Live Theater Review by Jeanie K. Smith - 2019 Top Picks
I was able to see over 40 productions this year, even with being out of the country for two months— that included some amazing shows that truly challenged my search for superlatives to describe their excellence. I also witnessed again the depth of the artistic community across the County, the tremendous efforts by all involved to create enjoyable and memorable entertainment. The North Bay theatre tribe continues to thrive, delivering to all of us lovers of live performance many fine options, from the newest, cutting edge contemporary works to revisited classics and bold musicals.
In celebration of this County-wide quality, I hereby offer up my purely subjective list of the finest of the fine, the shows that remain large in my mind, that have stayed with me over many months’ time. There is undoubtedly a great number of terrific shows that I wasn’t able to see, so this is by no means an exhaustive list — merely a sampling of the tremendous bounty out there.
Do yourself a favor and make 2020 the year you discover some of these terrific companies, right where you live. Theater deserves your attention in this age of screen-device entertainment — its real-life magic makes all the difference.
To Kill a Mockingbird - 6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa (May) With all the controversy about Aaron Sorkin’s new adaptation of the book (currently playing Broadway), it was timely and satisfying to see Christopher Sergel’s adaptation in such an excellent staging. I've seen other productions of Sergel's adaptation, but none succeeded to the extent that this production did—a triumph, a definite cut above the others, combining thoughtful understanding of the book and script with effective staging and stirring original music to deliver Harper Lee's timeless message—hopefully for new generations as well as my own. (https://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/regional/sanfran/s1991.html
Faceless - 6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa (May) A surprising treat in 6SP’s studio theater, this featured fine acting and an intriguing new play for our times by Selina Fillinger, concerning the prosecution of a young woman suspected of colluding with Arab terrorists. Touching on so many topics, the play throws into doubt almost everything previously thought, and even has lead characters questioning their own beliefs. Tour de force performances from David L. Yen and .Ilana Niernberger anchored a solid cast in a worthwhile play.(I didn’t review this one myself, so I’m linking to colleague Cari Lynn Pace's review: https://aisleseatreview.com/2019/05/an-aisle-seat-theater-review-pick-faceless-brings-feisty-focus-to-courtroom-drama-by-cari-lynn-pace
A Chorus Line - Transcendence Theatre Company, Glen Ellen (June) Just when you thoughtTTC couldn’t get any better, they took a risk, deviating from their tried-and-true revue format in order to present their first "book" musical.The production fulfilled a dream of the group’s founders Amy Miller,Brad Surosky, and Stephan Stubbins, who always wanted to mount their favorite musical of all time, and do it as onlyTTC can do it. That meant pulling out all the stops with a tremendous cast, nimble orchestra, and fresh staging and choreography, with truly memorable results, a fantastic performance full of delights. Miller directed, adding intriguing touches that enhanced understanding of a long-familiar narrative, and the performers delivered their A-games. Showing they know how to do it, TTC is aiming for another book musical hit in 2020 withChicago. (https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/sonoma-county-news/review-a-chorus-line-transcendence-theatre-jack-london-state-park-glen-ellen )
Drumming with Anubis - Left Edge Theatre, Santa Rosa (Jun) The Men’s Movement is alive and well in local playwright David Templeton’s newest play that premiered to the delight of theatre-goers. A strong cast, a hefty dose of humor and a dash of poignancy made for a quirky and thoroughly enjoyable evening’s performance, engaging our funny bones as well as our thoughts on gender and culture. (https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/sonoma-county-news/review-drumming-with-anubis-at-left-edge-theatre-santa-rosa-by-david-templeton )
Little Shop of Horrors - Cinnabar Theater, Petaluma (Sep) The musical that put Howard Ashman and Alan Menken on the musical theatre map got a superb staging at Cinnabar as the season opener— a truly refreshing, entertaining and superior production of this zany and lovable show. A multi-talented cast led by Michael McGurk as our favorite nerd Seymour dispensed hilarity and mayhem for sheer fun. (https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/sonoma-county-news/review-little-shop-of-horrors-presented-by-cinnabar-theater-by-jeanie-smith)