Eastern college classmates accidentally discovered they had a genuine circus performer in their midst. His true-life story is stranger than any fiction.

The show runs 80 minutes without an intermission. Tickets starting at $10 are available at www.act-sf.org or at (415) 749-2228. This show is suitable for families, and runs through February 5th at the American Conservatory Theater, 415 Geary Street, S.F.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival to Open in Nevada City, CA

2011-12-29T11:50:00.000-08:00

The 10^th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival, now the largest film festival of its kind, combines stellar filmmaking, breathtaking cinematography, and inspiring storytelling. Thousands of Bay Area residents will make this year's pilgrimage to Nevada City, CA, a picturesque former gold mining town in the Sierra foothills, the weekend of January 13^th to 15^th to view an award-winning selection of over 117 inspiring environmental films and passionate world adventures. The event is organized by SYRCL, a non-profit group of volunteer activists who have devoted themselves to the protection and preservation of the Yuba River, as well as other precious natural resources and sites. The entire town goes out for this festival, and it's a truly remarkable assemblage of films and parties.

Often called the "Environmental Sundance", The Wild & Scenic draws top filmmakers, celebrities, and social innovators who share the power of film and activism. This year's selection includes 28 world and US film premiers among 117 films, from two-minute "shorts" to full two-hour presentations. The award-winning films range from organic farming to wildlife, from schools in meager remote villages to scaling impossible mountains.

It is an incredible honor for a filmmaker's efforts to be selected for this event. One of this year's most ambitious films is Journey of the Universe directed and produced by Patsy Northcutt and David Kennard. This lush film documents where the Earth's resources are disappearing, and what we can do about it.

Talented filmmakers who have contributed to the past success of this festival have included filmmaker Christopher Beaver, whose Tales of the San Joaquin chronicles the tortuous path of this once-mighty California river from its headwaters in the Sierra to the Pacific Ocean.

The Bay Institute was thrilled to receive the "Spirit of Activism" award for their local documentary A Simple Question: The Story of S.T.R.A.W. tracing the student-teacher restoration of watersheds, creeks, and rivers.

The Global Oneness Project, headed by Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee, travelled to Ethiopia, New York, and Kenya to produce A Thousand Suns. The film documents how the African Rift Valley, one of the most densely populated rural regions, has been farmed sustainably for 10,000 years, and contrasts it with our view of nature here at home.

Six short films paying tribute to local heroes from Poland, Swaziland, Cuba, Cambodia, Costa Rica, and Michigan comprised “Global Focus VII: The New Environmentalists”. Producer Will Parrinello notes “Everyday people are enormously capable of inspiring action in one’s own community.” Co-producers John Antonelli and Tom Dusenbery added "We wanted to document how one person, with dedication and a few simple actions, made a striking change in the world."

As the environmental film genre becomes more main stream, film narrations are contributed by such luminaries as Robert Redford, Sir Patrick Stewart, Richard Gere, Peter Coyote, and Robin Wright Penn. Some of the festival’s selections are done on a shoestring budget, yet many others have won awards at such prestigious festival venues as Sundance, Aspen, Vancouver, Sydney, Ireland, and Vancouver. From rock climbers to health issues, from improving the quality of your backyard creek to growing an organic garden, this is the place to be. The films include adventure, activism, animation, energy, climate, health, global perspectives, oceans, indigenous populations, wildlife, and breathtaking views of our planet.

A weekend pass ($99 until 12/31/11) gives total access to all films showing in all the various venues around Nevada City. For tickets, go to www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org. The screenings take place in a four-block area all over downtown Nevada City, with some in neighboring Grass Valley. Wear comfortable shoes to trot back and forth. Bring a chair cushion and reusable water bottle, as none are sold here.

6th Street Playhouse Right on Target with "A Christmas Story"

2011-11-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

If you take your family to just one holiday show this season, make it "A Christmas Story" at Santa Rosa's 6th Street Playhouse. Based on the popular 1983 movie, which was adapted from the writings of Jean Shepherd, this heartwarming and hysterical play written by Phillip Grecian takes us back to the anticipation of Christmas from the viewpoint of 9-year old Ralphie.

Ralphie is a red-blooded lad growing up in the heartland of America in the '40's. Ralphie is obsessed with getting Santa to deliver his holy grail: an official Red Ryder carbine-action BB gun. Of course, every adult who learns of his fervent wish admonishes "You'll shoot your eye out!"

The misadventures Raphie endures with writing an essay, visiting Santa, using a "bad word," and the neighborhood bullies are simply priceless at any age. If you are too young to know about Ovaltine and the Little Orphan Annie Secret Society Official Decoder Pin, you will still laugh out loud when you witness Ralphie's fantasies.

Bronwen Shears ably directs this delightful story in flashback sequence, narrated offstage by Mark Bradbury of Santa Rosa as an adult Ralph. It's a pleasure to have Director Shears return to the theater after an accident sidelined her for quite a while. The play flows seamlessly. John David Vozaitis of Cotati justly steals his scenes as Ralphie, with Ari Vozaitis of Cotati turning in an excellent portrayal of Randy Parker, his younger brother. Kim Williams of Petaluma enacts the caring, multi-tasking, and soap-wielding mother, and Chris Schloemp of Santa Rosa anchors the fun as "The Old Man," Ralphie's obstinate and oft-cussing father.

In a season of Christmas fluff, don't miss the meat, or meatloaf, in this entertaining play about family togetherness.

"A Christmas Story" plays now through December 23 at 8 PM Fridays and Saturdays and 2 PM Sundays, with additional performances on Thursdays December 1, 15 & 22 and an 8 PM Wednesday December 21 performance. There is a 2 PM Saturday matinee on December 17.

The location is the comfortable GK Hardt Theatre at the 6th Street Playhouse, 52 West 6th Street Santa Rosa, California, with a free parking lot. Ticket prices are $15, $20, $27 and $32. Order tickets by telephone (707) 523-4185, online or purchase at the door. Reservations recommended. www.6thstreetplayhouse.com

Dateline South Lake Tahoe: Laughter is the Action at the Improv

2011-10-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

Amidst the beauty and outdoor activities of this laid-back town, one finds towering casinos clustered at the California/Nevada state line. It's here that locals and visitors alike converge for gaming and entertainment when the sun goes down. The crowd that loves to laugh gravitates to The Improv at Harvey's, where first-rate stand-up comedians deliver 90 minutes of pure entertainment.

The show is hosted and "warmed up" by 10-year veteran emcee Howie Nave, a Bay Area guy who now calls Tahoe his home. Nave delivers hilarious stories about his stint entertaining US troops in Iraq, in an alcohol-deprived, 126-degree location where his military audience "packed guns, and big ones too. Talk about performance pressure!" His fantasy about opening a Muslim bar there, complete with "wet veil night" where patrons shout "C'mon Baby, show us your face!" cracked up the crowd. Nave's routine is local, high energy, and very real. He describes his stint as a toll-taker on the Bay Bridge, when drunks placed cheeseburger orders and Nave would tell them to pick up their order at the end of the bridge. The audience roared with laughter when Nave acknowledges Tahoe's effective solution to the homeless problem..."It's called SNOW!"

Nave's performance is a knock-out with the crowd, and the fun continues as he introduces two guest comedians. This week's opener is Doug Sparks, a comedy show headliner, film actor, and mimic whose musical impressions and substitute lyrics are spot-on. Nave calls Sparks "A cross between Eddie Murphy and Johnny Mathis." Sparks's versatile voice has been part of a "Rat Pack" tribute show in Vegas where Sparks channeled Sammy Davis, Jr. Sparks, a Vegas resident, includes a hilarious monologue as part of his act. He bemoans the misery of aging, the heat in Vegas, small dogs, and arguing with females. Sparks wins over his audience with a quick wit and scathing social observations, including good-natured barbs occasionally shot into the appreciative and laughing crowd.

The coveted headliner spot this week goes to Tom Cotter, a multi-award winner and Comedy Central regular with so much funny material that many audience members come back for a second show. Cotter points to humor in our traditions: "Why do guys ask for a gal's hand in marriage?" Cotter asks. "Guys know we already have our own hands. And it's not her hand that we want anyway." His take on marriage "I got married 'cause I got tired of finishing my own sentences" and family "We're childproofing our house, but they keep getting in anyway" is priceless.

Cotter also engages a rapid-fire comedy style known as misdirection, where statements are turned on their heads by the addition of an unexpected follow-up word. This witty and incisive method requires perfect timing, something Cotter has in abundance. He takes the audience on a wild ride through airport security, Irish partying, campus dudes, and the Amish visiting Circuit City. He brings his childhood as the youngest of six children to the stage, noting that he grew up with Saturday morning water balloon fights in the neighborhood. Of course, Cotter admits that the only way he could win was by freezing his water balloons Friday night.

Show host Nave confides "I've been trying to get this guy up here for 10 years." Kudos go to Nave for working so diligently to get Cotter, a superbly gifted comic, to the Harvey's stage...definitely worth the wait.

The Improv features various comedians at Harvey's Lake Tahoe Resort Wednesday through Sunday, with shows at 9 PM and Saturday at 8 and 10 PM. Tickets around $30 at (775) 586-6266.

Dateline South Lake Tahoe: Bethany Owen Masters 1001 Voices

2011-10-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

South Lake Tahoe is a small and close-knit community, laid back and tourist-oriented. It's a scenic 3 ½ hour drive from the Bay Area - as long as the roads are clear - but it's worlds apart. Here you'll find a pine-rimmed majestic mountain lake, snow-capped Sierras for ski buffs, and high-rise casinos in a cluster at the Nevada state line. Come inside these glitzy palaces, where, in the small lounges and intimate showrooms, you'll find hard-working and high-energy entertainers devoted to their craft. These performers are fueled by the applause, the stage and the show's spotlight. This is more than a career to them; it's a calling.

Bethany Owen with her "One Voice" headliner show is an example of a dedicated crowd-pleaser. Owen has been earning her stripes for decades as a singer, dancer, and comedienne; she now demonstrates her formidable skills as an impressionist into a 90-minute nonstop show. Owen does hilarious songbird interpretations of top female entertainers from the jazz age to today, with several non-singing icons thrown in for fun. She masterfully mimics gestures, facial tics, hair, and vocal flexibility, giving her a resume of 1001 voices and faces.

Director and Producer Jim Whirlow knows how to create audience buzz in this 90-minute nonstop package of entertainment. The laser light show and surround sound music keep the showroom energy high while Owen does quick costume changes right onstage. From Marilyn Monroe to Cher, Owen manipulates the crowd, snagging audience members to participate in her act with loads of laughter. Owen delivers enthusiasm and an over-the-top measure of fun, no matter how many seats are filled - the hallmark of a true professional.

There's no other act quite like Owen, combining comedy, song, and character changes. Her Judy Garland "little hobo" finale, against a clever montage of old film clips, makes you grin as she is joined onstage by Robert, the house maître D. It's music, it's laughter, and it's pure entertainment for all ages. Playing at the intimate 150-seat Golden Cabaret Showroom at Horizons Casino Resort on Fridays through Tuesdays at 8 PM. Call 800-683-8266 for reservations and schedule. Tickets $17 to $34.

"Teatro ZinZanni" a San Francisco Treat that Won't Last

2011-10-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

Immerse yourself in crazy entertainment - with a delicious dinner served by outrageously costumed performers - at Teatro ZinZanni's newest show "On the Air". The Teatro ZinZanni concept is simple: Combine singers, dancers, acrobats, aerialists, musicians, comedians, jugglers, divas, and other assorted crazy performers into one location, throw in a special headliner, and deliver a multi-course dinner throughout the performance. Grab a few audience members to don costumes and play a part, too, if they are willing. It's outrageous and brilliant, making the show a long-running favorite of locals and tourists who can't believe what they're watching. Oh the stories they'll tell when they get back to Ohio!

After a few disappointing attempts in past months to weave the semblance of a plot into the show, Teatro ZinZanni has wisely gone back to their roots of simply showcasing vaudeville, circus, and pure entertainment. The current show, "On the Air", introduces acts via an old-time radio station broadcast, and it works.

Norm Langill directs (if that's the right word to use) this zany collection of talent. One of the most versatile headliners in this latest production is Geoff Hoyle, a violin-toting Jack Benny look alike who delivers classic one liners as the audience guffaws. The senior citizens have heard 'em all before, but don't remember the punch lines, while Gen X & Y just roar at the "new" jokes. Hoyle shows up later in a Scottish marm's guise, scooting through the audience and cracking up the crowd.

The show continues as blues chanteuse Duffy Bishop packs a punch with her sweet and spicy voice; the perfect contemporary interlude. There are comedy acts where Andrea Conway (love her squeaky voice!) manages to get entrapped in a chandelier, and a hold-your-breath act where juggler Bernard Hazens balances on a never-ending tower of cylinders. Christopher Phi is a powerful gymnast whose body seems to have no bones, just muscles, and sexy aerialist Elena Gatilova is suspended on a ring above the audience's tables. Lots of mischief abounds as talented Manuela Horn, Mat Plendl, Wayne Doba, and Kristin Clayton take the stage for their varied and crazy acts. All in all, it's smart move for Teatro ZinZanni to keep the amusing performances coming, and coming fast. The audience loves it!

Sadly, the ornate and majestic 100-year-old "Spiegletent" which has housed the zany performances of "Teatro Zinzanni" for more than 11 years will be taken down to allow revamping of Pier 29 on the Embarcadero for the 2012 Americas Cup events. This lush red velvet tent, a Belgian treasure, survived destruction during the world war by being buried underground for decades. Once Teatro ZinZanni finalizes a new location, the plans are to relocate and re-install this mirrored arena, if local building ordinances and current code will allow. If you want to make sure to marvel at this true treasure, go see Teatro ZinZanni's last scheduled show now. Their final show at this location will be New Years Eve 2011.

For tickets, which include dinner (not service charge or drinks) go to www.zinzanni.org or call 415-438-2668. The food is excellent, and the entire costumed wait staff is friendly and absolutely eager to please, even if you find yourself a bit overwhelmed by the chaotic surroundings.

"How to Write a New Book for the Bible" Touching, Powerful, Cathartic

2011-10-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Berkeley Rep, a recipient of the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, has excelled again with their presentation of Bill Cain's newest play. Cain, a favorite playwright nationally and among Bay Area locals with such award-winners as "Nine Circles" and "Equivocation", puts parental aging, denial, and gentle passages into gut-wrenching focus in his latest play.

In "How to Write a New Book for the Bible" Cain pays homage, admitting "I have a huge sense of the blessing my parents passed to the next generation." This play does not shirk from what lies ahead as children care for a deteriorating parent. Although many find the disability, doctors, and inevitable outcomes too painful to watch, the playwright intends the audience to "walk away with a great sense of joy...carrying less fear about how life ends." He succeeds.

Kent Nicholson ably directs four accomplished actors portraying differing times of their lives, tied together by one son's recollection. The plot revolves around the mother, beautifully played with wit, wisdom, and a touch of wildness by Linda Gehringer. Her narrator son, a conscientious writer enacted by Tyler Pierce, is the caregiving anchor and beneficiary of many family memories. This autobiographical role immediately draws us in as he lovingly shares his family with the audience. His older brother, Aaron Blakely, is equally solicitous and devoted to his mother, although he lives in another state and has a "real" job that binds him. Flashbacks also reveal the father, who has passed away years ago. This role, as well as other supporting characters, is convincingly and adeptly handled by Leo Marks.

"How to Write a New Book for the Bible" urges the audience to consider one's own family chapters as a progression, a celebration, and a perspective to handle whatever life delivers. The play's events and characters weave in and out of the present, touching raw emotional edges in some reminiscences and sparking hearty laughter in others. With a total performance time of 2 hours and 20 minutes and an ample supply of narrative, the play could benefit by some editing.

The emotional catharsis offered by this play is comforting; we need not fear even though our own long journey lies ahead. Whether you reach for a tissue, or laugh aloud, this is a play not to be seen, but to be experienced.

Playing now through November 20th at Berkeley Rep's Thrust Stage (the slightly smaller one) at 2025 Addison Street, Berkeley. Ticket prices with various discounts are offered through www.berkeleyrep.org or 510-647-2949.

"The Last Romance" Soars with Hope

2011-10-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

Once in a great while, a beautifully crafted play sweeps you up in its arms and makes you wish it would never end. "The Last Romance" is that type of performance. The plot sounds so simple: two lonely seniors who have lost their spouses meet accidentally at a park. Can this be wondrous fate? Boyishly enthusiastic octogenarian Ralph (Will Marchetti) falls in love at first sight with septuagenarian Carol (Kitty Winn), who is coolly aloof and proper. The complications abound and the intrigue twists and turns with laughter that comes from the heart, and is not the least contrived. Can they make the leap to romance? Just when it might happen, Ralph's demanding and controlling sister Rose (Sharon Lockwood) manifests her disapproval of any dalliance lest it interfere with their orderly yet passionless world. Sadly, Ralph's sister cannot allow herself happiness as her heart is filled with bitterness at her own husband's abandonment long ago.

The couple's tentative friendship grows amidst flashbacks of when Ralph was young and auditioning as an opera singer. "The Last Romance" is enhanced by interlacing portions of various arias sung with superb power by Joshua Jeremiah. This talented tenor fills the auditorium with mesmerizing Italian lyrics, prompting the audience to spontaneously burst into applause.

All in all, Joe DePietro's loving script is a tribute to age, to youth, to taking risks, and to the chances that life offers. The motif of this sweet and tender glimpse of life questions which path might be taken; the choices provoke the emotions and intellect of the audience. How will this all come out? The heart soars with hope and the spirit holds on for the bumpy ride.

Kudos go to Casting Director Bruce Elsperger for his inspired selection of actors, and to Director Laird Williamson for bringing the subtleties and strength of these extraordinary characters to the stage. And what a lovely stage it is! The park bench, the falling leaves, the overgrown plantings and the revolving apartment interior are all the work of Michael Ganio.

"The Last Romance" truly is an evening's entertainment worth the drive to this first-rate venue. Playing now through November 6 at San Jose Repertory Theater at www.SJRep.com or by calling (408) 367-7255.

Classic "Master Harold and the Boys" is Poignant and Intense

2011-10-16T10:52:00.001-07:00

San Francisco's Off Broadway West Theatre Company presents a play which speaks to all the emotions...excitement, frustration, indignation, sadness, joy, anger, and love. The plot takes place on an afternoon of reflections and questions among a spoiled young white man and his two black Afrikan servants in 1950's South Africa. The intensity of their interaction, the razor-sharp dialog, and the absolute purity of the actors' portrayals, is astounding. It's a treat to be up close and personal in this 50-seat comfortable theater.

The setting is a tea room, with two of the staff busy at their tasks. Sam is a middle-aged black man during Apartheid, under the social and political policy of racial segregation and discrimination. He has enjoyed a comfortable relationship with young Master Harold, the boss's son, for many years. As the caring and surrogate father figure, Sam challenges the youngster to greater wisdom. With time and the young man's changing moods, it becomes clear that Sam cannot overcome the bias and superior entitlement of his charge. Willie, a younger black African staff servant, is witness to the emotional interchange. He keeps a low profile, and wisely so.

The trio of actors are magnificently cast. Adam Simpson enacts the sourness, the cruelty, and the weakness of Master Harold without overacting his role. LaMont Ridgell as Sam is a standout with his movements, facial expressions, and gestures that run from soft to explosive. It is a real compliment that Ridgell seems not to be acting at all, despite the copious dialogue his role contains. Anthony Rollins-Mullens (Willie) is equally up to his role as the younger servant, although he must spend most of his onstage time wiping the floor on his knees. That can't be easy, but he does it with a smile. Ridgell and Rollins-Mullens do get to show off a few smooth dance moves, proving their extensive backgrounds in musical theater. Kudos to Director Richard Harder for assembling such a finely-tuned ensemble cast.

Now playing at the Phoenix Theatre's 6th floor playhouse (414 Mason Street, SF) through November 19th on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 PM. For tickets for to www.offbroadwaywest.org or call (800) 838-3006. It's a rare chance to see this timeless play by Athol Fugard.

Audiences Love "She Loves Me" at Cinnabar Theater

2011-09-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

The house lights come up as a lovely gypsy violinist (Marin Symphony's Principal Violinist Peggy Brady) strolls across the stage, backed by a seductive clarinet in the shadows. A storefront in 1930's Budapest comes into focus, as do the clerks who work there. They musically muse about what they would do with a day off, while waiting for the boss to show up. "She Loves Me", similar in style to an old-time classic operetta, has nearly as much singing as there is dialog, although the songs are too wordy to make a hit single. No matter, as the lyrics are funny and the plot draw lots of laughs from the audience.

"She Loves Me", based on a 1937 play "Parfumerie" by Miklos Laszlo and book by Joe Masteroff, has a long and much-loved history of reincarnations. The first movie made from the stage play starred James Stewart and was named "The Shop around the Corner." It became the 1949 Judy Garland movie "In the Good Old Summertime", eventually being rewritten by Nora Ephron as "You've Got Mail" with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Its popularity is undeniable, but it's a testament to Director Elly Lichenstein and little Cinnabar Theater, on the hill north of the Petaluma Outlet Mall, that they have delivered such a high quality hit show.

"She Loves Me", sold out on this evening, has been extended through Saturday, October 1st to accommodate the request for tickets. No wonder, as there's so much talent here. The large (20+) ensemble have authentic gestures, facial expressions, and deliver their lines with excellent diction, whether singing or speaking. This is much appreciated as the actors are not microphoned and the Cinnabar ceiling is quite high.

The romantic leads, Roy Eikleberry and Sheila Willey, have clear and on-key voices and are truly believable in their roles. Playing the shop owner is Michael Fontaine, Managing Director of the 6th Street Playhouse, who laughs that he is "finally a senior playing a senior." Cary Ann Rosko and James Pfeiffer have fun with their roles as ex-lovers who are now warring clerks, while John Shillington rounds out the main characters as the stalwart friend. Act II's George Arana brings down the house as the beleaguered head waiter. And it would be remiss not to mention the scene-stealing delivery boy, bespectacled Frank Demma. From his bicycle entry to his voice cracking on cue, this young man's antics are worth the price of admission.

Cinnabar's creative and cleverly designed sets, the work of Mark Robinson, has the storefront disappearing into the interior of the "Parfumerie" shop. Julia Hunstein Kwitchoff outdoes herself with the show's gorgeous retro costuming, replete with the era's gloves, hats, shoes, and wide lapel suits. The orchestra, under the excellent direction of Mary Chun, includes a baby grand piano, violin, cello, clarinet, and percussion by another Marin Symphony favorite, Kevin Neuhoff. "She Loves Me" is truly a show audiences love. Playing Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until October 1st at Cinnabar Theater, 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma. For tickets go to www.cinnabartheater.org or (707) 763-8920.

"Kiss Me Kate" is Too Darn Hot to Miss

2011-08-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

The Sixth Street Playhouse has been bursting onto the current theater scene with talent, creativity, and undeniable crowd-pleasers under its new Artistic Director Craig A. Miller. Their latest production is a full-powered musical that took 15 Tony awards on Broadway. Kiss Me, Kate is entertaining and clever, a huge production that would stand up to any off-Broadway competition. But of course this is Santa Rosa, not New York, so the parking is free, the G. K Hardt Theatre seats are plush, excellent wine in the lobby is $6 and ticket prices are $15 to $35.

Kiss Me, Kate is a classic fun-filled romp directed by Craig A. Miller, with an orchestra conducted by Janis Dunson Wilson. The surprise of the production could be the fancy footwork choreographed by veteran Tony Ginachetta. How can these "locals" look so professional? The large cast shows off their dancing chops to Cole Porter's tunes, singing lyrics that bring individual charm to their characters. Favorite songstress Daniela Innocenti Beem belts out the opening number and sets the bar high for a chorus of harmony. The audience recognizes familiar refrains of Too Darn Hot, Another Openin' Another Show, Tom, Dick or Harry and Always True to You in my Fashion. It's tough to keep your feet from tapping.

The plot is a madcap "play within a play" based on William Shakespeare's timeless and chauvinistic The Taming of the Shrew. An acting troupe has a leading man and leading lady who are bitter ex-spouses in real life. Onstage, they must summon all their acting skills to carry off their roles. The on-ups-manship and innuendos are hilarious, played with glee by Taylor Bartolucci and Barry Martin. Their stage staffers, fellow actors, new love interests, and a couple of crazy gangsters bring depth and intrigue to the mayhem. It's all about love, however and wherever it develops.

The stage sets revolve seamlessly, the costumes by Julia Kwitchoff are nostalgic and the direction is quick and on cue, giving the audience abundant entertainment. The actors work well to deliver songs and laughs, including Jeremy Berrick, Kelsey Mielle Byrne, Henry Chazankin, Anya Chemiss, Rahman Dalrymple, Shari Hopkinson, April Krautner, Juliann Lorensen, Michael Lumb, Anthony Martinez, Joseph Miranda, Jesse Pennington, Jon Rathjen, Jocelyn Roddie, Sam Starr, and Dwayne Stincelli. Don't miss it!

Playing at the Sixth Street Playhouse now until September 4th. Tickets at (707) 523-4185 and at www.6thstreetplayhouse.com

"The Last 5 Years" Switches Time

2011-08-01T15:12:00.001-07:00

Cabrillo Stage in Santa Cruz/Aptos offers "The Last 5 Years", a drama sung to music in their small Studio Theater. The unusual script enacts the same five years in the lives of a young couple. One character starts at the end of the relationship and moves back, while the other begins at the beginning and moves forward in time. The roles are sung with bravado and real emotion in this 90-minute production.

Located on the Cabrillo College campus, the Cabrillo Stage studio theater offers free parking and easy access off Highway 101 in Santa Cruz/Aptos. Catch a ticket at cabrillostage.com or call (831) 479-5744 now through August 14th.

Cabrillo Stage Teases with Fun-filled "Hairspray"

2011-08-01T14:24:00.001-07:00

"Hairspray", Broadway's musical comedy, bursts onto Cabrillo Stage in Santa Cruz with colorful costumes, rock 'n roll music, hilarious acting and songs that get your feet tapping. From beehive hair-dos to slick dance moves, the simple plot pulls it all together. Tracy, a short, plump high-schooler, longs to dance on the local version of "American Bandstand" in Baltimore. How she gets there, wins the heart of a teenage heart-throb, and champions segregation of the show provides something to cheer about. The onstage live video was very clever, and the huge cast of characters was so perfect that the actors didn't have to say a word to be believable in their roles. It's a campy joy-filled tribute to the fun and good times of a past era, especially if you have awareness of what was current in the '60s. My husband and 20-something daughter both agreed with me: What a terrific show!

Cabrillo Stage's main 500-seat theater offers comfortable seats, free parking, and easy location just off 101 in Santa Cruz/Aptos. Playing through August 14th. For tickets go to cabrillostage.com or call (831) 479-6154.

"The Mystery of Irma Vep" Spoofs Melodrama

2011-06-15T21:33:00.001-07:00

If you're into slapdash comedy and have any familiarity with classic horror shows or Gothic mysteries, this is the place to be. The loosely constructed plot begins with the realization that tonight’s acting company has only two actors remaining to portray the many characters in the melodrama. Oh dear! Naturally a madcap switching of roles has to occur.

Two capable actors, Craig A. Miller of Santa Rosa and Ryan Schaback of Wisconsin, fill the richly decorated stage with more than 30 changes of costumes and voices. They play up the zaniness with their voices and mannerisms, including a proper lord and lady, hungry vampire, Egyptian princess, droll servant, and a strange portrait. Since there are only two actors zooming on and off the stage, the audience watches carefully to see if either one slips up. They don’t. It’s amazing to see how quickly these skilled actors can change characters, and how the clever setting allows this. Kudos go to Director Marty Pistone for recruiting these two guys whose timing and talent keep us laughing. Joining the two actors at the side of the stage is a very capable Janis Wilson, providing the amusing keyboards and old-time organ background.

It’s fun, it’s silly, it’s colorful, and it’s campy entertainment. The comfortable G. K. Hardt Theatre at the Sixth Street Playhouse, 52 West 6^th Street, Santa Rosa (free parking lot) features shows on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with Sunday matinees through June 26. Tickets are $32 to $15 at www.6thstreetplayhouse.com or (707) 523-4185. Suitable for older children.

Audiences Extend Love for "Shirley Valentine"

2011-06-10T17:05:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for an entertaining, thoughtful, and charming play, get to the Cinnabar Theater soon for “Shirley Valentine” before it passes you by. This one-woman show was scheduled to end its run June 12^th, but due to high-demand ticket sales it has been extended through Sunday, June 18^th. It’s a heartwarming, truthful, and very humorous portrayal of a plucky middle-aged British woman who finds herself stuck in a predictable life, managing setbacks with practicality, yet dreaming of happier times.

Mary Gannon Graham reprises her critically-acclaimed performance as Shirley, who reinvents herself with courage and giddiness during a daring vacation in Greece. Graham’s formidable acting skills bring other characters to life, humorously including her silent kitchen wall. Using minimal props, Graham fills the stage, all the while cooking eggs, playing servant to her spoiled daughter and chatting with a nosy neighbor. The audience is enthralled and captivated to meet others who play a part of Shirley’s journey.

It may take a few minutes to adjust your ear to Shirley’s cockney accent, but Willy Russell’s script and Graham’s acting are so brilliant, as the Brits are fond of saying, that you won’t need to catch every word. The message is clear and inspiring; men and women gave the show a standing ovation at the end of Act II. “Shirley Valentine” is well-directed by John Shillington, with colorful sets and costumes. It’s an authentic performance that will leave you happy and hopeful.

Playing at 8 PM Fridays and Saturdays, 2 PM Sundays at the Cinnabar Theater, 3333Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, with free parking and comfortable tiered seats. Tickets are $15 (under 30), $22/seniors, $25 general with reservations at (707) 763-8920 or go to www.cinnabartheater.org

Cirque du Soleil's "Quidam" is In Town

2011-04-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

Typically one sees Cirque de Soleil's productions in large theaters, permanently outfitted for the performance's stunning special effects and extraordinary gymnastic talents. Las Vegas is the favorite venue for their numerous shows. Cirque Du Soleil is currently offering their "traveling version" of their show "Quidam" at the humongous Cow Palace in Daly City, playing through April 17th.

Although "Quidam" tries to emulate their successful Las Vegas formula, the Cow Palace it is too large a venue to carry it off. You can either sit too close at floor level, and miss the cleverness and grandeur of the rotating stage, or too far way up in the stands, where you can't even tell that there is a live band and vocalist on stage. The best options are the box seats, and even these are a distance from the action. The intimacy is absent; this huge venue soaks up too much of the thrill of the individual acts, including heart-stopping gymnastics. It just isn't exciting when you have to squint to determine if the performers are male or female, let alone be able to see their theatrical gestures. The music was strange as well, with the echoing acoustics masking the language which was sung.

If you are a die-hard Cirque du Soleil fan, tickets are a bit less costly than Vegas. Just bring your binoculars. Tickets at www.cirquedusoleil.com/quidam or call 1-866-448-7849. Parking on site is $15/$20. It's usually very windy at the Cow Palace, so dress appropriately.

"Eccentricities of a Nighingale" Alights at Berkeley's Aurora Theatre

2011-04-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

The Aurora Theatre Company in Berkeley is presenting one of Tennessee Williams’s lesser-known plays “The Eccentricities of a Nightingale.” Audiences need have no hesitation at attending, as it is filled with true-to-the heart dialog and accurate characters from the deep south to shape a satisfying story. This production, directed by Tom Ross, is finely tuned and the staging works from all angles in this 150-seat tiered theater.

Playing at the Aurora Theatre Company, 2081 Addison Street, Berkeley, on Tuesdays – Sundays through May 8^th. Tickets $45-15 (students) at www.auroratheatre.org or (510) 843-4822. Parking lot is usually available at $5 across the street.

San Jose Retro Dome’s “Xanadu” is Campy, Classy, and Terrific Fun

2011-03-28T14:18:00.001-07:00

This outrageous flashback musical bursts with mirrored disco balls, roller skates, Greek gods, and songs that make you smile. In 1980 the movie paired “Grease” pop-singer Olivia Newton-John with Michael Beck and classic dancer/singer Gene Kelly, adding pulse-pounding music of the Tubes, ELO, and more. Written by Douglas Carter Beane with music by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, “Xanadu” came to the Broadway stage and won an Outer Critics’ Circle Award for “Best New Musical” in 2008. It’s a real treat to find that San Jose’s Retro Dome fills their hit production with high energy performers, colorful and creative costumes, perfect casting, and easygoing voices. The live onstage band was an added treat. Forget Broadway, come to San Jose. This show includes several members of the prestigious Actors’ Equity Association, so you know you’re in for top-notch entertainment.

The plot is simple: Talented but broke artist Sonny, perfectly cast in good-looking Adam Barry, is in despair and wants to end it all. Kira, an observant young goddess, takes pity on him and begs her goddess family to allow her to inspire Sonny’s mind as his earthly Muse. Sarah Aili plays the part of the Muse with comic timing and a singing voice that matches her heavenly looks. The plot thickens as two of her jealous sister goddesses scheme to eliminate her, if they can only trap her into falling in love with the human. These two sisters, vamped to absolute perfection by Shannon Guggenheim and Hilary Little, constantly crack up the audience with their facial expressions as wicked songstresses. Their high-voltage song “Evil Woman” was a big favorite.

Fortunately, not all of the goddess family wishes harm to Kira. The supportive sisters include tall and talented Kate McCormick, charming and versatile Lizzie O’Hara, and comic Brian Conway as the hilarious “sister” who seems a bit “off”. Hector Quintana, playing another Muse, was ill for the performance I reviewed, but there was neither a beat missed nor a note dropped by this talented ensemble.

There always has to be a plot twist, preferably one of evil and redemption. In this show it’s the greedy developer who turns into a philanthropist, a role relished by Stephen Guggenheim as he does a bit of the two-step with gorgeous Aili and sings their duet “Whenever You’re Away From Me.” Oh, and Guggenheim also shows up as the god Zeus in a later scene. No wonder he’s smiling.

This family-friendly show brings out the good times with its quick and clever dialog and onstage antics. Some double-entendres appropriately went over the youngsters’ heads, yet all ages were clapping along with the joyful songs. When one scene had all the gods and goddesses assembled in white tunics and gold crowns, Sonny asks “What is this, some kind of spa?” The little girl behind me laughed as hard as I did. It’s entertainment at its campy best.

Produced and directed by Scott Evan Guggenheim, this show is now playing at The Retro Dome at 1694 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, near the Westgate Mall. Tickets at www.TheRetroDome.com or (418) 404-7711.

Standing Ovation for “Stand By Your Man – the Tammy Wynette Story”

2011-03-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

Intimate Cinnabar Theater on top of the hill in Petaluma opened their newest musical to thunderous applause this weekend. Amusing and fact-based, "Stand By Your Man" weaves the history of how a Mississippi hillbilly became American’s first lady of country music. Written by Mark St. Germain, the show features powerhouse singer Shannon Rider Urquhart in the title role, and this gal can act as well as she sings.

Talent abounds with the six musicians onstage, including Jim Peterson, Dave Zirbel, Paul Urquhart, Stuart Rabinowitsh, Tim Sarter, and Chris Rovetti. They riff through 26 of Wynette’s hits, including Stand By Your Man, D-I-V-O-R-C-E and Til I Can Make It On My Own. Several of these fine-looking men intermittently put down their instruments to take turns in a role or two, including Peterson who beautifully sings and enacts country legend George Jones.

The lines are funny and true, particularly when Tammy says “I’m not old, I’m like my car. I’ve got some good years left.” George Jones cracks up the audience with “I’m part of the “in” crowd: intense, indestructible, and intoxicated.”

All the actors in this large cast have fun onstage, matching their roles to their looks and mannerisms, particularly Dave Zirbel as Burt Reynolds and Mollie Boice as Tammy’s mother Meemaw. Boice even takes a solid turn at the microphone to show what momma can do. Back-up vocals and sweet harmonies are compliments of Audrey Tatum and Chiara Sarter, who effortlessly handle multiple roles, with Fiona Sarter as Gwen. Austin Humble and John Craven round out the cast, skillfully playing so many different characters it’s a wonder they don’t get confused. Kudos go to director Elizabeth Craven for making “Stand By Your Man” such a stand up winner.

Playing Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees now through April 10^th with tickets $35 general/$32 seniors/$25 under 30 at (707) 763-8920 or www.cinnabartheater.org. Cinnabar Theater is at 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North, across from Corona Road. This show is teen-friendly.

S F Playhouse "Wirehead" is Devilishly Clever

2011-03-26T21:22:00.001-07:00

Who would have known that such an innovative, imaginative play lurks in a tiny theater behind this bleak Sutter Street doorway? Climb the stairs, grab a glass, and hold on to your seat...the next 98 minutes will be a wild ride indeed.

The plot: Imagine a world in the not-so-distant future where money and influence could get you to the top of the list for a brain enhancing procedure. You'd become brilliant, and leave your friends and your competition far behind. Would you do it? How far can this go? What will the world become as more and more wired-up geniuses sprout amongst the remaining mere morons?

This startlingly clever play, written by Benjamin/Brown and admirably directed by Susi Damilano, provokes thought and lots of laughter. The set is a visual stunner designed by Bill English and lit by Jon Retsky. Act I opens with Scott Coopwood as the radio talk show host who blasts listeners as he broadcasts from a booth on high. Craig Marker and Gabriel Marin are hilarious as office co-workers caught in the crossfire of their girlfriends and competition for business. Add Cole Alexander Smith to the mix as the office dolt who gets "wired" and capitalizes on his new brainpower to leapfrog over his office buddies. We see the trouble brewing.

The girlfriends, perfectly cast in Lauren Grace and Madeline H. D. Brown, have not a clue what the guys are up to. Their facial gestures and body language provide mirthful counterpoint to their boyfriends' stumbling.

Each of the six actors in the company are extraordinarily talented and well-cast. Four are members of the Actors' Equity Association, and the remaining two certainly have the strong acting chops to join them. This darkly amusing show will stick with you, provocatively. Playing Tuesdays through Saturdays, including Saturday matinees, now through April 23rd at S. F. Playhouse, 588 Sutter Street, San Francisco. Tickets are $30-$50 at (415) 677-9596 or www.sfplayhouse.org. Not suited for children.

"The Final Scene" Well Worth a Peek

2011-03-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

This world-premier comedy by Sonoma County playwright Gene Abravaya gives a glimpse of what goes on behind the television cameras when a soap opera episode goes awry. Ratings are down so the network executives are "writing out" the leading lady, and this diva doesn't like it one bit. The humor is madcap, the audience laughs out loud, and it's a challenge for the actors to keep from stepping on the next funny line. Abravaya's years of working on the set of the long-running soap opera "As The World Turns" brings a spark of recognition to the roles he created for the cast, crew, and studio execs. Along with the humor, he's brought in the pressure and frustrations that bubble up behind the scenes. The characters have their own scripts they play out, from aggressive to embarrassed to clueless. This ensemble cast works well together; they obviously enjoy their quirky roles.

"The Final Scene" opens as filming begins on a living room stage set. There are lights, cameras, and plenty of action spilling out into the audience, adding to the fun. This show-within-a-show features the considerable talents of Peter Downey, Julia Hoff, Kendall Carroll, Matthew T. Witthaus, Tice Allison, Freddie Lambert, Jennifer Weil, Paul Huberty, Rebekah Patti, and Eric Thompson in a dual role with Jacquelyn Wells as lead understudy. Tim Kniffin directs this delightful show playing Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees, with an additional evening on Thursday, March 24th. The show runs through March 27th at the 6th Street Playhouse's comfortable G.K. Hardt Theater. Tickets are $15 to $32 at (707) 523-4185 or at www.6thstreetplayhouse.com.

Intimate Apparel

2011-02-17T06:08:00.000-08:00

Jeff Cote & Naomi Sample

Take a Peek at “Intimate Apparel” at Sixth Street Playhouse

The tiny Studio Theater at Sixth Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa is the perfect venue for playwright Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Intimate Apparel.” Bronwen Shears directs this powerful and poignant portrayal of a spinster seamstress and her dreams in life. The audience is drawn into the different scenes taking place in each corner of the stage, some barely 10 feet from the actors.

It’s 1905 in New York City. Jobs are scarce; segregation is a fact of life. Esther, a hardworking and practical black seamstress, accurately portrayed by Naomi Sample, regrets turning 35 without either a husband or standing in the community. Esther is nimble and skilled at her craft, creating intimate garments of charm and seduction. She yearns for a suitor who is neither foolish nor flirtatious, one who can recognize Esther’s inner attractiveness. Mrs. Dickson, Esther’s busybody landlady, is unable to interest Esther in the limited selection of men currently available. It’s a role well played by Marjorie Crump-Shears, a tiny lady with a lot of on-stage clout. She warns Esther against starting a pen-pal relationship with a distant male working the Panama Canal. The rugged George, played by a muscular Cameron Stuckey, is revealed through a shadow box as Esther swoons to the words in his letters.

Proud and talented Esther neither reads nor writes. One of her customers, the wealthy yet bored matron Mrs. Van Buren, offers to assist Esther with her dilemma. Erin Hoffman admirably portrays this character’s vicarious delight at writing Esther’s letters.

Plain-faced Esther also confides in her good friend, the gorgeous and seductive dance-hall gal Mayme. Provocatively played by Rebecca Frank, Mayme is the ideal counter-point to the practical and genuine Esther. Mayme also writes letters on Esther’s behalf, putting her own bit of sizzle to the notepaper.

Of course there are complications. Seamstress Esther’s meager pleasure in life has always been woven inextricably with fabrics and their colors, textures, and feel. She shares this passion with the local cloth seller, a Jew from Romania, who is discreet yet tantalizingly drawn to his customer. He is keenly aware of the barriers between him and the black Esther. Admirably played by Jeff Cote, his embarrassed and repressed character is perfect in the role.

Following George’s arrival and hasty marriage to Esther, Act II brings betrayal, sadness, and new beginnings. The audience learns more intimate details of the characters. The landlady’s apprehension as she divulges what she gave up for a comfortable life is a revelation to Esther. Seductive Mayme has always been a confidant and friend to Esther, but will her own self-interest win out? What will happen with the Jewish cloth seller? The characters stay true to their roots, whether resigned or hopeful, in this satisfying production.

Reservations are best since it’s a small theatre with open seating; through February 26th. Get tickets at (707) 523-4185 or www.6thstreetplayhouse.com

Woody Guthrie’s American Song

2011-01-28T06:30:00.000-08:00

“Woody Guthrie’s American Song” Rings True

Prepared to be entertained – and to reflect on history - when you enter the Cinnabar Theater, a little barn-like place tucked into a hill just north of the Petaluma Outlet complex. Grab refreshments and snag a seat and table, ‘cause you’re in for a good time at this cabaret-style venue.

The house lights dim and performers stroll in from the side entrances, singing a cacophony of the classic folk songs we remember (and a few we don’t). This story of America in the early 1930’s bears an uncanny parallel to many events today.

Woody Guthrie was an itinerant poet who wrote songs – and books – chronicling this desperate decade. Taxes blew out of control, homes were lost to foreclosures, scarce jobs were poorly paid, and public sentiment weighed against immigrants. Tent settlements sprouted up along train routes. Guthrie wrote “Bound for Glory”, “Hard, Ain’t It Hard”, “The Sinking of the Reuben James”, “Deportee”, and “This Land is Your Land” before his death in 1967. He lived with - and had his pulse on - the common man. Guthrie wrote from the heart and hit the soul. Folk-song luminaries like Judy Collins and countless coffee-house troubadours continue to shed light on his talents.

“American Song” is the chronicling of Guthrie’s life, and how this hard-travelin’ man was the voice of struggling families of his time. The poignant and promising stories are enacted in song, with narration to keep the flow. Audiences are stunned to realize that the music and stories resonate today. Listen to “I’m a Jolly Banker” or “Do Re Mi” and judge for yourself. This show overflows with moments of desperation, greed, tears, and injustice, yet always returns to determination and triumph.

The well-credentialed actors include Dave Zirbel, Tim Sarter, Chris Rovetti, Shannon Rider Urquhart, Jim Peterson, Brent Lindsay, Mary Gannon-Graham, and Tyler Costin. They speak, sing, and play instruments onstage, drawing us in to a time when music was the poor-man’s entertainment that brought people together. They switch roles; they switch instruments. Each possesses an energy and inner resolve appropriate to the character they play. Worthy of note are the sweet harmonies between Gannon-Graham and Urquhart, which soar on wings to the beams of the roof. The appropriately meager depression-era costumes are the work of Pamela Johnson, from suspender overalls to dusty felt hats that men stuff in their back pockets.

Musicians Peterson, Zirbel, Rovetti and Sarter delight the audience with guitars, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, a big fat bass, and a few other esoteric instruments. Worth noting is that Peterson also did the show’s musical direction. A few weeks ago, the musicians surprised Whole Foods customers with a “flash” – a sudden appearance singing and playing - in the produce department. Astonished patrons put down their oranges and eggplants to clap and sing “This Land is Your Land”.

It’s a gift to be able to weave a compelling story from a collection of songs and journal entries, making a show more than just a musical performance. Broadway and Las Vegas have done this successfully using the work of popular songwriters like Lennnon & McCartney (“Love”), Frankie Vallee (“Jersey Boys”), and Billy Joel (“Movin’ Out”). “Woody Guthrie’s American Song” was conceived and adapted by Peter Glazer, an award-winning playwright who teaches theater arts at UC Berkeley. Glazer links more than two dozen of Guthrie’s most-loved works with historically accurate vignettes from the 30’s and 40’s, with B&W photos on a screen behind certain scenes. Director Elizabeth Craven takes the script and turns eight talented performers and one small space into a convincing and cohesive ensemble performance.

Cinnabar Theater ratchets up their entertainment bar as “Woody Guthrie’s American Song” is co-produced by the Heritage Music Foundation. The music is spot-on thanks to a partnership with the Sonoma County Folk Society and the Northern California Bluegrass Society. This poignant production satisfies from start to finish, and is a “must see” remembrance of American spunk.

Playing now through January 23rd at Cinnabar Theater, Petaluma. Phone (707) 763-8920 or Cinnabar Theater