Category Archives: Plays

B Street Theater’s production of “Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf?”: notes and comments

Posted on September 20, 2017 by scharles

B Street Theater’s production of Edward Albee’s  “Who’s Afraid Of Virgina  Woolf?” is an outstanding piece of work.  Three hours of very intense theater — and well worth the investment. Everything about the work was well-orchestrated — the set, the … Continue reading →

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Playwriting: a few notes and comments

Posted on September 2, 2017 by scharles

A few years back I wrote a play called “Dinners With Augie,” which I have produced three times. Most recently in Tucson Arizona.  The notes below are a distillation of what I’ve learned from writing and producing that play, as … Continue reading →

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Nick Gandiello’s “The Wedge Horse”: notes and comments

Posted on January 26, 2016 by scharles

I’m going to recommend you see a play that I haven’t seen — in fact I’m going to strongly recommend you see it. And I’m not going to tell you what it’s about.  I know what it’s about because I’ve … Continue reading →

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Celebration Arts production of Mark St. Germain’s “Best of Enemies”: notes and comments

Posted on April 26, 2015 by scharles

Celebration Arts production of Mark St. Germain’s “Best of Enemies” is full of vigor and energy — the word that comes to mind is explosive.  Two characters — a white racist named “C.P. Ellis” (Chris Lamb) and a black civil rights activist named “Ann Atwater” … Continue reading →

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Virago Theater Company’s Production of Catherine Trieschmann’s Crooked: notes and comments

Posted on March 3, 2015 by scharles

Virago Theater Company’s production of Catherine Trieschmann’s “Crooked”  at The Flight Deck in Oakland was outstanding.   The acting was spot on, vigorous, and relentless — made more so because one of the actors — Isadora Cass (as “Maribel”) is thirteen … Continue reading →

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Virago Theater’s production of William Bivins’ “Ransom, Texas” at the Tides Theater: notes and comments

Posted on October 19, 2014 by scharles

William Bivins’ “Ransom, Texas” reminds me of Oedipus Rex turned inside out– a Greek tragedy with a distinctly Western accent.  There are no women in the play, except as references, and it shows: not a hint of femininity anywhere.  The … Continue reading →

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Celebration Arts production of David Mamet’s “Race”: notes and comments

Posted on August 3, 2014 by scharles

I’ve been thinking lately that it’s really quite easy to convince someone of something they already believe to be true.  The reason I came to that conclusion, and why such an obvious truism should need to be restated, will be … Continue reading →

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Big Idea Theater’s Production of Jeff Talbot’s “The Submission”: notes and comments

Posted on July 4, 2014 by scharles

Sometimes a play comes together in such a way that it doesn’t feel like theater, it feels like there isn’t any difference between the audience and the actors.  Big Idea Theater’s “The Submission” was one of those moments — there … Continue reading →

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CapStage’s Production of Jordan Harrison’s “Maple and Vine”: notes and comments

Posted on June 28, 2014 by scharles

For me theater is at it’s best when it most clearly reflects the social consciousness of our times.  Put another way, it’s the antidote for being brainwashed.  And by “brainwashed” I don’t mean “Manchurian Candidate” or water-boarding or torture generally. … Continue reading →

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EMH Production of Michelle Lowe’s “String of Pearls”: notes and comments

Posted on May 20, 2014 by scharles

One thing I tend to ask myself when I’m watching a play is how will the work change my behavior.  After watching Scarlet O’Conner in last night’s performance of “String of Pearls” I don’t think I’ll be using the word … Continue reading →

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