Reviews Categories | Reviews | Page 55

“AMERICAN MARIACHI” at The Old Globe

Views:942

Posted at TimesofSanDiego.com on 3/31/18 RUN DATES: 3/23/18 - 4/29/18 VENUE: The Old Globe Mariachi is all about “familia, amor and tradición.” And so is “American Mariachi,” a world premiere by José Cruz González, presented by The Old Globe in association with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company, where it opened first, in February. Family and love are at the core of the story, but tradition -- and breaking it -- are also crucial. The musical folk genre, Read More →

“MEN ON BOATS” at New Village Arts

Views:950

Posted at TimesofSanDiego.com on 4/2/18 RUN DATES: 3/23/18 - 4/22/18 VENUE: New Village Arts If Lin can do it, anyone can, right? Muck with history, that is. In “Hamilton,” Lin Manuel Miranda updated and deracinated the Founding Fathers, giving them a range of ethnicities and a hip vernacular. New York-based playwright Jaclyn Backhaus takes the conceit one step further (sans rap). She changes the gender as well as the race and colloquialism. Even her title is ironic: “Men in Boats” Read More →

“SOUL DOCTOR: JOURNEY OF A ROCK STAR RABBI” at the Lyceum Theatre

Views:956

Posted at TimesofSanDiego.com on 4/12/18 RUN DATES: 4/3/18 - 4/22/18 VENUE: Lyceum Theatre The free-form, anarchic abandon of “Hair” and “Rent,” mixed with the father/son generational angst of “The Jazz Singer” and the pain, joy and religious ardor of “Fiddler on the Roof.” “Soul Doctor: Journey of a Rock Star Rabbi,” may be reminiscent of other musicals, but it tells a story all its own. And, as unlikely as it may seem, the tale is true. Mostly. Shlomo Carlebach was born Read More →

“BEACHTOWN” at San Diego Repertory Theatre

Views:1609

Posted at TimesofSanDiego.com on 3/30/18 RUN DATES: 3/22/18 - 4/15/18 VENUE: San Diego Repertory Theatre Fact: Some people just do not like interactive theater Fact: Whether you do or not, you aren’t obligated (or called upon) to participate Fact: There is no such place as Beachtown, though it’s loosely based on Imperial Beach, a highly diverse waterfront community The world premiere interactive, immersive play, “Beachtown” is based on the play “Beertown,” a prototype created by dog + pony dc, a theater Read More →

“THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH” at Diversionary Theatre

Views:1350

Aired on KSDS-FM on 4/6/18 RUN DATES: 3/15/18 - 4/15/18 VENUE: Diversionary Theatre The title of Philip Dawkins’ play, “The Happiest Place on Earth,” gives a false impression. But then, so does Disneyland, which features prominently. The 90-minute solo piece is basically a depressive’s disquisition on the illusion of happiness – as it plays out in three generations of the playwright’s family, which takes refuge in The Magic Kingdom. One particular Christmas trip stands out. There’s an old adage about writing Read More →

“A JEWISH JOKE” at The Roustabouts

Views:1026

Posted at TimesofSanDiego.com on 3/20/18 RUN DATES: 3/14/18 - 4/8/18 VENUE: The Roustabouts at Moxie Theatre This is a perfect time for “A Jewish Joke.” Not just that we could all use a laugh these days (and there are plenty of Borscht Belt joke classics in Marni Freedman and Phil Johnson’s play). But this is a crucial time to think about standing up for your principles and doing what’s right. Silence or cowardice equal complicity. “A Jewish Joke” is set in Read More →