Normally I prefer to receive facial punishment at the end of the night - either that or on ice during a hockey game; you know, when I really deserve it. Saturday night in San Francisco, however, was a most unusual exception. Not only would I receive a slap to...

A.C.T.'s favorite theatrical couple return in Vigil, a heartfelt fable about life, aging and companionship. Academy award winner (Moonstruck) Olympia Dukakis and Marco Barricelli positively light up the stage with scintillating chemistry and natural emotion that's never overwrought. Dukakis plays Grace, a woman of few words, who's enjoying butterscotch pudding and...

Time for another round of shows opening across the Bay Area. Every 6 weeks or so there is a cycle of new shows at the majors, plus assorted quirky and interesting live stage events at smaller venues. A potpourri. A feast for the senses. An all-you-can-eat buffet. Well, okay,...

The Illusion is a mad, mad, mad pastiche of steam punk, commedia del arte, and 17th century drama that only Tony Kushner could put together.   Adapted from Pierre Corneille’s L’Illusion Comique, this comedy deals with parenthood, love (both parental and romantic), and illusion.  It is laugh-aloud funny, while at...

"He took money from the bank ... he's looking at establishing his own kingdom," says actor James Carpenter. "He's more than a bit mad. He's spent five years in prison, and the next eight years upstairs in the attic. He doesn't come down." No, this is not Bernie Madoff. It...

I know all about enormous noses, but unfortunately as Loni can attest I'm not quite the poet. Fortunately though Cyrano does have a way with words and it proves to be a formidable ally in all things love and war. City Lights Theater again does yeoman's work, this time with a...

The Cotton Club and Savoy Ballroom of the 1920s and 1930s were the places to be. Jumpin' and swingin' all night long, and celebrating the ups and downs of life along with the Golden Age of Jazz. Ain't Misbehavin', with its non-stop  Thomas "Fats" Waller tune stack and five talented...

Legally Blonde is a light-hearted, breezy musical that perfectly caps the Broadway San Jose inaugural season. It's pure pink bubble gum, and even the most curmudgeon-ed theater-goer would have a hard time resisting its infectious energy and charm. You can't help but root for Elle Woods (Becky Gulsvig) who dances, sings,...

Unorganized crime has never been funnier than in Den of Thieves at SF Playhouse. But first, some advice: any time a gun-toting slickster with "Flaco" tattooed on his forearm and a girlfriend named Boochie tells you a job is fool proof, just run. To three partially reformed career criminals, however,...

In Sunsets and Margaritas by playwright José Cruz González, a Latino family faces just about every challenge life can throw their way: aging, regret, birth, despair. Oh, plus a panic attack or two thrown in for good measure. But the Serrano's benefit from an enduring tradition, and ability to persevere, despite the unpredictable...